DMV Test 2: Traffic Signs

Traffic Signs

Traffic signs tell you about traffic rules, hazards, where you are, how to get where you are going, and where certain services are located. The shapes and colors of these signs give clues about the types of information they provide.

A. Shapes: 

1) Octagon (8): Stop

1- The octagon (8 sided) shape always means stop. You must come to a complete stop at the sign, stop line, pedestrian crosswalk or curb. 

2. Yield the right-of-way to any vehicle or pedestrian approaching from either direction.

2) Triangle: Yield

1- Slow down to a speed reasonable for the conditions 

2- Yield the right-of-way. 

3- Stop if necessary.

3) Diamond: Warning

1- Warn you of special conditions or hazards ahead. 

2- Drive with caution

3- Be ready to slow down or stop

4) Rectangle/square: Regulatory, Warning, and Guide

1. Vertical signs generally give instructions or tell you the law. 

2. Horizontal signs may give directions or information.

 5) Pentagon (5): School Zone and School Crossing

1. Marks school zones and warns you about school crossings. 

2. Signs may have a separate downward-pointing arrow plaque, which indicates the actual location of the crosswalk.

6) Circle: Railroad Crossing

1. Indicates that you are approaching a railroad crossing. 

2. Slow down, look and listen for trains

7) Pennant: No Passing Zone (3)

or 

1.Sign is on the left side of a two-lane, two-way roadway. 

2. It is posted at the beginning of a NO-PASSING ZONE where “no-passing” pavement markings are also used.

1. Regulatory Signs

1- These signs are square🎁, rectangular🎫, or have a special shape🎨 and are usually white🤍, red💓 , or black 🖤with black, red, white, or green letters or symbols. 

2- They give you information about rules for traffic direction, lane use, turning, speed, parking, and

other special situations. Some regulatory signs have a red circle with a red slash over a symbol. These signs prohibit certain actions, i.e., “no left turn,” “no right turn,” “no U-turn,” etc.

1) Do Not Enter Sign

You will see this sign at road way openings that you should not enter, such as exit ramps where you would be going in the wrong direction, crossovers on divided roadways, and at numerous locations on one-way streets.

2) No U-Turn

3) Movement Prohibition

Movements that are prohibited from a lane or approach. 

4) Lane Use Control

This sign indicates permitted movement from a lane.

5) Keep Right

This sign tells you where to drive when you approach traffic islands, medians or other obstructions in the middle of the roadway. You must drive to the side indicated by the arrow

6) Speed Limit

Indicates the maximum speed that should be driven on the roadway

2. Warning Signs 💎:

1- These signs are usually yellow with black lettering or symbols; most are diamond-shaped. 

2- These signs warn you to slow down and be prepared to stop if necessary. They warn you that a special situation or a hazard is ahead.

1. Stop Ahead

A stop sign is ahead. Slow down and prepare to stop.

2. Reduction in Lanes

- Warn you of a reduction in the number of traffic lanes in the direction you are traveling.

- Be prepared to change lanes or to allow other vehicles to merge into your lane.

3. Merge

- Two lanes of traffic are about to become one. 

- Drivers in both lanes are responsible for merging smoothly

4. Pedestrian Crossing

Watch for people crossing your path. Be prepared to slow down and stop. Signs may have a separate

downward-pointing arrow plaque, which indicates the actual location of the crosswalk.

5. School Zone

Slow down – School grounds nearby. Watch out for children crossing the street or playing. Be ready to

stop. Obey signals from any crossing guards.

6. Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB)

Designed to allow pedestrians to safely cross streets with high volumes of traffic at uncontrolled

approached to unsignalized intersections or mid-block pedestrian crossings.

7. Slippery when Wet

- Reduce your speed. 

- Do not brake hard or change direction suddenly. 

- Increase thedistance between your car and the one ahead. 

8. Two-Way Road Way

This sign tells you that you are leaving a divided roadway and will be driving on a two-way highway.

9. Divided Highway Begins

The highway ahead is split into two separate roadways by a median or divider and each roadway is

one-way. Keep right

10. Advisory Speed Plaque

This sign is used to indicate the advisory speed for a condition.

11. Change in Direction

This sign warns you of a change in direction or narrowing of the road

A. Intersections Ahead:

4 signs warn you of intersections ahead where traffic may exist or where a right or left turn may be required.

B. Turns and Curves

The shape of the arrow tells you what to expect.