Warning signs alert you to an unexpected condition ahead, so you may need to slow down or take other action. Recognize them by shape and color first, then by the symbol.
Know the rule
Most warning signs are black on yellow and diamond-shaped. School warning signs may be fluorescent yellow/green.
Handbook p. 49 ↗Intersection warnings
| Sign | What to do |
|---|---|
| Open Range | Livestock roam unfenced and have the right-of-way |
| 3-Way 'T' Intersection | Turn right or left; stop and yield both ways |
| Intersection/Crossroad | A road crosses ahead; watch for cross-traffic |
| Traffic Signal Ahead | Be ready for an intersection and a stop light |
Lane and roadway changes
| Sign | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Added Lane | Highways converge; watch left-lane traffic moving right |
| Two-Way Traffic | Divided multi-lane road becomes two-lane, two-way |
| Merging Traffic | Be ready for vehicles entering your lane |
| Lane Ends / Merge Left | Two lanes become one; merging traffic yields |
| Divided Highway Begins | Two-way traffic will be split by a center strip |
| Divided Highway Ends | Center strip ends; watch for oncoming cars |
Schools and pedestrians
| Sign | Meaning |
|---|---|
| School Zone | School area with crossing; increased speed penalties |
| School Crossing | Watch for children, slow, obey crossing guards |
| Pedestrian Crossing | Pedestrians have right-of-way; may flash when in use |
Hazards ahead
| Sign | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Low Clearance | Very low overhead clearance above the highway |
| Share the Road (under bike sign) | No bike lanes; drivers and cyclists share |
| No Passing Zone (pennant, left side) | No passing zone for your lane |
| Hill | Steep downgrade; check your brakes first |
| Slippery When Wet | Slow down in wet weather |
| Railroad Crossing | Crossing ahead; be ready to stop for a train |
| Animal Crossing | Watch for animals crossing the highway |
Know the rule
The Emergency Notification System sign, at or near a railroad crossing, lists the railroad's phone number and the crossing number so you can report an emergency or a broken warning device.
Handbook p. 53 ↗
Put it into practice
You see a yellow pennant-shaped sign on the left side of a two-lane highway. It marks the start of a no passing zone for your lane. Finish any pass before you reach it, and don't start one after it.