Road Signs and Meanings

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 understand its purpose and convey important information about its message.
This guide also covers pavement markings and their meanings. Road markings guide and warn drivers, indicate lane usage, and regulate traffic, contributing to safer roads for everyone.

Traffic signs must be obeyed. A thorough knowledge of road signs and roadway markings 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.
The information on this page is based on the current edition of the MUTCD - Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, published by the Federal Highway Administration, U.S. DOT.