USA Road Signs

Regulatory Signs
ALL WAY
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.
Tips to remember:
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.
Regulatory Signs
Advance Intersection Lane Control - Left Turn Only and Straight
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.
Tips to remember:
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.
Regulatory Signs
Bike Lane
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.
Tips to remember:
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.
Regulatory Signs
DO NOT ENTER
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.
Tips to remember:
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
DO NOT PASS
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.
Tips to remember:
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.
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Regulatory Signs
Emergency Parking Only
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.
Tips to remember:
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.
Regulatory Signs
Grade Crossing (Crossbuck)
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.
Tips to remember:
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.
Regulatory Signs
HOV 2+ Lane Ahead
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.
Tips to remember:
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.
Regulatory Signs
HOV Violation Minimum Fine
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.
Tips to remember:
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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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.
Regulatory Signs
Push Button for Pedestrian Signal
Background color: white
Location: pedestrian crossings or signalized intersections
The 'Push Button for Pedestrian Signal' sign instructs pedestrians to press the button to activate the pedestrian signal. This sign is intended for pedestrians and does not require any action from drivers. Drivers must yield to pedestrians once the pedestrian signal is activated, ensuring the safe crossing of pedestrians.
Tips to remember:
If you're a pedestrian, press the button and wait for the pedestrian signal to change before crossing. Drivers should pay attention to pedestrian signals and yield the right of way once the signal changes, ensuring pedestrian safety.
Regulatory Signs
Right Lane Must Exit
Background color: white
Location: approaches to interchanges
The 'Right Lane Must Exit' sign informs drivers that vehicles in the right lane are required to exit at the next interchange. This sign is used in combination with or as a supplement to overhead 'EXIT ONLY' signs to provide clear instructions for lane use. It ensures that drivers have sufficient time to switch lanes if they intend to continue on the main roadway.
Tips to remember:
If you are in the right lane and see this sign, prepare to exit or change lanes if you need to continue straight. Watch for additional 'EXIT ONLY' signage and plan your maneuvers early to avoid last-minute lane changes.
Regulatory Signs
Right Lane Must Turn Right
Background color: white
Location: intersections and highway approaches
The 'Right Lane Must Turn Right' sign indicates that drivers in the rightmost lane are required to make a right turn at the upcoming intersection. This sign ensures smooth traffic flow and minimizes sudden lane changes by informing drivers early that the lane is dedicated for right turns only.
Tips to remember:
If you're in the right lane and see this sign, be prepared to turn right. Switch lanes early if you need to go straight or make a left turn to avoid confusion and last-minute lane changes.
Regulatory Signs
Right Turn Only
Background color: white
Location: intersections, entrances, exits
The Right Turn Only sign indicates that only a right turn is allowed at the specified location. It is commonly installed at intersections and exits to guide traffic flow and prevent dangerous maneuvers such as going straight or making a left turn.
Tips to remember:
Remember: When you see this sign, you are allowed to turn only right. Trying to go straight or turn left will result in a traffic violation.
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Regulatory Signs
STOP
Background color: red
Location: intersections
The sign indicates that you must come to a complete stop before the crosswalk or at the limit line. If neither exists, stop before entering the intersection. After stopping, check traffic in all directions before proceeding.
Tips to remember:
The word "STOP" is clear and universally understood, requiring no additional explanation.
Regulatory Signs
Slow Vehicles Must Turn Out
Background color: white
Location: highways with turn-out areas
The 'Slow Vehicles Must Turn Out' sign informs drivers of slower-moving vehicles that they are required to use the designated turn-out area to allow faster-moving vehicles to pass. This sign is typically placed near the entry of the turn-out area to ensure smooth traffic flow on narrow two-lane highways.
Tips to remember:
If you are driving slowly and see this sign, use the turn-out area to let faster vehicles pass. Staying in the lane may cause congestion and create unsafe conditions for other drivers.
Regulatory Signs
Slower Traffic Keep Right
Background color: white
Location: multi-lane roads, beginning of passing lanes
The Slower Traffic Keep Right sign directs slower-moving vehicles to stay in the right lane to avoid obstructing the flow of faster traffic. It is installed on multi-lane roads to reduce unnecessary lane changes and at locations with designated passing lanes.
Tips to remember:
If you are driving slower than the traffic flow, move to the right lane. This sign ensures smoother traffic flow and prevents congestion.
Regulatory Signs
Speed Limit 50 miles per hour
Background color: white
Location: highways, urban and rural roads
The Speed Limit sign indicates the maximum allowable speed on a given road section. The posted speed may vary based on the road type and specific conditions.
Tips to remember:
Think of the speed limit as a cap—no matter the road conditions, driving above the posted limit is considered a violation.
Regulatory Signs
TO ONCOMING TRAFFIC
Background color: white
Location: mounted below YIELD signs at one-lane bridges or similar situations
The 'TO ONCOMING TRAFFIC' sign is placed below a YIELD sign in situations where drivers proceeding straight must yield to oncoming traffic, such as at one-lane bridges. This ensures that drivers give the right of way to vehicles approaching from the opposite direction.
Tips to remember:
If you see this sign below a YIELD sign, remember that oncoming traffic has the right of way. Slow down and prepare to stop if necessary to let oncoming vehicles pass.
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