Which of these road signs is not a prohibition sign?

Explanation

Sign number 2; an inverted triangle with a red border, that is "give way", which belongs to the priority signs.

The key to this question is shape and colour, not the symbol inside the sign. In this system, prohibitory signs are all circular with a bold red border. In the picture, signs 1 (no sounding of the horn), 3 (no overtaking), 4 (no stopping — a blue circle with a red cross inside a red ring) and 5 (maximum speed 50 km/h) all have that format and prohibit a behaviour.

Sign 2 is the only one that is not a circle at all: a white inverted triangle with a red border. In the whole sign system this shape is reserved for one sign only, and its message is "give way". That is, it prohibits nothing to you but determines the order of passage at a junction and places you in the group of priority signs.

The safety logic of this coding matters: at real speed, a driver first recognises the shape and colour of the sign from a distance and only then reads the symbol inside it. An inverted triangle is recognisable from any angle and even when snow or mud has settled on the sign; that is why it was given a unique shape.

The common exam trap is sign 5. The figure 50 inside a red circle is a prohibition, but that same figure on a blue square is only a recommended speed. Colour and shape are decisive, not the number.

• Sign 1 is "no sounding of the horn" — a red circle with a struck-through horn symbol; entirely a prohibitory sign. • Sign 3 is "no overtaking"; two cars inside a red circle, one of them coloured red to identify the overtaking vehicle. • Sign 4 is "no stopping"; the blue field inside the red ring should not mislead you, its red border keeps it in the prohibition group. • Sign 5 is "maximum speed 50 km/h" and prohibits travelling faster.

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