NC Road Signs Practice key terms

A sign that gives a traffic law, requirement, or prohibition drivers must obey, such as stop, yield, speed limit, or turn restrictions. Usually rectangular with a white background and black or red legend.

An eight-sided red sign with a white border and the word STOP. A driver must come to a complete stop at the stop line or crosswalk, yield to traffic and pedestrians, then proceed only when safe.

An intersection where every approach has a stop sign. Vehicles stop completely, then proceed in the order they arrived; if two arrive together, the vehicle on the right goes first.

A downward-pointing triangle with a red border and white center. Drivers must slow down and give the right-of-way to traffic on the intersecting road and to pedestrians before entering or crossing.

A white rectangle with black numerals stating the maximum lawful speed in miles per hour under normal conditions. Driving faster is illegal even if road or weather conditions seem safe.

A yellow rectangular plaque, often mounted below a warning sign, showing a recommended maximum speed for a curve, ramp, or hazard. It is a suggestion for safe conditions, not an enforceable posted limit.

A square red sign with a white horizontal bar and the words DO NOT ENTER. It marks a roadway, ramp, or lane where traffic may not proceed in that direction, often the exit of a one-way street.

A red rectangular sign with the words WRONG WAY, placed to warn drivers who are entering a one-way road or ramp against traffic. A driver seeing it should stop and turn around immediately.

A black horizontal arrow on a white rectangle indicating that traffic on that roadway moves only in the direction shown. It is often paired with Do Not Enter signs at the far end.

A regulatory sign, often yellow with a black symbol, marking where passing another vehicle is prohibited, typically because of limited sight distance, a hill, or a curve. It is reinforced by pavement markings.

A yellow diamond-shaped sign that alerts drivers to a change in road conditions, such as a curve, hill, intersection, or narrowing lane. Drivers should slow down and be prepared to react.

A large yellow rectangular sign bearing a black chevron arrow, placed on the outside of a sharp curve to guide drivers through the turn. Several are usually mounted in a series.

A yellow diamond sign showing two arrows joining into one, warning that traffic from another lane or ramp will merge into the driver's lane. Drivers should adjust speed and allow space.

A yellow diamond sign showing a lane ending, warning that the number of through lanes decreases ahead. Drivers in the ending lane must merge safely into the continuing lane.

A small sign with diagonal black and yellow stripes used to mark a fixed object near the roadway, such as a bridge pier or sign support, so drivers can see and avoid it.

A thin reflective post or panel placed along the roadside to outline the edge of the road or a curve, especially in fog, snow, or darkness. It is not a regulatory device and does not require a stop.

A sign that provides direction, distance, destination, or service information rather than a rule or warning. Guide signs are typically green, blue, or brown and help drivers navigate.

A red, white, and blue shield sign that identifies an Interstate highway and its route number. Even-numbered routes generally run east-west and odd-numbered routes generally run north-south.

A small green sign showing the distance in miles from a reference point along a highway. Drivers can use it to report their location in an emergency or to confirm progress on a trip.

An orange diamond-shaped sign warning of road work, workers, or changed conditions in a work zone. Drivers should slow down, increase following distance, and obey flaggers and temporary signals.

An area of roadway where construction, maintenance, or utility work is occurring. Speed limits may be reduced and lanes shifted, and fines for moving violations are often doubled when workers are present.

A trained worker who uses a sign or hand signals to control traffic through a work zone. Drivers must obey the flagger's directions, which may override normal signs and signals.

A cone, drum, or barricade used to guide traffic around or away from a work area. Drivers must not cross these devices or drive into closed lanes.

A fluorescent yellow-green diamond sign marking the approach to a school area. Drivers should slow down and watch for children, crossing guards, and reduced school speed limits during posted hours.

A sign posting a reduced speed limit that applies during specified school hours or when children are present. Drivers must obey it at those times even if no children are visible.

An adult who stops traffic so students can cross safely near a school. Drivers must stop when the guard displays a stop paddle or enters the roadway and must not proceed until the crossing is clear.

A marked or unmarked portion of roadway where pedestrians cross. Drivers must yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk and must not pass a vehicle stopped at one.

A signal head showing a walking person or a raised hand that controls pedestrian crossings at an intersection. A flashing hand means do not start crossing; a steady hand means do not cross.

A white X-shaped sign with the words RAILROAD CROSSING, placed at a railroad grade crossing. Drivers must yield to trains and may need to stop, look, and listen before crossing.

A yellow round sign with a black X and two R letters, placed before a railroad crossing. It warns drivers to slow down, look, and listen for an approaching train.

A signal at a railroad crossing or drawbridge that flashes red when a train or opening is approaching. Drivers must stop and remain stopped until the signal stops flashing and the way is clear.

Red on a sign means stop, yield, or prohibition, as on stop signs, yield signs, and Do Not Enter signs. It is reserved for the most important regulatory messages.

Yellow marks warning signs, alerting drivers to hazards or changed conditions ahead. It tells drivers to slow down and pay attention but does not itself impose a legal requirement.

Orange identifies construction and maintenance signs and work zone devices. Seeing orange tells drivers that workers, equipment, or altered lanes may be present ahead.

This bright color marks school zones, pedestrian crossings, and bicycle warnings, drawing extra attention to people who may enter the roadway. It supplements the standard yellow warning color.

The eight-sided shape is used only for stop signs, so drivers can recognize a stop from the shape alone, even when the sign is dirty, damaged, or viewed from behind.

The downward-pointing triangle is used only for yield signs. Its unique shape lets drivers identify a yield requirement even before they can read the words.

The legal priority to proceed through an intersection or crossing before others. Signs such as stop and yield determine who must wait, and failing to yield when required is a common cause of crashes.

A solid white pavement line marking where vehicles must stop at a stop sign or signal. If no stop line exists, drivers stop before the crosswalk, or before the intersection if there is no crosswalk.

Pavement markings, usually a solid yellow line on the driver's side, showing where passing is prohibited. A solid yellow line means do not cross to pass; a broken yellow line permits passing when safe.