Sections

Section 9: Rules of the Road

Section 9
Rules of the Road

Section 9: Rules of the Road

Traffic Signs

Traffic signs tell you about rules, hazards, and road locations. They also give highway directions and show where road services are.

Regardless of what the traffic lights may indicate, always obey the instructions of a police officer at an intersection. For example, if the light is green and an officer tells you to stop, YOU MUST STOP. Also, even if you want to go straight and an officer indicates that you must turn, you are required to turn.

If you approach an intersection where the traffic lights are not working, you must first come to a complete stop before entering the intersection and yield the right-of-way to any vehicle on the right unless otherwise directed by a peace officer.

A driver turning left may see either the green arrow (protected), the solid green light (permitted), or a flashing yellow arrow (permitted) signal.

Guide Signs

Square or rectangular and are green, brown, or blue. They advise you about intersecting roads and direct you to cities and towns. They mark points of interest and help you find hospitals, service stations, restaurants, and hotels.

Vandalism and destruction of road signs cost taxpayers thousands of dollars each year and cause confusion and unsafe conditions for you and other travelers.

Railroad Crossing Signs

Most railroad crossings have signs or signals. A round yellow warning sign with an “X” symbol and black “RR” cautions you to slow down, look, and listen for a train or railroad vehicle. Be prepared to stop.

A white, X-shaped sign with “Railroad Crossing” cautions that a train or railroad vehicle is coming and that you must stop behind the stop line or before the intersection.

Cross railroad sign with number of tracks

The number of tracks may be posted at crossings with more than one track. Not all crossings with more than one track have these signs. Always look for multiple tracks, trains, or railroad vehicles at each crossing.

When crossing railroad tracks, look both ways and cross the tracks quickly. Do not stop on the railroad tracks. If a train is crossing, wait until the train is well down the track before you drive ahead. If there are lights and gates, wait until they show it is safe to cross. If you must stop for traffic or a signal, wait at the stop line before the tracks.

Regulatory Signs

Square, rectangular, or may have a unique shape. They are white with black, red, or green letters or symbols. These signs tell you about traffic directions, lane use, turning, speed, parking, and other special situations. Some signs have a red circle with a red slash across the symbol. This means you cannot do certain things. Here are a few common regulatory signs that we see.

No Left Turn

No Right Turn

No U-Turn

Left Turn Only

Do Not Enter

Straight or Turn Right

Posted speed limit

Stop

Route Number Signs

The shape and color of route number signs indicate the type of roadway: interstate, U.S., state, city, county, or local. When planning a trip, use a map to determine the route. During the trip, follow the route signs to avoid getting lost in an unfamiliar area.

No Left Turn

U.S. Route

State Route

Warning Signs

These signs warn of possible danger ahead. They are usually diamond shaped and yellow with black lettering or symbols. Some common signs are.

Lane Ends

Merging Traffic

Added Lane

Sharp Curve Ahead

Curvy Road Ahead

Right Curve

Divided Highway Begins

Divided Highway Ends

Intersection

Side Road

T-Intersection

No Passing Zone

Stop Sign Ahead

Traffic Signal Ahead

Advisory Speed Around Curve

School Crossing

Pedestrian Crossing

Share the Road with Bicycles

Bicycle Crossing

Bicycle Crossing

A yield sign means you must slow down and yield to traffic that has the right-of-way.

This sign marks a lane that is only for left turning vehicles. It is not for through traffic or for passing other vehicles.

Traffic moves only in the direction of the arrow. Do not turn in the opposite direction of the arrow. Never drive the wrong way on a one-way street.

Work Zone Signs

Diamond or rectangular and orange with black letters or symbols. These signs warn you of work zones and people working on or near the road. The warnings include: workers ahead, reduced speed, detours, slow-moving road machinery, or surface changes.

Barriers keep you from entering closed roads or other areas with danger. If there is a short-term signal, stop at the white line (if there is one.)

Slow down in work zones and be ready to stop quickly. Do not tailgate. Fines for speeding in a work zone are doubled.