North Carolina driving lesson · Signals, Signs & Pavement Markings
Warning signs
A 3-minute lesson from the North Carolina course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Warning signs alert you to unusual features or conditions ahead: curves, crossings, schools, lane changes. Most are yellow diamonds; when they're orange, you're entering a work zone.
Know the rule
Diamond-shaped signs are caution or warning signs, normally black on yellow. Black on orange warns of construction or maintenance areas. Drive with extra care.
The yellow pennant sign is on the left side of the road and points to the start of the no-passing zone (solid yellow line in your lane). It emphasizes, not replaces, the DO NOT PASS sign.
The round yellow sign with a black cross and "RR" warns of a railroad crossing ahead. Slow down and stop if needed to be sure you can safely clear the crossing.
At the crossing itself is the crossbuck, with RAILROAD CROSSING in black on white; a sign below shows multiple tracks. Stop when a flagger, signal or gate indicates a train, and stay stopped until it's safe.
The five-sided (pentagon) sign warns of a school zone or crossing. Watch for children; many school zones reduce the speed limit during certain school hours.
You see a yellow diamond with a truck on a slope. That's the Hill warning sign: slow down and drive with extra care. If the same diamond were orange, it would warn of a construction or maintenance area.
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 do diamond-shaped signs typically indicate?
A stop is required ahead
A regulatory speed limit
A guide to a nearby town
Warning or caution conditions
Answer: Warning or caution conditions
Diamond-shaped signs are caution or warning signs, normally black on yellow.
