A 3-minute lesson from the South Dakota course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Regulatory signs state laws you must obey: traffic direction, lane use, turning, speed, parking and more. A red circle with a red slash over a symbol means that action is not allowed.
Know the rule
Regulatory signs are square, rectangular or a special shape, white with black, red or green letters or symbols.
A stop sign has eight sides and is red with white letters. Stop behind the stop line or crosswalk if there is one, otherwise before the sign; look in all directions and yield.
A yield sign is a red-and-white downward-pointing triangle. Slow down and yield to traffic in the intersection you're crossing or the road you're entering.
Drive the maximum only in ideal conditions; slow down on slippery roads and in rain, snow, ice or fog. If the minimum speed is too fast for you, use another road.
No-passing zones are based on how far you can see ahead, allowing for hills, curves, intersections and driveways. Even where passing is allowed, pass only if it's safe.
Snow is falling on the interstate, and the sign shows both a maximum and a minimum speed. The maximum is for ideal conditions, so slow down for the snow. If you can't safely keep up with the minimum, use another road.
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 shape is a stop sign?
Circle
Octagon (eight sides)
Triangle
Diamond
Answer: Octagon (eight sides)
A stop sign has eight sides and is red with white letters.
