Road signs will be one of the most common things you’ll need to pay attention to as a driver, especially if you’re new to the open road. That is, second only to the other drivers on the road with you. The most crucial driving skills are always defensive driving skills.
All types of traffic have a central location for road signs. The significance of understanding what they all imply is significant. It’s an important aspect of your communication with the rest of the traffic.
Different highways and traffic signals serve different functions. While some road signs are simple to comprehend, others are more complex. Below, we’ll discuss the four categories of road signs and everything there is to know about them.
4 Types of Road Signs
There are four different types of road signs: regulatory, warning, guide, and information signs. Some are about prohibitions, while others are about cautions, driving directions, or how to get to specific locations. The shape and color of a traffic sign provide important information about the sign’s message, and in low-visibility road conditions, you may only be able to make out the shape or color of the sign.
Regulatory Signs
Regulatory signs, which are usually black and white or red and white, indicate or emphasize traffic laws, regulations, or standards. They are the laws of the road, and they are intended to convey when a driver can move and at what pace.
Regulatory signs are color-coded as a way to help drivers understand what is being communicated. Here’s a guide:
- Red: Stopping or danger
- Black And White: Regulations and laws
Red Road Signs
Stop sign – A stop sign must always be obeyed. If a line has been painted on the road, you must stop before it. Some stop signs contain a smaller sign that indicates whether it is a two-way or all-way stop. Even if the junction is clear, you should come to a complete stop for at least two seconds.
Yield – When you see a yield sign, it signifies you should slow down and surrender to any approaching or crossing vehicles. You do not have to come to a complete stop while approaching a yield sign. Instead, it means you must yield the right-of-way. If there is cross-traffic approaching a yield sign, you must stop until the roadway is clear.
Do Not Enter – A do not enter sign indicates that the road is closed to traffic. It usually indicates a turn or a one-way street. Even though this sign is quite obvious, many people who are lost or unfamiliar with the area miss these signs and find up going the wrong way on a one-way road. Keep an eye out for these warnings, particularly in places with one-way streets.
No Parking – You are not permitted to park in the area indicated by this notice. You can’t “just run in for a few minutes” or leave your hazard lights on if you spot a no parking sign. Many no parking signs will specify the hours during which you may or may not park in a specific place, so pay attention to the times when parking is permitted.
Black And White Road Signs
Speed Limit – On any particular stretch of road, speed restriction signage will display the maximum permissible speed. Some speed limit signs, particularly those on highways, will include minimum and maximum speed limits. There is no legal margin of error when it comes to speed limits. You are only allowed to drive at the indicated maximum speed, and even going 1mph over the limit can result in a ticket.
One Way – On that route, one-way signs indicate that traffic only flows in one direction. An arrow indicating the traffic direction is generally included on one-way signs. Many novice drivers in large cities are unable to detect these signs since they do not reside near any one-way highways. So, whenever you’re in a new place, be especially cautious to avoid turning the wrong way on a one-way street.
Do Not Pass – Do not pass signs indicate that you are not permitted to pass the driver in front of you on that particular road. These signs are typically found on two-lane highways with the oncoming lane serving as a passing lane. The do not pass sign informs that you are approaching a stretch of road where passing in the oncoming lane is banned. These signs can also be found on multi-lane highways, particularly where lanes are going to merge or move.
No Turn – When you can’t make a left, right, or u-turn, you’ll see a no-turn sign. Typically, these can be found at controlled junctions. Some stoplights are exclusively meant to control cross-traffic and do not enable left or right turns. These signs are also commonly seen in construction zones, where roads are temporarily closed or turns are restricted.
Must Turn – Must turn indications indicate that you must turn in a specific direction if you are in a specific lane. On multi-lane highways, one of the outside lanes will frequently be converted to a right or left-turn-only lane. These signs will alert you and provide you with enough time to move into a non-turning lane if necessary.
Road Closed – The road is restricted to through traffic and you are not permitted to drive there. These signs can be posted on either permanently or temporarily closed roads. Construction, flooding, catastrophic accidents, fires, snow and ice, and a variety of other factors may cause some highways to be temporarily blocked.
Warning signs
Warning signs include yellow or orange backgrounds with black symbols or inscriptions on a diamond-shaped or rectangular sign to draw attention to potentially hazardous road conditions. They are used for a variety of things, including school zones, road conditions, and avalanche warnings.
Warning signs are color-coded as a way to help drivers understand what is being communicated. Here’s a guide:
- Yellow: Warnings
- Orange: Construction or road maintenance
Yellow Road Signs
Median Warning – These signs indicate when a median is approaching and where you should drive to avoid it. This is especially common in locations where a two- or the four-lane road becomes a split highway. As the road splits, you may need to “swerve” to one side for a limited period. These warning signs offer you advance notice of the maneuver, which is especially useful in bad weather.
Stop Ahead – A stop ahead sign alerts you whether a stop sign or stop light is approaching so you may prepare to stop. Many stop signs are hidden around curves and/or across hills, making it difficult to come to a safe and controlled halt. Even before you see the stop sign, these indications help you to begin slowing down. Coming to a controlled and smooth stop will help to prevent vehicle wear and tear as well as the likelihood of accidents, particularly rear-end collisions.
Pedestrian Crossing – Pedestrian crossings denote a location where pedestrians cross the road often. In most crosswalks, pedestrians have the right-of-way, therefore if it is safe to do so, slow down or stop to enable the pedestrian to cross the road. Every year, almost 5,000 pedestrians are killed in car-pedestrian collisions, with many more injured.
Two Way Traffic – Stay in your lane if you see this sign because you’re on a two-way road without a barrier. This sign is most commonly seen when a split highway or multi-lane highway transitions into a two-lane road with opposite vehicle traffic in each lane. It’s especially difficult to see a split highway with a passing lane has been reduced to just one lane in each direction at night.
Railroad – A warning sign is usually placed around 500 feet before a train crossing. This warning sign is intended to alert you that a rail crossing is approaching. Prepare for a jolt because many train crossings are rough and can cause a loss of control. This is also the moment when you should be seeing, listening, and living! Don’t count on railroad crossing signals to remain operational. They can and do fail, so be sure the crossing is clear before proceeding.
Animal Crossing – Animal crossing signs indicate that there are a lot of animals around and that you should expect them to cross the road. A photograph of the most common animal seen in the region is usually shown on the placard. Animal migration locations and places of roadways where animals are more likely to cross are usually marked with these signs.
Orange Road Signs
Road Work & Construction Zones – Roadwork ahead indicates that you are about to enter a construction zone. These signs usually indicate how far you are from the roadwork. Major roadwork sites, particularly on highways, may be displayed 10 miles ahead of time and continue to alert you as you approach. Smaller construction activities and regions where construction is more transient may require less than a mile of notice. Keep an eye out for speed limit decreases, as fines in construction zones with strong enforcement are generally quadrupled. Every year, many road workers are killed when vehicles collide with them, so drive slowly and pay attention. As you pass through the construction zone, orange signage will continue to provide directions.
Detour – Roadways require extensive maintenance and are occasionally closed for major repairs. Special events, such as parades, can sometimes cause road closures. A “detour route” will almost always be set up. Keep an eye out for orange signs along your route that will steer you in the proper direction and show you how to avoid the detour. Driving on a closed road is both illegal and dangerous, so avoid it!
Road Closed – A road-closed sign, unlike a diversion sign, does not provide an alternative route. The road is just closed, and you are on your own to find another route. Some signs will indicate “road closed to thru traffic,” indicating that the road is closed unless you live on it or are traveling to a business that can only be reached via the restricted route.
Guide Signs
Drivers can use guide signs to get information such as route numbers, directions, and distances to neighboring locations. They also provide details on local transportation and emergency services. These traffic signs are usually green with white text.
We have listed a few guide signs below:
Mile Marker – Mile markers are typically only visible on interstates and highways, but they can be found on any route, from busy city streets to rural single-lane roads. Most drivers ignore these seemingly trivial signs, yet they are extremely valuable in an emergency because they allow you to swiftly tell a 9-1-1 dispatcher where you are. On Interstates, mile markers will begin at Mile Marker 1 on the east side and continue up for every mile throughout the state. Mile markers on North/South routes, on the other hand, will begin at Mile Marker 1 on the state’s northern border and count down each mile to the south.
Exit Sign – An exit sign can be found on freeways, expressways, and other roads having exit ramps. The entire interstate system in the United States requires exit signage. Exit signs in most states will also include a number. Although this number almost always corresponds to the nearest mile marker, a few states just publish exit numbers in numerical sequence regardless of which mile marker they are near.
Street Sign – Street signs in some regions can be displayed in colors other than green. Some city, state, and national park roads, for example, may be depicted in a brown tint. Other roads that have been renamed in honor of someone may be a different hue. The name of the road will be shown in green and white on the great majority of street signs.
Freeway Interchange – Before entering a location where two or more freeways meet, look for signs indicating which lane to take. It’s crucial to pay attention to these signs since they’ll tell you which lane you’ll need to enter to stay on your current motorway or switch to a new one.
Information signs
Information signs offer drivers broad language about sites of geographical and historical importance, as well as other pertinent information, making roadways safer and more pleasant.
Construction Traffic Control Devices in Iowa
Do you need to direct traffic away from your project safely and efficiently? Are you planning a special occasion? Let Advanced Traffic Control handle all the logistics.
Whatever the situation, our traffic control professionals can provide you with all of the necessary resources. We will walk you through every step of the procedure. From traffic control plan design to full execution, you can count on us. Call us today!