Traffic signs tell you the rules, warn of hazards, show where you are and where services are. Their shape and color tell you what kind of message is coming before you can read the words. The written test asks about signs, and you must get at least 2 of the 4 sign questions right.
What a sign's color tells you
| Sign type | Normal look | Tells you |
|---|---|---|
| Regulation | White rectangle, black letters (some differ) | Rules you must obey |
| Warning | Yellow diamond, black letters or symbols | A hazard or special rule ahead |
| Work area | Orange, black letters or symbols | People working on or near the road |
| Destination | Green, white letters and symbols | Direction and distance to places |
| Service | Blue, white letters and symbols | Rest areas, gas, camping, medical |
| Route | Varied; the shape shows the route type | Interstate, U.S., state or county route |
Know the rule
STOP sign (red with white letters): come to a full stop, yield the right-of-way to vehicles and pedestrians in or heading toward the intersection, and go when it is safe.
Handbook p. 29 ↗Where to stop at a STOP sign:
- Before the stop line, if there is one
- If there's no stop line, before you enter the crosswalk
- If there's neither, before the intersection, at the point nearest it with a view of cross traffic
Know the rule
YIELD sign (red and white, red letters): slow down as you reach the intersection, be prepared to stop, and yield to vehicles and pedestrians in or heading toward it. You must come to a full stop if traffic requires it.
Handbook p. 29 ↗
Know the rule
A red circle with a slash over a symbol means the action (for example, a right turn) is not allowed, or certain vehicles are banned from the road.
Handbook p. 29 ↗Know the rule
Other regulation signs are white with black and/or red letters or symbols. They give rules for traffic direction, lane use, turns, speed, parking and other special requirements; rectangular white signs mean be alert for special rules.
Handbook p. 29 ↗
Put it into practice
You reach a STOP sign with no stop line, but there's a crosswalk. Stop before you enter the crosswalk, yield to anyone in or approaching the intersection, then go when it's safe. With no line or crosswalk, stop where you can see cross traffic, before entering the intersection.