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Signs AND Signals
Recognizing traffic CONTROL SIGNS AND SIGNALS Purpose of traffic controls Traffic signs are devices placed along, beside, or above a highway, roadway, pathway, or other routes to guide, warn, and regulate the flow of traffic, including motor vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians, equestrians, and other travelers. Traffic signs are used for three different purposes:
Regulatory signs Regulatory signs tell you of important rules that you must obey. A few of the more important regulatory signs are discussed below. Stop signs This sign means that you must make a complete stop before entering a crosswalk, passing the limit line, or entering the intersection. If no crosswalk or limit line is marked, you must stop at the corner. You must give the right-of-way to all vehicles and pedestrians who arrived before you at the intersection, or who are currently in the intersection. On divided highways, a STOP sign for crossing or turning vehicles is often placed on the island or dividing strip. You must also stop for these signs. STOP signs are sometimes accompanied by small red multi-way supplemental plates (e.g., all-way and 4-way) which indicate whether other traffic also has a stop sign.
Yield signs This sign means that you must slow down, be ready to stop, and let other traffic (including pedestrians and bicycles) have the right-of-way before you continue driving.
Do not enter and wrong way signs The DO NOT ENTER sign tells you that there is danger ahead because vehicles will be coming toward you. The WRONG WAY sign tells you that you are traveling the opposite direction of traffic in the lane. These signs are often placed together on freeway offramps. If you see either of these signs, drive to the side of the road and stop. You are going against traffic. When safe, back out or turn around and go back to the road you were originally on.
One way sign These sign means that traffic on the road travels only in the direction that the arrow is pointing.
Parking signs Most parking-related signs are also regulatory, meaning that they also must be obeyed. The sign depicted below means that you may not park here.
Warning signs Warning signs alert you to potential dangers ahead and changes in the road conditions. All warning signs must also be obeyed. A few of the more important warning signs are discussed below.
Pedestrian crossing signs This warning sign indicates that there may be pedestrians crossing the roadway ahead. You should slow down, look carefully for pedestrians crossing or about to cross the road, and yield the right-of-way to pedestrians crossing.
School zones signs A number of warning signs are related to schools and playgrounds. You should slow down and carefully watch for children who might enter or cross the road. Speed signs are often posted along with these signs. These signs must also be obeyed.
Construction signs A number of orange warning signs are related to roadway construction and maintenance. This sign means that you must slowdown and proceed with caution. You should expect construction equipment or workers ahead.
Guide and informational signs Guide and information signs inform you of services, recreation areas, and destination information.
Meaning of traffic control signals Traffic lights Traffic lights are devices placed along, beside, or above a highway, roadway, or other routes to regulate the flow of traffic, including motor vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians.
Traffic lights, position of lights and sequence The most common type of traffic light has three lenses, although you will occasionally see other designs. The position of the three colored-lenses on most traffic lights is red on top, yellow in the middle, and green on the bottom. The sequence in which they are lighted is green to yellow, yellow to red, and red to green. Solid red traffic lights A solid red light means to stop completely behind limit line, crosswalk, or before entering the intersection. You must wait for a green light to proceed, except as noted below. Right turns on solid red A right turn may be made on a solid red light after you have yielded to all traffic and pedestrians and if a NO TURN ON RED sign is not posted. Left turns on solid red If there are no signs prohibiting it, you may turn left on a red light if you are both turning from and turning into a one way street, after you yield the right-of-way to pedestrians within the adjacent crosswalk and traffic using the intersection. Solid yellow traffic lights A solid yellow traffic light means that the light will soon change to red. When you see a yellow light, you should slow down and stop before entering the intersection, if you can do so safely. You should not enter an intersection when the light has changed to yellow, unless you cannot stop safely before doing so. If you must enter an intersection on a yellow light, it is important to watch out for cross traffic and vehicles starting right or left turns that might enter the intersection when the light changes. Solid green traffic lights A green light means that you may proceed straight through or make a turn as noted below after the intersection is cleared of vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians. You may make a right, left turn, or U turn on a green light, unless it is prohibited by a sign. However, you must yield the right-of-way to oncoming vehicles and bicycles, and pedestrians crossing the street that are close enough to pose a hazard. Gridlock Do not enter an intersection, even when the light is green, unless there is enough space to completely cross the intersection before the light turns red. If heavy traffic causes you to block cross traffic, you can be cited for causing gridlock. Gridlock means that traffic at an intersection is so heavy that vehicles are unable to pass through or complete turns. These vehicles become stranded in the middle of the intersection and thereby prevent drivers traveling in the opposite direction from passing through. If you block an intersection, you can be cited. In order to prevent gridlock, regardless of whether you have the right-of-way, you must not enter an intersection unless traffic conditions will allow you to exit it before the light changes to red. Traffic Arrows Red arrow A red arrow means to stop behind the limit line, crosswalk, or intersection until the green arrow or green signal appears. Horizontal red arrows are used to control traffic in left or right turn lanes. Vertical red arrows are used to control a specific lane of straight-through traffic. A turn (including a right turn) or other movement cannot be made in the direction of the red arrow, even after stopping first. Yellow arrow A yellow arrow means that you should be prepared to obey the next signal that appears, which could be a solid green or red light, or a red arrow. If the yellow arrow is horizontal, it means that your protected turning period (during which all oncoming traffic is stopped by red lights) is about to end. Horizontal yellow arrows are used to control traffic in left or right turn lanes. Vertical yellow arrows are used to control straight-through traffic for a specific lane. If you cannot stop safely before entering the intersection on a yellow arrow, it is important to watch out for cross traffic and drivers starting right or left turns that might enter the intersection when the light changes. Green arrow A green arrow means that you may proceed in the direction that the arrow points (i.e., left, right, or straight), after you yield the right-of-way to any vehicle, bicycle, or pedestrian still in the intersection. Horizontal green arrows are used to control traffic in left or right turn lanes. Vertical green arrows are used to control straight-through traffic in a specific lane. A horizontal green arrow pointing to the left or right means that you may make a protected turn, which means that all oncoming vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians are stopped by red lights as long as the green arrow is lighted. U-turn only arrow Arrows in the shape of an upside-down U are sometimes used to control lanes of traffic that may make U turns only. You should obey red, yellow, and green U-turn only arrows in the same way that you would obey horizontal arrows of the same color, except that you may only make a U-turn. Flashing signals Flashing red A flashing red signal light has the same meaning as a stop sign. You must stop completely behind the limit line, crosswalk, or intersection and yield the right-of-way to vehicles and pedestrians in the intersection before you proceed. Traffic signal lights which are malfunctioning will sometimes flash red. Flashing yellowA flashing yellow light is a warning to slow down and be especially alert. You do not necessarily have to stop, but you should check traffic both ways at the intersection before proceeding through.
Other flashing red lights Flashing red lights that are not traffic signals are sometimes used to warn you of an upcoming stop sign or of a railroad crossing. Other flashing yellow lightsFlashing yellow lights that are not traffic signals are sometimes used to warn you of an upcoming signal light, pedestrian crossing, school zone, or construction zone.
Not working traffic lights If all traffic signal lights at an intersection are not working because of an electrical power failure, you must stop at the intersection behind the limit line, crosswalk, or at the corner. A blacked-out traffic signal should be treated the same as a stop sign. You should only proceed when you know that all other turning and approaching vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians will also be stopping. Traffic lights, non-intersections When traffic lights are erected at places other than an intersection (such as a crosswalk in the middle of a block or highway), you must obey the traffic signal. For red lights you must completely stop at the limit line, crosswalk, a special sign, or at the signal itself. Automated enforcement of traffic lights Traffic signal automated enforcement devices (red light cameras) may legally be placed at limit lines, intersections, or other places where you are required to stop (including railroad crossings), if the presence of the camera is clearly identified by signs in all directions, or if the signs are posted at major entrances to a city. You have the right to see photographic evidence of the violation. Lane control signals Sometimes traffic lights are used to control certain lanes of traffic at places other than intersections. For example, traffic lights are sometimes used to control vehicles at toll plazas and freeway onramps. The light configurations at these places do not always include a yellow light; sometimes they go from red to green. These traffic lights must also be obeyed. To help freeway traffic flow, some on-ramps and freeway interchanges are regulated by lane controls which only allow a certain number of cars to enter the freeway at varying time intervals. This is called "staggering." The lights on these signals change very quickly. You may only proceed when the light turns green. If there is more than one acceleration lane, there will be more than one lane control signal, although carpool lanes will usually not be regulated. These signals usually have a sign that indicates the number of cars that may proceed when the light turns green (e.g., two cars per lane may proceed for each green light). Intersection safety Before entering an intersection, scan for traffic controls and prohibitive signs. Signs may prohibit entry into the intersection or may prohibit turns or U-turns. Also, scan for potential hazards. For example, scan for pedestrians, bicycles, and other traffic. Make a quick calculation as to the time you'll need to cross or turn into an intersection. The time necessary may depend upon other vehicles with the right-of-way, number of lanes, the distance to cross the intersection, etc. Always allow ample time to cross the intersection before entering it. You would not want to be in the middle when the light turns to red and cross traffic starts to enter the intersection. As a rule of thumb, for vehicles traveling at 30 mph, a time gap of 6 seconds equals about 1/2 block distance. If it takes you 4 seconds to cross a street that is 24 to 30 feet wide, you must allow a 6-second gap in traffic from both directions to safely cross the intersection. Avoid entering an intersection on yellow traffic light. However, if you can not stop safely, proceed through the intersection with caution. Keep your foot over the footbrake, so that you can stop immediately if necessary. Identifying an Intersection Controlled And Uncontrolled There are two kinds of intersections. Intersections where driver movements are controlled by traffic lights, stop or yield signs are controlled intersections. Watch for signals and specific sign markings. Turns may not be allowed, or can be made only at certain times of the day. Right turn against red light may not be allowed. Left or U turns may not be made, or there may be a special lane for turning. Paying close attention to these signs will reduce your chances of getting into an accident. Uncontrolled intersections have less traffic but are more dangerous as the drivers have to use their commonsense and safe driving practices to navigate the intersection. There are no signals, signs or yield right-of-way markings. Slow down and stop, look for approaching and intersecting traffic before proceeding. Yield to pedestrians, bicyclists and other vehicles already at the intersection. Examples of controlled (picture on the left) and uncontrolled intersection (picture on the right):
Traffic signal lights at intersections tell you when to go or stop at an intersection. Meaning of traffic lights has been explained previously in this chapter. Signaling for Turns and Stops To alert other drivers of your intending move, in city driving turn your signal on at least 100 feet before making the move. Leave the signal on during the entire 100 feet distance before making the turn. Right Turn Against A Red Light Make a full stop for a red traffic light at the limit line, if there is one, or before entering the intersection. If there is no sign which prohibits a right turn on the red light, you may turn right. Be careful that you do not interfere with pedestrians, bicyclists, or vehicles moving on their green light. Designated Lanes Many intersection have designated lanes signs to indicate that:
Similar markings are often painted on the road surface.
UNDERSTANDING PICTORIAL MESSAGES INSTANTLY Traffic signs, colors, introductionTraffic signs also have colors that denote specific meanings. The color of the traffic sign allows you to quickly determine whether you are being presented with
Red, black, or red on white Red is used exclusively for STOP and YIELD signs, multi-way supplemental plates (e.g., 4-way stop), DO NOT ENTER and WRONG WAY signs, for legend or symbols on certain regulatory signs, and as part of Interstate and certain State route markers.
A red circle with a red line through it is also used to denote that something is not permitted. The picture inside the circle shows what you cannot do. Black is used as background for ONE WAY, night speed limit (in other states), and inspection station signs, and as message color on signs with white, yellow, or orange backgrounds.
White is used as background for route markers, guide signs, and certain regulatory signs, and as message color on signs with brown, green, blue, black, and red backgrounds. Green Green is used as background color for guide signs, mileposts, and street name signs, and as a message color on permissive regulation and parking signs. Yellow Yellow is used as background color for warning signs (except construction and maintenance signs), and some school signs. Orange Orange is used as background color for warning construction and maintenance signs. Blue Blue is used as background color for traveler services information signs, Civil Defense Evacuation Route Markers, and some street name signs. Brown Brown is used as background color for guide and information signs related to points of recreational or cultural interest and on some street name signs. Fluorescent yellow-green Fluorescent Yellow-Green is also used as background for pedestrian, bicycle, and school crossing warning signs. Purple, light blue, and coral Purple, light blue, and coral have been reserved for future use on road signs.
Traffic signs, shapes, Introduction Traffic signs have shapes that denote specific meaning. The shape of the traffic sign allows you to quickly determine whether you are being presented with a regulation, a warning, or information or guidance, and sometimes the specific meaning of the sign. Octagon This shape is used exclusively for stop signs. A driver should be able to immediately recognize that an octagon-shaped sign means STOP.
Equilateral triangle, pointed down This shape is used exclusively for yield signs. A driver should be able to immediately recognize that an equilateral triangle shaped sign pointed down means YIELD to other vehicles and pedestrians.
Round This shape is used exclusively for railroad advance warnings and civil defense evacuation route markers. The most common use in USA is for railroad advance warning. A driver should be able to immediately recognize that a sign in the shape of a circle means there is a railroad crossing ahead.
Cross buck This shape is used exclusively to warn of a railroad crossing. A driver should be able to immediately recognize that a sign in the shape of a crossbuck means that there is a railroad crossing ahead.
Vertical rectangle This shape is used for regulatory (e.g., speed limit, no parking, carpool, and keep right) and sometimes warning (e.g., slow-- children at play) signs. A driver should be able to immediately recognize that a sign in the shape of a vertical rectangle indicates a regulatory or warning action you must obey.
Pentagon This shape is used exclusively to indicate a school zone or a school crossing. A driver should be able to immediately recognize that a sign in the shape of a pentagon means that you should watch for children in or around the roadway.
Pennant This shape is used exclusively to indicate a no passing zone. A driver should be able to immediately recognize that a sign in the shape of a pennant means passing is not allowed.
Diamond This sign is used exclusively for warning signs (e.g., cross road ahead, end/begin divided road, merging traffic, curves, and construction warning signs). A driver should be able to immediately recognize that a sign in the shape of a diamond indicates that there is a potentially dangerous situation ahead or some change in roadway conditions ahead.
Square This shape is used for regulatory (e.g., do not enter, no U turn, no parking, no pedestrian crossing), warning (e.g., advisory speed limit and construction), and guide (camping, and airport) signs.
Horizontal rectangle This shape is used for information and guide (e.g., rest area ahead) signs. Also, it is used for regulatory (e.g., road closed and carpool).
Trapezoid This shape is used for recreational area guide signs (e.g., rest area and tourist information ahead) in some states.
Other shapes Various shapes are used for road marker signs (e.g., interstate highway routes and state highway routes).
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