Chapter 2

Signs, Signals, and Roadway Markings

2.1Traffic Signs

• Each sign shape and color have specific meanings

• By knowing the meanings of each shape and color it can give you valuable information

• Each sign has a specific purpose

2.1 Traffic Signs

Three Types of Signs

• Regulatory Sign- controls traffic

• Warning Sign- alerts you to possible hazards and road conditions

• Guide Signs- gives directions

2.1 Traffic Signs

• Regulatory Sign– These signs tells you about laws you must obey• Most important regulatory signs are STOP and YIELD

and these have unique shapes

• All other regulatory signs are either white squares or rectangles with red or black lettering

Regulatory: Yield

• Yield– To allow others to use the intersection before you

do #2– Always slow down or stop and give the right of

way to traffic when approaching the intersection #4

Regulatory Sign: Stop

Stop Sign• A STOP sign is used on a road that crosses a

main highway or through street. • You always must come to a full stop at this

sign (and stop behind the stop line or crosswalk)

• You must also yield the right of way to:• Pedestrians• Other vehicles in or approaching the intersection

Four Way Stop• At some intersections stop signs might be posted in all four

corners• Follow these steps when approaching:

1. The driver who stopped first should be allowed to go first2. When vehicles stop to the right or left of each other at the same time, the

driver on the left should yield to the driver on the right.3. When stopped across the intersection facing oncoming traffic, the driver

going straight should proceed, the driver turning left should wait. 4. Show your intention to proceed by moving forward slowly before entering

the intersection5. Check for traffic ahead and to the sides before entering intersection

Four Way Stop

Regulatory Sign: Speed Limit• Speed limit signs are used to manage traffic flow at

safe speeds• Speed limit signs are set for IDEAL weather

conditions• Basic Speed Law- when traffic, roadway, or weather

conditions are not ideal, you may not drive faster than is safe and prudent for existing conditions, regardless of posted speed limit

• Minimum Speed Limit- is set on some roadways to keep traffic moving safely, (highways and expressways)– This speed limit tells you not to drive slower than the posted minimum

speed unless conditions are less than ideal • Advisory Speed Limit: set for special conditions such as sharp curves

Other Regulatory Signs• Other signs are used to direct traffic to turn or go

straight, direct one-way traffic, control parking and passing– Signs with red words on white or white words on red

usually tell you what NOT to do. – Black lettered words usually tell you what you CAN do– Black symbols in red circles crossed with a diagonal

slash usually indicate something that is prohibited to do

Warning Signs

• These signs can help you avoid surprise situations

• Most warning signs are diamond-shaped and have black symbols or lettering on a yellow back round

Warning Signs

School Zone• A school zone is a portion of the street or highway that is near a

school and subject to special speed limits. – A school zone sign only shows two children and it is posted within a

block of the school

– A school crossing sign shows children in a crosswalk area

*Be extra alert in a school zone. Children might dart out into the street without looking. They might ride bicycles on the wrong side of the road or take unexpected actions.

Warning Signs

• Construction Sign– An orange sign in a diamond or rectangular shape– These signs alert you to construction zones– Be ready to slow, stop, or drive around workers

and equipment– Follow the directions from signs and workers

directing traffic– In N.J., fines are DOUBLED in construction zones

Warning Signs

• No-Passing Sign– A yellow, pennant-shaped sign with black letters– Usually posted on the left side of the roadway– This sign appears at the start of a no passing zone

and provides advanced warning of where a no-passing zone starts.

– These signs are usually used together with a solid yellow line.

Warning Signs

• Railroad Signs– This sign is posted about 250 feet before a

railroad crossing in an urban area and about 750 feet before the railroad in a rural area.

Warning Signs

Guide Signs• These signs provides a variety of information such as

marking routes, intersections, service areas, and other points of interest.

• Green guide signs provide information on destinations ahead and distances to be traveled

• Blue signs highlight highway services such as fuel, food, lodging, and nearby hospitals

• Brown Signs direct you to recreation areas or cultural points of interest

International Signs

• These signs convey information with symbols rather than words