ND Road Signs Practice key terms

A sign that states a law or rule drivers must obey, such as a speed limit, stop requirement, or turning prohibition. Most are white rectangles with black or red markings, and violating one is a traffic offense.

A white rectangular regulatory sign showing the maximum legal speed in miles per hour for that road under normal conditions. Driving faster is unlawful even if traffic or weather makes a lower speed the safe choice.

An eight-sided red sign with white letters requiring a complete halt at the stop line or crosswalk. The driver must yield to cross traffic and pedestrians before proceeding, and a rolling stop is a violation.

An inverted triangle sign, red and white, telling drivers to slow or stop as needed and give the right of way to traffic on the intersecting road. Unlike a stop sign, a full stop is required only when traffic demands it.

A regulatory sign that forbids a specific action, such as a red circle with a slash over a turn arrow or a NO PARKING plate. The restriction applies at all times unless a supplemental plaque states hours or conditions.

A sign, often mounted overhead, that assigns each lane a permitted movement or vehicle type, such as left turn only or buses only. Drivers must be in the correct lane before the sign's restriction takes effect.

An intersection where every approach has a stop sign, usually with an ALL WAY plaque below it. Vehicles proceed in the order they arrived, and ties are resolved by yielding to the vehicle on the right.

A yellow rectangular plaque under a warning sign giving a recommended maximum speed for a curve, ramp, or other hazard. It is a suggestion for safe passage, not an enforceable posted speed limit.

A yellow diamond sign alerting drivers to a condition ahead that may require reduced speed or a maneuver, such as a curve, intersection, or pedestrian crossing. Warning signs do not impose legal requirements by themselves.

A yellow diamond showing a black arrow bending left or right, indicating a curve ahead. A plaque may show an advisory speed, and drivers should slow before entering the curve rather than braking within it.

A large yellow or black rectangular sign with a bold arrow, placed on the outside of a sharp curve to guide drivers through the turn. A series of chevrons marks the path and severity of the bend.

A yellow diamond with a black cross or side-road symbol showing that an intersection is ahead. A supplemental plaque may indicate a side road entering from the right or left, or a T intersection.

A yellow diamond showing an arrow joining a through lane, warning that traffic from an entrance ramp must blend with existing traffic. Drivers entering should adjust speed and yield; through traffic should make room.

A yellow pentagon-shaped sign with walking children, marking an area where school crossings occur. It is often paired with a reduced speed limit that applies during posted school hours or when lights flash.

A regulatory sign showing a lower speed limit near a school, often with a flashing beacon or hours plaque. The reduced limit applies only during the stated times, such as when children are present or lights flash.

A yellow diamond showing a walking figure, warning that pedestrians may cross ahead, often at a marked crosswalk. Drivers must slow and yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk once they enter it.

A marked path across a roadway for pedestrians, shown by parallel lines, a ladder pattern, or sometimes only by pavement at an intersection. Drivers must yield to pedestrians within it, marked or unmarked.

A sign providing directions, destinations, distances, or services rather than rules, typically green, blue, or brown. Examples include exit direction signs, route markers, and service logos at highway interchanges.

A sign identifying a numbered highway, such as an interstate shield, a U.S. route shield, or a state route shape. The shape and color identify the road system, helping drivers follow a route across junctions.

A green guide sign announcing an upcoming interchange exit, usually with the exit number and destination. Drivers should move into the correct lane early and avoid crossing solid lines near the gore area.

A blue guide sign listing nearby amenities such as gas, food, lodging, or hospitals, often with distance and direction. These signs help drivers plan stops but do not indicate legal requirements.

The triangular paved area between a through lane and an exit or entrance ramp, marked by solid white lines. Drivers may not drive across it; entering or leaving a ramp through the gore is illegal and hazardous.

An orange diamond or rectangular sign warning of workers, lane changes, or equipment in a work zone. Orange marks temporary traffic control, and drivers should reduce speed and expect sudden stops.

A road section where construction or maintenance alters normal traffic flow, marked by orange signs, cones, and barricades. Fines for moving violations are often doubled there, and workers may be present near the travel lane.

Trained workers who use a stop/slow paddle or flag to control traffic through a work zone. Their signals override signs and signals, and drivers must obey them and proceed only when directed.

The system of orange signs, cones, barrels, and arrow boards that guides traffic through or around a work zone. It may change lane patterns, and drivers should follow it even when it conflicts with permanent markings.

A cone, drum, or barricade used to separate traffic from work areas or to guide vehicles into a temporary lane. Drivers should not strike or cross these devices, which mark the edge of the travel path.

The use of a sign's outline to convey its meaning before the legend is read, such as octagon for stop, triangle for yield, and diamond for warning. Shape recognition helps drivers react quickly at a distance.

The standard meaning assigned to sign background colors: red for prohibitions and stop, yellow for warnings, orange for work zones, green for guidance, blue for services, and brown for recreation or cultural sites.

A yellow circular sign with a black X and RR letters, warning of tracks ahead. A crossbuck marks the crossing itself, and drivers must yield to trains, which always have the right of way.

A white X-shaped sign with black letters reading RAILROAD CROSSING, posted at the tracks. Drivers must yield to approaching trains, and a smaller sign below may give the number of tracks.

Flashing red lights, bells, and gates at a crossing that activate when a train approaches. Drivers must stop when lights flash or gates lower and must never drive around a lowered gate.

Flashing amber and red lights on a school bus: amber warns that the bus is preparing to stop, and red, with the stop arm extended, means drivers in both directions must stop unless divided by a median.

Painted lines, arrows, and symbols on the road that supplement signs, such as yellow center lines, white lane lines, and turn arrows. Solid lines generally prohibit crossing, while broken lines permit it when safe.

Painted arrows in a lane showing the permitted direction of travel, such as left turn only or straight ahead. Drivers should be in the lane matching their intended movement before reaching the arrow.

A solid white line across a lane where vehicles must halt for a stop sign, signal, or crosswalk. Stopping beyond it or in the crosswalk can block pedestrians and obscure visibility for other drivers.

An electrically operated light controlling traffic at an intersection or crossing, using red, yellow, and green indications. A steady red means stop, green means proceed when clear, and a flashing red is treated as a stop sign.