Here are the road signs you're most likely to see, and be tested on, sorted by type. New to signs? Start with our guide to sign shapes and colors, which explains how to read any sign at a glance.
Regulatory signs
Regulatory signs tell you what the law requires. Most are white rectangles with black or red lettering. Stop, yield and do-not-enter signs are red.
StopCome to a complete stop, then go when it's safe.YieldSlow down and let traffic and pedestrians go first. Stop if needed.Do Not EnterDon't drive onto this road or ramp.Wrong WayYou're going against traffic. Turn around safely.Speed LimitThe maximum legal speed under ideal conditions.School Speed LimitA lower speed limit in a school zone during posted times or when lights flash.One WayTraffic moves only in the direction of the arrow.No U-TurnU-turns are not allowed here.No Left TurnLeft turns are not allowed here.No Right TurnRight turns are not allowed here.No Turn on RedYou may not turn while the light is red, even after stopping.Left Turn Yield on GreenOn a solid green light, left turns must yield to oncoming traffic.Do Not PassPassing is not allowed on this section of road.Keep RightStay to the right of the island or obstacle ahead.No ParkingParking is not allowed here.Bicycles May Use Full LaneCyclists may ride in the middle of the lane. Change lanes to pass.
Warning signs
Warning signs alert you to hazards or changes ahead. Most are yellow diamonds. Slow down and be ready to react.
Curve AheadThe road curves ahead. Slow down before the curve.Sharp TurnA sharp turn is ahead. Slow down a lot.Winding RoadA series of curves is ahead.MergeTraffic from another lane or ramp may merge into your lane.Lane EndsA lane is ending ahead. Merge into the open lane when it's safe.Divided Highway BeginsA median will separate the two directions of traffic ahead.Two-Way TrafficYou're leaving a one-way road. Traffic ahead goes in both directions.Signal AheadA traffic light is ahead. Get ready to stop.Stop AheadA stop sign is ahead. Get ready to stop.Yield AheadA yield sign is ahead. Get ready to yield.T-IntersectionThe road ends ahead. You'll need to turn left or right.CrossroadAnother road crosses yours ahead.Side RoadA side road joins from the side shown. Watch for entering traffic.Slippery When WetThe road is slick when wet. Slow down and avoid sudden moves.Steep HillA steep downgrade is ahead. Slow down and use a lower gear.Narrow BridgeThe bridge ahead is narrower than the road.Low ClearanceAn overpass or structure with the height shown is ahead. Tall vehicles may not fit.No Passing ZoneA pennant on the left side of the road marks the start of a no-passing zone.
School, pedestrian and bicycle signs
These fluorescent yellow-green signs warn you about people walking and biking. Slow down and be ready to stop.
School Zone / CrossingChildren may be crossing. Slow down and obey any crossing guard.Pedestrian CrossingPeople may be crossing. Yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk.Bicycle CrossingBicyclists may be crossing or entering the road.
Work zone signs
Orange signs mark construction and work zones. Slow down, watch for workers, and expect lane shifts. Fines are often higher here.
Road Work AheadA work zone is ahead. Slow down and stay alert.Workers AheadPeople are working on or near the road.Flagger AheadA flagger is directing traffic ahead. Follow their signals.DetourThe road is closed ahead. Follow the detour signs.
Railroad signs
Railroad signs tell you a crossing is near. Trains can't stop quickly, so always yield to them.
Railroad Crossing AheadA railroad crossing is ahead. Look and listen for trains.Railroad CrossbuckYou're at the crossing. Yield to trains, and stop if one is coming.
Guide and service signs
Guide signs help you find your way. Green shows directions, blue shows services, and brown shows recreation.
Interstate RouteMarks an interstate highway.U.S. RouteMarks a U.S. highway.Destination SignShows directions and distances to cities.Mile MarkerShows your location along the highway. Useful in an emergency.HospitalA hospital is nearby.GasGas is available at the next exit.Rest AreaA rest area is ahead.Recreation AreaParks and recreation or cultural sites are nearby.
Ready to test yourself?
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There are three main types. Regulatory signs tell you the law, warning signs alert you to hazards, and guide signs give directions and information. School, work-zone and railroad signs are special kinds of warning and regulatory signs.
Are road signs the same in every state?
Mostly, yes. Every state follows the federal Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), so shapes, colors and symbols are the same nationwide. Some states add their own signs or wording.
Which road signs are on the permit test?
Most written tests include stop, yield, do not enter, wrong way, speed limit, school zone, railroad, no passing zone, merge, and lane ends signs, plus questions about sign shapes and colors.