Bike lane
This lane is reserved for bicycles.
What to do: Do not drive or park in the bike lane.
Shape: rectangle vertical · Color: black
Handbook p. 21 ↗Maryland road signs
Maryland road signs and meanings.
Explore 93 signs and driving illustrations from this course’s handbook edition. Each entry pairs the image with its meaning and a practical action. Use your browser’s Find command to look up a name or a word from a meaning.
Look, recognize, act
Notice the shape and color before reading a sign’s words or symbol. Then connect its meaning with what you should do: stop, yield, adjust your speed, choose a lane, or prepare for a hazard. Signals, markings, and diagrams are included where the handbook uses them to explain a driving rule.
Use the source page link for the surrounding rule. Some illustrations show a complete road situation rather than a standalone roadside sign.
Your handbook sign library
93 entries. Sign images and page references belong to the handbook edition used for the Maryland course.
Center lane left turn only (two-way left turn)
The center lane is only for left turns from either direction.
What to do: Use the center lane only to prepare for or complete a left turn.
Shape: rectangle vertical · Color: white
Handbook p. 21 ↗
Do not enter
Entry is prohibited on this roadway.
What to do: Do not drive past this sign in this direction.
Shape: circle · Color: red
Handbook p. 21 ↗
Do not pass
You may not pass other vehicles here.
What to do: Remain in your lane and wait for a passing zone.
Shape: rectangle vertical · Color: white
Handbook p. 21 ↗
Headlights on when using wipers
State law requires headlights on when wipers are in use.
What to do: Turn on your headlights whenever you use your windshield wipers.
Shape: square · Color: white
Handbook p. 27 ↗
HOV lane
This lane is restricted to vehicles with 2 or more occupants during posted times.
What to do: Do not use this lane alone during restricted hours unless exempt.
Shape: diamond · Color: white
Handbook p. 23 ↗
Keep right
Keep right of the island, median or obstruction ahead.
What to do: Stay to the right of the marked obstruction as you pass it.
Shape: rectangle vertical · Color: white
Handbook p. 21 ↗
Lane-use control sign (left, straight, right only)
Shows which turns each lane must make ahead.
What to do: Get into the lane matching the turn or direction you want.
Shape: rectangle horizontal · Color: white
Handbook p. 23 ↗
Left turn only
Only a left turn is allowed from this lane.
What to do: Turn left only; do not go straight or turn right from this lane.
Shape: square · Color: white
Handbook p. 21 ↗
Left turn yield on green
You may turn left on a green light only after yielding to oncoming traffic.
What to do: Yield to oncoming traffic before turning left on green.
Shape: square · Color: white
Handbook p. 21 ↗
Move vehicles after fender bender
Instructs drivers to move vehicles out of travel lanes after a minor crash.
What to do: If a crash is minor, move your vehicle to the shoulder or a safe area.
Shape: rectangle horizontal · Color: yellow
Handbook p. 43 ↗
No bicycles
Bicycles are not allowed on this roadway.
What to do: Do not ride a bicycle here; use an alternate route.
Shape: square · Color: white
Handbook p. 21 ↗
No parking
Parking is not allowed here.
What to do: Do not park in this area.
Shape: square · Color: white
Handbook p. 16 ↗
No passing zone
Passing other vehicles is not allowed in this zone.
What to do: Stay behind slower traffic; do not pass until the zone ends.
Shape: pennant · Color: yellow
Handbook p. 22 ↗
No right turn
Right turns are not allowed here.
What to do: Do not turn right; continue straight or choose another lane.
Shape: square · Color: white
Handbook p. 21 ↗
No turn on red
Turning on a red light is not allowed here.
What to do: Wait for a green light before turning; do not turn on red.
Shape: square · Color: white
Handbook p. 21 ↗
No turns
Turning in any direction is not allowed here.
What to do: Continue straight; do not turn left or right at this intersection.
Shape: rectangle vertical · Color: white
Handbook p. 21 ↗
No U-turn
U-turns are not allowed here.
What to do: Do not turn around; continue straight or use another route.
Shape: square · Color: white
Handbook p. 21 ↗
One way
Traffic travels in one direction only, as shown by the arrow.
What to do: Enter and travel only in the direction of the arrow.
Shape: rectangle vertical · Color: white
Handbook p. 21 ↗
Reserved parking (accessible)
Parking here is reserved for people with disabilities.
What to do: Do not park here without a valid accessible parking permit.
Shape: rectangle vertical · Color: white
Handbook p. 21 ↗
Right or straight lane
Traffic in this lane may go straight or turn right.
What to do: Use this lane if you plan to go straight or turn right.
Shape: square · Color: white
Handbook p. 23 ↗
Right turn only
Only a right turn is allowed from this lane.
What to do: Turn right only; do not go straight or turn left from this lane.
Shape: square · Color: white
Handbook p. 23 ↗
Speed limit
Shows the maximum legal speed under good conditions.
What to do: Do not drive faster than the posted speed limit.
Shape: rectangle vertical · Color: white
Handbook p. 21 ↗
Stop
Come to a complete stop.
What to do: Stop fully at the line, crosswalk or intersection edge; go only when safe.
Shape: octagon · Color: red
Handbook p. 21 ↗
Straight only
Only going straight is allowed from this lane.
What to do: Continue straight; do not turn from this lane.
Shape: square · Color: white
Handbook p. 23 ↗
Wrong way
You are driving the wrong way on a one-way road.
What to do: Stop and safely turn around; do not continue forward.
Shape: rectangle horizontal · Color: red
Handbook p. 21 ↗
Yield
Slow down and let other traffic or pedestrians go first.
What to do: Slow or stop if needed and yield the right-of-way before proceeding.
Shape: triangle · Color: red
Handbook p. 21 ↗
Advisory speed
Suggests a safe speed for the curve or condition ahead.
What to do: Slow to the advisory speed shown before entering the curve or hazard.
Shape: square · Color: yellow
Handbook p. 22 ↗
Crossroad
Warns of a four-way intersection ahead.
What to do: Slow down and watch for cross traffic.
Shape: diamond · Color: yellow
Handbook p. 22 ↗
Curve right
Road curves to the right ahead.
What to do: Slow down and steer smoothly through the right curve.
Shape: diamond · Color: yellow
Handbook p. 22 ↗
Deer crossing
Deer may cross the road in this area.
What to do: Slow down and watch for deer, especially at dawn or dusk.
Shape: diamond · Color: yellow
Handbook p. 22 ↗
Divided highway begins
Road ahead splits into a divided highway with a median.
What to do: Keep right of the median and stay alert for the lane split ahead.
Shape: diamond · Color: yellow
Handbook p. 22 ↗
Divided highway ends
Divided highway ahead merges back into a two-way road.
What to do: Move back toward the right and be ready to meet oncoming traffic.
Shape: diamond · Color: yellow
Handbook p. 22 ↗
Hill
A steep downhill grade is ahead.
What to do: Shift to a lower gear and control speed going downhill.
Shape: diamond · Color: yellow
Handbook p. 22 ↗
Lane ends
Warns that one lane ends and traffic must merge.
What to do: Merge into the continuing lane when safe.
Shape: diamond · Color: yellow
Handbook p. 22 ↗
Merge
A lane from the side joins your road ahead.
What to do: Adjust speed and merge safely; yield to traffic already in your lane.
Shape: diamond · Color: yellow
Handbook p. 22 ↗
Pedestrian and bicycle crossing
Warns of a crossing used by both pedestrians and cyclists.
What to do: Slow down and watch for pedestrians and cyclists crossing.
Shape: diamond · Color: yellow
Handbook p. 22 ↗
Pedestrian crossing
Pedestrians may be crossing the road ahead.
What to do: Slow down and yield to any pedestrians in or near the crosswalk.
Shape: diamond · Color: yellow
Handbook p. 22 ↗
Reverse turn
The road makes a sharp turn one way then the other.
What to do: Slow down and steer carefully through both turns.
Shape: diamond · Color: yellow
Handbook p. 22 ↗
Right lane ends
The right lane ends ahead and traffic must merge left.
What to do: Merge left before the right lane ends, yielding to traffic already in that lane.
Shape: diamond · Color: yellow
Handbook p. 22 ↗
Roundabout ahead
Warns of a roundabout ahead.
What to do: Slow down and yield to traffic already in the roundabout.
Shape: diamond · Color: yellow
Handbook p. 22 ↗
Sharp turn right
A sharp right turn is ahead in the road.
What to do: Slow down significantly before making the sharp right turn.
Shape: diamond · Color: yellow
Handbook p. 22 ↗
Side road right
A side road joins the highway from the right ahead.
What to do: Watch for vehicles entering from the side road on the right.
Shape: diamond · Color: yellow
Handbook p. 22 ↗
Signal ahead
Warns of a traffic signal ahead.
What to do: Slow down and be prepared to stop for the signal.
Shape: diamond · Color: yellow
Handbook p. 22 ↗
Slippery when wet
Road may be slick from rain, ice or oil.
What to do: Slow down, avoid sudden braking or sharp turns, and increase following distance.
Shape: diamond · Color: yellow
Handbook p. 22 ↗
Slow-moving vehicle emblem
Identifies a vehicle that travels 25 mph or slower.
What to do: Slow down and pass with care when you see this emblem.
Shape: triangle · Color: orange
Handbook p. 32 ↗
Stop ahead
Warns a stop sign is ahead.
What to do: Slow down and prepare to stop.
Shape: diamond · Color: yellow
Handbook p. 22 ↗
T intersection
The road ahead ends in a T-shaped intersection.
What to do: Slow down and prepare to turn left or right.
Shape: diamond · Color: yellow
Handbook p. 22 ↗
Trail crossing
Warns of a trail crossing the roadway.
What to do: Slow down and watch for trail users crossing.
Shape: rectangle horizontal · Color: yellow
Handbook p. 22 ↗
Truck crossing
Warns of trucks entering or crossing the road.
What to do: Watch for trucks entering or crossing traffic.
Shape: diamond · Color: yellow
Handbook p. 22 ↗
Winding road
The road has several curves ahead.
What to do: Slow down and drive carefully through the series of curves.
Shape: diamond · Color: yellow
Handbook p. 22 ↗
Yield ahead
Warns a yield sign is ahead.
What to do: Slow down and prepare to yield.
Shape: diamond · Color: yellow
Handbook p. 22 ↗
School bus stop ahead
A school bus stop is ahead on the road.
What to do: Slow down and be ready to stop for a bus loading or unloading children.
Shape: diamond · Color: fluorescent_yellow_green
Handbook p. 22 ↗
Railroad crossing at T intersection
Warns of a railroad crossing combined with a T intersection ahead.
What to do: Slow down and watch for trains and cross traffic.
Shape: diamond · Color: yellow
Handbook p. 22 ↗
Railroad crossing emergency notification sign
Provides a phone number and ID to report railroad crossing problems.
What to do: Call the number shown to report a malfunction or emergency at this crossing.
Shape: rectangle vertical · Color: blue
Handbook p. 30 ↗
Active work zone when flashing (increased penalties)
Warns that increased penalties apply when the work zone beacon is flashing.
What to do: Slow down and obey work zone rules when the beacon is flashing.
Shape: square · Color: orange
Handbook p. 22 ↗
Begin work zone
Marks the start of a work zone.
What to do: Slow down and watch for workers starting here.
Shape: square · Color: orange
Handbook p. 22 ↗
Detour
Marks an alternate route around a closure.
What to do: Follow the detour route as directed.
Shape: rectangle horizontal · Color: orange
Handbook p. 22 ↗
End active work zone
Marks the end of the active work zone.
What to do: Normal speed and driving rules resume after this point.
Shape: square · Color: orange
Handbook p. 22 ↗
Flagger ahead
A worker will direct traffic ahead.
What to do: Slow down and be ready to stop or follow the flagger's directions.
Shape: diamond · Color: orange
Handbook p. 22 ↗
Road work ahead
Warns of road construction ahead.
What to do: Slow down and watch for workers and equipment.
Shape: diamond · Color: orange
Handbook p. 22 ↗
Historic district exit sign
Marks the exit for a historic district or point of interest.
What to do: Use for sightseeing reference; not a regulatory instruction.
Shape: rectangle horizontal · Color: brown
Handbook p. 23 ↗
Interstate route marker
Identifies the interstate highway you are on.
What to do: Use the marker to confirm your route and navigate.
Shape: shield · Color: blue
Handbook p. 23 ↗
Mile marker
Shows your location in miles along the highway.
What to do: No action required; use it to track location or report it in an emergency.
Shape: rectangle vertical · Color: green
Handbook p. 23 ↗
Park and ride
Directs you to a park-and-ride lot.
What to do: Follow signs to reach the park-and-ride facility.
Shape: rectangle horizontal · Color: green
Handbook p. 23 ↗
State route marker
Marks a numbered state highway route.
What to do: Use to confirm you are following the correct numbered route.
Shape: rectangle vertical · Color: white
Handbook p. 23 ↗
US route marker
Identifies the U.S. numbered highway you are on.
What to do: Use the marker to confirm your route and navigate.
Shape: shield · Color: white
Handbook p. 23 ↗
Accessible facility
Marks a facility or space accessible to people with disabilities.
What to do: Use as directed; reserve marked accessible spaces for permit holders.
Shape: square · Color: blue
Handbook p. 50 ↗
Airport
Indicates the direction or location of a nearby airport.
What to do: Follow the sign's arrow if you want to reach the airport.
Shape: square · Color: green
Handbook p. 23 ↗
Food
Food services are available ahead or at this exit.
What to do: Continue driving, or take the exit if you want food services.
Shape: square · Color: blue
Handbook p. 23 ↗
Gas
Indicates fuel services are available.
What to do: Follow the sign if you need to refuel.
Shape: square · Color: blue
Handbook p. 23 ↗
Hospital
A hospital is located nearby.
What to do: Follow the sign if you need emergency medical care.
Shape: square · Color: blue
Handbook p. 23 ↗
Lodging
Indicates lodging is available nearby.
What to do: Use to find a hotel or motel.
Shape: rectangle vertical · Color: blue
Handbook p. 23 ↗
Train station
Indicates the direction or location of a nearby train station.
What to do: Follow the sign's arrow if you want to reach the train station.
Shape: square · Color: green
Handbook p. 23 ↗
Flashing red arrow signal
A flashing red arrow means stop, then proceed with the turn when safe.
What to do: Stop completely, then turn when the way is clear, like a stop sign for that movement.
Shape: n/a · Color: n/a
Handbook p. 18 ↗
Flashing red signal
A flashing red light means stop, then proceed when safe, like a stop sign.
What to do: Stop completely, then go when the way is clear.
Shape: n/a · Color: n/a
Handbook p. 18 ↗
Flashing yellow signal
A flashing yellow light is a warning; slow down and proceed with caution.
What to do: Slow down, check for hazards, and proceed carefully through the intersection.
Shape: n/a · Color: n/a
Handbook p. 18 ↗
Lane use signal - flashing yellow X (left turn use)
A flashing yellow X or two-way left-turn arrow means the lane may be used for a left turn.
What to do: You may use this lane briefly to complete a left turn.
Shape: n/a · Color: n/a
Handbook p. 18 ↗
Lane use signal - green arrow (lane open)
A green downward arrow means that lane is open for travel.
What to do: You may drive in a lane marked with a green arrow.
Shape: n/a · Color: n/a
Handbook p. 18 ↗
Lane use signal - red X (lane closed)
A red X over a lane means that lane is closed to travel.
What to do: Do not drive in a lane marked with a red X.
Shape: n/a · Color: n/a
Handbook p. 18 ↗
Lane use signal - steady yellow X (lane closing)
A steady yellow X means the lane is closing; move out of it when safe.
What to do: Move out of a lane marked with a steady yellow X as soon as safely possible.
Shape: n/a · Color: n/a
Handbook p. 18 ↗
Pedestrian countdown signal (hand and number)
Shows a countdown with the raised hand meaning don't start crossing.
What to do: Do not start crossing; if already crossing, finish before time runs out.
Shape: n/a · Color: n/a
Handbook p. 19 ↗
Pedestrian don't walk signal
A steady raised hand tells pedestrians not to start crossing.
What to do: Do not begin crossing; finish crossing if already in the street.
Shape: n/a · Color: n/a
Handbook p. 19 ↗
Pedestrian walk signal
A walking person symbol tells pedestrians it is safe to cross.
What to do: Begin crossing only after checking that traffic has stopped.
Shape: n/a · Color: n/a
Handbook p. 19 ↗
Railroad flashing lights
A railroad crossing gate and lights warn a train may be coming.
What to do: Stop and wait; never drive around a lowered gate or flashing lights.
Shape: n/a · Color: n/a
Handbook p. 30 ↗
Steady green arrow signal
A steady green arrow means you may proceed in the arrow's direction with caution.
What to do: Proceed in the direction the arrow points; watch for pedestrians.
Shape: n/a · Color: n/a
Handbook p. 18 ↗
Steady red arrow signal
A steady red arrow means you may not make the movement shown until it changes.
What to do: Stop and wait; do not turn until the arrow changes to green.
Shape: n/a · Color: n/a
Handbook p. 18 ↗
Steady red signal
A steady red light means stop and wait.
What to do: Stop completely at the line and wait until the light turns green.
Shape: n/a · Color: n/a
Handbook p. 17 ↗
Steady yellow arrow signal
A steady yellow arrow means the protected turn phase is ending.
What to do: Prepare to stop; the protected turn arrow is about to end.
Shape: n/a · Color: n/a
Handbook p. 18 ↗
Lane reduction merge markings
Pavement markings show two lanes merging into one lane.
What to do: Merge smoothly into the open lane before it ends, without cutting off other drivers.
Shape: n/a · Color: n/a
Handbook p. 25 ↗
Lane use arrows
Pavement arrow shows this lane is for turning left.
What to do: Stay in this lane only if you intend to turn left.
Shape: n/a · Color: n/a
Handbook p. 25 ↗
Railroad crossing pavement marking
Pavement marking warns of a railroad crossing ahead.
What to do: Slow down, look both ways, and be ready to stop for a train.
Shape: n/a · Color: n/a
Handbook p. 25 ↗
School pavement marking
Pavement text warns that a school zone is ahead.
What to do: Slow down and watch for children as you approach the school zone.
Shape: n/a · Color: n/a
Handbook p. 25 ↗