Traffic Signs and Signals
What this domain covers
The traffic signs and signals domain tests whether you can identify a sign by shape and color before reading its words, and whether you know what each signal requires. Missouri uses the standard national system: red octagons stop, inverted white triangles yield, yellow diamonds warn, orange work-zone signs warn of temporary conditions, and white rectangles regulate. Green signs guide, blue signs provide services, and brown signs mark recreation or cultural sites. A red circle with a slash means the action is prohibited.
Signs you must recognize
A railroad crossbuck marks a crossing and means yield to trains; a round yellow sign ahead of it warns of the crossing. A pentagon-shaped school sign or fluorescent yellow-green sign warns of children. A yellow diamond with a curve arrow warns of a curve; a white rectangular sign with black lettering states a legal requirement such as speed or lane use. A stop sign means a full stop at the stop line, crosswalk, or before entering the intersection.
Signals
A steady red light requires a stop. In Missouri you may turn right after stopping unless a sign prohibits it. A flashing red is treated like a stop sign. A flashing yellow means slow down and proceed with caution. A green arrow gives a protected turn; a yellow arrow warns that the protected turn is ending. A red arrow prohibits the turn.
Worked example
You approach a flashing red signal at a four-way intersection. The reasoning is: flashing red equals stop sign, so stop completely; then yield to vehicles already in the intersection and to the vehicle on your right if arrival is simultaneous; proceed only when safe. Do not treat it as a yield sign.
Traps
Confusing a yield sign with a stop sign; turning right on red without a full stop; treating a flashing yellow as a stop; and ignoring an orange work-zone sign because it looks temporary. Also watch for a sign that adds "NO TURN ON RED," which overrides the general permission.