There are four basic categories of signs:
- Regulatory: These communicate what you should do and control traffic flow.
- Warning: These communicate roadway situations and hazards.
- Guide: These provide information and direction.
- Driver Services and Recreation Signs: These provide drivers with information about nearby amenities, parks, and recreational areas.
Full Answer
What does the color red mean on a road sign?
The meaning of colors on road signs. Red: Red generally means stop. The use of red on signs is limited to stop, yield, and prohibition signs. White: A white background indicates a regulatory sign. Yellow: Yellow conveys a general caution message. Green: Green shows permitted traffic movements or directional guidance.
Why do we use symbols on road signs?
To help prevent this, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has increasingly used symbols rather than words to convey the different safety messages on roadways and highways. Pictograms and symbols are easier to recognize and understand, cross various language barriers, and often close the communication gap. Symbols are quickly becoming the standard for traffic control devices throughout the world.
What does it mean to understand traffic signs?
Understanding the traffic signs and meanings can be as simple as recognizing what the colors, shapes, and symbols on the sign represent. For instance, the colors that make up all road signs are an essential indicator of the information they contain.
What is a horizontal rectangle road sign?
A horizontal rectangle-shaped road sign usually provides guidance to drivers but can be used for a variety of needs. Vertical rectangle road signs are typically used to inform drivers of regulatory notices, such as speed limits.
What is an octagon sign?
An octagon road sign conveys the need to stop. A stop sign is the only sign that uses this shape.
What is a round road sign?
Pennant-shaped road signs warn drivers of no-passing zones. Round-shaped road signs are used for railroad signs. When you see a round traffic sign, you will likely see a railroad crossing or light rail transit crossing signs ahead.
What color is used for warning and guidance in roadway work zones?
Orange: Orange is used for warning and guidance in roadway work zones. Coral: Coral is used for incident management signs. Blue: Blue indicates road user services, tourist information, and evacuation routes. Brown: Brown is used to showing guidance to sites of public recreation or cultural interest.
What is a road sign?
What are Road Signs. Road signs are drawings/ markings on board, slate, iron plate, etc, placed on the roads; these drawings has different meanings. The aim of using road signs is to guide drivers on how to use the road safely. It also help warn road users/drivers of impending danger on the road.
Why are road signs important?
Poor understanding, negligence or none availability of road signs can result to fatal accident. Therefore road signs are very important; with good understanding, and adequate placement, it will save lives of drivers who understands it, and use it obey it. Large Rectangular.
What does the pedestrian crossing sign mean?
4. PEDESTRIAN CROSSING: This sign tells you that pedestrian are given preference at that point. So when you are approaching a pedestrian crossing, you have to slow down or wait for pedestrians to pass before you move.
What does the roundabout sign mean?
10. ROUNDABOUT: This sign tells you that there is a roundabout ahead. So you stay focus and probably slow down.
What is the two way traffic on a single lane?
20. TWO WAY TRAFFIC ON SINGLE LANE: This tells you that traffic flows on two way ahead on a single lane.
What does "no parking" mean?
NO PARKING: It warns the drivers of where not to park.
What does the color of a road sign mean?
Every road sign communicates a message to drivers and pedestrians. Not only that, but the color and shape of each sign signifies the type of message displayed. If you’re a regular driver, you’ll know that it’s pretty common for a sign to have no words printed on it at all. While you’re bound to see a little variety state to state, ...
What is a guide sign?
Guide signs are usually green horizontal rectangles. They let you know a bunch of useful things, such as:
What is a regulatory sign?
A regulatory sign is a symbol that reinforces or signifies rules of the road. Among other things, these signs let you know: If you have to stop or yield ahead. Where you can and can’t turn. How fast you can go (the speed limit ). Where you can and can’t park. If your vehicle is allowed on the upcoming road.
What are the exceptions to the red background on a regulatory sign?
There are two exceptions, which have red backgrounds. These are: Stop signs, which are octagons. AND. Yield signs, which are upside-down triangles. As you’re probably aware, the color red stands out.
What does a stop sign mean?
STOP: Stop signs tell you when you must cease forward movement. In other words, STOP! YIELD: A yield sign means that other drivers have the right of way—allow them to go before you proceed. RIGHT TURN/LEFT TURN ONLY: You’re only allowed to go the direction specified.
What is the color of a yield sign?
Yield signs, which are upside-down triangles. As you’re probably aware, the color red stands out. Therefore, it should be easy to pay special attention when you see it on a road sign. You’ll ONLY see the color red on a road sign when: You need to stop or yield* ahead.
What does exit number mean?
EXIT NUMBER: This sign signifies the exit approaching. It’s often helpful if you’re using GPS for directions.
What Are the Functions of Road Signs?
After all, the average driver puts more than 13,000 miles on their vehicle per year, so with so much time spent on the road, you need to make sure you follow traffic signs. Here’s what road signs are meant to do:
What Are the 4 Categories of Road Signs?
The road signs you learned about above can be organized into several categories. Here are the four main categories of traffic signs and their meanings:
What Are the 8 Shapes of Road Signs?
Road signs also come in eight shapes with specific purposes. This is because these signs are important and need to stand out to drivers to warn them. Here are the eight shapes you need to know as a driver:
What Are the Most Commonly Misunderstood Signs and Symbols?
While most traffic signs are self-explanatory, there are some that can be misunderstood. Here is a list of several confusing traffic signs and their meanings.
What does a slippery road sign mean?
Slippery road is a yellow, diamond-shaped sign that depicts a car at the top with two wiggly lines emanating from the wheels. These indicate reduced traction due to rain, snow, or icy conditions. Reduce your speed and avoid sudden changes in direction, especially on bridges and overpasses that freeze quickly in the cold.
What is the only red road warning sign?
1. Stop Sign. A stop sign is one of the few red road warning signs and the only one with an octagonal shape, making it recognizable from far away. The text is white and there is a white border for visibility. At a stop sign, you must come to a complete stop.
Why do you need to slow down when you see a road sign?
It is suggested that drivers slow down when they see the sign. Passing through a depressed roadway at high speeds could cause you to lose control of your vehicle . We hope this list of road signs and their meanings will help you stay safe on your next trip. Another way to stay safe is by having the best car insurance.
Why is it important to know your road signs?
It’s especially important if you’ve recently passed your test, as you won’t have direct experience of every different type of road layout. The safer you are, the more you can potentially save on new driver insurance too, so it actually pays to know your road signs. Let’s start with the basics.
Where should the signs be on a road?
The signs are common on residential and smaller roads and should appear next to the road name.
What is a triangular road sign?
Triangular road signs: Triangular signs warn. Road signs in the shape of an equilateral triangle are designed to warn you about the road layout or any hazards that lie ahead, such as sharp bends. They almost always have a red border. Rectangular road signs: Rectangular signs inform.
What are the rules for road signs?
The general rule is: Circular road signs: Circular signs give orders - they must be followed to stay within the law. Circles with a red border tell you what you must not do (e.g. take a U-turn). Blue circles usually give a positive instruction, such as ‘turn left ahead’. Triangular road signs: Triangular signs warn.
What do blue and green road signs mean?
Blue rectangular signs give information on motorways, green signs direct you on primary roads, while white signs give directions on minor roads. Rectangular signs can also indicate bus lanes and congestion charge zones. Many road signs, such as speed limits, should be self-explanatory; but some aren’t quite so straightforward.
What does a white circular sign with a black stripe through it mean?
A white circular sign with a single black diagonal stripe through it tells you that the national speed limit applies on the upcoming stretch of road. It supersedes any previous speed limit signs you may have had to adhere to, such as passing through temporary roadworks.
Why do you put an exclamation mark on a red triangle?
Many drivers believe an exclamation mark in a red triangle is solely used to warn of a hidden dip in the road. However, the sign can indicate any temporary and permanent hazards that aren’t easily represented using symbols.
