Many regulatory signs forbid a single action or assign lanes to certain moves. Lane-use signs hang over or beside lanes near intersections; once you're in a turn-only lane, you must turn. Turn-signal plates tell you when a left turn is not protected.
Know the rule
DIVIDED HIGHWAY: your road crosses two one-way roadways separated by a median or guide rail. At the first roadway you can only turn right; at the second you can only turn left.
Handbook p. 15 ↗Know the rule
DO NOT PASS signs mark areas where you may not pass any vehicle going your direction. They are often paired with the yellow pennant NO PASSING ZONE sign.
Handbook p. 15 ↗Prohibition signs (red circle and slash)
- NO U-TURN: do not make a complete turn to go the opposite way
- NO RIGHT TURN / NO LEFT TURN: do not make that turn at this intersection
- NO PARKING: you may not park where this sign is posted
- No trucks, no bicycles, no pedestrians: those users may not use the roadway
Know the rule
Lane-use signs above a lane show what moves are allowed from it. If your lane's sign shows a turn arrow and the word ONLY, you must make that turn, even if you're in the lane by mistake. Two arrows mean either move is allowed.
Handbook p. 16 ↗
Know the rule
CENTER LANE LEFT TURN ONLY: the lane is reserved for left turns in either direction and may not be used for through travel or passing.
Handbook p. 15 ↗
Know the rule
KEEP RIGHT signs direct you to keep to the right of a traffic island or divider.
Handbook p. 16 ↗Know the rule
A SPEED LIMIT sign shows the maximum legal speed under ideal conditions for that stretch. Your safety may require driving slower in poor conditions.
Handbook p. 16 ↗Know the rule
NO TURN ON RED (or a turn arrow with ON RED): you may not turn during the red cycle; wait for green.
Handbook p. 16 ↗Turn-signal plates
| Sign | Meaning |
|---|---|
| LEFT TURN YIELD ON GREEN | Left turn allowed on circular green; yield to oncoming |
| LEFT TURN YIELD ON FLASHING YELLOW ARROW | Left allowed on flashing yellow arrow; not protected |
| OPPOSING TRAFFIC HAS EXTENDED GREEN | Oncoming may keep moving after your light is red |
| RIGHT TURN SIGNAL | This signal controls right-turn movements |
Know the rule
RESERVED PARKING (not black and white, but regulatory) marks spaces for disabled persons or severely disabled veterans. Vehicles need authorized plates or placards; others face a fine and towing costs.
Handbook p. 16 ↗Put it into practice
You're in the left lane under a sign showing a left arrow and ONLY, but you meant to go straight. You must turn left anyway, then find a safe way back to your route.