NY 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 restriction. Usually rectangular with a white background and black or red markings.

A sign that alerts drivers to a change or hazard ahead, such as a curve, hill, or pedestrian crossing. Typically yellow diamond-shaped with black symbols.

A sign that gives directions, distances, or information about routes and services, such as highway exits, city names, or rest areas. Often green, blue, or brown.

A red octagonal sign requiring a complete halt at the stop line or crosswalk. You must yield to traffic and pedestrians before proceeding.

A red-and-white downward-pointing triangle telling drivers to slow down and give the right-of-way to traffic on the intersecting road when necessary.

A white rectangular sign with black numerals showing the maximum legal speed in miles per hour under normal conditions. Driving faster is a violation.

A yellow warning sign showing a recommended maximum speed for a curve, ramp, or other hazard. It is a safe-speed suggestion, not the legal posted limit.

A regulatory sign indicating that vehicles may stop briefly to load or unload passengers but may not remain parked. Parking there can result in a ticket or towing.

A regulatory sign prohibiting vehicles from stopping to wait or stand, even with a driver present. You may stop only momentarily to drop off or pick up passengers.

A fluorescent yellow-green pentagon or diamond sign warning of a school area. Speed limits are often reduced during posted school hours or when children are present.

A yellow diamond sign showing a walking figure, warning that people may cross the road ahead. Drivers must slow down and yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk.

A round yellow sign with a black X and two R letters marking a passive railroad crossing. Drivers should slow, look both ways, and listen before crossing the tracks.

A white X-shaped sign with black lettering reading RAILROAD CROSSING, placed at the tracks. A driver must yield to trains, which always have the right-of-way.

A yellow warning sign showing two lanes joining into one, telling drivers to prepare for traffic entering or combining. Adjust speed and allow space for merging vehicles.

A yellow warning sign showing that a lane ends ahead, such as RIGHT LANE ENDS. Drivers in the ending lane must merge safely into the continuing lane.

A large yellow sign with black arrows pointing in the direction of a sharp curve. It guides drivers through the turn and is often placed on ramps or winding roads.

A yellow diamond sign with a curved arrow warning of a bend ahead, either to the left or right. Reduce speed before entering the curve.

A yellow diamond warning sign showing a steep downgrade, usually with a percentage. Drivers should slow down and use a lower gear to control speed.

A yellow diamond warning sign showing a car with skid marks, indicating the road loses traction in rain, snow, or ice. Slow down and avoid sudden braking or steering.

A yellow diamond warning sign showing two opposing arrows, alerting drivers that a one-way road becomes two-way or that oncoming traffic is present ahead.

A black-and-white rectangular sign with an arrow showing that traffic on that road moves only in the arrow's direction. Entering against it is illegal and dangerous.

A red circle with a white horizontal bar, meaning vehicles must not proceed past it. It often marks the wrong end of a one-way street or an exit ramp.

A red rectangular sign reading WRONG WAY, posted on exit ramps or one-way roads to warn drivers they are traveling against the intended direction of traffic.

A red, white, and blue shield-shaped sign identifying an Interstate highway. Even-numbered routes generally run east-west, and odd-numbered routes generally run north-south.

A green guide sign showing the exit number and destination for an upcoming off-ramp. Drivers should move into the correct lane well before the exit.

A small green sign along a highway showing the distance in miles from a state line or route start. It helps drivers and emergency services report their exact location.

A blue guide sign showing nearby amenities such as gas, food, lodging, or hospitals. It helps drivers plan stops without leaving the highway blindly.

A marked path across a roadway where pedestrians have the right-of-way. Drivers must stop for pedestrians in a crosswalk, whether marked or unmarked.

A solid white line painted across a lane at an intersection or crosswalk. At a stop sign or red light, the front of the vehicle must stop before this line.

The legal priority to proceed first in a traffic situation. Signs such as yield and stop, plus rules at intersections, determine who must wait and who may go.

An intersection where all approaches have stop signs. Vehicles proceed in the order they arrive; if two arrive at once, the vehicle on the right goes first.

The area within a set distance of a fire hydrant where parking is prohibited, commonly 15 feet in New York. Parking there blocks emergency access and can lead to a fine.

An orange diamond or rectangular sign warning of road construction, lane shifts, or workers ahead. Speed limits are often reduced, and fines for violations may be doubled.

A yellow warning sign showing that a divided highway with a median will become an undivided road, so drivers should expect oncoming traffic in adjacent lanes.

A warning sign marking an emergency escape ramp for vehicles that lose braking on a steep downgrade. It usually appears alongside hill warning signs.