Chapter 5
Signs, Signals, and Roadway Markings
THINK- PAIR- SHARE
In a group of 2 to 3 people, write down 8-10 signs that you would see while
driving. Can you remember what color and type they are?
What do you think is the purpose of having signs?
TYPES/CATAGORIES OF SIGNS
REGULATORY= Controls Traffic
WARNING= Alerts you to what’s coming
GUIDE= Gives you direction
Draw a picture of a sign that represents each type of sign.
Regulatory signs
• Regulatory signs regulates or controls the
movement of traffic.
• Gives commands/ Sets limits
• Colors: Red, white, black, green on white, or
white on black
• Shape: Square, vertical rectangular or
horizontal rectangular shapes
Regulatory Signs
Warning Signs
• Warning signs alerts you to change in the
condition or use of the road ahead.
• Road construction and maintenance, school
zones and crossings, railroad crossing, curves,
intersections, changes in the road width, and
deer crossings.
• Color: Yellow or orange with black symbols or
letters
• Shape: Most are diamond
When you see a warning sign, increase you level of alertness to
changes in the roadway, in traffic, or in environmental conditions.
Always proceed with caution
Stop Signs
• Shape: Octagon
Color: Red with white writing
• Stop signs- Mostly seen at the intersection of two
roadways.
• Must come to a full stop.
• White lines on pavement (1, 2, or none) You must
stop in front of the 1st white line you come to. If
no lines stop behind or even with the sign.
• Right of way- driver on left must let vehicle on right
go first
Yield Signs
• Shape: Triangle
Color: Red and white
• As you approach a yield sign slow down check
oncoming traffic and traffic behind you.
• Search right and left for cross and oncoming
traffic
• You may need to stop and wait until the
roadway is clear of traffic before you proceed
School Area
• In a school area/zone you must slow down and
proceed with caution
• The speed limit in a school zone is 20 MPH
Guide and International Signs
• Guide signs provide information about where you
are, where you are going, how to get there, how
far you have to go, and what services are
available.
• Guide sign gives information about:
1. Roadways and routes
2. Mileage to certain destinations
3. Roadside service (rest stops, service stations,
and campsites)
4. Recreational areas and nearby points of interest
Route Markers
• Routes are the numbered roadways that
crisscross the continent. Interstate routes that
lead into cities have 3 digits and begin with
odd digit.
• If a 3 digit route begins with an even digit the
route goes around a city or connects to
interstate highways at both ends
Destination and Mileage Signs
• Tell you where you are
• What lane to take to get to your destination
• What exits are coming up and how far away the
exits are.
• Smaller signs on the side of the road also tell you
how far you are from different places
• Color: White or Green
• Roadside Services: When you want to stop for
gas, food, or make a phone call.
Color: Blue signs with white lettering
• Recreational Areas: Signs guide you to state and
national parks, historic sites, and other places
of interest
Color: Brown sign with white lettering
Pavement Markings
• Yellow and white lines provide directions or
warnings for drivers
• Yellow lines divide traffic traveling in opposite
directions
• White line parallel to the roadway separate
same-direction traffic into lanes. White lines
perpendicular to the roadway indicate
crosswalks, railroads crossings, and stop sign
at intersections.
Yellow Lines
• Double solid yellow lines= No Passing
(Crossing only if you are turning into a
driveway)
• 1 solid yellow line and 1 broken yellow lineIf broken yellow line is first one to your left
you may cross it to pass a vehicle when it is
safe to do so.
If solid yellow line is first one to your left
you may not cross it.
Yellow Lines
• Double solid yellow lines= No
Passing (Crossing only if you
are turning into a driveway)
• 1 solid yellow line and 1
broken yellow lineIf broken yellow line is
first one to your left you may
cross it to pass a vehicle when
it is safe to do so.
If solid yellow line is first
one to your left you may not
cross it.
White Lines
• White lines that are parallel to the roadway
• Broken: you can move from lane to lane
• Single between lanes of traffic moving in same
direction discourage passing at high-risk
locations (but do not prohibit passing)
• Solid- indicate right side of roadway.
• Used to mark pedestrian cross walks and stop lines
Arrows
• White arrows identify lanes from which you
can drive straight ahead or turn right or left
Traffic Lights
• Traffic Control Signals- Red, yellow and Green
– Flashing red
– Treat it as a stop sign. Stop and proceed when safe
– Flashing yellow
– Slow down and proceed with caution
– Arrows:
– Red traffic not allowed
– Yellow light is about to change
– Green traffic moving in the direction of the arrow may
proceed if it is clear
Traffic Lights
• Pedestrian signals
• Walk
• DON’T WALK
• Flashing DON’T WALK
• Lane-Use Lights
•
•
•
•
Red X
Green arrow
Yellow X
Flashing yellow X