Road Signs and Meanings (US Traffic Signs List)

Road signs and pavement markings are placed on roadways and highways to regulate, warn and inform drivers. They tell road users about traffic rules and possible hazards, give information about directions and distances, and tell drivers where certain services are located. Road signs are divided into three main categories: regulatory signs, warning signs, and guide signs. Most traffic signs within each category have a special shape and color. The shape and color of a sign help drivers know what the intention of the sign is, and communicate important information about the sign's message.

Traffic signs must be obeyed. A thorough knowledge of road signs is necessary for all drivers, and you must be able to recognize these signs without hesitation. Use the traffic signs list below to learn more about road signs and their meanings. When you are ready, take our road signs test and see how you do.

Regulatory Signs

Regulatory signs tell drivers what they must do, or must not do, according to the law. They give information about rules for traffic direction, speed, lane use, stopping, yielding, turning, parking, and other special situations. Drivers must obey the instructions on regulatory signs. If they don’t, they are breaking the law, and could be fined and receive points on their driving record. Drivers who disobey the messages on regulatory signs also risk their safety and the safety of others.
Regulatory signs are typically white, red, or black with black, white or red letters or symbols. They are usually square or rectangular, but some have a special shape. Some regulatory signs have a red circle with a red slash over a symbol. These signs prohibit certain actions, and the symbol inside the circle tells drivers what is prohibited.

Center Turn Lane Sign Divided Highway Sign Do Not Enter Sign Do Not Pass Sign Four Way Stop Sign Keep Right Sign Lane Use Control Signs Left Turn Only Sign Minimum Speed Limit Sign No Left Turn On Red Sign No Left Turn Sign No Parking Sign No Pedestrian Crossing Sign No Right Turn On Red Sign No Right Turn Sign No Turn On Red Sign No Turns Sign No U-Turn Sign One Way Sign Pass With Care Sign Restricted Lane Ahead Sign Right Turn Only Sign Right Turn Signal Sign Road Closed Sign Slower Traffic Keep Right Sign Speed Limit Sign Stop Sign Turn Left or Right Sign Wrong Way Sign Yield Sign

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Warning Signs

Warning signs alert road users to changes in roadway conditions or possible hazards ahead. These signs are posted before the condition, so drivers have time to slow down, see what is ahead and decide how they should respond. Warning signs are usually diamond-shaped, with black symbols or words on a yellow background.

Bicycle Crossing Sign Bump Sign Chevron Sign Cross Road Sign Deer Crossing Sign DIP Sign Divided Highway Ahead Sign Divided Highway Ends Sign Double Curve Sign Hill / Downgrade Sign Lane Ends Sign Left Curve Sign Loose Gravel Sign Low Clearance Sign Merging Traffic Sign Narrow Bridge Sign No Passing Zone Sign Pavement Ends Sign Pedestrian Crossing Sign Railroad Crossing Sign Right Curve Sign Roundabout Sign School Crossing Sign School Zone Sign Sharp Left Turn Sign Sharp Right Turn Sign Sharp Turns (Left-Right) Sign Sharp Turns (Right-Left) Sign Side Road Sign Slippery Road Sign Soft Shoulder Sign T Intersection Sign Traffic Signal Ahead Sign Two-Way Traffic Sign Winding Road Sign Y Intersection Sign

Construction Signs / Work Zone Signs

Work zone signs are normally diamond-shaped, with black letters or symbols on an orange background.
These signs identify construction, maintenance, utility or emergency operations areas, and warn drivers that workers or equipment may be on or near the roadway. These warnings include workers ahead, reduced speed, suddenly changing road surfaces, lane closures, detours and slow moving construction equipment. In work zones, traffic may be controlled by a person with a flag or stop/slow paddles. Flaggers have the same authority as a regulatory sign, and drivers must obey their directions.

Flagger Ahead Sign Road Work Ahead Sign Workers Sign

Guide Signs

Most guide signs are horizontal rectangles, with white letters and numbers on a green background. Guide signs direct motorists to cities and towns by telling them where they are, what road they are on and how to get where they want to go. These signs give information about directions, distances, proper exits etc. On highways and expressways, one advance guide sign is usually followed by another advance sign, with the third sign posted at the exit.

Airport SignCounty Route MarkerExit Only Highway SignHighway Guide SignInterstate Route MarkerMile Markers

Service Signs

Service signs are square or rectangular, with white letters or symbols on a blue background. These signs direct drivers towards service facilities such as hospitals, rest areas, gas stations, restaurants and motels.

Diesel SignFood SignGas Station SignHospital Sign

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