NM Road Signs Practice cheat sheet
NM Road Signs Practice · Keep the key ideas within reach.
Regulatory Signs
Regulatory signs tell you what you must do or must not do; disobeying one is a traffic violation, not a suggestion.
White background with black legend and black border is the standard pattern for regulatory signs such as speed limits and turn restrictions.
Red and white regulatory signs carry prohibitions: STOP, YIELD, DO NOT ENTER, and WRONG WAY all use red as the commanding color.
A black-and-white rectangular sign with a symbol and a diagonal slash means the action shown is prohibited (for example, no left turn, no U-turn).
Speed limit signs are white rectangles with black numerals; they begin at the sign and stay in effect until another limit or a different zone sign changes them.
A YIELD sign requires slowing and giving the right-of-way; you need not stop unless traffic, a pedestrian, or a stop line requires it.
A STOP sign requires a complete stop at the stop line, crosswalk, or edge of the roadway before proceeding when clear.
Lane-use control signs (white on black or white on red) assign or prohibit a lane; a red X over a lane means that lane is closed to you.
Warning Signs
Warning signs are yellow diamonds with black legends or symbols, warning of a condition ahead rather than stating a rule.
Warning signs are placed in advance of the hazard; the distance varies with road speed, so treat the sign as a heads-up, not the exact hazard point.
A yellow diamond with a black arrow curving right or left warns of a curve ahead; a reverse-curve sign shows an S-shaped arrow.
Yellow diamond signs with a pedestrian, bicycle, deer, or tractor symbol warn of that traffic or animal crossing ahead.
A yellow diamond showing a downward slope with a percentage warns of a steep downgrade; the percentage is the grade.
Signal-ahead and stop-ahead warning signs use yellow diamonds with black signal or stop symbols to alert drivers before the intersection.
Chevron signs (yellow or black rectangles with a large arrow) mark the outside of a sharp curve and show the direction of travel.
A yellow diamond with two arrows pointing opposite directions warns of two-way traffic ahead, often after a one-way section.
Guide and Informational Signs
Guide signs give directions, distances, and destinations; they are informational and do not impose a driving rule.
Green guide signs mark exits, route numbers, and destinations on freeways and major highways; white lettering is standard.
Blue signs indicate motorist services such as fuel, food, lodging, and hospitals; brown signs indicate recreation and points of interest.
A white rectangular sign with black text and a route shield or arrow gives local guidance, such as a street name or a one-way arrow.
Mile markers are small green signs with white numbers that identify a location along the route for reporting emergencies.
Interstate route shields are red, white, and blue; U.S. route shields are white with black numerals; state route markers vary by state.
Guide signs on freeways are placed in advance of the exit, often with an exit number tab at the top corner of the sign.
A white sign with black lettering reading "INTERSTATE" or a route number identifies the highway you are on, not a restriction.
Construction and Work Zone Signs
Orange is the color reserved for construction and maintenance zones; orange diamonds warn, orange rectangles direct.
A diamond-shaped orange sign warns of a work zone ahead; the sign may show a worker symbol, flagger, or lane shift.
Orange rectangular signs with black arrows direct traffic around or through a work zone and may indicate a lane shift or detour.
A flagger sign or a person holding a sign means obey the flagger's signals; the flagger controls traffic flow through the zone.
Work zone speed limits are posted on white signs with black numerals and are enforceable; fines for speeding in work zones are often doubled.
Channelizing devices such as cones, drums, and barricades mark the travel path; do not cross them, even if the lane appears open.
A "ROAD CLOSED" or "DETOUR" sign in orange or black on white means the route ahead is blocked and an alternate route is designated.
Work zone signs may be temporary and mounted on portable supports; they still carry the force of law when they direct traffic.
School Zone and Pedestrian Signs
School zone signs are fluorescent yellow-green pentagons or diamonds with a school symbol or the words "SCHOOL ZONE."
A pentagon-shaped sign (point up) is used only for school zones and school crossings, making it recognizable from the back.
School zone speed limits are posted on white signs and apply during the hours or conditions stated on the sign or by flashing beacons.
A crossing guard or a sign showing a pedestrian in a crosswalk means yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk and obey the guard.
Pedestrian crossing signs are yellow diamonds with a walking-person symbol; they warn of a crosswalk ahead, not a guarantee of right-of-way.
A white sign with a black pedestrian symbol and a diagonal slash means pedestrians are prohibited from that area.
Flashing yellow lights near a school zone signal that the reduced speed limit is in effect; flashing red lights on a school bus require a stop.
When a school bus displays flashing red lights and a stop arm, traffic in both directions must stop unless separated by a median.
Sign Colors, Shapes, and Symbols
Red means stop, yield, or prohibition; it is used on STOP, YIELD, DO NOT ENTER, and WRONG WAY signs.
Yellow means warning; yellow diamonds alert drivers to conditions ahead, and yellow is also used for some school and pedestrian warnings.
Orange means construction or maintenance; it is used only in work zones and never for permanent warning signs.
Green means guide or direction; blue means motorist services; brown means recreation and points of interest.
White means regulation; white rectangles with black legends state rules such as speed limits and lane use.
A diamond shape signals a warning; a rectangle signals a regulation or guide; a pentagon signals a school zone.
A circle is used for railroad advance warning signs (yellow circle with black X and R R), and an X-shaped crossbuck marks the crossing itself.
A downward-pointing triangle is used only for YIELD; an octagon is used only for STOP, so each is identifiable by shape alone.
Regulatory Signs: Speed and Lane Control
A white sign with black numerals and the words "SPEED LIMIT" sets the maximum lawful speed under normal conditions.
A white sign with black numerals and "MINIMUM SPEED" sets a floor; driving slower than the minimum can be a violation.
A yellow sign with black numerals and "ADVISORY" or a curve symbol gives a recommended speed for a curve or ramp, not a legal limit.
A white sign with a black arrow and the word "ONLY" means that lane must be used only for the movement shown.
A white sign with a red circle and slash over a turn arrow prohibits that turn at the intersection.
A white sign reading "KEEP RIGHT" or "KEEP LEFT" with a black arrow directs traffic to the indicated side of a median or obstacle.
A white sign with a black arrow curving and a red slash means no U-turn; a similar sign without the slash permits the U-turn.
A white sign reading "DO NOT PASS" or "PASS WITH CARE" governs passing zones; a yellow pennant-shaped sign marks the start of a no-passing zone.
Warning Signs: Intersections and Road Conditions
A yellow diamond with a cross symbol warns of a four-way intersection ahead; a side-road symbol warns of a side road entering.
A yellow diamond with a circular arrow warns of a roundabout ahead; be prepared to yield to traffic already in the circle.
A yellow diamond with a traffic signal symbol warns that a signal controls the intersection ahead.
A yellow diamond with a slippery-when-wet symbol warns of reduced traction; slow down before the hazard, not on it.
A yellow diamond with a lane-ends symbol warns that a lane is ending; merge early and do not wait until the taper.
A yellow diamond with a divided-highway symbol warns that a divided highway begins or ends ahead.
A yellow diamond with a bump or dip symbol warns of a rough road surface or a low spot that can affect steering and clearance.
A yellow diamond with a railroad symbol or an R R X warns of a crossing ahead; the crossbuck marks the crossing itself.
Guide Signs: Route Markers and Services
Interstate route markers are shield-shaped with red, white, and blue; even numbers run east-west, odd numbers run north-south.
U.S. route markers are shield-shaped with white numerals on a black background; state route markers vary by state.
Green guide signs on freeways give exit numbers, destinations, and distances; exit numbers often correspond to mile markers.
Blue service signs show fuel, food, lodging, hospital, and phone symbols; they are informational, not regulatory.
Brown signs mark parks, historic sites, and recreation areas; they are guide signs, not warnings.
A white sign with a black arrow and a route number gives local direction, such as a turn toward a numbered route.
Mile markers are small green signs with white numbers placed at intervals along the route to identify locations.
A white sign reading "NO SERVICES" or "NEXT SERVICES" with a distance gives advance information about available facilities.
Work Zone Signs: Flagger and Detour
A flagger holding a sign or paddle controls traffic; a red paddle means stop, and a slow paddle means proceed with caution.
An orange diamond with a worker symbol warns of workers on or near the road; slow down and be ready to stop.
An orange sign with a black arrow pointing down and to the side indicates a lane shift; follow the arrow's direction.
A "DETOUR" sign, often black on orange or black on white, marks an alternate route around a closure.
A "ROAD CLOSED" sign means the road ahead is impassable; do not proceed past it.
Temporary traffic signals in work zones have the same force as permanent signals; obey the red, yellow, and green lights.
Pilot cars may lead traffic through a one-lane work zone; follow the pilot car and do not pass it.
Work zone signs are often mounted on portable supports and may be closer to the travel lane than permanent signs; give them room.
Pedestrian and School Zone Rules
A yellow diamond with a pedestrian symbol warns of a crosswalk or pedestrian activity ahead; slow down and scan both sides.
A fluorescent yellow-green pentagon marks a school zone or school crossing; it is the only pentagon-shaped sign.
School zone speed limits apply during posted hours or when flashing beacons are operating; the reduced limit is enforceable.
A white sign with a pedestrian symbol and a diagonal slash prohibits pedestrians from the area, such as a freeway shoulder.
A crossing guard's signal has the force of a traffic signal; stop when the guard signals and wait until pedestrians clear.
A school bus with flashing red lights and an extended stop arm requires traffic in both directions to stop, except on a divided highway with a median.
A yellow diamond with a bicycle symbol warns of bicycle traffic; share the road and give cyclists room.
A white sign reading "STOP FOR PEDESTRIANS" or "YIELD TO PEDESTRIANS" requires stopping or yielding when a pedestrian is in the crosswalk.
Sign Shapes and Their Meanings
Octagon: STOP only; the eight-sided shape is reserved for stop signs so it is recognizable from any angle.
Downward-pointing triangle: YIELD only; the inverted triangle is reserved for yield signs.
Diamond: warning; yellow diamonds with black symbols warn of conditions ahead.
Rectangle: regulation or guide; white rectangles state rules, and green, blue, or brown rectangles give directions or services.
Pentagon (point up): school zone or school crossing; it is the only pentagon-shaped sign.
Circle: railroad advance warning; a yellow circle with a black X and R R warns of a crossing ahead.
Crossbuck (X shape): railroad crossing; the white X with black lettering marks the crossing itself.
Pennant (horizontal triangle): no-passing zone; a yellow pennant marks the start of a no-passing zone.
Sign Colors and Their Meanings
Red: stop, yield, prohibition, or danger; used on STOP, YIELD, DO NOT ENTER, and WRONG WAY.
Yellow: warning; used on warning signs and some school and pedestrian warnings.
Orange: construction and maintenance; used only in work zones.
Green: guide and direction; used on freeway and highway guide signs.
Blue: motorist services; used on signs for fuel, food, lodging, and hospitals.
Brown: recreation and points of interest; used on signs for parks and historic sites.
White: regulation; used on signs that state rules such as speed limits and lane use.
Fluorescent yellow-green: school zones, school crossings, and pedestrian or bicycle warnings; it is more visible than standard yellow.
Regulatory Signs: Intersection and Right-of-Way
A STOP sign requires a full stop at the stop line, crosswalk, or edge of the roadway before proceeding when clear.
A YIELD sign requires slowing and giving the right-of-way; stop only if traffic, a pedestrian, or a stop line requires it.
A four-way STOP sign means the first vehicle to stop proceeds first; if two arrive together, the vehicle on the right goes first.
A "DO NOT ENTER" sign marks a one-way street or ramp against your direction; do not proceed past it.
A "WRONG WAY" sign warns that you are traveling against traffic on a one-way road; stop and turn around.
A white sign with a black arrow and "ONE WAY" marks a one-way street; traffic flows in the arrow's direction.
A white sign reading "KEEP RIGHT" with an arrow directs traffic to the right of a median or obstacle.
A white sign reading "NO TURN ON RED" prohibits a right turn on red at that intersection.
Warning Signs: Distance and Placement
Warning signs are placed in advance of the hazard; the distance increases with the posted speed of the road.
On higher-speed roads, warning signs are set farther back to give drivers time to react and slow down.
A yellow diamond with an advisory speed plaque (yellow with black numerals) gives a recommended speed for the hazard.
Chevron signs are placed along the outside of a curve to show the direction of travel through the curve.
A yellow diamond with a "NEXT X MILES" plaque extends the warning over a distance, such as for a construction or animal area.
Warning signs may be repeated after an intersection to remind drivers of a continuing hazard.
A yellow diamond with an arrow and a distance plaque warns of a curve or hazard at the stated distance ahead.
Warning signs are yellow with black symbols so they stand out against the road and surroundings.
Guide Signs: Freeway and Exit Information
Green guide signs on freeways give exit numbers, destinations, and distances; white lettering is standard.
Exit number tabs are small green signs at the top corner of a guide sign showing the exit number.
Advance guide signs are placed before an exit so drivers can change lanes and prepare to exit.
A white sign with a black arrow and "EXIT ONLY" means that lane must exit; do not stay in it to continue.
A green sign reading "NEXT EXIT" with a distance tells you how far to the next exit.
Blue service signs at exits show fuel, food, lodging, and hospital symbols for the upcoming exit.
A white sign reading "NO REENTRY" or "NO SERVICES" warns of limited access ahead on some routes.
Mile markers are small green signs with white numbers placed at intervals to identify locations along the route.
Work Zone Signs: Speed and Fines
Work zone speed limits are posted on white signs with black numerals and are enforceable.
Fines for speeding in a work zone are often doubled when workers are present; the sign may state the increased penalty.
A "WORK ZONE" sign in orange warns of the zone ahead; the zone ends at a sign reading "END ROAD WORK."
Temporary speed limit signs in work zones have the same force as permanent signs.
A flagger's stop paddle means stop and wait for the flagger's signal to proceed.
Channelizing devices such as cones and drums mark the travel path; do not cross them.
A "LANE CLOSED AHEAD" sign warns that a lane will close; merge early and do not wait until the taper.
A pilot car may lead traffic through a one-lane work zone; follow it and do not pass.
Pedestrian Signs and Crosswalk Rules
A yellow diamond with a pedestrian symbol warns of a crosswalk or pedestrian activity ahead.
A white sign with a pedestrian symbol and a diagonal slash prohibits pedestrians from the area.
A "STOP FOR PEDESTRIANS" or "YIELD TO PEDESTRIANS" sign requires stopping or yielding when a pedestrian is in the crosswalk.
A crossing guard's signal has the force of a traffic signal; stop when the guard signals.
A school bus with flashing red lights and an extended stop arm requires traffic in both directions to stop, except on a divided highway with a median.
A yellow diamond with a bicycle symbol warns of bicycle traffic; share the road and give cyclists room.
A fluorescent yellow-green pentagon marks a school zone or school crossing.
Pedestrians in a crosswalk have the right-of-way when the pedestrian signal shows a walk symbol; drivers must yield.
Sign Symbols and Their Meanings
A black arrow curving right or left on a yellow diamond warns of a curve ahead.
A black S-shaped arrow on a yellow diamond warns of a reverse curve ahead.
A black pedestrian or bicycle symbol on a yellow diamond warns of that traffic ahead.
A black deer symbol on a yellow diamond warns of deer crossing ahead.
A black tractor symbol on a yellow diamond warns of slow-moving farm vehicles ahead.
A black X with R R on a yellow circle warns of a railroad crossing ahead.
A black arrow pointing down and to the side on an orange sign indicates a lane shift.
A red circle with a diagonal slash over a symbol means the action shown is prohibited.
Regulatory Signs: Parking and Standing
A white sign with a red circle and slash over a "P" prohibits parking at that location.
A green "P" sign with a time limit permits parking for the stated time.
A white sign reading "NO PARKING" prohibits parking but may allow standing or stopping to load or unload.
A white sign reading "NO STANDING" prohibits standing but may allow stopping to load or unload passengers.
A white sign reading "NO STOPPING" prohibits stopping for any reason except to avoid conflict with traffic.
A white sign with a red arrow and "TOW AWAY ZONE" warns that vehicles may be towed.
A white sign with a wheelchair symbol marks an accessible parking space reserved for permit holders.
A white sign reading "FIRE LANE" prohibits parking in a fire lane at any time.
Warning Signs: Animal and Natural Hazards
A yellow diamond with a deer symbol warns of deer crossing ahead; deer are most active at dawn and dusk.
A yellow diamond with a tractor symbol warns of slow-moving farm vehicles ahead.
A yellow diamond with a slippery-when-wet symbol warns of reduced traction on the road ahead.
A yellow diamond with a bump or dip symbol warns of a rough road surface or a low spot.
A yellow diamond with a falling-rocks symbol warns of rocks on the road ahead.
A yellow diamond with a wind symbol warns of strong crosswinds that can affect steering.
A yellow diamond with a flood symbol warns of a low-water crossing or flooding ahead.
A yellow diamond with an ice symbol warns of icy conditions on the road ahead.
Guide Signs: Local Direction and Street Names
A white rectangular sign with black text gives local guidance, such as a street name.
A white sign with a black arrow and a street name directs traffic toward that street.
A green guide sign on a major road gives destinations and distances in white lettering.
A blue service sign shows fuel, food, lodging, and hospital symbols for the upcoming area.
A brown sign marks parks, historic sites, and recreation areas.
A white sign with a black route shield and arrow directs traffic toward a numbered route.
A white sign reading "ONE WAY" with an arrow marks a one-way street.
A white sign with a black arrow and "EXIT ONLY" means that lane must exit.
Work Zone Signs: Barricades and Channelizing
Barricades with orange and white stripes mark a closed lane or road; do not cross them.
Cones, drums, and tubular markers channel traffic through a work zone; do not cross them.
A barricade with a diagonal stripe pattern directs traffic to the side indicated by the stripes.
A "ROAD CLOSED" sign means the road ahead is impassable; do not proceed past it.
A "DETOUR" sign marks an alternate route around a closure.
A flagger's paddle controls traffic; a red paddle means stop.
A pilot car may lead traffic through a one-lane work zone; follow it and do not pass.
Temporary traffic signals in work zones have the same force as permanent signals.
School Zone Signs and Signals
A fluorescent yellow-green pentagon marks a school zone or school crossing; it is the only pentagon-shaped sign.
School zone speed limits apply during posted hours or when flashing beacons are operating.
Flashing yellow lights near a school zone signal that the reduced speed limit is in effect.
A crossing guard's signal has the force of a traffic signal; stop when the guard signals.
A school bus with flashing red lights and an extended stop arm requires traffic in both directions to stop, except on a divided highway with a median.
A yellow diamond with a school symbol warns of a school ahead.
A white sign reading "SCHOOL ZONE" with a speed limit states the reduced limit for the zone.
A "SCHOOL BUS STOP AHEAD" sign warns of a bus stop ahead; be ready to stop for a bus loading or unloading.
Sign Shapes: Railroad and No-Passing
A yellow circle with a black X and R R warns of a railroad crossing ahead.
A white X-shaped crossbuck with black lettering marks the railroad crossing itself.
A yellow pennant (horizontal triangle) marks the start of a no-passing zone.
A yellow diamond with a railroad symbol warns of a crossing ahead.
A yellow diamond with a side-road symbol warns of a side road entering.
A yellow diamond with a cross symbol warns of a four-way intersection ahead.
A yellow diamond with a circular arrow warns of a roundabout ahead.
A yellow diamond with a traffic signal symbol warns that a signal controls the intersection ahead.
Sign Colors: Fluorescent and Special
Fluorescent yellow-green marks school zones, school crossings, and pedestrian or bicycle warnings.
Orange marks construction and maintenance zones only.
Yellow marks warning signs and some school and pedestrian warnings.
Red marks stop, yield, prohibition, or danger.
Green marks guide and direction signs.
Blue marks motorist services signs.
Brown marks recreation and points of interest signs.
White marks regulation signs that state rules such as speed limits and lane use.
Regulatory Signs: Traffic Signals and Signs
A red light means stop at the stop line, crosswalk, or edge of the roadway.
A yellow light means the signal is about to turn red; stop if you can do so safely.
A green light means proceed when clear; yield to pedestrians and vehicles still in the intersection.
A flashing red light means stop, then proceed when clear, like a STOP sign.
A flashing yellow light means proceed with caution; slow down and be ready to stop.
A green arrow means proceed in the direction of the arrow when clear; a red arrow means stop for that movement.
A white sign reading "NO TURN ON RED" prohibits a right turn on red at that intersection.
A white sign with a black arrow and "ONLY" means that lane must be used only for the movement shown.
Guide Signs: Distance and Destination
Green guide signs on freeways give distances to destinations in white lettering.
A green sign reading "NEXT EXIT" with a distance tells you how far to the next exit.
Exit number tabs are small green signs at the top corner of a guide sign showing the exit number.
Advance guide signs are placed before an exit so drivers can change lanes and prepare to exit.
A white sign with a black arrow and "EXIT ONLY" means that lane must exit.
Blue service signs at exits show fuel, food, lodging, and hospital symbols.
A white sign reading "NO SERVICES" or "NEXT SERVICES" with a distance gives advance information about facilities.
Mile markers are small green signs with white numbers placed at intervals along the route.
Warning Signs: Curves and Grades
A yellow diamond with a black arrow curving right or left warns of a curve ahead.
A yellow diamond with an S-shaped arrow warns of a reverse curve ahead.
A yellow diamond with a downward slope and a percentage warns of a steep downgrade.
A yellow diamond with an upward slope and a percentage warns of a steep upgrade.
Chevron signs mark the outside of a sharp curve and show the direction of travel.
A yellow diamond with an advisory speed plaque gives a recommended speed for the curve or hazard.
A yellow diamond with a "NEXT X MILES" plaque extends the warning over a distance.
A yellow diamond with a lane-ends symbol warns that a lane is ending; merge early.
Work Zone Signs: Temporary Traffic Control
Orange is the color reserved for construction and maintenance zones.
A diamond-shaped orange sign warns of a work zone ahead.
Orange rectangular signs with black arrows direct traffic around or through a work zone.
A flagger sign or a person holding a sign means obey the flagger's signals.
Work zone speed limits are posted on white signs with black numerals and are enforceable.
Channelizing devices such as cones, drums, and barricades mark the travel path.
A "ROAD CLOSED" or "DETOUR" sign means the route ahead is blocked and an alternate route is designated.
Work zone signs may be temporary and mounted on portable supports but still carry the force of law.
Pedestrian Signs: Crosswalks and Bicycles
A yellow diamond with a pedestrian symbol warns of a crosswalk or pedestrian activity ahead.
A white sign with a pedestrian symbol and a diagonal slash prohibits pedestrians from the area.
A "STOP FOR PEDESTRIANS" or "YIELD TO PEDESTRIANS" sign requires stopping or yielding when a pedestrian is in the crosswalk.
A crossing guard's signal has the force of a traffic signal; stop when the guard signals.
A yellow diamond with a bicycle symbol warns of bicycle traffic; share the road and give cyclists room.
A fluorescent yellow-green pentagon marks a school zone or school crossing.
A school bus with flashing red lights and an extended stop arm requires traffic in both directions to stop, except on a divided highway with a median.
Pedestrians in a crosswalk have the right-of-way when the pedestrian signal shows a walk symbol; drivers must yield.
Sign Symbols: Arrows and Slashes
A black arrow on a white sign directs traffic in the arrow's direction.
A black arrow with a red slash means the movement shown is prohibited.
A black arrow curving on a yellow diamond warns of a curve ahead.
A black arrow pointing down and to the side on an orange sign indicates a lane shift.
A black arrow with "ONLY" means that lane must be used only for the movement shown.
A red circle with a diagonal slash over a symbol means the action shown is prohibited.
A white sign with a black arrow and "ONE WAY" marks a one-way street.
A white sign with a black arrow and "EXIT ONLY" means that lane must exit.