Regulatory Signs: Speed Limits, Stop, Yield, Prohibitions, and Mandatory Direction
Regulatory Signs
Regulatory signs are the white-and-black or red-and-white signs that tell you what the law requires or forbids. On the Mississippi practice exam, expect questions on stop, yield, speed limits, prohibition signs, and mandatory-direction signs. The test checks whether you can identify the sign and apply it at the correct point on the road.
Core rules
- STOP: Come to a complete stop at the stop line. If there is no stop line, stop before the crosswalk; if there is no crosswalk, stop before entering the intersection. Then yield to traffic and pedestrians before proceeding.
- YIELD: Slow down and stop only if needed to let cross traffic or pedestrians clear. A yield sign does not give you the right of way.
- Speed limits: A white rectangular sign with black numerals sets the maximum legal speed in ideal conditions. Lower your speed for rain, fog, night, or heavy traffic.
- Prohibition: A red circle with a slash over a black symbol means the action is illegal, such as no U-turn or no left turn. Text signs such as NO PARKING work the same way.
- Mandatory direction: Signs such as ONE WAY, KEEP RIGHT, and turn-only arrows require a specific path; you cannot choose another lane movement.
Worked example
You approach an intersection with a green left-turn arrow and a sign reading NO LEFT TURN. The arrow is lit, but the sign is posted for the same movement. The sign controls unless a police officer directs otherwise. You should not turn left; the green arrow does not cancel a posted prohibition.
Traps
Do not treat a yield sign as a stop sign, and do not roll through a stop sign when the way looks clear. Do not assume a green light permits every movement; check lane-use and prohibition signs. A posted speed limit is a maximum, not a target.