Artikel 8

1. In order to facilitate international understanding of signs, the system of signs and signals prescribed in this Convention is based on the use of shapes and colours characteristic of each class of sign and, wherever possible, on the use of graphic symbols rather than inscriptions. Where Contracting Parties consider it necessary to modify the symbols prescribed, the modifications made shall not alter their essential characteristics.
1bis. In cases where variable message signs are used, the inscriptions and symbols reproduced on them must also conform to the system of signs and signals prescribed in this Convention. When, however, the technical requirements of a given type of system of signs and signals so warrant, particularly so as to ensure satisfactory legibility, and provided that no error of interpretation is possible, the prescribed dark-coloured signs or symbols may appear in a light colour, light-coloured backgrounds then being replaced by dark backgrounds. The red colour of the symbol of a sign and its border shall not be changed.
2. Contracting Parties wishing to adopt, in accordance with Article 3, paragraph l (a) (ii), of this Convention, any sign or symbol not prescribed in this Convention shall endeavour to secure regional agreement on such new sign or symbol.
3. Nothing in this Convention shall prohibit the addition, mainly in order to facilitate the interpretation of signs, of an inscription in a rectangular panel below the sign or in a rectangular panel containing the sign; such an inscription may also be placed on the sign itself, if this does not make the sign more difficult to understand for drivers who cannot understand the inscription.
4. Where the competent authorities consider it advisable to make the meaning of a sign or symbol more explicit or to limit the application of a sign to certain periods, this can be done by inscriptions on the sign as provided in Annex 1 to this Convention or on an additional panel. If regulatory signs are to be restricted to certain road users or if certain road users are to be exempt from the regulation, this is done through additional panels according to Annex 1, section H, paragraph 4 (panels H, 5a; H, 5b and H, 6).
5. The inscriptions referred to in paragraphs 3 and 4 of this Article shall be in the national language or in one or more of the national languages, and also, if the Contracting Party concerned considers it advisable, in other languages, in particular official languages of the United Nations.