PA Road Signs Practice key terms

A sign that states a law, rule, or requirement drivers must obey, such as a speed limit or stop requirement. Violating one is a traffic offense enforced by police.

A white rectangular sign with black numerals showing the maximum lawful speed on that road under normal conditions. Driving faster is illegal regardless of traffic flow.

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

An inverted triangle, red-bordered and white-centered, telling drivers to slow or stop and give right-of-way to traffic on the intersecting road before entering or merging.

An intersection where every approach has a stop sign, so vehicles arriving together must follow first-arrival and right-hand rules to decide who goes first.

A yellow diamond sign alerting drivers to a change or hazard ahead, such as a curve, hill, or narrowing road. It advises caution rather than stating a legal requirement.

A small yellow rectangular sign mounted below a warning sign showing a recommended safe speed for the hazard ahead, such as a sharp curve. It is guidance, not a legal limit.

A yellow rectangular sign bearing a black arrow, placed on the outside of a sharp curve to show the direction of travel. Several are usually spaced along the bend.

A yellow diamond warning sign showing arrows joining, alerting drivers that traffic from another lane or ramp will enter their lane ahead, so they should adjust speed and space.

A sign giving directional or destination information, such as route numbers, distances, exits, and city names. These are typically green, blue, or brown depending on purpose.

A sign conveying services or facilities rather than rules or directions, such as fuel, food, lodging, rest areas, or hospitals. Many are blue with white symbols.

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

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

An orange diamond or rectangular sign marking construction, maintenance, or utility activity ahead. Orange signals that workers, equipment, or altered lanes may be present.

A trained worker using a paddle or sign to stop and release traffic through a work zone one direction at a time. Drivers must obey the flagger as they would a signal.

The set of cones, barrels, barriers, signs, and markings used to guide traffic safely through or around a work zone. Devices may shift lanes or close shoulders temporarily.

A cone, drum, or tubular marker placed to guide vehicles along a path or separate them from workers and equipment. Drivers should not cross these devices.

Paint or raised material applied to the road surface to guide and regulate traffic, including lane lines, arrows, crosswalks, and edge lines. Markings supplement signs and signals.

A line marking the outer limit of the travel lane. A solid white line marks the right edge; a solid yellow line marks the left edge of divided highways or one-way roads.

A line separating traffic moving in opposite directions. A solid yellow line means no passing; a broken yellow line permits passing when it is safe.

A lane marked by two yellow lines with broken inner segments, shared by traffic from both directions for turning left. It is not a travel or passing lane.

An electrically operated light controlling traffic at an intersection or crossing. Standard colors are red for stop, yellow for caution, and green for go when the way is clear.

A continuous red signal requiring a complete stop before the crosswalk or stop line. After stopping, a right turn may be allowed unless a sign prohibits it, yielding to others.

The rule allowing a driver to turn right after a full stop at a red light when no sign forbids it. The driver must yield to pedestrians and cross traffic first.

A blinking yellow signal warning drivers to slow down and proceed with caution, often at an intersection where cross traffic has a flashing red or at a hazard location.

The legal priority to proceed first in a traffic situation. It is given by rules and signs, and must be yielded to pedestrians, emergency vehicles, and traffic already in the intersection.

A yellow-green pentagon or diamond sign marking an area where children cross or walk near a school. Drivers must slow down and watch for children and crossing guards.

A sign posting a reduced speed limit that applies during school hours or when children are present, often accompanied by flashing beacons. The lower limit is legally enforceable.

A marked or unmarked portion of roadway designated for pedestrians to cross. Drivers must yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk, and passing a vehicle stopped at one is dangerous.

A sign or marking reserving part of the roadway for cyclists, often with a bicycle symbol and arrow. Motor vehicles may not drive or park in a designated bike lane.

A round yellow warning sign with a black X and two R letters, placed before tracks. It means drivers should look, listen, and be prepared to stop for an approaching train.

A white X-shaped sign with black letters reading RAILROAD CROSSING, mounted at the tracks. It functions like a yield sign, requiring drivers to give way to trains.

Flashing red lights, often with a bell and descending gate arms, installed at a crossing. Drivers must stop when lights flash or a gate lowers and never drive around a gate.

The practice of using shape alone to convey meaning, such as octagons for stop, triangles for yield, diamonds for warnings, and pentagons for school zones, aiding recognition at distance.

The system in which sign background colors signal purpose: red for prohibitions, yellow for warnings, orange for work zones, green for guidance, blue for services, and brown for recreation.