Road Signs key terms

An eight-sided red sign with white lettering that requires every vehicle to come to a complete halt at the stop line, crosswalk, or edge of the intersecting roadway before proceeding when safe.

An inverted red-and-white triangle that requires drivers to slow down and give the right-of-way to traffic on the intersecting road, stopping only if a safe gap is not available.

A white rectangular sign with black numerals showing the maximum lawful speed in miles or kilometers per hour under normal conditions; it does not authorize driving faster than conditions allow.

A red-and-white square sign placed at the exit of one-way roads or ramps to warn drivers that entry is prohibited because traffic approaches from the opposite direction.

A red rectangular sign bearing the words WRONG WAY, mounted facing traffic that has entered a one-way roadway against the legal direction of travel.

A horizontal rectangular sign with a black arrow on white indicating that all traffic on that roadway moves only in the direction shown by the arrow.

A yellow pennant-shaped sign on the left side of the road marking the start of a segment where passing another vehicle in your direction is prohibited.

A yellow warning sign showing two opposing arrows, used where a divided highway ends or where drivers who have been on a one-way road will meet oncoming traffic.

An intersection where every approach is controlled by a stop sign, so vehicles proceed in the order they arrived, with simultaneous arrivals yielding to the vehicle on the right.

The legal priority to proceed through a conflict point such as an intersection or crosswalk; it is yielded, never taken, and does not excuse a driver from avoiding a collision.

Most warning signs are yellow diamonds with black symbols and are placed in advance of a hazard so drivers have time to slow or adjust before reaching it.

A yellow rectangular plaque mounted below a warning sign that shows the recommended maximum speed for safely negotiating the specific hazard, such as a sharp curve or ramp.

A large yellow rectangular sign bearing a black chevron arrow, placed on the outside of a sharp curve to guide drivers through the turn and indicate its direction.

A yellow warning sign showing two arrows splitting apart, alerting drivers that opposing traffic will soon be separated by a median or barrier.

A yellow warning sign showing two arrows merging together, telling drivers that the median is ending and oncoming traffic will again share the roadway.

Green background signs with white lettering give destination, distance, exit, and route information on freeways and major highways, helping drivers navigate without stopping.

The red, white, and blue shield emblem that identifies numbered Interstate highways; even numbers generally run east-west and odd numbers generally run north-south.

A small green sign with white numerals showing the distance in miles from a state line or other reference point, used for navigation and for reporting locations in emergencies.

A green guide sign placed in advance of an interchange exit, showing the exit number, destination, and often a directional arrow or lane assignment.

The triangular paved or unpaved area between a through lane and an exit ramp, marked with chevron striping, where drivers should not travel or stop.

A pattern of diagonal white stripes painted in a gore or other prohibited area to visually separate diverging traffic streams and discourage drivers from crossing it.

A solid line marking the right or left edge of the travel lane; a solid white line marks the right edge and a solid yellow line marks the left edge on divided highways.

Lines separating traffic moving in opposite directions: a solid yellow line prohibits passing, a broken yellow line permits it when safe, and double yellow lines prohibit crossing entirely.

A solid yellow line on your side of the center line indicating that passing is prohibited because sight distance or roadway geometry makes the maneuver unsafe.

A solid white transverse line painted across the approach lane at a signal or stop sign, marking the point where vehicles must halt and stay behind while waiting.

White pavement markings, either parallel lines or a ladder pattern, that define the pedestrian walking path and indicate where drivers must yield to people on foot.

A red traffic light requiring vehicles to stop completely behind the stop line or crosswalk and remain stopped until the signal changes, except where a permitted turn is allowed.

A flashing red light that functions like a stop sign: drivers must come to a full stop, yield to cross traffic and pedestrians, then proceed when it is safe.

A flashing yellow light warning drivers to slow down and proceed with caution because of a hazard such as an intersection, pedestrian crossing, or unusual condition ahead.

The rule allowing a driver to turn right after stopping at a steady red signal, unless a sign prohibits it, provided the driver yields to pedestrians and cross traffic first.

A green arrow giving a protected movement in the direction shown, meaning conflicting traffic is stopped and the turn may be made without yielding to oncoming vehicles.

A left turn made on a green arrow while oncoming traffic faces a red light, so the turning driver has an exclusive right-of-way and needs only to watch for pedestrians.

A diamond-shaped orange sign with black symbols or words that warns drivers of construction, maintenance, or utility activity and the changed conditions that come with it.

An area where construction or maintenance alters normal traffic flow, typically marked by advance warning signs, channelizing devices, and reduced speed limits through the work area.

A trained worker who uses a stop/slow paddle or flag to control traffic through a work zone, often creating alternating one-lane passage; drivers must obey their signals.

A cone, drum, tubular marker, or barricade used to guide traffic around or away from a work area and to separate traffic from workers and equipment.

A fluorescent yellow-green pentagon-shaped sign showing two walking figures, warning drivers that they are approaching a school area where children may be present.

A sign posting a reduced speed limit that applies during specified hours or when children are present, typically accompanied by a flashing beacon in the school zone.

An adult authorized to stop traffic and escort children across the street near a school; drivers must stop when the guard displays a stop paddle or raises a hand.

A yellow diamond warning sign with a walking-person symbol, placed ahead of a marked or unmarked crossing to alert drivers that pedestrians may be in the roadway.

A white X-shaped sign with black lettering reading RAILROAD CROSSING, marking the location where a road crosses railroad tracks; drivers must yield to trains.

A yellow circular sign showing a black X and two R letters, placed in advance of a crossing to warn drivers to slow down, look, and listen for trains.

A signal at a crossing that activates when a train approaches, using flashing red lights, bells, and sometimes gates to stop road traffic until the train has cleared.

The principle that a driver must never travel faster than is safe for current conditions, regardless of the posted limit, which applies only under ideal weather and traffic.