NJ Road Signs Practice key terms

A sign that states a traffic law or rule you must obey, such as a speed limit, stop, yield, or turn restriction. Most are white with black or red markings and are enforceable.

A white rectangular sign with black numerals showing the maximum lawful speed in ideal conditions. Driving faster than the posted number is illegal even if traffic seems to move faster.

The rule that you must never drive faster than is safe for current conditions, regardless of the posted limit. Rain, fog, ice, traffic, or poor visibility can make a legal speed unsafe.

A sign that assigns a lane to a specific movement or vehicle type, such as left-turn-only, right-turn-only, or bus-only. Entering a lane marked for another movement can be a violation.

A sign prohibiting vehicles from being left unoccupied at the curb in the marked area. Parking there can result in a ticket or towing even if you stay nearby.

A yellow diamond sign that alerts you to a change or hazard ahead, such as a curve, intersection, or narrowing road. It does not state a law but tells you to slow or prepare.

A small yellow rectangular sign below a warning sign showing a recommended speed for a curve, ramp, or other hazard. The speed is a safe suggestion for good conditions, not a legal maximum.

An orange diamond or rectangular sign marking construction or maintenance activity ahead. Fines for moving violations are often doubled in work zones, and workers may be present near the travel lane.

A person holding a sign or paddle who controls traffic through a work zone or around a crash. Obey the flagger's signal even when it conflicts with a traffic light or sign.

A yellow-green or yellow pentagon or diamond sign marking an area where children cross near a school. Posted school speed limits usually apply only during stated hours or when lights flash.

The part of the roadway set aside for pedestrians to cross, marked with painted lines or left unmarked at an intersection. Drivers must yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk.

A green, blue, or brown sign giving directions, destinations, distances, or services. Green signs show routes and exits, blue signs show services, and brown signs show recreation and points of interest.

A shield or emblem sign identifying a numbered highway, such as an interstate shield or a state route. The shape and color tell you which road system the number belongs to.

The system naming interstate highways: even numbers run east-west and odd numbers run north-south, with numbers generally increasing from south to north and west to east.

A small green sign along a highway showing the distance from the state line or route start. It helps you report your location to emergency dispatchers after a crash or breakdown.

Painted arrows in a lane showing the direction or movement that lane allows, such as straight, left, or right. Choose your lane early because arrows near intersections may restrict late changes.

A solid white line marking the right edge of the travel lane and the start of the shoulder. A solid yellow line on the left edge separates traffic from the median on divided highways.

A line separating traffic moving in opposite directions. A broken yellow line permits passing when safe, while a solid yellow line means no passing from your side.

A signal meaning stop completely before the crosswalk or stop line and remain stopped until the light turns green. You may turn right on red only where permitted after yielding.

A signal that functions like a stop sign: come to a full stop, yield to traffic and pedestrians, then proceed when safe. It differs from a steady red because you may go once clear.

A hand, arm, or whistle command from a police officer or authorized official directing traffic. You must obey the officer over any sign, signal, or pavement marking that conflicts.

The legal priority to move through a space when others must wait. Right-of-way is something you yield, never something you take aggressively, even when the law gives it to you.

An intersection where all approaches have stop signs. The first vehicle to stop goes first; if two arrive together, the vehicle on the right has the right-of-way.

An intersection with no signs or signals controlling the approach. You must slow down, yield to traffic already in the intersection, and yield to the vehicle on your right.

A stretch of road where a broken line or passing-permitted sign allows you to overtake a slower vehicle in the opposing lane. You must complete the pass before the zone ends.

A section marked by a solid yellow line on your side or a do-not-pass sign where overtaking is prohibited. Hills, curves, and bridges are common no-passing areas because sight distance is short.

The gap between your vehicle and the one ahead, usually measured in seconds. The three-second rule gives you time to react; increase it in rain, darkness, or heavy traffic.

Driving too closely behind another vehicle, leaving little room to stop if it brakes suddenly. It is a common cause of rear-end crashes and may be cited as following too closely.

The principle that drivers must give space and respect to motorcyclists, bicyclists, pedestrians, and large trucks. Each road user has legal rights and predictable behavior you must anticipate.

The blind spots around a large truck or bus where the driver cannot see your vehicle. If you cannot see the driver's mirror, the driver likely cannot see you, so avoid lingering there.

A portion of the roadway marked for bicycle travel, often with a bike symbol and solid line. Drivers may cross it only to turn or park where allowed and must yield to riders.

The rule that by driving on public roads you agree to submit to a chemical test when lawfully arrested for impaired driving. Refusing usually brings license penalties even before conviction.

The percentage of alcohol in your blood, used as the legal measure of impairment. In New Jersey, a driver age 21 or older is per se intoxicated at 0.08 percent or higher.

A law making it illegal for drivers under 21 to operate a vehicle with any detectable alcohol in their system. Penalties can include license suspension even below the adult limit.

Operating a vehicle while your attention is taken by another activity, such as texting, eating, or adjusting a device. New Jersey law prohibits handheld phone use while driving.

Driving while fatigued enough that your alertness and reaction time are reduced. Warning signs include yawning, drifting, and missed exits; the safe response is to stop and rest.

Halting a vehicle temporarily, whether or not occupied, while a driver remains available to move it. Signs may prohibit standing even where brief waiting seems harmless.

The area within a set distance of a fire hydrant where parking is prohibited so firefighters can connect equipment. New Jersey law generally bars parking within 10 feet of a hydrant.

A place where tracks cross the roadway, marked by signs, pavement markings, or signals. You must stop if a train approaches, gates lower, or lights flash, and never stop on the tracks.

The requirement that drivers and passengers wear a properly adjusted safety belt whenever a vehicle is in motion. New Jersey enforces primary enforcement, so police may stop a car for this alone.

A federally approved car seat or booster sized for a child's age, height, and weight. New Jersey requires a rear-facing seat until age 2 and a booster until age 8 or 57 inches.

Moving your vehicle off the travel lane after a breakdown or crash when it can be driven. Turn on hazard lights, stay clear of traffic, and call for help from a safe spot.