DMV Road Signs Questions and Answers

The octagon shape is used exclusively for stop signs. It is the only 8-sided sign on the road, making it recognizable even if the sign is faded, damaged, or covered in snow. You must come to a complete stop at the stop line, crosswalk, or before entering the intersection.

An inverted triangle (point facing down) means you must yield the right-of-way to cross traffic or merging vehicles. Slow down, look both ways, and be prepared to stop if necessary. You do not have to stop unless traffic conditions require it.

Standard warning signs are yellow (or fluorescent yellow-green for pedestrian and school zones) with black symbols or text. They alert drivers to upcoming hazards such as curves, intersections, merges, and road conditions. Construction zone warning signs are orange with black text.

Diamond-shaped signs are warning signs that alert drivers of upcoming road conditions, hazards, or changes. Examples include curve warnings, merge signs, slippery road warnings, deer crossing, and divided highway signs. When you see a diamond sign, slow down and be alert.

A round yellow sign with a black "X" and two "R" letters is an advance warning that you are approaching a railroad crossing. Slow down, look both ways, listen for trains, and be prepared to stop. The round shape is unique to railroad advance warning signs.

Pentagon-shaped signs are used exclusively near schools to alert drivers to reduce speed and watch for children. These signs may be fluorescent yellow-green for enhanced visibility. When school zone signs are active, obey the reduced speed limit.

Regulatory signs are white with black (or sometimes red) text and symbols. They inform drivers of traffic laws and regulations that must be obeyed, such as speed limits, no passing zones, one-way designations, and turn restrictions. Stop signs and yield signs are exceptions with their own unique colors.

Green signs are guide signs that provide directional information including highway exits, distances to destinations, street names, and mile markers. They help drivers navigate to their destinations on highways and city streets.

Blue signs indicate nearby services available to motorists, such as gas stations, food, lodging, hospitals, rest areas, and tourist information. These signs are typically found near highway exits and interchanges.

Brown signs point to parks, national forests, historic sites, scenic areas, campgrounds, museums, and other recreational points of interest. They help travelers find attractions and outdoor recreation opportunities.

This triangular sign pointing to the right is placed on the left side of the road to mark the beginning of a no passing zone. It faces oncoming traffic that might attempt to pass. The pennant shape is unique to no passing zone signs.

A red circle with a diagonal red line through it means the activity depicted by the symbol inside is not allowed. For example, a red circle over a U-turn arrow means no U-turns, a red circle over a right-turn arrow means no right turn, and a red circle over a bicycle means no bicycles allowed.

The crossbuck sign marks the exact location of the railroad crossing. It is legally equivalent to a yield sign. You must yield to any approaching train and stop if a train is coming. If there are multiple tracks, a number plate below the crossbuck indicates how many sets of tracks to cross.

A flashing yellow arrow means left (or right) turns are allowed but not protected. You must wait for a safe gap in oncoming traffic and yield to pedestrians before completing your turn. This signal has replaced the traditional solid green circle for unprotected left turns in many areas.

This warning sign alerts drivers traveling on a divided highway or one-way road that they are about to enter a section of two-way traffic. Be prepared for oncoming vehicles in the opposing lane.

Speed limit signs are rectangular and white with black text. They indicate the maximum speed allowed under ideal conditions. You must not exceed this speed, and you may need to drive slower in rain, fog, construction zones, or heavy traffic.

Orange signs warn of construction, maintenance, or road work zones. Slow down and be prepared for workers, flaggers, lane shifts, detours, and uneven pavement. Fines for speeding in active work zones are typically doubled in most states.

This warning sign alerts drivers that a pedestrian crosswalk is ahead. Slow down and be prepared to yield to pedestrians. In school zones, the sign may be fluorescent yellow-green for enhanced visibility. Always yield to pedestrians in crosswalks.

This sign warns motorists to watch for cyclists sharing the road. Give bicyclists at least 3 feet of clearance when passing (some states require 4 feet). Bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicles on most roadways.

This regulatory sign directs drivers to stay to the right side of a divider, island, or obstruction in the road. A similar sign with the arrow pointing down and right means keep left. Always follow the direction indicated by the arrow.