DC Road Signs Practice key terms

A sign that gives drivers a legal requirement, such as a speed limit, stop, yield, or turn restriction. Disobeying one is a traffic violation, not just a suggestion.

A white rectangular sign with black lettering stating the maximum legal speed in miles per hour on that road under normal conditions. Driving faster is unlawful regardless of traffic flow.

A red octagon with white letters requiring a complete halt at the stop line or crosswalk. The driver must yield to pedestrians and cross traffic before proceeding.

A red-and-white downward triangle telling drivers to slow and give the right of way to traffic and pedestrians on the intersecting road, stopping only if necessary.

An intersection where every approach has a stop sign. Vehicles arriving together proceed in order of arrival, and ties are resolved by yielding to the vehicle on the right.

A white square sign with a black or red-slash arrow prohibiting a specific turn, such as no left turn or no U-turn, usually at an intersection or median opening.

A sign showing which movements a lane allows, such as left-turn-only or straight-ahead-only. Drivers must follow the assigned movement once committed to that lane.

A yellow diamond-shaped sign alerting drivers to a change or hazard ahead, such as a curve, hill, or merging traffic. It advises caution rather than imposing a legal command.

The shape reserved for warning signs in the United States. A yellow diamond signals a condition ahead that may require reduced speed or a change in lane position.

A small yellow rectangular sign mounted below a warning sign giving a recommended safe speed for the hazard, often well below the posted legal limit.

A yellow diamond showing a bend arrow, sometimes with a suggested speed, warning that the road curves ahead and that slowing before the curve improves control.

A yellow diamond showing an arrow joining a through lane, warning that traffic from another lane or ramp will enter and that drivers should adjust speed and space.

A yellow diamond showing a walking figure, warning of a crosswalk or pedestrian activity ahead. Drivers should slow and be ready to stop.

A yellow-green diamond or pentagon marking an area where children cross or travel to school. Posted school speed limits apply during stated hours or when lights flash.

A sign giving directions, distances, destinations, or services, typically green, blue, or brown. It helps navigation rather than commanding or warning.

The red, white, and blue shield marking an Interstate highway. Even-numbered routes generally run east-west and odd-numbered routes generally run north-south.

A small green sign showing the distance along a route from a starting point. It helps drivers report their location precisely in an emergency.

Blue is used for motorist services such as fuel, food, lodging, and hospitals, and for some evacuation routes. It indicates information, not a legal requirement.

Brown marks recreational and cultural points of interest, such as parks, historic sites, and campgrounds. These signs guide visitors rather than regulate traffic.

Green is the standard background for directional guide signs and many route markers, showing destinations, distances, and exits on freeways and major roads.

Yellow warns of general hazards and changing road conditions. In the United States it appears mainly on diamond warning signs and some temporary traffic control devices.

Orange marks construction, maintenance, and temporary traffic control zones. An orange sign tells drivers that normal rules or road layout may be altered ahead.

An orange diamond or rectangular sign warning of roadwork, lane closures, or workers ahead. Fines for speeding in work zones are often doubled when workers are present.

A trained worker using a paddle or sign to alternately stop and release traffic through a work zone. Drivers must obey the flagger as they would a traffic signal.

An area where construction or maintenance changes normal traffic flow, marked by orange signs, cones, barrels, and channeling devices. Speed limits and lane patterns may differ.

A cone, drum, or tubular marker used to separate traffic from work areas or to guide vehicles into a temporary path. Drivers should not cross them.

Painted arrows in a lane showing the direction or movement allowed from that lane. They reinforce overhead or roadside lane-use signs and should be followed before the intersection.

Painted lines, arrows, and symbols on the road surface that guide and regulate traffic. White lines separate same-direction traffic; yellow lines separate opposing traffic.

A line marking the outer limit of the travel lane. A solid white edge line appears on the right; a yellow edge line may appear on the left of divided highways.

A line separating traffic moving in opposite directions. A solid yellow line means no passing; a broken yellow line permits passing when safe.

An electrically operated device using red, yellow, and green lights to assign right of way. A steady red means stop; flashing red means stop and proceed when clear.

A solid yellow signal warns that the light is about to turn red. Drivers should stop if they can do so safely, not accelerate to beat the change.

A signal operating in flashing mode: flashing red requires a full stop before proceeding when clear, while flashing yellow tells drivers to slow and proceed with caution.

The eight-sided shape used only for stop signs, making them recognizable from behind or when covered with snow. No other sign uses this shape.

A downward-pointing triangle is used only for yield signs. Its unique shape lets drivers identify the requirement even when the sign face is obscured.

The five-sided shape used for school zone and school crossing signs. Its outline signals that children may be present and that reduced speeds may apply.

The legal priority to proceed held by one road user over another. Signs and signals assign it, but drivers must still yield to avoid a collision.

The rule that drivers must never travel faster than is safe for current conditions, even below the posted limit. Rain, fog, or heavy traffic can make the posted speed unlawful.