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Texas driving lesson · Signals, Signs & Markings

Warning signs I: signals, curves & road changes

A 3-minute lesson from the Texas course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.

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Read time
3 minutes
Course unit
Signals, Signs & Markings
Checkpoint questions
4
Source pages
32, 33

Warning signs are usually yellow diamonds. They alert you to conditions immediately ahead, such as curves, merges or rough pavement, and tell you what to look for. Ignoring one isn't just unsafe; it may be a traffic violation.

When you see a warning sign:

  • Pay attention
  • Follow instructions
  • Reduce speed to at least the posted speed
Handbook p. 32 ↗

Know the rule

Disregarding a warning sign may be a traffic violation, not just a safety risk.

Handbook p. 32 ↗
Signal ahead
Signal ahead

Common warning signs (part 1)

Common warning signs (part 1)
SignMeaning / what to do
Signal aheadTraffic control signal ahead
Low clearance (e.g. 12'6")Underpass height; don't enter if your load is higher
Divided highway beginsMedian island will separate opposing traffic
Added laneRoads join and a lane begins; no need to merge
Reverse curveCurves right then left: slow, keep right, don't pass
Side roadRoad enters from the side shown; watch for traffic
Rough roadRoad surface ahead is in poor condition; slow down
Lane reductionAdvance notice that the number of lanes drops
Handbook p. 33 ↗
Low clearance
Low clearance

Common warning signs (part 2)

Common warning signs (part 2)
SignMeaning / what to do
Sharp turn (arrow)Sharp turn in arrow's direction: slow, keep right, no pass
Gradual curve (arrow)Gradual curve: slow down, keep right, don't pass
Winding roadDrive slowly and carefully; do not pass
Divided highway endsTwo-way traffic begins again ahead
Slippery when wetSlow down; no sudden turns, acceleration or stops
Two-way trafficKeep in right lane; expect oncoming traffic on left
Cross roadSlow down; look carefully in all directions
Handbook p. 33 ↗
Curve right
Reverse curve
Slippery when wet
Slippery when wet
Added lane
Added lane

Put it into practice

You pass a yellow diamond showing a curvy arrow bending right then left, and you're behind a slow truck. The reverse curve sign tells you to slow down, keep right and not pass. Wait until the road straightens and a legal passing zone appears.

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.

Ignoring a posted warning sign, such as for a sharp curve, can result in what?
  1. Nothing unless a crash occurs
  2. A warning only, never a citation
  3. It may be a traffic violation
  4. A fine only inside a work zone

Answer: It may be a traffic violation

Disregarding warning signs can itself be a traffic violation.

Handbook p. 32 ↗
A warning sign shows two roads coming together where an added lane begins. What does the handbook say to do?
  1. Merge left before the roads join
  2. Watch for traffic in the new lane; no merge needed
  3. Stop and yield to all traffic in the new lane
  4. Speed up to pass before the lanes join

Answer: Watch for traffic in the new lane; no merge needed

At an added lane you are not required to merge, but you should watch for traffic in the new lane.

Handbook p. 33 ↗
A warning sign shows the road curving right and then left. What should you do?
  1. Keep your speed and stay centered
  2. Pass slower vehicles before the curve
  3. Slow down, keep right and do not pass
  4. Move left to see around the curve

Answer: Slow down, keep right and do not pass

For a curve one way and then the other, slow down, keep right, and do not pass.

Handbook p. 33 ↗
What does a "Divided Highway Ends" warning sign tell you?
  1. A median opening for U-turns is ahead
  2. Two-way traffic begins again ahead
  3. The road ahead becomes one-way
  4. Another road joins from the right

Answer: Two-way traffic begins again ahead

The divided highway ends ahead, so be careful where two-way traffic begins again.

Handbook p. 33 ↗
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