Minnesota signs follow national standards. Their colors and shapes are coded so you know the general meaning before you can read the words. Regulatory signs state the law — disobeying one can bring a citation and fine.
Sign colors
| Color | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Red | Prohibits and commands |
| White | Regulates |
| Yellow | Warns |
| Yellow-green | Pedestrian/bicycle crossings and school areas |
| Orange | Warns and controls in construction zones |
| Green | Guides and informs |
| Blue | Services for motorists |
| Brown | Historic, cultural or recreational sites |
Common shapes
| Shape | Example |
|---|---|
| Octagon | Stop |
| Triangle (point down) | Yield |
| Pentagon | School zone / school crossing |
| Crossbuck (X) | Railroad crossing |
| Circle | Railroad crossing ahead |
| Diamond | Warning (e.g., curve ahead) |
| Rectangle | Regulatory (e.g., speed limit) |
Know the rule
Stop: come to a complete stop and stay stopped until pedestrians and vehicles with the right-of-way have cleared the intersection, then go with caution.
Handbook p. 60 ↗
Know the rule
Yield: slow down or stop if necessary, give the right-of-way to all other vehicles and pedestrians, and wait until it's safe.
Handbook p. 60 ↗Know the rule
Do Not Enter: don't enter the lane or road the sign faces. Wrong Way: you've entered a lane of oncoming traffic and are going the wrong direction.
Handbook p. 60 ↗Know the rule
A red circle with a red slash across a symbol (No Left Turn, No Right Turn, No U-Turn, No Parking) means don't do that action.
Handbook p. 60 ↗Know the rule
Speed limit signs show the maximum speed. Controlled-access interstates may also post a minimum — don't go slower unless bad weather or road conditions require it. A Do Not Pass sign marks the start of a no-passing zone.
Handbook p. 60 ↗More regulatory signs
- One Way: traffic in the lane flows only in the arrow's direction
- Keep Right: stay to the right of an island, median or obstruction
- Lane-use control: you must turn if you're in the specified lane
- Lane-use control: a lane with straight and turn arrows may go either way
- No Turn on Red: wait for the green light to turn
- Center Lane Left-turn Only: shared by both directions, for left turns only
Other regulatory signs
- Reduced Speed Ahead: a lower limit is posted ahead — begin slowing
- Diamond symbol: lane reserved for certain uses — 2+ passengers, buses, commercial vehicles or bikes
- Blue handicapped parking: only for vehicles with disability plates or a parking permit
Know the rule
If designated disability spaces are full or unavailable, a vehicle with a valid disability permit or plates may park at an angle across two standard spaces.
Handbook p. 62 ↗
Put it into practice
You see a white square sign with a red circle and slash over a U-turn arrow. It's regulatory: U-turns are prohibited here, and making one can bring a citation.