While both types of road signs indicate dedicated lanes for cars, one features a car icon, while the other displays a car turned sideways, which can be confusing for drivers unfamiliar with this specific signage.
In reality, both types of road signs, whether depicting a car icon or a sideways-turned car, indicate dedicated lanes for automobiles. The difference lies in specifying which types of vehicles are allowed in each lane. The regulations are as follows: the car icon indicates that the lane is for “all types of automobiles,” whereas the sideways-turned car signifies that the lane is “exclusive to a specific type of automobile” matching the shape illustrated in the sign.
According to the 41/2019 Standard, the group of lane classification signs based on vehicles is coded as group R.412. Each type of vehicle within this group has a corresponding icon. Specifically, sign R.412f indicates a lane dedicated to all types of automobiles, including cars, trucks, buses, and tractor-trailers.
The remaining signs indicate lanes designated for the following types of vehicles:
R.412a: Lane reserved for passenger cars (including buses). In cases where there is a need to segregate passenger cars based on the number of seats, the allowed number of seats for the specific type of passenger car should be indicated on the body of the vehicle within the sign’s illustration.
R.412b: Lane designated for compact cars.
R.412c: Lane intended for cargo trucks. If there is a need to segregate different types of cargo trucks based on their permitted carrying capacity, this information should be indicated on the body of the vehicle within the sign’s illustration.
R.412d: Lane reserved for motorcycles: This lane is exclusively for motorcycles and mopeds (vehicles with an engine capacity of less than 50cc).
R.412e: Lane dedicated to buses. If the lane marking for buses is a dashed line, other vehicles may enter this lane but must yield to buses (by moving to another lane to avoid impeding the bus’s operation). However, if the lane marking for buses is a solid line, other vehicles are not permitted to enter this dedicated bus lane.
R.412g: Lane intended for motorcycles and bicycles
R.412h: Lane designated for bicycles (including non-motorized vehicles)
When a lane permits multiple types of vehicles to share the same lane, a combined sign is used, as shown above, indicating a lane for both compact cars and buses.
