A Road Sign Refresher
We admit it, there’s a lot to remember on a driving test. Even after so many years on the road, it’s easy to forget which neon sign means what. Well, we’re here to offer a crash course.
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1. Stop Sign
You’d think the word “STOP” imprinted on a giant red sign would encourage more listening, but every day motorists cruise right by. Some call it a “rolling stop,” which doesn’t exist and is also very dangerous. Suffice it to say that everyone from children to experienced drivers should adhere to this important sign.
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2. Yield
Approaching a yield sign means you need to slow down and let other traffic go ahead of you. While this doesn’t necessarily mean a full stop, it does mean slowing down so you can read the situation first. You should also be prepared to stop.
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3. Speed Limits
From night limits to minimum speed limits, these signs come in all shapes and sizes and you must know them before hitting the road. The last thing you want to do is misread one and become a danger to yourself and others.
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4. Pedestrian Crossing
He’s a very serious businessman and he’s on a mission to warn you of incoming pedestrians. Though this sign doesn’t warrant an immediate stop, it does require vigilance to avoid any accidents.
Nate Enyedi on Wikimedia Commons
5. No Left Turn
Another sign you think most drivers would abide by, but plenty still test their luck on the road. The demerit points or ticket fees aren’t worth the time you saved, so stick to the legal lanes.
Asurnipal on Wikimedia Commons
6. Railroad Crossing
It’s yellow, it has a big black “X” on it—it’s a classic railroad crossing sign. Naturally found outside of railroad tracks, ignoring this sign is not only against the law but can also put you in a world of danger.
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7. Do Not Enter
This cut-and-dry sign has but one rule: you shall not pass. Usually found by off-ramps and crossovers, these signs indicate that traffic is coming towards you. So, it’s best to listen unless you want an insurance claim.
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8. One Way
Typically posted outside of intersections or T-intersections, the one way sign directs traffic to prevent head-on collisions. They’re not an opportunity to stick it to the man—they’re essential signs and must be obeyed.
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9. Keep Right
If that black splotch next to the arrow looks a little like a shield, that’s because it kind of is. The keep right sign serves as a warning of incoming obstacles or medians. To avoid driving straight into an island, just do what the sign reads.
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10. Slippery Road
That slippery road sign might seem useless on a clear day, but it could just save your life on a bad one. You’ll spot this one outside of roads prone to dangerous conditions, such as ice or rain.
Gohachiyasu1214 on Wikimedia Commons
11. Deer Crossing
Keep your ears perked for Bambi because these signs mean deer are close. They’re usually just outside of wildlife hot spots, which means extra caution is warranted during dusk or dawn.
12. No U-Turn
Not all U-turns come equal—or even legally. There’s a reason these signs have a big red no-symbol; U-turns in these areas are strictly prohibited and risking one anyway could mean demerit points, a ticket, or even collision.
LincolnGroup11 on Wikimedia Commons
13. Parking Signs
While parking signs have many faces, they’re often easy enough to decipher. Most have their hours spelled out or explicitly warn drivers of the rules.
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14. Signal Ahead
It’s nice when signs give you a heads-up, especially after cruising on a highway. These are important reminders of incoming traffic lights, so you better slow down to avoid blazing through a red.
arecas70073 on Wikimedia Commons
15. No Passing Zone
We’d all like to pass the 80-year-old in front of us, but it’s not always in the cards. There’s little pretense with these signs—no passing zones mean exactly that. Trying to zoom by another driver anyway can easily cause a collision.
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16. Advanced Intersection Lane Control
Following this road sign is paramount for your safety and the flow of traffic. Thanks to its succinct “ONLY,” drivers know which lanes are available and don’t have to second-guess themselves.
Michigan Department of Transportation on Wikimedia Commons
17. School Crossing
Whenever you see that happy little sign couple, prepare for pedestrians. You’ll often spot them outside of school zones or crosswalks to let you know the munchkins are out.
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18. Merge Signs
A merge sign can only mean one thing: two lanes are about to become one. There’s no guesswork as the signs often indicate which lane merges, but highway drivers should still prepare for incoming cars.
Ser Amantio di Nicolao on Wikimedia Commons
19. Men At Work
A great sign and a better band, these simply alert traffic to nearby road workers. Keep your eyes peeled for any construction or reduced speed limits.
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20. Divided Highway
Many things divide a highway—guardrails, foliage, or even concrete barriers can separate lanes. These nifty little signs warn you of upcoming medians, so be sure to pay attention.
