Maryland Road Signs Practice key terms

A sign that states a traffic law, rule, or requirement drivers must obey, such as speed limits, stop requirements, or lane-use restrictions. These signs are generally rectangular with black or red legends on a white background.

A white rectangular regulatory sign showing the maximum lawful speed in miles per hour on that road under normal conditions. Driving faster than the posted number is a violation regardless of traffic flow.

A red octagonal regulatory sign requiring a complete halt at the stop line or crosswalk before proceeding. The driver must yield to pedestrians and cross traffic and may go only when the way is clearly safe.

An intersection where every approach has a stop sign, so all vehicles must stop. Right-of-way is decided by arrival order, and simultaneous arrivals yield to the vehicle on the right.

A red-and-white triangular regulatory sign telling drivers to slow down and give the right-of-way to traffic on the intersecting road or to pedestrians. Stopping is required only when traffic or safety demands it.

The legal priority to move through a roadway or intersection before others. Signs, signals, and rules such as yielding to the right at uncontrolled intersections determine who holds it.

A square red-and-white regulatory sign marking a roadway entrance where traffic is prohibited from proceeding. Drivers who see one are facing oncoming traffic and must turn around or choose another route.

A red rectangular regulatory sign placed on exit ramps and one-way roads to warn drivers they are traveling against the intended direction of traffic. It calls for an immediate stop and safe reversal.

A black-and-white rectangular regulatory sign with an arrow showing that traffic on that street or lane moves only in the arrow's direction. Entering against the arrow is illegal.

A regulatory sign prohibiting vehicles from standing or leaving a vehicle unattended in a designated area, often with time limits or exceptions printed on a supplemental plate. Violations can lead to towing.

A regulatory sign reserving a parking space for vehicles displaying a valid disability placard or plate. Unauthorized use of the space carries fines and possible towing under Maryland law.

A yellow diamond-shaped sign alerting drivers to a change in road conditions, hazards, or geometry ahead, such as curves, intersections, or narrowing lanes. It advises caution rather than stating a legal requirement.

A yellow rectangular plaque beneath a warning sign showing a recommended safe speed for the hazard, such as a sharp curve or ramp. It is guidance, not an enforceable speed limit, though exceeding it may be unsafe.

A large yellow sign with a black chevron arrow placed on the outside of a sharp curve to guide drivers through the turn. Multiple chevrons mark the path of the curve.

A yellow diamond warning sign with a curved arrow showing the direction and sharpness of a bend ahead. A supplemental advisory speed plaque may accompany it.

A yellow diamond warning sign showing traffic from a side road or lane joining the main roadway. Drivers in the merging lane must adjust speed and yield as needed to enter safely.

A yellow warning sign indicating that a lane ends or that the number of lanes ahead decreases. Drivers in the ending lane should merge early and smoothly into the continuing lane.

A yellow diamond warning sign with a walking figure, alerting drivers to a location where pedestrians may cross. Drivers should slow down and be prepared to stop.

A yellow diamond warning sign with a leaping deer silhouette marking an area where deer frequently cross the road. Drivers should reduce speed, especially at dawn and dusk when deer are most active.

A sign, usually green, blue, or brown, that gives direction, distance, destination, or service information rather than a rule. Examples include exit signs, route markers, and hospital or recreation signs.

A red, white, and blue shield-shaped sign identifying an Interstate highway number. Even numbers generally run east-west and odd numbers north-south, helping drivers plan routes.

A green guide sign showing the exit number and destination for an upcoming interchange, often with a distance or arrow. Drivers should move into the correct lane well before the exit.

A yellow or black-on-yellow sign above a lane indicating that the lane must exit and does not continue through. Drivers who want to stay on the main road should change lanes early.

A small green guide sign along a highway showing the distance in miles from a reference point, used to report locations in emergencies and to track progress. Numbers usually increase from south to north or west to east.

An orange diamond or rectangular sign warning of construction, maintenance, or utility work ahead. Orange indicates temporary conditions, and drivers should slow down and watch for workers and equipment.

An orange warning sign showing a worker holding a flag, indicating that a person ahead is controlling traffic through the work zone. Drivers must obey the flagger's signals, which override other signs.

The use of signs, cones, barricades, and flaggers to manage traffic through a work zone. These devices may change lane patterns and speeds, and their directions must be followed.

A cone, drum, or barricade used to guide vehicles into the correct path through a work zone. Hitting or straddling these devices is unsafe and may indicate a lane violation.

A yellow-green or yellow sign marking an area near a school where reduced speeds or extra caution apply. Drivers must watch for children and obey posted school speed limits during specified hours.

A yellow-green diamond sign showing children walking, placed where students cross the road. Drivers should slow down and stop for any pedestrian in the crosswalk.

A regulatory sign showing a reduced speed limit that applies in a school zone, often with flashing lights or posted hours. The lower limit is enforceable only when the zone is in effect.

A marked or unmarked portion of roadway set aside for pedestrians to cross. Drivers must yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk, and marked crosswalks often use thick white lines or ladder patterns.

A solid white line painted across a lane at an intersection or crosswalk marking where vehicles must stop for a stop sign or signal. Stopping beyond it may block pedestrians or cross traffic.

Painted lines, arrows, and symbols on the road surface that guide or regulate traffic. White lines separate traffic moving the same way; yellow lines separate traffic moving in opposite directions.

A line painted along the side of a travel lane to mark its boundary. A solid white edge line marks the right edge, while yellow edge lines may mark the left edge of divided highways.

A painted arrow in a lane showing the permitted direction of travel, such as left, right, or straight. Drivers must follow the arrow for that lane or change lanes before the intersection.

An electrically operated light controlling traffic at an intersection or crossing. A steady red means stop, green means proceed when clear, and yellow warns that the signal is about to turn red.

A traffic light that blinks rather than showing a steady color. A flashing red requires a full stop and yield, while a flashing yellow means proceed with caution and watch for hazards.

A yellow circular sign with a black X and the letters RR marking a railroad crossing ahead. Drivers should slow down, look both ways, and listen before crossing the tracks.

A white X-shaped sign with the words Railroad Crossing at a grade crossing, marking the exact location of the tracks. Drivers must yield to trains, which always have the right-of-way.

Flashing red lights, bells, and gates at a railroad crossing that activate when a train approaches. Drivers must stop when the lights flash or gates lower and never drive around a lowered gate.

A yellow warning sign showing a circular arrow pattern, indicating a roundabout ahead. Drivers should slow down and yield to traffic already circulating in the roundabout before entering.