Road Signs flashcards
Road Signs · Build recall with a focused review session.
32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.
- Stop sign shape
- A red octagon with white STOP legend. It is the only sign shape reserved for stop. Stop at the limit line, crosswalk, or roadway edge before proceeding.
- Yield sign
- A red-and-white downward-pointing triangle. Slow down and give right of way to traffic and pedestrians; stop only if necessary to avoid conflict.
- Do Not Enter sign
- A red circle with a horizontal white bar on a white square. It prohibits entry into that roadway or lane, often paired with a WRONG WAY sign.
- Speed limit sign meaning
- A white rectangle with black numerals giving the maximum lawful speed under ideal conditions. It is a maximum, not a minimum or a target speed.
- Warning sign color and shape
- Most warning signs are yellow diamonds with black symbols or words. They are placed in advance of a hazard and advise rather than impose a legal limit.
- Advisory speed plaque
- A yellow rectangular plaque below a warning sign showing a recommended maximum speed for the condition, such as a curve. Exceeding it can be cited as unsafe.
- Reverse curve sign
- A yellow diamond with an S-shaped black arrow. It warns of two curves in opposite directions ahead, first in the direction shown by the arrow.
- Chevron alignment sign
- Large yellow or black-on-yellow arrow signs placed on the outside of a sharp curve. They show the direction of travel through the curve.
- Green guide signs
- Green signs with white legend give destinations, route numbers, distances, and exit information on freeways and expressways. They are informational, not regulatory.
- Blue service signs
- Blue signs with white symbols identify motorist services such as fuel, food, lodging, and hospitals. They are informational and do not guarantee hours.
- Brown guide signs
- Brown signs with white legend identify recreation, cultural, and scenic areas. They guide drivers to attractions but impose no traffic rule.
- Interstate route marker
- A red-and-blue shield bearing the route number and a direction word. It identifies an Interstate route; mile markers and exit numbers generally follow mileposts.
- Yellow center lines
- Yellow lines separate traffic moving in opposite directions. A solid yellow line prohibits crossing; a broken yellow line permits passing when safe.
- Double solid yellow line
- Two solid yellow lines prohibit passing or crossing in either direction. A solid plus broken yellow permits passing only on the broken-line side.
- White edge line
- A solid white line marking the right edge of the roadway or a lane where crossing is discouraged or prohibited. Dashed white lines separate same-direction lanes.
- Painted curb colors
- Red means no stopping or parking; yellow means stopping for loading only; white means passenger pickup or drop-off; blue marks disabled parking spaces.
- Steady red signal
- Stop before the limit line or crosswalk. Right turn on red is allowed after a full stop unless a sign prohibits it; left on red only where permitted.
- Steady yellow signal
- The signal is about to turn red. Stop if it can be done safely; otherwise proceed with caution. It never means accelerate to beat the light.
- Flashing red signal
- Treat a flashing red signal as a stop sign: come to a full stop, yield as required, and proceed when safe. Flashing yellow means proceed with caution.
- Flashing yellow arrow
- A flashing yellow left-turn arrow means a permissive turn: yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians before turning. A green arrow is protected.
- Orange work zone signs
- Orange diamonds with black legend warn of construction, maintenance, or workers ahead. They are temporary and may override permanent signs and markings.
- Flagger authority
- A flagger using a STOP/SLOW paddle has the same authority as a signal or sign. Drivers must obey the paddle and the pilot car in work zones.
- Work zone speed limits
- Posted temporary limits in work zones are enforceable. Fines are commonly doubled when workers are present, as stated on posted warning signs.
- Detour sign
- Signs, often orange or black-on-white with arrows, directing traffic around a closed route. Follow the detour markers rather than entering the closure.
- School zone pentagon sign
- A fluorescent yellow-green pentagon showing children marks a school zone or school crossing. The pentagon shape is reserved for school-related warnings.
- School zone speed limit
- The reduced limit applies only during posted hours or when beacons flash. Outside those conditions the normal speed limit governs the roadway.
- School bus red lights
- Flashing red lights and an extended stop arm mean stop on an undivided road. On a divided highway, opposing traffic generally need not stop.
- Pedestrian countdown signal
- A countdown shows remaining seconds to cross. A flashing hand means do not start crossing; finish if already in the crosswalk.
- Round railroad advance sign
- A round yellow sign with a black X and RR warns of a railroad crossing ahead. A plaque below may show track count or EXEMPT status.
- Crossbuck sign
- A white X-shaped sign with black RAILROAD CROSSING letters marking the crossing itself. It has the same meaning as a yield sign.
- Flashing red crossing lights
- Flashing red lights at a railroad crossing mean stop and remain stopped until the lights stop and the way is clear, even if no train is visible.
- Lowered railroad gate
- A lowered gate means stop and stay stopped. Never drive around or under a lowered gate, even if a train appears distant or slow.