Information signsUnited States

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of United States. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.

Traffic signs

Traffic rules

An information sign identifies a route, destination, facility or regulated road or area. Some carry legal consequences, so apply the actual sign meaning and local traffic code.

Which signs provide information in the United States?

Guide signs identify destinations, routes and services. Their purpose differs from regulatory orders.

🔗 mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov • FHWA MUTCD11th Edition including Revision1 December2025 — relevant regulatory/warning/guide, marking and signal provisions

1. Lane for cyclists

This traffic sign indicates a lane for cyclists. The lane is designated for bicycle traffic, subject to the applicable road markings, traffic signs and local rules.

English • R3-17 • Bike lane. Identifies a lane designated for bicycle traffic. Other road users must respect the lane's restrictions.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov • FHWA: MUTCD, 11th Edition with Revision1, PDF page1093

SVG source: Federal Highway Administration – United States Department of Transportation • Public domain • Original revision 2023-07-25. Wikimedia original unmodified.

2. Advisory speed limit

This traffic sign indicates an advisory speed. The displayed value recommends an appropriate speed for the road or conditions ahead. Its legal effect depends on the applicable local rules.

English • W13-1P • Advisory speed. Indicates an advisory speed of 35 mph for the condition indicated by the accompanying warning sign. It is an advisory plaque, not a separate maximum-speed-limit sign.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov • FHWA: MUTCD, 11th Edition with Revision1, PDF page194

SVG source: Federal Highway Administration • Public domain • Original revision 2012-09-24. Wikimedia original unmodified.

3. Road with one-way traffic

This traffic sign indicates a road with one-way traffic. Drivers may travel only in the permitted direction.

English • R6-2 • One way to the right. Indicates that traffic on the road travels only in the direction of the arrow, here to the right.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov • FHWA: MUTCD, 11th Edition with Revision1, PDF page150

SVG source: Author not stated on source page • Public domain • Original revision 2024-06-25. Wikimedia original unmodified.

4. Information about the next exit

This traffic sign gives information about the next exit. It may show the exit number, destination, direction or distance to the exit.

English • E5-1a + W13-1aP • Exit with advisory speed. Identifies Exit 23 B to the right. The yellow plaque gives an advisory exit speed of 30 mph.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov • FHWA: MUTCD, 11th Edition with Revision1, PDF page360
🔗 Mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov • FHWA: MUTCD Revision1, section2C.59, confirmation advisory speed

Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
Federal Highway Administration - MUTCD • Public domain • Source revision 2022-08-01. Wikimedia original unmodified.

5. Lane for buses

This traffic sign indicates a lane for buses. The lane is intended for buses and any other road users permitted by the applicable signs or local rules.

English • R3-11d • Right lane, buses only. Reserves the right lane for buses from 6 am to 9 am, Monday to Friday, as shown in the illustration. Follow other lane-use signs outside those hours.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov • FHWA: MUTCD, 11th Edition with Revision1, PDF page451

Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
DelDot - State of Delaware • Public domain • Source revision 2023-07-25. Wikimedia original unmodified.

6. The road is closed

This traffic sign indicates that the road is closed. Traffic covered by the closure may not continue beyond the indicated point. Follow any signs showing permitted access or an alternative route.

English • R11-2 • Road closed. Indicates that the road is closed to traffic at this point. Follow the signed alternative route.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov • FHWA: MUTCD, 11th Edition with Revision1, PDF page178

SVG source: Department of Transportation • Public domain • Original revision 2024-06-23. Wikimedia original unmodified.

Artwork verified against Mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov • official published diagram R11-2.

7. Parking allowed

This traffic sign indicates that parking is allowed. Vehicles may be parked in the area covered by the sign subject to any indicated conditions, restrictions or local parking rules.

English • R7-23 (2009 design) • Parking permitted during stated hours. Permits parking from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm in the area indicated by the arrows. Check other signs for conditions or restrictions outside those hours. This is the parking-permitted design documented as R7-23 in the 2009 MUTCD. It is not shown in the current manual; this caption identifies the older design.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov • FHWA: 2009 MUTCD, Figure2B-24, sheet1

SVG source: Federal Highway Administration - MUTCD • Public domain • Original revision 2012-09-23. Wikimedia original unmodified.