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Traffic managementUnited 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
United States

56. Traffic management

Traffic management is the organised control, regulation and guidance of road users to improve safety, traffic flow and the efficient use of roads. It can include traffic lights, road signs, road markings, lane controls, variable speed limits, diversions and directions given by authorised persons.

Traffic management may be permanent or temporary. Temporary measures are commonly introduced during roadworks, congestion, collisions, public events or other incidents. Drivers and other road users must follow the signs, signals and instructions applying at the location, even when they differ from the normal traffic arrangement.

Traffic management
Variable-message road sign on southbound Interstate 55. (Arkansas, United States)
Wikimedia.org • formulanone • CC BY-SA
What is traffic management?

Traffic management is the organised control and guidance of traffic using signs, signals, road markings, lane controls, speed restrictions, diversions and other measures.

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Articles 10 and 13–14; international framework subject to national law

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals, Article 23(11); Annex 1, sections E II.1 and G V.1–2; sign-system reference

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 133–134; national guidance example

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 257–258; national guidance example

🔗 gov.uk • UK Department for Transport, Know Your Traffic Signs, information signs

Can traffic management change the normal speed limit?

Yes. Temporary or variable speed-limit signs may impose a different maximum speed because of congestion, roadworks, weather, incidents or other conditions. Drivers must follow the limit currently displayed.

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Articles 10 and 13–14; international framework subject to national law

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals, Article 23(11); Annex 1, sections E II.1 and G V.1–2; sign-system reference

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 133–134; national guidance example

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 257–258; national guidance example

🔗 gov.uk • UK Department for Transport, Know Your Traffic Signs, information signs

What should you do when a traffic lane is closed?

Follow the signs and signals governing where the closure begins and how to merge. Move safely into an open lane at the instructed point; local merge-in-turn rules may apply in congestion. Do not drive beyond a signal or marking that prohibits use of the lane.

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Articles 10 and 13–14; international framework subject to national law

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals, Article 23(11); Annex 1, sections E II.1 and G V.1–2; sign-system reference

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 133–134; national guidance example

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 257–258; national guidance example

🔗 gov.uk • UK Department for Transport, Know Your Traffic Signs, information signs

1 United States 2 Motorway 3 Expressway 4 Speed limit 5 Minimum speed 6 Advisory speed 7 Bike path 8 Pedestrian warning 9 Tunnel 10 Bridge 11 Speed bump 12 Toll road 13 One-way traffic 14 Slope 15 Bus lane 16 Bus stop 17 Dead end 18 Stop sign 19 Give way 20 Roundabout 21 Road narrowing 22 Pedestrian crossing 23 Railway crossing 24 Mandatory direction 25 Turn prohibition 26 School area 27 Crossing animals 28 Slippery road 29 Rockfall 30 Aircraft 31 Curve 32 Chevron 33 Wrong-way driving 34 Roadworks 35 Height limit 36 Weight limit 37 Radar speed sign 38 Selective barriers 39 Traffic lights 40 Traffic lights warning 41 Pedestrian lights 42 Road markings 43 Bike box 44 Speed feedback 45 Driving licence 46 Traffic mirror 47 Emergency telephone 48 Cycling route 49 Parking 50 No parking 51 No stopping 52 Parallel parking 53 Park and ride 54 Kiss and ride 55 Disabled parking 56 Traffic management 57 Reversing 58 U-turn 59 Carpool 60 Detour 61 Uncontrolled crossroad 62 Ramp 63 Exit 64 Horse riding 65 Emergency exit 66 Runaway truck ramp 67 Oversize load 68 City limit 69 Tourist attraction 70 Horn 71 Axle weight limit 72 Licence plate 73 Charging station 74 Flooding 75 Dip 76 Horse 77 Local traffic 78 Pedestrian 79 Cyclist 80 Motorcycle 81 Truck 82 Bus 83 Police 84 Ambulance 85 Police signals 86 Gravel road 87 Pothole 88 Median strip 89 Public property 90 Path 91 Particulates 92 Air pollution 93 Interchange 94 Rush hour 95 Filling station 96 Road code 97 Two-way traffic 98 Passing lane 99 Street gutter 100 Road debris ...