Traffic authorities use the Do Not Enter Sign to keep drivers from traveling in the wrong direction down roads, ramps, or crossovers where they do not belong. In most cases, a Do Not Enter sign is used to warn drivers that they will encounter oncoming traffic in the opposite direction if they ignore the message. This isn’t always the case, of course; some signs are posted to keep motorists off of roads that have been torn up, destroyed by natural disasters, or would otherwise lead them into areas that are for authorized personnel only. If you are looking to prevent drivers from accessing a certain road, use our Do Not Enter signs to make sure your message gets across.
Do Not Enter Signs: Important Facts
The most fundamental thing to understand about Do Not Enter signs is that they mean drivers must not proceed past the sign for any reason. In most instances, these signs are placed at the mouth of roadways where, if they were ignored, drivers would encounter opposing traffic and likely get into a head-on collision with another vehicle. In some cases, traffic authorities will make this connection explicit by combining a Do Not Enter sign with a sign alerting drivers that they are headed in the wrong direction. These are among the most important signs on the road, simply because the dangers of ignoring them are so great.
Other Uses for Do Not Enter Signs
While Do Not Enter signs are used primarily to restrict traffic from traveling in the wrong direction down prohibited roadways, they are also commonly used in many industries to keep parking lot traffic flowing in an orderly way. They are also used in doorways and on doors to keep unauthorized personnel from going into off-limit areas. Some businesses use these signs to keep customers out of dangerous areas or private offices, for instance. While the Do Not Enter signs used for these latter purposes are often somewhat different from those used on the roadways, you can find examples of each here at American Sign Company.
Do Not Enter Signs Serve a Critical Function
Most traffic signs are important, but Do Not Enter signs are serve a particularly critical function on both public and private streets. By labeling potentially dangerous situations, these signs alert drivers to the hazards that could befall both themselves and others if they travel down a particular road. When these signs are missing or ignored, the chance of a collision or some other harmful scenario grows exponentially. This is why these signs are enforced strictly by police; their presence (or lack thereof) can also play a significant role in any criminal or civil court cases that result from a violation.
