USA Road Signs

Guide Signs
International Symbol of Accessibility
Background color: blue
Location: at accessible parking areas, restrooms, and other facilities
The sign, featuring the International Symbol of Accessibility, identifies areas or facilities designed to be accessible to individuals with physical disabilities. It is often placed at parking spots, rest areas, or charging stations, ensuring accessibility and compliance with regulations.
Tips to remember:
Associate the wheelchair symbol with accessibility and ease of movement. Remember that these signs indicate spaces designed for people with mobility challenges, making them easy to recognize in parking lots, rest areas, and transit stations.
Warning Signs
Intersection Warning
Background color: yellow
Location: before intersections on roads, paths, and bikeways
The Intersection Warning sign warns drivers of an upcoming intersection, where turning or entering traffic might be present. It helps ensure drivers anticipate the intersection ahead and adjust their speed. This sign is not typically used where intersections are controlled by STOP, YIELD, or traffic signals.
Tips to remember:
The cross shape on the sign helps you associate it with a road intersection. When you see this sign, reduce your speed and be prepared for potential cross traffic or turning vehicles.
Regulatory Signs
Keep Left
Background color: white
Location: medians, safety islands, bridges, and elevated ramps
The Keep Left sign indicates that traffic must keep to the left of a divider or obstruction. It is used on highways and streets with raised medians, safety islands, or bridges to direct traffic safely around these features.
Tips to remember:
The arrow shows the direction you need to pass the obstacle—stay to the left. Following the sign helps you avoid dangerous maneuvers.
Regulatory Signs
Keep Right
Background color: white
Location: safety islands, medians, traffic circles
The Keep Right sign indicates that vehicles must pass to the right of an obstacle or divider. In traffic circles, the sign directs vehicles to travel clockwise around the central island.
Tips to remember:
The arrow shows that you must pass to the right of the obstacle. Follow the sign to avoid violations and ensure safe driving.
Temporary Traffic Control Signs
Lane Closed
Background color: orange
Location: within closed lanes on highways
The 'Lane Closed' sign is used to indicate that a lane is closed on a multilane highway. This sign provides follow-up information to advance warning signs and can be repeated at intervals throughout long closures as a reminder to motorists. It ensures smooth traffic flow by directing vehicles away from closed lanes.
Tips to remember:
Stay in the open lane and avoid entering the closed lane. Watch for additional signs and signals guiding you through the closure zone. Pay attention to detour signs if the ramp is closed.
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Warning Signs
Lane Ends
Background color: yellow
Location: multi-lane roadways
The Lane Ends sign warns drivers of a reduction in the number of traffic lanes in the direction of travel. It is typically used on multi-lane roads to alert drivers to merge into the remaining lane. The sign helps ensure a safe and smooth traffic flow as drivers adjust to fewer lanes ahead.
Tips to remember:
The narrowing lines on the sign indicate that one lane is ending, and drivers need to merge into the adjacent lane. Pay attention to other vehicles and adjust speed accordingly to merge safely.
Warning Signs
Left Side Road
Background color: yellow
Location: intersections
The Left Side Road sign warns drivers of an upcoming side road intersecting from the left. It alerts motorists to be prepared for entering traffic or the possibility of turning onto the side road.
Tips to remember:
Think of this sign as a 'T-intersection missing the right leg.' When you see it, slow down and be ready for traffic entering from the left.
Regulatory Signs
Left Turn Yield on Green
Background color: white
Location: signalized intersections
The Left Turn Yield on Green sign instructs drivers making a left turn to yield to oncoming traffic before turning during a green light. It ensures drivers are aware that they do not have the right of way and must allow other vehicles to pass first.
Tips to remember:
When you see this sign, remember: even with a green light, you must yield to oncoming traffic before making your left turn.
Regulatory Signs
Left or U-Turn
Background color: white
Location: signalized intersections, overhead structures, or side-mounted poles
Thesign indicates that only left turns or U-turns are allowed in the specified lanes. It is used at intersections with double left-turn lanes and may replace the No U-Turn sign at intersections with dedicated left-turn phases. This sign ensures clear lane use and prevents driver confusion.
Tips to remember:
Follow the arrows: the curved arrow allows U-turns, and the straight arrow allows left turns. Remember, no other maneuvers are permitted in these lanes.
Guide Signs
Light Rail Transit Station
Background color: green
Location: near transit stations or boarding points
The 'Light Rail Transit Station' sign directs road users to the nearest light rail transit station or boarding location. This sign can include the transit system's name and directional arrows to provide precise guidance.
Tips to remember:
Follow these signs to access light rail transit stations easily. Look for accompanying arrows for directions to the correct entry point.
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Guide Signs
Lookout Tower
Background color: brown
Location: within 3 miles of the highway
The 'Lookout Tower' sign indicates the presence of a publicly owned lookout facility that is accessible to visitors. This facility is open at least 8 hours a day and operates at least 180 days per year, offering scenic views for travelers.
Tips to remember:
Use this sign as a guide to scenic viewpoints. Remember to bring binoculars or a camera to fully enjoy the views from the lookout tower.
Temporary Traffic Control Signs
Loose Gravel
Background color: orange
Location: areas with loose gravel or chip seal work
The 'Loose Gravel' sign warns motorists about loose gravel on the road, typically found in areas with chip sealing or resurfacing work. This sign advises drivers to proceed carefully to prevent skidding, flying debris, and other hazards. Motorcyclists should exercise additional caution.
Tips to remember:
Reduce your speed and increase following distance to avoid debris. Motorcyclists should proceed carefully to avoid loss of control.
Warning Signs
NARROW BRIDGE
Background color: yellow
Location: before bridges or culverts with limited clearance
The NARROW BRIDGE sign warns drivers about an upcoming bridge or culvert with a width narrower than the approaching roadway. It alerts drivers to exercise caution, as passing may require coordination with oncoming vehicles.
Tips to remember:
Think of the bridge as a narrow point on the road. When you see this sign, prepare to slow down and check for oncoming traffic before entering the bridge.
Regulatory Signs
NO PARKING ANY TIME
Background color: white
Location: street parking areas, restricted parking zones
The NO PARKING ANY TIME sign prohibits parking at any time in the indicated direction. It is typically installed in areas where parking must remain prohibited to ensure safety or maintain smooth traffic flow. Larger versions of this sign may be used when better visibility is required.
Tips to remember:
See the red arrow? It means no parking at any time in that direction. Make sure to find a legal parking spot to avoid fines or towing.
Warning signs
NO PASSING ZONE
Background color: yellow
Location: left side of the roadway at the beginning of no-passing zones
The NO PASSING ZONE sign marks the start of a zone where overtaking other vehicles is not allowed. It is installed on the left side of the road and indicates that drivers must remain in their lane until the zone ends, following any 'Do Not Pass' instructions or road markings.
Tips to remember:
The pennant shape looks like an arrow pointing to where the no-passing zone starts. Spotting this unique shape on the left side helps you quickly recognize where passing is restricted.
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Regulatory Signs
NO TURN ON RED
Background color: white
Location: intersections, traffic lights
The NO TURN ON RED sign prohibits turning on a red signal. It is used at intersections where such turns may be unsafe due to limited visibility, skewed intersection angles, or high pedestrian traffic.
Tips to remember:
The red circle on the sign tells you: 'Do not turn on red.' Think of it as a reminder to wait for the green light before making your turn.
Guide Signs
Next Services 23 MILES
Background color: blue
Location: below General Service signs, along highways or routes
The 'Next Services' sign indicates the distance to the next available service point if it is more than 10 miles away. This helps drivers prepare for long stretches without services by alerting them to the nearest stop for fuel, food, or other needs.
Tips to remember:
If you see this sign, make sure to assess your vehicle’s fuel level and other needs. Plan ahead to avoid being stranded on the road.
Regulatory Signs
No Left Turn
Background color: white
Location: intersections, interchanges, entrances, and exits
The NO LEFT TURN sign prohibits left turns at intersections and specific sections of roads. It may be placed at intersections alongside STOP or YIELD signs and at entrances or exits of interchanges to prevent incorrect maneuvers.
Tips to remember:
The crossed-out arrow indicates a prohibition: left turns are not allowed. Follow the sign’s instructions to comply with traffic rules and avoid dangerous situations.
Regulatory Signs
No Parking
Background color: white
Location: roads, bridges, entrances, and restricted areas
The No Parking sign prohibits parking along certain road sections. It can be used as a standalone sign without needing to mark the start or end of the restricted area. In rural areas or roads with paved shoulders, additional signs may specify 'Parking Only on Shoulder' to allow parking on designated areas.
Tips to remember:
The No Parking sign means parking is prohibited. If you see this sign, find a permitted parking area to avoid fines or towing.
Temporary Traffic Control Signs
No Shoulder
Background color: orange
Location: areas without available shoulder space
The 'No Shoulder' sign informs drivers that there is no earth, gravel, or paved shoulder available to pull off the roadway. This sign is commonly used to alert motorists of sections where stopping or pulling off is unsafe due to the lack of shoulder space. It is also placed near trenches to improve visibility and safety.
Tips to remember:
Avoid stopping along sections marked with this sign. If you encounter issues with your vehicle, look for a designated pull-off area ahead to stop safely.
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Regulatory Signs
No Turns
Background color: white
Location: approaches to intersections
The 'No Turns' sign indicates that no turns are allowed at the upcoming intersection. It applies to both left and right turns. On a two-way street, this sign is placed on both near and far right corners facing traffic. On a one-way street, the signs are placed on both the near left and right corners.
Tips to remember:
When you see this sign, proceed straight through the intersection without making any turns. Plan your route accordingly if you need to turn at a different intersection.
Regulatory Signs
No U-Turn
Background color: white
Location: intersections, medians, entrances, and exits
The No U-Turn sign prohibits U-turns at intersections or other designated road sections.
Tips to remember:
The curved arrow with a red line means U-turns are not allowed. Make sure to follow the sign’s instructions and find a safe location for turning around.
Warning Signs
Number of Tracks
Background color: yellow
Location: railroad grade crossings with two or more tracks
The Number of Tracks sign is used at railroad grade crossings with two or more tracks. It is placed below the Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Advance Warning sign and informs drivers of the number of tracks they must cross. This sign helps alert road users that additional trains might pass after the first train clears the crossing.
Tips to remember:
Pay attention to the number of tracks indicated. Even if one train has passed, another train could follow on a different track.
Regulatory Signs
ONE WAY
Background color: black
Location: one-way roads, intersections, or roundabouts
The ONE WAY sign is placed on roads with one-way traffic to indicate that vehicles are only allowed to travel in one direction. It may also be placed at intersections to show the correct direction for entering a one-way street. The black background is preferred on highways and major roads because it improves visibility and legibility at higher speeds.
Tips to remember:
Think of the ONE WAY sign as an arrow pointing the only way forward. If you see this sign, follow the direction it shows.
Regulatory Signs
ONE WAY
Background color: white
Location: one-way roads, intersections, or roundabouts
The ONE WAY sign is placed on roads with one-way traffic to indicate that vehicles are only allowed to travel in one direction. It may also be placed at intersections to show the correct direction for entering a one-way street. The white background is often used in urban areas or narrow intersections where space is limited, making it easier to fit the sign vertically.
Tips to remember:
Think of the ONE WAY sign as an arrow pointing the only way forward. If you see this sign, follow the direction it shows.
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Temporary Traffic Control Signs
One Lane Road Ahead
Background color: orange
Location: approaching single-lane sections
The 'One Lane Road Ahead' sign informs drivers that they are approaching a section where traffic in both directions must share a single lane. This sign is typically used near construction zones or areas with temporary lane closures. It alerts drivers to be cautious and prepared to yield to oncoming traffic as needed.
Tips to remember:
Slow down and be prepared to stop if necessary. Follow the instructions of flaggers or traffic signals to safely pass through the single-lane section.
Warning Signs
One-Direction Large Arrow
Background color: yellow
Location: turns or curves
The One-Direction Large Arrow sign indicates a change in horizontal alignment, such as a curve or a sharp turn, where it may supplement or replace Chevron Alignment signs. It helps drivers prepare for abrupt changes in the road layout by pointing left or right.
Tips to remember:
This sign points to the direction you must follow. Remember: follow the arrow in the indicated direction to avoid veering off course.
Warning Signs
PAVEMENT ENDS
Background color: yellow
Location: where paved roads transition to gravel or earth roads
The PAVEMENT ENDS sign warns drivers of a sudden change from a paved surface to a gravel or earth road surface. This alert helps drivers prepare for potentially rougher terrain, allowing them to slow down to maintain control and safety.
Tips to remember:
Think of the word 'ends' as a signal that smooth pavement is over, and the road surface will become rougher. Be sure to slow down to avoid losing control, especially on gravel or dirt roads.
Guide Signs
Park - Ride
Background color: green
Location: near public transport stations or carpool parking areas
The 'Park - Ride' sign directs drivers to parking facilities intended for them to park their vehicles and continue their journey using public transportation or carpool services. These facilities help reduce congestion and parking demand in city centers.
Tips to remember:
Look for Park - Ride signs when you need to leave your car and switch to public transportation. Make sure to follow parking rules and use the transit system indicated on the sign.
Warning Signs
Pedestrian Crossing
Background color: yellow
Location: at pedestrian crossings or shared-use paths
The Pedestrian Crossing sign alerts drivers to areas where pedestrians may cross the road, such as at marked crosswalks or intersections. It helps ensure safety by warning drivers to be ready to yield or stop for crossing pedestrians.
Tips to remember:
The walking figure on the sign indicates a crossing. When you see this sign, slow down and be ready to stop for pedestrians.
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