South Carolina road signs
Explore 62 signs and driving illustrations from this course’s handbook edition. Each entry pairs the image with its meaning and a practical action. Use your browser’s Find command to look up a name or a word from a meaning.
Notice the shape and color before reading a sign’s words or symbol. Then connect its meaning with what you should do: stop, yield, adjust your speed, choose a lane, or prepare for a hazard. Signals, markings, and diagrams are included where the handbook uses them to explain a driving rule.
Use the source page link for the surrounding rule. Some illustrations show a complete road situation rather than a standalone roadside sign.
62 entries. Sign images and page references belong to the handbook edition used for the South Carolina course.
This center lane is only for left turns from both directions.
What to do: Use this lane only to turn left or wait to turn; do not drive straight through it.
Shape: rectangle vertical · Color: white
Handbook p. 69 ↗
Shows which movements are allowed from each lane.
What to do: Get into the lane matching the turn or direction you intend to make.
Shape: square · Color: white
Shows which movements are allowed from each lane.
What to do: Get into the lane matching the turn or direction you intend to make.
Shape: square · Color: white
Shows which turns each lane must make ahead.
What to do: Get into the lane matching the turn or direction you want.
Shape: rectangle horizontal · Color: white
Shows which turns each lane must make ahead.
What to do: Get into the lane matching the turn or direction you want.
Shape: rectangle vertical · Color: white
Bicycles are not allowed on this roadway.
What to do: Do not ride a bicycle here; use an alternate route.
Shape: square · Color: white
Warns against driving after drinking alcohol.
What to do: Never drive after drinking; arrange another way home.
Shape: rectangle vertical · Color: white
Handbook p. 39 ↗
Parking is not allowed here.
What to do: Do not park a vehicle in this area.
Shape: square · Color: white
Handbook p. 86 ↗
Passing other vehicles is not allowed in this zone.
What to do: Stay behind slower traffic; do not pass until the zone ends.
Shape: pennant · Color: yellow
Right turns are not allowed here.
What to do: Do not turn right at this location; continue straight or choose another route.
Shape: square · Color: white
Traffic on this road moves in one direction only.
What to do: Travel only in the direction the arrow points.
Shape: rectangle horizontal · Color: black
Handbook p. 69 ↗
Shows the maximum legal speed under good conditions.
What to do: Do not drive faster than the posted speed limit.
Shape: rectangle vertical · Color: white
Handbook p. 69 ↗
State law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk.
What to do: Stop and let pedestrians in the crosswalk cross before proceeding.
Shape: rectangle vertical · Color: fluorescent_yellow_green
Handbook p. 110 ↗
Come to a complete stop.
What to do: Stop fully at the line, crosswalk or intersection edge; go only when safe.
Shape: octagon · Color: red
Handbook p. 69 ↗
Slow down and let other traffic or pedestrians go first.
What to do: Slow or stop if needed and yield the right-of-way before proceeding.
Shape: triangle · Color: red
Handbook p. 69 ↗
An additional lane begins ahead without merging.
What to do: Continue in your lane; no need to merge for the new lane.
Shape: diamond · Color: yellow
Road curves to the right ahead.
What to do: Slow down and steer smoothly through the right curve.
Shape: diamond · Color: yellow
Deer may cross the road in this area.
What to do: Slow down and watch for deer, especially at dawn or dusk.
Shape: diamond · Color: yellow
Road ahead splits into a divided highway with a median.
What to do: Keep right of the median and stay alert for the lane split ahead.
Shape: diamond · Color: yellow
Handbook p. 141 ↗
Divided highway ahead merges back into a two-way road.
What to do: Move back toward the right and be ready to meet oncoming traffic.
Shape: diamond · Color: yellow
Handbook p. 141 ↗
Horseback riders may cross or use the road ahead.
What to do: Slow down and pass horseback riders carefully and widely.
Shape: diamond · Color: yellow
Handbook p. 125 ↗
Shows the recommended safe speed for the exit ramp.
What to do: Slow to the posted advisory speed before taking the exit.
Shape: rectangle vertical · Color: yellow
Slow-moving farm machinery may be on the road.
What to do: Slow down and pass farm equipment carefully when safe.
Shape: diamond · Color: yellow
Handbook p. 125 ↗
Warns that the road ahead may flood; do not drive into flood water.
What to do: Turn around and take another route if the road is flooded.
Shape: rectangle vertical · Color: orange
Handbook p. 97 ↗
Warns that golf carts may cross or use the roadway ahead.
What to do: Slow down and watch for slow-moving golf carts entering or crossing the road.
Shape: diamond · Color: yellow
Slow, horse-drawn vehicles may be on the road.
What to do: Slow down and pass horse-drawn vehicles carefully and widely.
Shape: diamond · Color: yellow
Handbook p. 125 ↗
Marks a sharp curve or turn to direct traffic through it.
What to do: Follow the direction of the arrow and slow down for the turn.
Shape: diamond · Color: yellow
Handbook p. 141 ↗
The left lane ends ahead and traffic must merge.
What to do: Merge right safely before your lane ends.
Shape: diamond · Color: yellow
Shows the maximum vehicle height that can safely pass under a structure.
What to do: Do not proceed if your vehicle is taller than the height shown.
Shape: diamond · Color: yellow
A lane from the side joins your road ahead.
What to do: Adjust speed and merge safely; yield to traffic already in your lane.
Shape: diamond · Color: yellow
A playground area is near the road ahead.
What to do: Slow down and watch for children playing near the road.
Shape: diamond · Color: yellow
Handbook p. 111 ↗
Road curves right then left ahead.
What to do: Slow down and steer carefully through both curves.
Shape: diamond · Color: yellow
The road makes a sharp turn one way then the other.
What to do: Slow down and steer carefully through both turns.
Shape: diamond · Color: yellow
The road becomes narrower ahead.
What to do: Slow down and stay centered in your lane as the road narrows.
Shape: diamond · Color: yellow
Handbook p. 141 ↗
A roundabout is ahead where traffic circles counterclockwise.
What to do: Slow down and yield to traffic already in the roundabout.
Shape: diamond · Color: yellow
Handbook p. 82 ↗
A traffic signal is ahead at the intersection.
What to do: Slow down and be ready to stop for the signal.
Shape: diamond · Color: yellow
Road may be slick from rain, ice or oil.
What to do: Slow down, avoid sudden braking or sharp turns, and increase following distance.
Shape: diamond · Color: yellow
Marks a vehicle that travels much slower than normal traffic.
What to do: Slow down early and pass only when it is safe to do so.
Shape: triangle · Color: orange
Handbook p. 125 ↗
The road has several curves ahead.
What to do: Slow down and drive carefully through the series of curves.
Shape: diamond · Color: yellow
The road ahead forks into a Y-shaped intersection.
What to do: Slow down and choose the correct branch of the fork.
Shape: diamond · Color: yellow
Shows the reduced school-zone speed limit when the beacon flashes.
What to do: Slow to the posted speed only while the beacon is flashing.
Shape: rectangle vertical · Color: yellow
Handbook p. 111 ↗
You are approaching a school area or crossing.
What to do: Slow down, watch for children, and be ready to stop.
Shape: pentagon · Color: yellow
Marks a railroad crossing; a train may be near.
What to do: Slow down, look both ways, and stop if a train approaches.
Shape: crossbuck · Color: white
Handbook p. 65 ↗
A railroad crossing is ahead on the road.
What to do: Slow down, look and listen for trains, and be ready to stop.
Shape: circle · Color: yellow
Handbook p. 65 ↗
Marks an alternate route around a closed road.
What to do: Follow the detour route indicated by the arrow.
Shape: rectangle horizontal · Color: orange
Handbook p. 67 ↗
A worker will direct traffic ahead.
What to do: Slow down and be ready to stop or follow the flagger's directions.
Shape: diamond · Color: orange
Construction or maintenance work is ahead on the road.
What to do: Slow down and watch for workers, equipment and lane changes.
Shape: diamond · Color: orange
Handbook p. 128 ↗
Road workers are working near or in the roadway.
What to do: Slow down and watch for workers and equipment.
Shape: diamond · Color: orange
Marks a designated evacuation route, often for hurricanes.
What to do: Follow the arrow to leave the area along the marked evacuation route.
Shape: square · Color: blue
Handbook p. 71 ↗
Shows Exit 33B (Route 56 West) leads to Utopia.
What to do: Move toward the exit lane if heading to that destination.
Shape: rectangle vertical · Color: green
Handbook p. 70 ↗
Identifies the road as U.S. Route 40.
What to do: Use this marker to confirm you are on the correct route.
Shape: shield · Color: white
Handbook p. 70 ↗
Marks a facility or space accessible to people with disabilities.
What to do: Use as directed; reserve marked accessible spaces for permit holders.
Shape: square · Color: blue
Indicates a boat launching ramp is available.
What to do: Follow signage if you need to launch a boat; otherwise no action needed.
Shape: square · Color: brown
Marks a gas station near the road or exit.
What to do: Follow the sign if you need to refuel.
Shape: square · Color: blue
Handbook p. 70 ↗
Marks a site of historical interest.
What to do: Follow the sign if you want to visit the historical site; no action required otherwise.
Shape: rectangle horizontal · Color: brown
Points the way to a state park or recreation area.
What to do: Follow the arrow if you want to reach the park.
Shape: rectangle horizontal · Color: brown
Handbook p. 70 ↗
Separates lanes going the same direction; passing is permitted.
What to do: You may change lanes when it is safe to do so.
Shape: n/a · Color: n/a
Handbook p. 73 ↗
A dashed yellow line separates two-way traffic and allows passing.
What to do: Pass on your side only when the dashed yellow line is clear and safe.
Shape: n/a · Color: n/a
Handbook p. 72 ↗
Painted ladder-style lines mark a pedestrian crossing area.
What to do: Yield to pedestrians in or entering the crosswalk.
Shape: n/a · Color: n/a
Handbook p. 75 ↗
A shared center lane for left turns from either direction.
What to do: Use this lane only to turn left or wait to turn; do not drive through it.
Shape: n/a · Color: n/a
Handbook p. 73 ↗
A cyclist's straight, extended arm signals a left turn.
What to do: Expect the cyclist to turn or move left; give them room.
Shape: n/a · Color: n/a
Arm bent downward at the elbow signals stopping or slowing.
What to do: Bend your arm downward at the elbow to signal you are stopping or slowing.
Shape: n/a · Color: n/a