School Zone and Pedestrian Signs
School Zone and Pedestrian Signs
These signs protect people on foot, and the exam tests both recognition and the legal duty to yield. Pay attention to the distinctive shapes and to the time or condition plaques that decide when a limit is actually in force.
What to look for
- Pentagon, fluorescent yellow-green = school advance warning. The pentagon shape is used for school signs, so it identifies itself before you read the symbol.
- School speed limit signs are white regulatory signs paired with a plaque such as "WHEN CHILDREN ARE PRESENT" or specific hours. The limit applies then - but children can appear outside those hours.
- Yellow diamond pedestrian crossing signs warn of a crosswalk at mid-block or at an uncontrolled intersection; the crosswalk itself is marked with white or yellow lines.
- School buses: on an undivided road, stop for flashing red lights and a deployed stop arm in both directions. On a divided highway with a median, opposing traffic is not required to stop.
- Pedestrian signals: steady WALK means go if safe; a flashing hand means finish crossing but do not start; a steady hand means wait.
Worked example
You see a fluorescent yellow-green pentagon with two walking figures, then a white sign reading "SCHOOL SPEED LIMIT 20 - WHEN CHILDREN ARE PRESENT." It is 2 p.m. and children are on the sidewalk, so the 20 mph limit is active now; treat the crossing as live and be ready to stop.
Traps
Confusing the pentagon school sign with an ordinary yellow diamond pedestrian sign; stepping off the curb on a flashing hand; and assuming the school limit is either always in effect or never in effect outside posted hours.