Regulatory Signs
Regulatory Signs
Regulatory signs are the traffic-law signs of the road: they tell you what you must do, what you must not do, and where a rule applies. The NC practice exam tests whether you can identify the sign, state its legal command, and distinguish it from a warning or guide sign. Most regulatory signs are white rectangles with black legends; stop, yield, and prohibition signs use red.
Core rules
- STOP is the red octagon. Come to a complete stop at the stop line, crosswalk, or edge of the intersection, then yield to traffic and pedestrians before proceeding.
- YIELD is the red-and-white inverted triangle. Slow down, be ready to stop, and give the right of way; stop only if traffic requires it.
- Speed limit signs are white rectangles with black numerals. The posted limit begins at the sign and continues until another limit or an end sign. NC default limits apply only when no sign is posted.
- DO NOT ENTER and WRONG WAY are red-and-white prohibitions. Do not drive past them; they often mark one-way street exits or ramp mistakes.
- Turn and lane signs use black arrows and red slashes. A red circle with a slash over a turn arrow means that turn is illegal, not merely discouraged.
- ONE WAY signs show the only permitted direction; parking and HOV signs add specific restrictions.
Worked example
You approach an intersection and see a red circle with a slash over a left-turn arrow, plus a stop sign. You intended to turn left. The stop sign requires a complete stop; the turn-prohibition sign then forbids the left turn. You must stop, then choose a legal route-typically continuing straight or turning right if allowed-rather than treating the slash sign as a warning.
Traps that cost marks
Do not roll through a stop sign because the intersection looks clear. Do not confuse YIELD with STOP: yield requires slowing and giving way, not always a full stop. Do not read a speed-limit sign as applying to the whole road behind you. A NO TURN ON RED sign overrides the general right-turn-on-red rule. Finally, NO PARKING and NO STOPPING are different restrictions; read the legend.