Chapter 5Signs, Signals, and Markings

Regulatory signs

• Regulatory signs regulates or controls the movement of traffic.

• Gives commands/ Sets limits• Colors: Red, white, black, green on white, or

white on black• Shape: Square, vertical rectangular or

horizontal rectangular shapes

Regulatory Signs

Warning Signs

• Warning signs alerts you to change in the condition or use of the road ahead.

• Road construction and maintenance, school zones and crossings, railroad crossing, curves, intersections, changes in the road width, and deer crossings.

• Color: Yellow or orange with black symbols or letters

• Shape: Most are diamond

When you see a warning sign, increase you level of alertness to changes in the roadway, in traffic, or in environmental conditions.

Always proceed with caution

Stop Signs• Shape: Octagon Color: Red with white writing• Stop signs- Mostly seen at the intersection of two

roadways.• Must come to a full stop. • White lines on pavement (1, 2, or none) You

must stop in front of the 1st white line you come to. If no lines stop behind or even with the sign.

• Right of way- driver on left must let vehicle on right go first

Yield Signs

• Shape: Triangle Color: Red and white• As you approach a yield sign slow down check

oncoming traffic and traffic behind you.• Search right and left for cross and oncoming

traffic• You may need to stop and wait until the

roadway is clear of traffic before you proceed

School Area

• In a school area/zone you must slow down and proceed with caution

• The speed limit in a school zone is 20 MPH

Guide and International Signs

• Guide signs provide information about where you are, where you are going, how to get there, how far you have to go, and what services are available.

• Guide sign gives information about:1. Roadways and routes2. Mileage to certain destinations3. Roadside service (rest stops, service stations,

and campsites)4. Recreational areas and nearby points of interest

Route Markers

• Routes are the numbered roadways that crisscross the continent. Interstate routes that lead into cities have 3 digits and begin with odd digit.

• If a 3 digit route begins with an even digit the route goes around a city or connects to interstate highways at both ends

Destination and Mileage Signs• Tell you where you are• What lane to take to get to your destination• What exits are coming up and how far away the

exits are.• Smaller signs on the side of the road also tell you

how far you are from different places• Color: White or Green

• Roadside Services: When you want to stop for gas, food, or make a phone call.Color: Blue signs with white lettering

• Recreational Areas: Signs guide you to state and national parks, historic sites, and other places of interest

Color: Brown sign with white lettering

Pavement Markings• Yellow and white lines provide directions or

warnings for drivers• Yellow lines divide traffic traveling in opposite

directions• White line parallel to the roadway separate

same-direction traffic into lanes. White lines perpendicular to the roadway indicate crosswalks, railroads crossings, and stop sign at intersections.

Yellow Lines

• Double solid yellow lines= No Passing (Crossing only if you are turning into a driveway)

• 1 solid yellow line and 1 broken yellow line-If broken yellow line is first one to your

left you may cross it to pass a vehicle when it is safe to do so.

If solid yellow line is first one to your left you may not cross it.

White Lines

• White lines that are parallel to the roadway• Broken: you can move from lane to lane• Single between lanes of traffic moving in same

direction discourage passing at high-risk locations (but do not prohibit passing)

• Solid- indicate right side of roadway

Arrows

• White arrows identify lanes from which you can drive straight ahead or turn right or left

Traffic Lights

• Traffic Control Signals- Red, yellow and Green– Flashing red

– Treat it as a stop sign. Stop and proceed when safe

– Flashing yellow – Slow down and proceed with caution

– Arrows:– Red traffic not allowed– Yellow light is about to change– Green traffic moving in the direction of the arrow may

proceed if it is clear

Traffic Lights

• Pedestrian signals• Walk• DON’T WALK• Flashing DON’T WALK

• Lane-Use Lights • Red X• Green arrow• Yellow X• Flashing yellow X