Complete Road Sign Guide: Colors, Shapes, and Meanings
Road signs make up about 20-30% of your DMV written test. The good news? Once you understand the system of colors and shapes, signs become much easier to remember.
Quick Fact
Road signs follow a universal color and shape system. Learn the system once, and you'll understand signs you've never seen before!
The Color Code System
Road sign colors aren't random – each color has a specific meaning:
Red: Stop or Prohibition
- Stop signs
- Yield signs
- Do Not Enter signs
- Wrong Way signs
Red always means stop, yield, or "don't do this."
Yellow: Warning
- Curve ahead
- Pedestrian crossing
- School zone
- Merge signs
Yellow says "be careful" – there's something ahead you need to know about.
Orange: Construction
- Road work ahead
- Detour signs
- Flagger ahead
- Lane closed
Orange means temporary conditions. Slow down in construction zones.
Green: Guide and Direction
- Highway signs
- Mile markers
- Exit signs
- Street name signs
Green helps you navigate and find your way.
White: Regulatory
- Speed limit
- One way
- Do not pass
- Keep right
White signs with black text are rules you must follow.
Blue: Services
- Hospital
- Gas station
- Rest area
- Food services
Blue points to helpful services for travelers.
Brown: Recreation
- Parks
- Historic sites
- Camping areas
- Hiking trails
Brown indicates recreational and cultural points of interest.
The Shape Code System
Shapes also have specific meanings – you should recognize a sign by shape alone:
Only one sign uses this shape. You must come to a complete stop at the line or crosswalk.
Give the right-of-way to other traffic or pedestrians. Slow down and be prepared to stop.
Watch for children. Slow down and be extra cautious. Reduced speed limits often apply.
A train crossing is ahead. Prepare to stop and look both ways.
You're at the railroad tracks. Stop if a train is coming or signals are active.
Something requires your attention ahead. Could be curves, merges, or hazards.
Rules you must follow – speed limits, no parking, one way, etc.
Directional information – street names, distances, routes.
The 20 Most Important Signs to Know
Test Alert
These signs appear most frequently on DMV tests. Know them cold!
1. Stop Sign
Red octagon. Come to a complete stop at the line or crosswalk.
2. Yield Sign
Red and white triangle. Slow down and give right-of-way to other traffic.
3. Speed Limit Sign
White rectangle with black text. Maximum legal speed.
4. Do Not Enter
Red circle with white bar. Entry prohibited.
5. Wrong Way
Red rectangle. You're going the wrong direction on a one-way road.
6. One Way
Black and white arrow. Traffic flows in one direction only.
7. No U-Turn
White sign with black symbol. U-turns prohibited.
8. No Left Turn / No Right Turn
White sign with crossed-out arrow. That turn is not allowed.
9. School Zone
Yellow pentagon. Reduced speed required when children present.
10. School Crossing
Yellow diamond with walking figures. Pedestrian crossing for students.
11. Pedestrian Crossing
Yellow diamond with walking figure. Watch for pedestrians.
12. Railroad Crossing
Yellow circle (advance) and white X-shaped crossbuck (at tracks).
13. Merge Sign
Yellow diamond with merging arrows. Lanes coming together.
14. Lane Ends
Yellow diamond. Your lane is ending; merge safely.
15. Curve/Turn Ahead
Yellow diamond with curved arrow. Road curves ahead.
16. Slippery When Wet
Yellow diamond with car and wavy lines. Reduce speed in wet conditions.
17. Divided Highway Begins
Yellow diamond. Road divides ahead; keep right.
18. Two-Way Traffic
Yellow diamond with up and down arrows. Opposing traffic ahead.
19. No Passing Zone
Yellow pennant shape pointing right. Do not pass on this section.
20. Construction Zone
Orange diamond or rectangle. Work zone ahead; slow down and watch for workers.
Special Signs You Must Know
Regulatory Signs (You MUST obey)
These Are Laws
Disobeying regulatory signs can result in tickets, fines, or accidents.
- Keep Right – Stay on the right side of the road/obstruction
- Do Not Pass – Passing other vehicles is prohibited
- No Parking – Parking is not allowed in this area
- Reserved Parking – Handicapped accessible spots only
- HOV Lane – High-occupancy vehicle requirements apply
Warning Signs (Be alert)
Stay Alert
Warning signs give you time to prepare for hazards ahead.
- Deer Crossing – Wildlife may cross the road
- Hill/Grade Ahead – Steep slope coming up
- Winding Road – Multiple curves ahead
- Low Clearance – Height restriction for bridges/tunnels
- Signal Ahead – Traffic light coming up
Guide Signs (For navigation)
Finding Your Way
Guide signs help you navigate to your destination.
- Interstate route markers – Red, white, and blue shield
- US route markers – White shield shape
- State route markers – Varies by state
- Exit signs – Green with white text, show distances
How to Study Road Signs
Group by Color
Learn all yellow signs together, then white, then red, etc. This builds mental associations.
Group by Shape
Learn all diamond signs, then rectangles, then circles. Shapes tell you the sign category.
Use Flashcards
Physical cards work better than apps for memorization. Make your own for best results.
Test Yourself Daily
Quick 5-minute review sessions are more effective than long cramming sessions.
Practice While Driving
As a passenger, identify signs you see. Real-world practice reinforces learning.
Take Timed Quizzes
Simulate test conditions to build speed and confidence.
Quick Reference Tips
When You See an Unknown Sign
Use the color and shape to make an educated guess:
Always involves stopping or prohibition. If it's red, something is forbidden or requires a stop.
Warning of something ahead. Slow down and pay attention.
Temporary work zone. Expect workers, equipment, and lane changes.
Speed limits and regulations. These are laws you must follow.
Something ahead needs your attention. Be prepared for changes.
Prepare for a train crossing. Look, listen, and be ready to stop.
You're Ready!
Now you understand the system behind road signs. With this knowledge plus practice, you'll ace the sign portion of your DMV test.
Test Your Knowledge
Ready to test yourself? Try our traffic signs practice mode to see how well you know your signs!
Drive safe! 🚦