A 3-minute lesson from the Iowa course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Regulatory signs tell you what the law requires: which way to go, which lane to use, how fast to drive, and where to stop or yield. A red circle with a red slash over a symbol means you cannot do that thing—for example, no left turn, no right turn, or no U-turn.
Speed limit signs
Show the maximum or minimum speed allowed. Maximum limits are for ideal conditions—slow down when roads are slippery (rain, snow) or it's hard to see ahead (fog).
Mark where you can go and where you can turn, often with arrows. They stand along the road or hang over it; white arrows may also be painted on the road.
Lane control sign: the movement allowed from each lane
Know the rule
No passing signs mark where it is not safe to pass. The no passing zone sign is at the beginning of the zone. Where passing is allowed, pass only if it is safe.
Stop sign: come to a full stop and wait until crossing vehicles and the crosswalk are clear. Stop at the stop line if there is one; if necessary, then pull forward to the sign or edge of the intersection and go when safe.
Wrong Way means you made a wrong turn into oncoming traffic. Get off the traveled part of the road, stop, and turn around as quickly and safely as possible.
You reach a stop sign with a painted stop line set well back, and parked cars block your view. Stop at the line first, then pull forward to the edge of the intersection and go only when crossing traffic and the crosswalk are clear.
Check your understanding
Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.
At a stop sign with a stop line, where must you come to a complete stop?
At the stop sign post
At the stop line
At the edge of the intersection
Just past the crosswalk
Answer: At the stop line
Stop at the stop line if one is present; only after stopping may you pull forward to the sign or the edge of the intersection.
