A 3-minute lesson from the New York course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Beyond the rules, signs warn you of hazards, protect road workers, and guide you to your destination and to services. Learn each family by its color so you know what to expect before you're close enough to read it.
Warning signs: narrow bridge, divided highway, winding road, school crossing
Know the rule
Warning signs are yellow with black letters or symbols. They mean you're approaching a hazardous location or a place with a special rule.
Route signs: U.S. route, interstate and New York State route
Know the rule
Route signs vary in color and mark interstate, U.S., state or county routes; the shape tells you the type of route. Plan trips with a highway map and watch destination signs so you don't get lost or turn or stop suddenly.
Service signs are blue with white letters or symbols. They show the location of services such as rest areas, gas stations, camping or medical facilities.
You pass an orange ROAD WORK sign, but no speed limit is posted. You still must slow down through the work zone. When a flagger holds up a STOP paddle, you stop, even if the road ahead looks 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.
What color and shape are warning signs normally?
White rectangles with black letters
Orange diamonds with black letters
Yellow diamonds, black markings
Blue rectangles with white letters
Answer: Yellow diamonds, black markings
Warning signs are normally yellow and diamond-shaped, with black letters or symbols.
