Warning signs alert you to hazards ahead — curves, intersections, merges and slow vehicles. React early: slow down and be ready to stop or yield.
Know the rule
Most warning signs are yellow. Pedestrian or bicycle crossing signs and school zone signs may be yellow or fluorescent yellow-green.
Handbook p. 62 ↗Know the rule
School Zone signs are pentagon-shaped, yellow or fluorescent yellow-green, and mean a school or approved school crosswalk is ahead: watch for children and be prepared to stop.
Handbook p. 63 ↗
Know the rule
At School Crossing and Pedestrian Crossing signs, slow down, be ready to stop and yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk. The version with an arrow below marks the crossing itself.
Handbook p. 63 ↗Know the rule
The pennant-shaped No Passing Zone sign stands on the left side of a two-way highway and marks where the no-passing zone begins.
Handbook p. 63 ↗Slow-moving vehicle emblem
Must be shown on vehicles going 30 mph or less on public roads, such as farm implements or animal-drawn vehicles. Adjust speed or prepare to change lanes.
Handbook p. 64 ↗
Know the rule
For animal-drawn vehicles, reduce speed and pass slowly. They must show a light visible within 500 feet from sunset to sunrise and in poor visibility or bad weather.
Handbook p. 64 ↗Intersection and curve signs
| Sign | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Crossroad | Intersection ahead — prepare to yield |
| Side Road | Traffic enters from your right |
| T-Intersection | Road ends — turn right or left, yield to cross traffic |
| Y-Intersection | Road splits — expect crossing traffic, pick a side |
| Curve | Road curves as shown; slow to any posted speed |
More road-ahead signs
| Sign | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Roundabout | Slow to the advisory speed, be ready to stop |
| Winding Road | Road winds back and forth — slow down |
| Two-way Traffic Ahead | Leaving a one-way road — stay right |
| Divided Highway Begins | Road divides — stay right |
| Divided Highway Ends | Center island ends; two-way traffic undivided |
| Traffic Signal Ahead | Traffic light at the next intersection |
| Road Turns Ahead (chevron) | Sharp change of direction — slow down |
Road-condition signs
| Sign | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Crossing signs | Watch for animals, people or vehicles crossing |
| Slippery Road | Slick when wet; often near bridges, overpasses |
| Steep Hill | Steep decline — make sure brakes work |
| Lane Ends | Two lanes become one; the ending lane yields |
| Merging Traffic | Vehicles enter your road — let them in |
| Added Lane | A lane is added; no merging needed |
| Low Clearance | Don't go on if taller than the height shown |
| Narrow Bridge | Bridge narrower than the road |
Put it into practice
A yellow diamond shows a curving arrow with a 35 M.P.H. plate beneath. Slow to 35 before you enter the curve.