Warning Signs
Background color: yellow
Location: sharp turns or ramps
The 270-degree Loop sign warns drivers about a curve with a sharp change in direction, typically used on cloverleaf interchange ramps. It helps drivers anticipate the need to slow down significantly to navigate the turn safely.
The loop shape indicates that the road turns sharply back in the opposite direction. Keep an eye on the advisory speed plaque to navigate safely.
Regulatory Signs
Background color: red
Location: below STOP signs at intersections where all approaches require a stop
The 'ALL WAY' plaque is used below a STOP sign at intersections where all approaches are controlled by STOP signs, indicating that all traffic entering the intersection must stop.
When you see this plaque below a STOP sign, remember that all directions at the intersection have a stop. Proceed only after confirming it’s safe and that other vehicles have stopped as well.
Warning signs
Background color: yellow
Location: at points where two roadways converge without requiring merging
The Added Lane sign indicates a location where two roadways converge, forming an additional lane, and drivers are not required to merge. This sign is placed before the convergence point to notify drivers in advance about the lane changes. It is often used at freeway exits or where entrance ramps meet main roads.
The two arrows on the sign show that each roadway keeps its own lane. Remember: no merging is required—just continue driving in your lane.
Regulatory Signs
Background color: white
Location: approaches to intersections
This sign indicates lane control at an intersection. The left lane is restricted to left turns only, while the right lane permits both straight-ahead and left turns. Drivers must select the correct lane ahead of time to avoid confusion or last-minute lane changes.
When you see this sign, use the left lane only for left turns. If you need to go straight, make sure to stay in the right lane. Plan ahead to be in the correct lane before reaching the intersection to avoid sudden maneuvers.
Guide Signs
Background color: green
Location: along routes leading to airports
The 'Airport' sign directs travelers to the nearest airport. It can be supplemented with a name plaque or an arrow to provide precise guidance. This sign is commonly found on interstates, freeways, and highways leading to airports within 15 miles.
Follow these signs to reach airports. Look for additional plaques and arrows for precise directions.
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Warning Signs
Background color: yellow
Location: areas where cyclists might enter the road
The Bicycle Traffic Warning sign alerts drivers to areas where bicyclists may unexpectedly enter the roadway. It is often placed near intersections, paths, or areas with shared-use roadways.
The bicycle symbol on the sign helps you quickly identify that cyclists may enter the road. Be cautious, especially in areas with curves or limited visibility.
Regulatory Signs
Background color: white
Location: start and end of bike lanes, major intersections
The sign indicates that the lane is designated exclusively for bicycle use. It is installed on highways and public roads to regulate the interaction between bicycles and motor vehicles. This sign may be placed at the beginning and end of bike lanes and at key points along the route to ensure clarity.
When you see this sign, remember that the lane is reserved for bicycles. Keep your vehicle off the lane to avoid violations and ensure safety.
Guide Signs
Background color: green
Location: along designated bicycle routes
The 'Bike Route' sign indicates designated bike paths or lanes available for cyclists. These signs are placed along bicycle routes to confirm the path and offer guidance on the route direction.
Follow these signs to stay on the designated bicycle route. Pay attention to additional signs for detours or special route instructions.
Warning Signs
Background color: yellow
Location: where highways transition into expressways
The CROSS TRAFFIC AHEAD sign warns drivers that they are entering a section where cross traffic may occur, such as when transitioning from a freeway to an expressway. This alerts motorists to the potential for vehicles crossing their path or merging at intersections ahead.
The diamond shape with 'CROSS TRAFFIC AHEAD' reminds you that vehicles may cross your path soon. Stay vigilant and prepare to slow down or stop as needed.
Temporary Traffic Control Signs
Background color: orange
Location: in advance of flagger stations
The 'California Flagger Symbol' sign alerts drivers that a flagger is ahead to manage traffic flow, typically in construction or maintenance zones.
When approaching this sign, slow down and be prepared to stop. Watch for flagger instructions and follow them carefully to ensure safe navigation through the work zone.
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Guide Signs
Background color: blue
Location: within 3 miles of highways, indicating campsite availability
The 'Camping' sign directs travelers to campgrounds that offer overnight accommodations for recreational vehicles, campers, or tents. It is used for both public and private campsites, with water and sanitary facilities available.
This sign indicates a place where you can camp overnight. Facilities marked with this sign must accommodate recreational vehicles and provide water and sanitary services. Keep an eye out for follow-up signs for the best route to the campground.
Regulatory Signs
Background color: white
Location: highways, one-way roads, or ramps
The DO NOT ENTER sign is placed where traffic is prohibited from entering a restricted roadway. It warns drivers that they cannot enter this road, ramp, or one-way roadway.
DO NOT ENTER means you are not allowed to proceed. Imagine the sign as a barrier — you must stop and turn around to avoid going the wrong way.
Regulatory Signs
Background color: white
Location: beginning or sections with restricted visibility, narrow roads
The DO NOT PASS sign indicates a restriction on passing in the designated area. It can be used in addition to pavement markings and is placed where visibility is limited or where overtaking is unsafe.
DO NOT PASS is like ‘do not enter,’ but for passing vehicles. Imagine the road telling you: 'Don’t pass now.' Stay behind the vehicle ahead and wait until it’s safe and allowed to pass.
Temporary Traffic Control Signs
Background color: black
Location: used to mark detour routes
The 'Detour Arrow' sign is used to indicate the direction of a detour route when a section of the regular route is closed. It is commonly placed just below road closure signs to provide clear guidance on where to divert traffic.
Always follow the direction indicated by the arrow to stay on the detour route. Ensure you remain attentive for additional detour signs along the way.
Warning Signs
Background color: yellow
Location: approaches to highways with a median or barrier
The Divided Highway sign is used on roads approaching a section where traffic flows in opposite directions are separated by a median or physical barrier. It alerts drivers to the divided highway to ensure they stay on the correct side of the divider.
The two arrows curving around the barrier remind you to stay on the correct side of the highway. Watch for the barrier and follow the flow of traffic in your direction.
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Guide Signs
Background color: green
Location: along highways and main roads
The 'Divided Road Ahead' sign informs drivers that a divided road is 2 miles ahead. It helps prepare drivers for upcoming changes in the roadway, ensuring smoother navigation.
Plan your lane changes early and stay aware of upcoming road dividers. Follow directional signs to stay on the correct route.
Guide Signs
Background color: blue
Location: within 3 miles of state highways or in accessible public areas
The 'Electric Vehicle Charging Station' sign (G66-21(CA)) directs motorists to nearby charging facilities for electric vehicles. These stations must be accessible to the public for at least 16 hours a day. The sign can be supplemented with directional arrows or a 'FAST' plaque for fast-charging stations.
Remember that these signs indicate charging points accessible within a short distance. If you see the 'FAST' plaque, it means the station supports rapid charging, ideal for quick stops during travel.
Guide Signs
Background color: blue
Location: at state entry points or below community signs
The 'Emergency Call 9-1-1' sign directs travelers to use the 911 emergency line for assistance. It is often placed at state entry points or below community signs to remind drivers about emergency services' availability.
Associate this sign with quick access to emergency services. If you see this sign at state borders or near city limit markers, it's a reminder that 911 is available wherever you are.
Regulatory Signs
Background color: white
Location: freeways and emergency lanes
The 'Emergency Parking Only' sign indicates that parking is allowed only in cases of emergencies. It is used to discourage unnecessary stops and parking on freeways, ensuring that shoulder lanes remain clear for emergencies. This sign helps prevent congestion and improves safety by restricting parking to emergency situations only.
Do not stop or park your vehicle unless there is an emergency. Use the shoulder only when absolutely necessary, such as for breakdowns or other emergencies.
Temporary Traffic Control Signs
Background color: pink
Location: upstream of traffic queues due to incidents
The 'Emergency Scene Ahead' sign warns motorists about an upcoming emergency scene. It helps alert drivers to slow down, stay alert, and prepare to follow directions from emergency personnel. This sign is typically used at incident management sites to ensure safe traffic movement around the scene.
Reduce speed immediately and stay alert for emergency personnel. Follow any instructions and avoid distractions to ensure safety near the emergency area.
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Guide Signs
Background color: green
Location: in gore areas at highway exits
The sign, also known as the 'Exit Gore' sign, marks the departure point from a highway to an exit ramp. It is placed in the gore area, between the main roadway and the exit ramp, to provide clear direction for drivers leaving the highway. The sign is critical for maintaining smooth traffic flow and ensuring drivers do not miss their exits.
Look for Exit Gore signs early, especially in unfamiliar areas. Follow the arrow to align your vehicle with the correct departure path.
Warning Signs
Background color: yellow
Location: before flooded highway sections
The FLOODED sign alerts drivers of an area prone to flooding ahead. This sign ensures that drivers are prepared to slow down or reroute to avoid flooded areas. It helps prevent accidents and vehicle damage caused by sudden water on the roadway.
The bright yellow color grabs attention, signaling an unexpected road hazard. Always proceed with caution or find an alternative route when you encounter this sign.
Warning Signs
Background color: yellow
Location: in advance of freeway termination
The FREEWAY ENDS sign warns drivers that the freeway they are traveling on is about to end. It signals a transition to a lower-speed roadway, such as a conventional road or expressway, often requiring greater caution. In cases where the next section of freeway is incomplete, additional signage like ALL TRAFFIC MUST EXIT may be used.
This yellow diamond-shaped sign signals the end of fast-moving freeway travel. Drivers should prepare for slower traffic and possible changes in driving conditions ahead.
Regulatory Signs
Background color: white
Location: railroad crossings
The Grade Crossing (Crossbuck) sign not only warns drivers about an approaching railroad crossing but also requires them to yield the right of way to any oncoming trains. Drivers must stop and proceed only when it is safe to cross. If two or more tracks are present, an additional plaque is installed below the Crossbuck indicating the number of tracks. YIELD or STOP signs may accompany it to improve safety at crossings without active signals.
The cross shape of the sign serves as a reminder that you are crossing railroad tracks. Always stop, look both ways for trains, and follow any additional STOP or YIELD signs to stay safe.
Warning Signs
Background color: yellow
Location: before railroad and light rail crossings
The Grade Crossing Advance Warning sign alerts drivers to an approaching railroad or light rail crossing. It is installed on roads ahead of all crossings, except those with active traffic control systems or crossings with tracks that are rarely used.
The yellow color is a warning, and the cross shape reminds you of a crossing.
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Regulatory Signs
Background color: white
Location: highways with HOV lanes
The 'HOV 2+ Lane Ahead' sign alerts drivers that a High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane is ahead. This lane is reserved for vehicles with two or more occupants. HOV lanes help reduce congestion and encourage carpooling by giving priority to vehicles with higher occupancy.
If you are driving with two or more occupants, you can use the HOV lane for faster travel. Plan ahead to switch lanes in time if you don't meet the occupancy requirement, as using the HOV lane improperly can result in fines.
Guide Signs
Background color: green
Location: at direct access ramps to HOV lanes
The sign marks the entrance to an HOV (High-Occupancy Vehicle) lane. It is used at direct access ramps, often from crossroads or surface streets, to indicate that the lane is reserved for vehicles with multiple occupants or those meeting specific requirements. This sign ensures proper use of HOV lanes and smooth traffic flow.
Ensure your vehicle qualifies for the HOV lane before entering. Look for signs indicating occupancy requirements or permitted vehicle types to avoid fines.
Regulatory Signs
Background color: white
Location: HOV lanes on highways
The 'HOV Violation Minimum Fine' sign warns drivers that a minimum fine will be imposed for unauthorized use of the High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane. This sign helps enforce HOV lane restrictions, ensuring that only vehicles meeting the occupancy requirements use the designated lanes. It is commonly placed at the beginning of HOV lanes or areas with high violation rates.
Avoid using the HOV lane if your vehicle doesn't meet the occupancy requirement to avoid fines. Pay attention to the minimum fine amount displayed on the sign.
Warning Signs
Background color: yellow
Location: in advance of steep downgrades where special caution is required
The Hill sign combined with a grade plaque warns drivers of a steep slope ahead. The displayed grade percentage informs drivers about the steepness, helping them adjust their driving accordingly by slowing down or changing to a lower gear. These signs are placed in locations where slopes are long, steep, or have curves, making it essential for road safety.
The truck symbol and percentage plaque remind drivers of the importance of reducing speed and using lower gears. If you see both signs, it means a serious downgrade is ahead—prepare to shift gears and drive cautiously.
Guide Signs
Background color: blue
Location: within 1 mile in urban areas or 3 miles in rural areas near highways
The 'Hospital' sign indicates a nearby medical facility that provides 24-hour care and accepts emergency cases. It helps guide travelers to the nearest hospital in both urban and rural areas.
Remember that in urban areas, hospitals are usually within 1 mile of highways, while in rural areas, they can be within 3 miles. Look for this sign if you need immediate medical care.
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