The ST1b sign, officially 'Número e sentido das vias de trânsito', indicates a temporary change in the number and direction of traffic lanes. This sign is part of Portugal's temporary vertical signage, used to guide you safely around road works, incidents, or obstacles. You must adapt your driving by slowing down, following the indicated temporary route, and being extra cautious of lane changes, workers, and machinery. Always treat temporary signs as the current active instruction on the road.
This sign indicates the number and direction of traffic lanes under temporary conditions, crucial for safe navigation during roadworks or diversions. Mastering this road sign meaning is essential for your theory test revision and safe driving.
ST1b - Número e sentido das vias de trânsito (Número e sentido das vias de trânsito) belongs to the Portuguese temporary vertical signs category in the Regulamento de Sinalização do Trânsito. Visually, this belongs to the temporary-road-signing environment, where yellow signs, movable equipment, barriers, cones, beacons, or alignment devices guide traffic around works, closures, obstacles, and temporary hazards. The official wording is: número e sentido das vias de trânsito. It reflects the current temporary layout and must be treated as the active instruction where works, incidents, closures, or obstacles change normal conditions. For theory preparation, connect the sign to a concrete driving decision: where to look, when to slow, whether to stop or yield, which route or lane to choose, and whether any panel changes the scope of the rule. On the road, interpret it together with markings, traffic lights, police directions, temporary works signs, and any additional panel placed with it. A strong exam answer explains both recognition and behaviour: not only what the sign is called, but what a safe and lawful driver must do next.
ST1b - Número e sentido das vias de trânsito (Número e sentido das vias de trânsito) means that the driver must understand and apply this official Portuguese instruction: número e sentido das vias de trânsito. In practical terms, you should slow down, follow the temporary channel or instruction, and expect lanes, priorities, workers, obstacles, or carriageway limits to differ from normal.
Get clear, practical answers to the most common questions about the ST1b - ST1b - Número e sentido das vias de trânsito (Número e sentido das vias de trânsito) road sign. Learn how the sign works, what rules it represents, and how it affects real driving situations. This FAQ strengthens your understanding and supports accurate decision making for the Portuguese driving theory exam in Portugal.
The ST1b sign means that the road layout ahead has changed temporarily. It will show you the correct number of lanes available and their intended direction, often different from the permanent road. You must follow these temporary instructions precisely.
When you see the ST1b sign, you should immediately reduce your speed. Look for guidance from cones, barriers, or other temporary traffic management devices and follow the lanes indicated by the sign. Be prepared for narrower lanes and possible queues.
While the ST1b sign is part of temporary vertical signage and warns of changing road conditions, its primary function is informational and regulatory for the temporary layout. It tells you how to navigate the altered road, rather than just warning of a hazard. It's crucial for directing traffic safely through works or incidents.
A common exam trap is assuming the permanent road layout still applies. The ST1b sign, especially when accompanied by other temporary signs or works equipment, overrides the permanent layout. Drivers must understand that the temporary configuration is the active rule and react accordingly by slowing down and following the new lane instructions.
Yes, it is highly recommended to slow down. The temporary lane arrangements indicated by the ST1b sign are often in place because of hazards like road works, narrow passages, or machinery. Driving at a reduced speed allows you to react safely to unexpected situations and follow the temporary route correctly.
A clear reference image of the ST1b - ST1b - Número e sentido das vias de trânsito (Número e sentido das vias de trânsito) road sign used in Portugal.

The ST1b - ST1b - Número e sentido das vias de trânsito (Número e sentido das vias de trânsito) road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.
The ST1b - ST1b - Número e sentido das vias de trânsito (Número e sentido das vias de trânsito) road sign is part of the Temporary Vertical Signs category, which groups together signs with similar rules and functions.
Reviewing related road signs like ST1b helps solidify your understanding and reduces confusion during your theory test revision. Comparing similar traffic signs improves sign recognition and aids in effective exam preparation.

ST10 Circulação Alternada: Navigating Temporary Traffic Flow

ST11 Trânsito sujeito a demora: Prepare for Delays and Temporary Road Changes

ST12: Understand the Emergency Telephone Sign for Temporary Traffic Management

ST13 Accident Sign: Navigate Safely Around Incident Sites

ST14 Fim de Obras: End of Temporary Roadworks Zone Sign

ST1a: Understand the Number and Direction of Traffic Lanes

ST1c: Follow the Temporary Lane Number and Direction Instructions

Understand Temporary Lane Changes with the ST1d Sign
After reviewing the full list, explore signs by specific categories such as warning, regulatory, or informational to deepen your understanding. Practise recognizing signs in context and prepare effectively for your Portuguese driving licence theory test.
All Portuguese Road Signs List