THE 121 MOST COMMON
US road signs
QUESTIONS
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Warning signs highlight existing conditions, such as a curve, school, dead-end street, or
Warning
traffic signal. They can also warn of possible dangers such as bumps, bicycles, low-flying
aircraft, or emergency vehicles. These signs are either yellow or fluorescent yellow-green
signs
in color and are usually diamond shaped.
1. Divided highway ends
2. Median ahead
3. Road shoulder much
4. Winding road
ahead
This sign indicates that the road
lower than road surface
The road zigzags ahead. K
This sign indicates that the
ahead will split into a divided
Watch for the difference in road
eep right.
divided highway ends; traffic
highway with a median or
levels.
travels in both directions on the
barrier separating traffic moving
same road ahead. Keep right.
in opposite directions. Drivers
should prepare for this change
and proceed with caution.
8. Stop sign ahead
The arrow shows the direction
7. Yield the right-of-way or
stop
of travel.
This sign is placed at a T-
stop near the stop sign before
curves in the road. In this case,
intersection. It means you
proceeding farther.
the road ahead curves to the
should yield the right-of-way or
right and then to the left. Slow
stop before turning right or left
down.
onto the main road.
5. Right and left curves
6. Directional arrow sign
ahead
This warning sign indicates
Prepare to come to a complete
9. Maximum recommended
safe speed
10. Soft shoulder
11. Narrow bridge ahead
12. Bicycle crossing
This sign indicates a soft
This warning sign indicates that
This sign indicates a bicycle
This sign shows the maximum
shoulder. The dirt on the side of
a narrow bridge is ahead. The
crossing. This sign warns you in
recommended safe speed for
the road is soft. Don t leave the
bridge is
just wide enough to
advance that a bi eway crosses
entrance or exit on an
pavement except in an
accommodate two lanes of
expressway. Slow down to the
emergency.
traf c but with very little
(
speed shown in this case,
)
30
'
k
the roadway ahead.
fi
clearance.
mph .
The 121 most common US road signs questions
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13. Traffic merging ahead
14. Speed zone ahead
15. Two-way traffic ahead
If you are on the main road and
see this sign, be prepared for
other vehicles entering your
lane.
A speed zone is ahead. The
smaller sign indicates what the
speed limit will be. Prepare to
slow down.
The sign warns of two-way
This sign indicates a yield sign
traffic ahead. Watch for traffic
ahead. Prepare to yield to
going in the opposite direction. other vehicles already on the
road.
17. Speed advisory at
roundabout
18. Playground ahead
19. Overpass clearance
20. Handicapped crossing
You are approaching an
overpass. The clearance from
the roadway surface to the
overpass is 13 feet 6 inches.
The sign indicates a
handicapped crossing ahead.
Reduce your speed and
proceed with caution.
21. Bicycle crossing
22. Cross traffic ahead
This sign indicates that a
crossroad is ahead. Watch for
cross traffic entering the
roadway.
23. Deer crossing ahead
This sign means that deer
often cross the roadway in this
area. Stay alert and slow down
if you see a deer.
24. Slow-moving equipment
This warning sign indicates that
farm equipment may cross the
road. Be ready to slow down
forslow-moving equipment.
25. Pedestrian crossing
ahead
26. No-passing zone for all
vehicles
27. School zone ahead
28. Traffic may flow on both
sides
This sign means that a
pedestrian crosswalk is ahead.
You must yield to pedestrians
in the crosswalk.
This pennant-shaped sign
indicates that passing is not
allowed on this section of
roadway.
This warning sign indicates a
This is a speed advisory sign at playground ahead.
a roundabout. The
recommended speed limit in
the roundabout is 15 mph
This sign indicates a bicycle
crossing. This sign warns you
in advance that a bikeway
crosses the roadway ahead.
This pentagonal sign warns
that you are entering a school
zone.
16. Yield sign ahead
This sign means that traffic on
the road may flow on both
sides of the sign.
The 121 most common US road signs questions
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29. Railroad crossing ahead
30. T-intersection ahead
31. Road turn ahead
32. Slippery road ahead
This sign means that a railroad
crossing is ahead. Proceed
with caution and be alert for
approaching trains.
This sign indicates that the
road you are traveling on will
end soon. Prepare to turn right
or left. Yield to cross traffic.
The road ahead changes
direction sharply. You must
slow down to a safe speed.
The road surface is slippery
when it is wet. This sign is
often located near bridges and
overpasses.
33. Y-intersection ahead
34. Railroad crossing ahead
The road ahead splits into two
different directions. Be alert for
vehicles changing lanes and
prepare to turn in one direction
or the other.
of a railroad crossing. You must
slow down, look, listen, and be
prepared to stop at the
crossing.
This sign warns of a steep
downgrade ahead. Slow down
and consider downshifting into
a lower gear.
A traffic signal is ahead. Watch
for a red or yellow traffic light
and be prepared to stop if
necessary.
38. Trucks entering
highway ahead
39. Multi-use path crossing
ahead
40. Freeway exit ramp
This sign indicates that trucks
may enter or cross the
roadway ahead. Slow down
and watch for trucks.
This sign means that bicyclists
and pedestrians frequently
cross the road in this area.
Proceed with caution and be
ready to stop.
Signs like this provide advisory
speeds at freeway exits and entrance ramps. They show the
maximum recommended safe
speed to drive in ideal weather
conditions.
42. Circular intersection
ahead
43. Bump on the road
ahead
44. Main road curves to the
left ahead
This sign means that there is a
roundabout (circular
intersection) ahead. Slow down
and prepare to yield to traffic
already in the roundabout.
This sign indicates a bump on
the road ahead. Slow down to
avoid loss of control.
This sign means that the main
road curves to the left with a
side road entering from the
right. Approach with extra
caution.
37. Upcoming side road
This sign shows an upcoming
side road at a T-intersection.
Watch for other vehicles
entering from that road.
41. Curve to the right ahead
This sign means that there is a
curve to the right ahead. A
recommended safe speed for
the curve may appear just
below the sign.
35. Road slopes downhill
This sign may be posted ahead ahead
36. Traffic control signal
ahead
T h e 1 2 1 m o st c o m m o n U S r oa d s i g n s q u e st i o n s
3
45. Fire station nearby
46. Side road near a
This sign indicates a fire station crossing ahead
47. Dip on the road ahead
49. Cattle crossing ahead
in the vicinity.
This sign indicates that you
should be alert for cattle
crossing the road.
48. Right lane ends ahead
This sign means that there is a
low place in the road. You must
This sign warns that a side
slow down to prevent an
road crosses a railroad track.
Use caution if you turn onto the uncomfortable jolt and possibly
losing control of your vehicle.
side road.
This sign indicates that the
right lane ends ahead. All
traffic in the right lane must
merge left.
50. Low ground clearance
railroad crossing
51. Speed change ahead
52. Sharp right turn ahead
This sign indicates that a
reduced speed zone begins
ahead. Prepare to slow down
to the speed limit indicated.
This sign indicates that a sharp
right turn is ahead. Slow down,
be alert, and proceed with
caution.
This sign indicates a raised
railroad crossing. Low-slung
vehicles might get stuck
attempting to cross the tracks.
53. Curve to the left ahead
54. 270 degree loop ahead
55. Advisory speed limit
56. Hairpin curve ahead
This sign means that the road
up ahead will be curving in the
direction of the arrow.
This warning sign means that
the road loops around ahead.
Slow to a safe speed.
This sign states a
recommended speed for the
roadway ahead (35 miles per
hour in this case).
Prepare for a very sharp curve
that practically reverses your
direction. Slow down and
proceed with caution.
57. Blind person area
58. Watch for ice
59. Object marker sign
The sign indicates that people
with visual disabilities may be
crossing this street or
intersection.
This warning sign is posted on
roadways that frequently
become icy. Slow down and
watch carefully for ice.
This is an object marker sign,
which warns of objects in the
roadway or very close to the
edge of the roadway.
60. Paved surface ends
ahead
This warning road sign may be
posted where a paved road
turns into a gravel road or dirt
road.
The 121 most common US road signs questions
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Temporary/
construction signs
Most of the warning signs can also be found with orange
backgrounds for temporary use in situations such as
construction zones.
61. Work zone ahead
63. Detour ahead
64. Flag person ahead
This type of sign shows an
alternate route during road
closures and construction.
Follow these signs.
This sign warns that there is a
flag person ahead. Flag
persons help traffic move
safely through work areas.
Orange signs are posted in
temporary traffic control
zones such as roadwork
zones and emergencyresponse zones. Slow down
and pay close attention.
62. Road crew at work
ahead
Workers are performing
maintenance on the roadway.
Reduce your speed and
change lanes away from
workers.
65. Road closure ahead
This sign indicates that the
road is closed ahead but there
is an alternate route 1,000 feet
ahead.
Regulatory signs
Regulatory signs give directions to motorists, pedestrians,
and cyclists that they must obey. They can also tell you
about relevant traffic laws.
66. Turn left or go straight
68. Drive straight through
the intersection
This sign regulates traffic and
directs you to turn left or go
straight.
67. Turn right or go straight
This sign regulates traffic and
directs you to turn right or go
straight.
This sign means that no turns
are allowed; you must drive
straight through the
intersection.
69. Left turn only
This sign indicates that all
traffic must make a left turn
here.
The 121 most common US road signs questions
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70. U-turn only
71. U-turn
72. Right turn
This lane control sign indicates
that all vehicles in this lane
must make a U-turn.
This sign allows you to make a
U-turn here if it is safe to do so.
This supplemental arrow on a
route marker assembly means
you are ap- proaching a right
turn to continue on that route.
74. move only in the
directions indicated
75. Move only in the
directions indicated
76. Two-way left turn lane
These are lane direction signs.
Vehicles in the left lane must
turn left, and vehicles in the
right lane may go straight or
also turn left.
Traffic in the right lane must
turn right, and traffic in the left
lane may either go straight or
also turn right.
78. Keep to the right of the
traffic island
79. Keep to the left of the
traffic island
This sign indicates that the
road or highway is divided by
an island and approaching
vehicles must keep right.
This sign indicates that the
road or highway is divided by
an island and approaching
vehicles must keep left.
8
2. Minimum speed limit
8
3. Nighttime speed limit
inimum speeds are intended This sign means you should
to keep traffic flowing
drive no faster than 45 mph
smoothly. This sign means you when driving at night.
must drive no slower than the
indicated speed (40 mph in this
case).
M
This sign indicates a two-way
left turn lane in the center of a
road. Along with the sign, the
two-way left turn lane is
marked with yellow lines and
white arrows.
8
0. One way
This one-way sign warns that
traffic on this way must move
only in the direction of the
arrow.
8
4. Speed limit near school
on’t exceed the posted
speed limit near schools when
the lights are flashing.
D
73. Move only in the
directions indicated
These are lane direction signs.
Vehicles in the left lane must turn
left, and vehicles in the right lane
may go straight or turn right.
77. Move only in the
directions indicated
f you see this sign, you must
follow the direction of the
arrow for your lane.
I
8
1. Speed limit
This sign shows that the legal
speed limit is 50 mph. This is
the maximum speed at which
you can travel under ideal
conditions.
5. Speed limit when
children are present
8
on’t exceed the posted
speed limit near schools when
children are present. In this
case, the maximum allowable
speed is 15 mph.
D
The 121 most common US road signs questions
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87. Slower traffic keep right
88. Bike lane
If you are traveling slower than
most traffic, you should stay in
the right lane so faster traffic
can pass you on the left.
This sign marks a bicycle lane.
You can use the lane marked
with this sign if you are riding a
bicycle.
91. No turn on red
92. Wear seat belt
93. Railroad crossing
If you would like to turn right at
an intersection with this sign,
you must wait for the light to
turn green.
You must wear a seat belt.
Be ready to stop at a railroad
crossing ahead and be alert for
approaching trains.
94. Roundabout
95. Do not enter
96. Stop
97. No parking
A circular intersection
to enter.
This sign indicates that you
cannot enter the roadway on
which the sign is posted.
You must stop before the sign
and yield the right-of-way to
other vehicles before
proceeding.
You may stop here only
momentarily to pick up or drop
off passengers or cargo.
98. No right turn
99. No left turn
100. U-turn not allowed
101. Yield
You are prohibited from
making a right turn here.
You are prohibited from
making a left turn here.
You are prohibited from
making a U-turn here.
This triangular sign means that
you must slow down and yield
the right-of-way to oncoming
traffic.
86. Fines double in work
zones
This sign tells you that
speeding fines are doubled in
construction zones. Especially
avoid speeding through those
areas.
90. Only buses or carpool
vehicles
The lane is reserved for certain
purposes or certain vehicles.
The lanes are usually reserved
for buses or carpool vehicles
during rush hour traffic.
(roundabout) is ahead. Prepare
89. High-occupancy vehicle
(HOV) lane
You can drive in this lane if
there are two or more people
in your vehicle. These lanes
are for carpools and highoccupancy vehicles.
The 121 most common US road signs questions
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102. No stopping
103. Trucks not allowed
This sign keeps traffic flowing
smoothly. You are not allowed
to stop in the directions
indicated by this sign.
A red circle with a diagonal red This sign means that bicyclists
slash over a truck indicates
are not allowed on this
that trucks are not allowed on
roadway.
the road where this sign is
posted.
106. No driving on railroad
tracks
107. No parking between
posted times
This sign means thatyou are
not allowed to drive on the
railroad tracks.
104. Bicycles not allowed
108. No hitchhiking
If you drive past this sign, it
means no hitchhiking is
You cannot park beside this
sign between the posted times. permitted here. Do not pick up
hitchhikers.
105. Pedestrians not
allowed
This sign alerts pedestrians not
to cross at the sign.
109. No standing
This sign means that you may
only stop here momentarily to
pick up or drop off passengers.
The 121 most common US road signs questions
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Information signs
110. Gas station
111. Food
112. Lodging
113. Telephone
This sign shows the location of
a gas sta- tion.
This sign indicates the
availability of food.
This sign indicates that there
are lodging facilities ahead.
This sign indicates that
telephone service is available
ahead.
114. Hospital
115. Handicapped parking
zone
116. Rest area ahead
117. Interstate highway
number
This sign indicates a hospital
ahead.
This sign means that you are
prohibited from parking in a
handicapped zone unless you
have the appropriate permit.
This sign indicates a rest area
open on the right.
This sign represents interstate
highway route number 95,
usually called Inter- state 95 or
I-95.
118. Rest area
119. Dynamic message sign
120. Exit number
121. Airport ahead
This sign indicates a rest area
one mile ahead.
Dynamic message signs
provide important information
to travelers. Messages can be
changed to reflect current
condi- tions, route traffic,
construction schedules,
incidents, etc.
This sign represents a highway
exit number. By using the
milepost number and the exit
number, you can see how far
you are from the exit you want
to use.
This guide sign means you are
approaching an airport.
The 121 most common US road signs questions
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