4. Signals, Signs, and Pavement Markings

Traffic signs - Standard Shapes and Colors

There are eight shapes and eight colors of traffic signs. Each shape and each color has an exact meaning, so you must acquaint yourself with all of them.

GREEN:: Guide, directional information.
RED:: Stop, do not enter or wrong way.
BLUE:: Motorist services guidance. Also used to identify parking spaces for disabled drivers.
ORANGE:: Construction and maintenance warning.
BROWN:: Public recreation areas and scenic guidance.
YELLOW:: General warning.
WHITE:: Regulatory.
BLACK:: Regulatory.

The shape of a road sign can tell you as much about the sign's message as its color.

Octagon: Exclusively for stop signs.

Horizontal Rectangle: Generally for guide signs.

Triangle: Exclusively for yield signs.

Pennant: Advance warning of no passing zones.

Diamond: Exclusively to warn of existing or possible hazards on roadways or adjacent areas.

Vertical Rectangle: Generally for regulatory signs.

Pentagon: School advance and school crossing signs.

Round: Railroad advance warning signs.

Crossbuck: Railroad crossing.

Octagon: Stop

Stop Signs are always octagonal (8 sided). A stop sign means that you must bring your vehicle to a complete halt at the marked stop line. If there is no marked stop line, stop before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection. If there is no crosswalk, stop at a point nearest the intersecting roadway where you have a clear view of approaching traffic on the intersecting roadway before entering the intersection.

A 4-Way Stop sign means that there are four stop signs at this intersection. Traffic from all four directions must stop. The first vehicle to reach the intersection should move forward first. If two vehicles reach the intersection at the same time, the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right.

Triangle: Yield Slow down and give vehicles crossing your path the right-of-way. If the way is clear, you may move forward slowly without stopping. Yield signs are usually placed where auxiliary roads lead into major roads.

Pennant: No Passing You are entering a no passing zone. This sign is placed on the left side of the road, facing the driver.

Diamond: Warning Narrow bridge. These signs warn you of special conditions or dangers ahead. Words or symbols on the sign will show why you need to use caution. See pages 58-60 for typical warning signs.

Pentagon: School Sign This five-sided sign means you are near a school. Watch for children.

School Crossing As you approach this sign, slow down, watch for children crossing the road. Stop if necessary. Obey signals from any crossing guards.

Children Crossing Slow to posted speed. Watch for children!

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