You can often understand a sign before you can read it. Each shape and color has a meaning: an octagon always means stop, a pentagon means school, a round sign means railroad ahead, orange means work zone.
Sign shapes
| Shape | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Octagon (8 sides) | Stop — always |
| Triangle (point down) | Yield |
| Diamond | Warning of special conditions or hazards |
| Rectangle / square | Regulatory, warning or guide |
| Pentagon (5 sides) | School zone and school crossing |
| Circle | Railroad crossing ahead |
| Pennant (3 sides) | No passing zone |
Know the rule
At an octagon (stop) sign, come to a complete stop at the sign, stop line, crosswalk or curb, then yield to any vehicle or pedestrian approaching from either direction.
Handbook p. 48 ↗Know the rule
At a triangle (yield) sign, slow to a speed reasonable for conditions and yield the right-of-way; stop if necessary.
Handbook p. 48 ↗Know the rule
Vertical rectangular signs generally give instructions or tell you the law; horizontal signs may give directions or information.
Handbook p. 48 ↗Know the rule
A school sign may have a separate downward-pointing arrow plaque showing the actual location of the crosswalk. At a circular railroad sign, slow down, look and listen for trains.
Handbook p. 48 ↗
Know the rule
The pennant sign is on the left side of a two-lane, two-way road, posted at the beginning of a no-passing zone where no-passing pavement markings are also used.
Handbook p. 48 ↗Sign colors
| Color | Used for |
|---|---|
| Red | Regulatory — STOP, YIELD, DO NOT ENTER, WRONG WAY |
| Black and white | Some regulatory signs; also route markers |
| Yellow | Warning of road conditions and dangers |
| Orange | Warning for construction and maintenance |
| Green | Guide — where you are, which way, distance |
| Fluorescent yellow-green | Pedestrian, bicycle and school warnings |
| Blue | Guide to services along the road |
| Brown | Parks and recreation |
Put it into practice
Far ahead you see a five-sided sign. Even before you can read it, you know it marks a school zone or school crossing — slow down and watch for children.