Traffic Signs, Signals, and Road Markings
Signs by Shape and Color
Sign shapes and colors carry meaning faster than words. Octagon = stop. Triangle (point-down) = yield. Diamond = warning. Rectangle = regulatory or guide. Pennant = no passing. Round = railroad advance warning. Crossbuck = railroad crossing. Colors: red = stop/prohibit, yellow = warning, orange = construction/work zone, green = guide/distance, blue = services, brown = recreation/cultural, white = regulatory. A flashing red means stop and proceed when safe; a flashing yellow means slow and proceed with caution.
Signals
A solid red means stop and remain stopped. Solid green means proceed if clear. Yellow warns the light is changing - stop if you can do so safely; do not speed up to beat it. Green arrow = protected movement in the arrow's direction. Red arrow = no movement in that direction.
Pavement Markings
Solid yellow lines separate traffic moving in opposite directions; broken yellow allows passing when safe. Solid white lines separate lanes moving the same direction; broken white allows lane changes. Double solid yellow = no passing either direction. Edge lines mark the roadway edge. Crosswalks, stop lines, and railroad markings have specific meanings. Arrows in lanes indicate required direction.
Traps to Watch
- Confusing flashing red (stop) with flashing yellow (caution).
- Treating a yellow light as "go faster" - it is a warning to stop if safe.
- Mistaking orange (work zone) for yellow warning.
- Double yellow lines: no passing, even if the road looks clear.
Rule of Thumb
Shape and color first, words second. Octagon = stop, triangle = yield, diamond = warning. Yellow lines = opposite directions; white lines = same direction.
Worked Example
Question: A diamond-shaped orange sign appears ahead. Answer: Warning sign in a work zone - slow down and be alert for workers and equipment.