Alabama Road Signs Practice cheat sheet

Regulatory signs are typically white with black or red legend and convey traffic laws, such as speed limits, lane use, and turn restrictions.

A red circle with a diagonal slash over a black symbol means the action is prohibited (e.g., No U-Turn, No Left Turn).

STOP signs are red octagons with white letters; the only permitted variant is a white border.

YIELD signs are red and white triangles pointing downward; drivers must slow and give right-of-way when required.

Speed limit signs are white rectangles with black numerals and the words SPEED LIMIT; they indicate the maximum lawful speed in ideal conditions.

A black and white DO NOT ENTER sign (square) marks a one-way road where entry is prohibited; often paired with a WRONG WAY sign.

Lane-use control signs (e.g., left-turn only, straight or turn) are white with black arrows and indicate mandatory movements for that lane.

A red X over a lane (often on overhead signals) means the lane is closed to traffic; a green arrow means the lane is open.

Regulatory signs may also be vertical rectangles with black legend on white, such as KEEP RIGHT, ONE WAY, and NO PARKING signs.

Warning signs are typically yellow diamonds with black symbols or words, alerting drivers to upcoming hazards or changes in road conditions.

A yellow diamond with a curve arrow warns of a curve ahead; an advisory speed plaque (yellow rectangle) may indicate a safe speed for the curve.

A yellow diamond with a pedestrian symbol warns of a pedestrian crossing ahead; a fluorescent yellow-green version is used in school zones and pedestrian areas.

A yellow diamond with a merging traffic symbol warns that traffic from a ramp will merge; drivers should adjust speed and lane position.

A yellow diamond with a traffic signal symbol warns of a signal-controlled intersection ahead; be prepared to stop.

A yellow diamond with a downward arrow or lane reduction symbol warns that a lane ends ahead; merge into the continuing lane.

A yellow diamond with a slippery when wet symbol warns of reduced traction during rain, ice, or snow; reduce speed and avoid sudden maneuvers.

A yellow diamond with a deer symbol warns of frequent animal crossings; stay alert, especially at dawn and dusk.

Warning signs may be supplemented by rectangular yellow plaques with words like NEXT 2 MILES or 35 MPH to provide distance or speed information.

Guide signs provide directional information and are typically green with white legend for destinations, distances, and route numbers.

Interstate route markers are red, white, and blue shields; U.S. route markers are white shields with black numerals; state route markers vary by state.

A white rectangle with black legend and a blue service symbol (e.g., gas, food, lodging) indicates services available at an upcoming exit.

Blue signs with white legend indicate motorist services (e.g., rest area, hospital, gas) or evacuation routes.

Brown signs with white legend provide information about parks, recreation areas, and cultural or historical points of interest.

A white sign with black legend and a green arrow may indicate a lane assignment or direction for a specific destination.

Mile markers are small green signs with white numerals indicating the distance from the state line or a reference point.

A yellow sign with black legend and a route shield may indicate a detour or temporary route; follow the posted detour markers.

Construction and work zone signs are typically orange with black legend or symbols, warning of road work, workers, or equipment ahead.

A diamond-shaped orange sign with a worker symbol warns of road construction or maintenance ahead; reduce speed and watch for workers.

A rectangular orange sign with black legend may indicate a flagger ahead, lane closure, or detour; be prepared to stop or change lanes.

Channelizing devices (cones, drums, barricades) with orange and white stripes guide traffic through work zones; do not cross them.

A flagger (person with a sign or flag) controls traffic in work zones; follow their directions even if they conflict with signals or signs.

Work zone speed limits are posted on orange or white signs; fines may be doubled for speeding in a work zone when workers are present.

A yellow sign with black legend may supplement orange signs to indicate a specific hazard (e.g., uneven pavement, loose gravel) within the work zone.

A rectangular orange sign with black legend and an arrow may indicate a lane shift or a detour direction; follow the arrow.

A white sign with black legend and the word END may indicate the end of a work zone or a return to normal traffic patterns.

School zone signs are often fluorescent yellow-green pentagons (school crossing) or diamonds (school ahead) with black symbols.

A pentagon-shaped sign (point up) indicates a school zone or school crossing; drivers must slow down and watch for children.

A yellow diamond with a pedestrian symbol warns of a pedestrian crossing ahead; a fluorescent yellow-green version is used for school areas.

School speed limits are posted on white or fluorescent yellow-green signs with black legend; they are enforced during specified hours or when children are present.

A crossing guard (adult with a stop paddle) has authority to stop traffic; drivers must stop when the guard displays the stop paddle.

A white sign with black legend and a pedestrian symbol may indicate a crosswalk; drivers must yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk.

A yellow diamond with a symbol of children playing warns of a playground or school area; reduce speed and be prepared for children entering the road.

A rectangular white sign with black legend may indicate a school bus stop ahead; watch for stopped school buses with flashing red lights.

When a school bus stops with red lights flashing, drivers in both directions must stop unless separated by a median or barrier.

A circular yellow sign with a black X and two R's (Railroad Crossing) warns of a railroad crossing ahead; slow down and look both ways.

A white X-shaped sign with black letters RR (crossbuck) marks the actual crossing; yield to trains and stop if a train is approaching.

A yellow diamond with a black X and the letters RR may supplement the crossbuck to warn of the crossing ahead.

Flashing red lights at a railroad crossing mean a train is approaching; stop and do not proceed until the lights stop flashing and the way is clear.

A crossing gate (barrier) that is lowered means a train is approaching; never drive around or under a lowered gate.

A yellow sign with black legend may indicate the number of tracks (e.g., 2 TRACKS) or the presence of a humped crossing.

A white sign with black legend and the word EXEMPT may indicate that certain vehicles (e.g., emergency vehicles) are exempt from stopping at the crossing.

A blue sign with white legend and a phone symbol may indicate a railroad emergency contact number; use it to report an emergency at the crossing.

Pavement markings (a large X and the letters RR) may be painted on the road before a railroad crossing to warn drivers.

Octagon: stop sign (red with white legend). Triangle (point down): yield sign (red and white). Diamond: warning sign (yellow with black legend).

Rectangle (vertical): regulatory sign (white with black or red legend). Rectangle (horizontal): guide sign (green, blue, or brown with white legend).

Pentagon (point up): school zone or school crossing sign (fluorescent yellow-green with black legend).

Circle: railroad crossing advance warning sign (yellow with black X and RR). Crossbuck (X-shaped): railroad crossing (white with black RR).

Red: stop, yield, prohibition, or danger. Yellow: warning. Orange: construction/work zone. Green: guide/directional. Blue: motorist services. Brown: recreation/cultural. White: regulatory. Fluorescent yellow-green: school/pedestrian.

Solid yellow line: no passing (two-way traffic). Broken yellow line: passing allowed when safe. Solid white line: edge of roadway or lane line; broken white line: lane line where crossing is allowed.

Double solid yellow lines: no passing in either direction. One solid and one broken yellow line: passing allowed only on the side with the broken line.

Pavement arrows indicate mandatory lane movements (e.g., left turn only, straight only).

A yellow diamond with a black arrow or symbol may be painted on the road to supplement a warning sign (e.g., curve ahead).