Maine Road Signs Practice key terms

A sign that states a law, rule, or requirement drivers must obey, such as a speed limit, stop, yield, or turn restriction. Most are white with black or red legends and are enforceable by law.

A white rectangular regulatory sign showing the maximum legal speed in miles per hour for that road under normal conditions. Driving faster is illegal regardless of how safe the road appears.

A regulatory sign that tells drivers which movements a specific lane allows, such as left turn only, straight only, or a combined turn-and-through lane. Often mounted overhead or beside the lane it governs.

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

A square red sign with a white horizontal bar and the words DO NOT ENTER, marking a road, ramp, or lane where traffic may not proceed. It commonly faces drivers at the end of a one-way street.

A regulatory sign, often yellow with black text, marking where passing another vehicle is prohibited, usually because of limited sight distance. It works with pavement markings such as a solid yellow center line.

A regulatory sign stating the maximum gross vehicle weight or axle weight allowed on a road or bridge, shown in tons or pounds. Overweight vehicles must use another route.

A regulatory sign showing the maximum vehicle height, in feet and inches, permitted under a bridge, overpass, or tunnel. A taller vehicle must detour to avoid a collision or stuck load.

A yellow diamond sign that alerts drivers to a change or hazard ahead, such as a curve, merge, narrow bridge, or slippery pavement. It does not state a law but tells you to slow or prepare.

A small yellow rectangular sign below a warning sign giving a recommended safe speed for the hazard, such as 25 MPH for a sharp curve. It is a suggestion, not a legal maximum, but exceeding it is risky.

A yellow diamond warning sign with a curved arrow showing a turn or bend ahead and its direction. A plaque may add a safe speed; drivers should slow before entering the curve.

A yellow warning sign showing traffic from another lane or ramp joining your lane, often with an arrow. Drivers should adjust speed and position to allow a safe merge.

A yellow warning sign indicating a bridge ahead that is narrower than the approach roadway. Drivers should slow down, keep to the right, and allow oncoming traffic room to cross.

A yellow warning sign showing a steep downgrade or upgrade ahead, often with a percentage grade. Drivers should check brakes, control speed, and expect slower trucks on the climb.

A yellow warning sign showing a car with skid marks, placed where pavement loses traction in rain, ice, or snow. Drivers should reduce speed and avoid sudden braking or steering.

An orange diamond or rectangular sign warning of construction, maintenance, or utility work ahead. Orange marks temporary traffic control, and speeds may be reduced with higher fines for violations.

A trained worker using a stop/slow paddle or flag to control traffic through a work zone. Drivers must obey the flagger's signals exactly as they would a traffic signal.

A cone, drum, tubular marker, or barricade used to guide traffic around or away from a work area. Drivers should stay within the marked path and not cross these devices.

A large striped device with horizontal rails used in work zones to block a road or lane and direct traffic. A barricade with a sign such as ROAD CLOSED means the way is not passable.

A yellow-green or yellow sign marking an area near a school where children cross and speeds may be reduced during posted hours. Drivers must slow down and watch for children and crossing guards.

A sign marking a pedestrian crossing, often showing a walking figure or the word CROSSWALK. Drivers must yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk and approach prepared to stop.

A trained adult, often at a school crossing, who uses a stop paddle and vest to halt traffic so children can cross. Drivers must stop when the guard displays the stop paddle.

A pavement symbol, often called a sharrow, showing a lane where bicyclists and motor vehicles travel together. Drivers should expect cyclists in the lane and pass only when safe.

A sign or marking designating a lane reserved for bicycles, often with a bicycle symbol and arrow. Motor vehicles may not drive or park in a marked bike lane.

A white X-shaped sign with black letters reading RAILROAD CROSSING at a track intersection. It means yield to trains; drivers must stop if a train is approaching.

A yellow round sign with a black X and RR letters placed before a crossing to warn that tracks are ahead. It tells drivers to slow, look, and listen before proceeding.

A large white X and the letters RR painted on the pavement before a railroad crossing. It reinforces the advance warning sign and tells drivers to prepare to stop if needed.

Flashing red lights and a descending gate arm at a crossing that stop traffic when a train approaches. Drivers must never drive around a lowered gate or past flashing lights.

A sign giving directions, destinations, distances, or route information, usually green, blue, or brown. Examples include exit signs, mileage signs, and service signs.

The red, white, and blue shield-shaped marker identifying an Interstate highway and its route number. Even numbers generally run east-west and odd numbers north-south.

A green guide sign showing the exit number and destination for an upcoming off-ramp. Drivers should move into the correct lane early and avoid last-minute lane changes.

A small green sign along a highway showing the distance in miles from a starting point, used for location and emergencies. It helps identify your position when reporting a problem.

A blue guide sign listing nearby services such as gas, food, lodging, or hospitals, often with exit distance. It helps drivers plan stops without leaving the highway unnecessarily.

An octagonal red sign with white letters requiring a complete stop before the crosswalk or intersection. Drivers must yield to cross traffic and pedestrians before proceeding.

A downward-pointing red-and-white triangle requiring drivers to slow or stop and give the right of way to traffic on the intersecting road. Proceed only when the way is clear.

A large white arrow painted on a ramp or one-way road pointing against the direction of travel to warn drivers they are heading into oncoming traffic. Seeing one means turn around immediately.

The standard system in which shape and color convey meaning, such as red for stop or prohibition, yellow for warning, orange for work zones, and green for guide information. Recognizing them speeds decisions.