Traffic signsUnited States

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Traffic signs

Traffic rules

Traffic signs

A traffic sign is a standardised visual symbol placed along roads to guide, warn, or regulate drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. These signs provide essential information about road conditions, rules, directions, and potential hazards, helping to ensure safety and smooth traffic flow. They come in various shapes and colours—such as triangular warning signs, circular prohibitory or mandatory signs, and rectangular information signs—each designed for quick recognition and clear understanding.

1. Stop and give way

This traffic sign means stop and give way. You must come to a complete stop before entering the intersection and give way to traffic that has priority. Proceed only when it is safe.

2. Give way

This traffic sign means give way. Slow down and give way to traffic that has priority. Stop if necessary and proceed only when it is safe.

3. Give way ahead

This traffic sign indicates give way ahead. A give-way requirement applies at the location ahead. Reduce speed in good time and be prepared to stop if necessary.

4. Stop and give way ahead

This traffic sign indicates stop and give way ahead. A stop sign applies at the location ahead. Reduce speed in good time and be prepared to come to a complete stop.

5. Warning for an uncontrolled crossroad

This traffic sign indicates a warning for an uncontrolled crossroad. An intersection without traffic signals or signs assigning priority lies ahead. Reduce speed, watch for traffic approaching from other directions and follow the applicable local priority rules.

6. Warning for a side road from the right

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a side road from the right. A side road joins the road ahead from the right at an uncontrolled junction. Reduce speed, watch for traffic entering from the side road and follow the applicable default priority rules.

7. Warning for a roundabout

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a roundabout. A roundabout lies ahead. Reduce speed and follow the applicable priority signs, traffic signals and local roundabout rules when approaching and entering it.

8. Warning for a hairpin bend to the right

This traffic sign warns of a hairpin bend to the right. The road ahead makes a very sharp turn, so reduce speed and be prepared to steer sharply to the right.

9. Warning for a curve to the right

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a curve to the right. A right-hand bend lies ahead. Reduce speed before entering the curve, maintain your lane position and use smooth steering.

10. Warning for a sharp curve to the right

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a sharp curve to the right. A tight right-hand bend lies ahead. Reduce speed before entering the curve, remain within your lane and use smooth steering, particularly when visibility or road grip is reduced.

11. Warning for a double curve, first right then left

This traffic sign indicates a warning for successive curves, with the first curve to the right. Reduce speed before entering the winding section, maintain your lane position and be prepared for further changes in direction.

12. Warning for curves

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a series of curves. One or more changes in direction lie ahead and may occur in quick succession. Reduce speed before entering the winding section, maintain your lane position and use smooth steering.

13. Warning for a road narrowing

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a road narrowing. The available width of the road or carriageway decreases ahead. Reduce speed, maintain sufficient lateral clearance and watch carefully for approaching or adjacent traffic.

14. Warning for a road narrowing on the right

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a road narrowing on the right. The available road width decreases from the right side ahead. Reduce speed, follow the lane markings and maintain sufficient clearance from other traffic and the road edge.

15. Warning for a road with two-way traffic

This traffic sign indicates a warning for two-way traffic. Oncoming traffic will use the same road or carriageway ahead. Keep to the correct side of the road and overtake only where it is permitted and clearly safe.

16. Warning for a speed bump

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a speed bump. A raised traffic-calming feature lies ahead. Reduce speed before reaching it to maintain vehicle control and avoid damage or discomfort.

17. Warning for a dip in the road

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a dip in the road. A sudden depression in the road surface lies ahead and may affect vehicle stability or visibility. Reduce speed before reaching the dip and be prepared for water or other hazards that may collect in the lowered section.

18. Warning for a steep descent

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a steep descent. A steep downhill gradient lies ahead and the vehicle may gain speed quickly. Reduce speed before the descent, select a suitable gear and use engine braking where appropriate. Allow extra distance for heavy or towing vehicles.

19. Warning for a tunnel

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a tunnel. Driving conditions may change at the tunnel entrance because of reduced light, limited visibility or restricted space. Reduce speed when necessary and follow the applicable rules for vehicle lighting, stopping, overtaking and lane use.

20. Warning for a movable bridge

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a movable bridge. The bridge ahead can open, lift or move to allow water traffic to pass. Reduce speed and be prepared to stop when required by barriers, traffic lights or other signals.

21. Warning for traffic lights ahead

This traffic sign indicates a warning for traffic lights ahead. Traffic signals are located ahead and may not be visible early enough without advance warning. Reduce speed and be prepared to stop if the signal requires it.

22. Warning for falling rocks

This traffic sign indicates a warning for falling rocks. Rocks or stones may fall from nearby slopes or may already be lying on the road. Reduce speed, scan the road ahead and be prepared to avoid or stop for fallen material.

23. Warning for roadworks

This traffic sign indicates a warning for roadworks. Construction or maintenance work is taking place on or beside the road. Reduce speed where necessary and be prepared for workers, machinery, temporary traffic signals, changed lane layouts or uneven road surfaces.

24. Warning for loose chippings on the road surface

This traffic sign indicates a warning for loose chippings. Loose stones or gravel may reduce tyre grip and can be thrown up by passing vehicles. Reduce speed, increase your following distance and avoid sudden braking, acceleration or steering movements.

25. Warning for a slippery road surface

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a slippery road surface. The road ahead may provide reduced tyre grip because of water, ice, mud, oil or another surface condition. Reduce speed and avoid sudden braking, acceleration or steering movements.

26. Warning for strong crosswinds

This traffic sign indicates a warning for strong crosswinds. Side winds may suddenly affect vehicle stability and steering. Reduce speed, keep a firm but controlled grip on the steering wheel and take extra care with high-sided vehicles, motorcycles and trailers.

27. Warning for a height restriction

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a height restriction. The available clearance ahead is limited, for example at a bridge, tunnel or other overhead structure. Drivers of tall vehicles should check their vehicle height and use another route if the vehicle cannot pass safely.

28. Warning for a narrowing

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a narrowing ahead. The available road width decreases ahead. Reduce speed when necessary and be prepared for less lateral space between vehicles, obstacles or the road edge.

29. Warning for an obstacle, pass left or right

This traffic sign indicates a warning for an obstacle where you have to pass left or right. It alerts drivers to a fixed obstacle in the roadway—such as a traffic island, bollard, or construction zone—where vehicles are permitted to pass on either side.

30. Warning for an unpaved road surface

This traffic sign indicates a warning for an unpaved road surface. The paved surface ends or changes to gravel, dirt or another loose material. Reduce speed and be prepared for reduced grip, uneven surfaces, dust and loose stones.

31. Warning for a side road merging with the main road

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a side road merging with the main road. Traffic from a side road joins the traffic flow ahead. Stay alert, maintain a safe gap and adjust your speed when necessary to allow traffic to merge safely.

32. Warning for low-flying aircraft

This traffic sign indicates a warning for low-flying aircraft. Aircraft may pass over the road at low altitude and can create sudden noise or visual distraction. Keep your attention on the road and maintain control of the vehicle.

33. Warning for cattle on the road

This traffic sign indicates a warning for cattle. Cattle or other livestock may be crossing, walking along or standing near the road. Reduce speed, be prepared to stop and avoid sudden movements or unnecessary use of the horn that could startle the animals.

34. Warning for crossing deer

This traffic sign indicates a warning for crossing deer. Deer or other wild animals may enter the road unexpectedly, especially around dawn or dusk. Reduce speed, watch the roadside carefully and be prepared for more than one animal to cross.

35. Warning for a playground

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a playground. Children may be playing close to the road and may enter or cross it unexpectedly. Reduce speed, watch the roadside carefully and be prepared to stop.

36. Warning for pedestrians

This traffic sign indicates a warning for pedestrians. Pedestrians may be walking near or crossing the road ahead. Reduce speed, watch carefully and be prepared to stop.

37. Warning for a pedestrian crossing

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a pedestrian crossing. A designated pedestrian crossing lies ahead. Reduce speed when necessary, watch carefully for pedestrians and be prepared to give way or stop according to the applicable local priority rules.

38. Warning for cyclists

This traffic sign indicates a warning for cyclists. Cyclists may be riding along or crossing the road ahead. Reduce speed, watch carefully for cyclists and maintain the passing distance required by the applicable local rules.

39. Warning for equestrians

This traffic sign indicates a warning for equestrians. Horse riders may be on or near the road ahead. Reduce speed, allow plenty of space and avoid unnecessary use of the horn or sudden movements that could startle a horse.

40. Warning for tractors

This traffic sign indicates a warning for tractors or other agricultural vehicles. Slow-moving agricultural vehicles may enter, cross or travel along the road ahead. Reduce speed and overtake only where it is permitted and clearly safe.

41. Warning for emergency vehicles

This traffic sign indicates a warning for emergency vehicles. Emergency vehicles may enter, leave or cross the road unexpectedly. Reduce speed, keep access clear and be prepared to give way when required.

42. Warning for trams

This traffic sign indicates a warning for trams. Tram tracks cross or run along the road ahead, and trams may enter the traffic path. Reduce speed, watch carefully for approaching trams and follow the applicable traffic signals, priority signs and local rules.

43. Warning for a railway crossing without barriers

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a railway crossing without barriers. It alerts drivers to an upcoming level crossing where railway tracks cross the road and no barriers or gates are present to stop traffic. Drivers should slow down and look both ways for trains.

44. Warning for a railway crossing with one track

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a railway crossing with one track. It alerts drivers to a level crossing where a single railway track crosses the road. Drivers should approach with caution and be prepared to stop, even if no barriers or warning lights are active.

45. Warning for a railway crossing with two or more tracks

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a railway crossing with two or more tracks. It alerts drivers to a level crossing where more than one railway track crosses the road. More than one train may pass in succession or from different directions, so drivers should check carefully before crossing and never proceed until all tracks are clear.

46. No entry

This traffic sign means no entry. Drivers may not enter from the direction in which the sign is placed.

47. Pedestrians prohibited

This traffic sign indicates that pedestrians are prohibited. Pedestrians may not enter or continue beyond the sign. Other road users may still be permitted unless another restriction applies.

48. Cyclists prohibited

This traffic sign indicates that cyclists are prohibited. Cyclists may not enter or continue beyond the sign. Other road users may still be permitted unless another restriction applies.

49. Trucks prohibited

This traffic sign indicates that trucks are prohibited. Trucks covered by the sign may not enter or continue beyond it. Any applicable weight threshold or vehicle-category limitation is determined by the sign, supplementary information and local rules.

50. Turning left prohibited

This traffic sign indicates that turning left is prohibited. A left turn may not be made where the sign applies. Other movements may still be permitted unless another restriction applies.

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