Illinois uses three kinds of signs: regulatory, warning and guide. You can identify each one by its shape and color, often before you can read the words. The written exam asks you to identify signs this way.
Sign shapes
| Shape | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Octagon (8 sides), red | STOP |
| Triangle (3 sides, point down), red and white | YIELD |
| Round, yellow | Railroad crossing ahead |
| Diamond | Warning of hazards on or near the road |
| Pentagon (5 sides) | School zone or school crossing |
| Pennant (3 sides, sideways), yellow | No passing zone |
| Square or rectangle | Regulatory or guide sign |
Know the rule
The round RAILROAD CROSSING sign is yellow with a black crossbuck "X" and the letters "RR." It's an advance warning: slow down, look, and stop if necessary. Roll down your windows and listen for a train. Never race the train.
Handbook p. 66 ↗In rural areas, the round railroad advance warning sign may be up to this far before the crossing
Handbook p. 66 ↗Know the rule
The diamond WARNING sign may be yellow, yellow-green or orange with black wording or symbols. Slow down and use caution.
Handbook p. 66 ↗
Know the rule
A pentagon school sign is yellow or yellow-green. Two children walking means a school is nearby. Two children walking with a downward-pointing arrow means you are at the school crossing.
Handbook p. 67 ↗
Know the rule
The yellow pennant NO PASSING ZONE sign is posted on the left side of a two-lane, two-way road where the no-passing zone and its pavement markings begin.
Handbook p. 67 ↗Sign colors
| Color | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Red | Regulatory, must obey (STOP, YIELD, DO NOT ENTER, WRONG WAY) |
| Black and white | Some are regulatory; others are route markers |
| Yellow | Warning: road conditions and dangers ahead |
| Yellow-green | Warning: pedestrian, bike, playground, bus stop, school |
| Orange | Warning: construction or maintenance zones |
| Green | Guide: where you are, direction, distance |
| Blue | Guide: services along the roadway |
| Brown | Parks and recreation |
Know the rule
PINK may be used for traffic incident signs, warning of unplanned incidents ahead such as traffic crashes and natural disasters.
Handbook p. 68 ↗Put it into practice
Far ahead you see a round yellow sign, too far away to read. From the shape alone you know a railroad crossing is coming. Slow down, look, listen, and be ready to stop.