US Road Signs, Traffic Signals & Pavement Markings (2026 Catalog)
Road sign identification accounts for 20% to 30% of the questions on state DMV permit exams (and 100% of Part 1 in Virginia). Study the shapes, colors, and legal meanings of all standard Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) MUTCD signs below.
Traffic Sign Shapes & Colors Cheat Sheet
Exclusively STOP
Requires a complete cessation of movement before the stop line, crosswalk, or intersection.
Exclusively YIELD
Slow down and give right-of-way to all vehicles and pedestrians on the cross street.
Warning & Construction
Alerts drivers to special road hazards, curves, merging lanes, or upcoming roadwork zones.
School Zone & Crossing
Fluorescent yellow-green indicator of school grounds, student crossings, and reduced speed zones.
Complete MUTCD Road Signs Encyclopedia
Stop
Come to a complete stop behind the stop line, crosswalk or intersection edge, then proceed when safe.
Yield
Slow down and give right-of-way to traffic and pedestrians; stop if necessary.
Yield Here to Pedestrians
Yield to pedestrians at the marked yield line ahead of the crosswalk.
Speed Limit
The maximum lawful speed in ideal conditions; you must drive slower when conditions require.
Minimum Speed Limit
Do not drive slower than this speed except when conditions make it unsafe.
No Right Turn
Right turns are prohibited at this intersection.
No Left Turn
Left turns are prohibited at this intersection.
No U-Turn
U-turns are prohibited at this location.
Right Lane Must Turn Right
Traffic in this lane is required to turn right.
Do Not Pass
Passing other vehicles is prohibited on this stretch of road.
Keep Right
Pass to the right of the median, island or obstruction ahead.
One Way
Traffic flows only in the direction of the arrow.
Do Not Enter
You may not enter this roadway; it carries traffic toward you.
Wrong Way
You are travelling against traffic. Stop, and back out or turn around safely.
No Turn On Red
You may not turn while the signal is red, even after stopping.
No Parking
Parking is prohibited in this zone.
No Parking Any Time
Parking is prohibited at all hours.
Railroad Crossbuck
Marks a railroad crossing. Yield to trains; never stop on the tracks.
Turn
A sharp turn is ahead; reduce speed before entering it.
Curve
The road curves ahead; adjust speed before the curve.
Reverse Curve
Two curves in opposite directions; slow before the first.
Large Arrow
The roadway changes direction sharply; follow the arrow.
Chevron Alignment
Marks the direction of a sharp change in alignment through a curve.
Cross Road
A four-way intersection is ahead; watch for cross traffic.
Side Road
A side road enters from the direction shown.
Roundabout Ahead
A roundabout is ahead; slow down and prepare to yield to circulating traffic.
Stop Ahead
A stop sign is ahead, often hidden; begin slowing now.
Signal Ahead
A traffic signal is ahead; be ready to stop.
Merge
Two lanes of traffic combine; adjust speed and position to merge.
Lane Ends
The right lane ends ahead; merge left in advance.
Two-Way Traffic
The road carries traffic in both directions; do not pass unless permitted.
Double Arrow
Traffic may pass on either side of the obstruction ahead.
Bump
A rough rise in the roadway is ahead; reduce speed.
Slippery When Wet
The surface loses traction when wet; slow down and avoid sudden inputs.
Soft Shoulder
The shoulder cannot bear vehicle weight; keep off it.
Bicycle Crossing
Cyclists cross or share the roadway ahead.
Pedestrian Crossing
Pedestrians cross ahead; yield and be prepared to stop.
Deer Crossing
Large animals cross here, most often at dawn and dusk.
Railroad Advance Warning
A railroad crossing is ahead; slow down, look and listen.
School Zone
A school zone or school crossing; obey the reduced limit when children are present.
Road Work Ahead
A work zone begins ahead; slow down and expect workers and equipment.
Workers Ahead
Workers are on or near the roadway; fines are typically doubled.
Flagger Ahead
A flagger controls traffic ahead; obey their directions over signs and signals.
Hospital
Directs drivers to hospital services.
Interstate Route Marker
Identifies an interstate highway route.
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