4.1: UNDERSTANDING REGULATORY AND WARNING SIGNS

Roadway signs provide important information about where you are, where you’re going, and what rules or laws to follow.

What Are Regulatory Signs?
Regulatory signs regulate or control the movement of traffic. These tell you and other drivers what you must do and what you must not do when you drive. Regulatory signs are red, white, black, green on white, or white on black. Most regulatory signs have a vertical, rectangular shape. A red circle with a red slash on any of these signs means NO. You can recognize regulatory signs by their color and shape.

What Actions Should You Take at Regulatory Signs?
Regulatory signs give commands or set limits. You must come to a full stop at a stop sign. Often a white stop line is painted on the pavement in line with the sign. You are required to stop in front of the first white line you come to. If there are no lines, stop just in front of or in line with the sign. Most often you will see a stop sign at the intersection of two roadways.

At a yield sign as you approach slow down and check oncoming traffic scan right and left for cross traffic. If a vehicle is coming toward you, you will need to stop and wait until the roadway is clear of traffic before you proceed.

Speed limit signs show the maximum speed allowed on a roadway. Driving faster than the posted speed is illegal. You should not travel slower than the speed limit unless road or weather conditions make it unsafe to travel at that speed.

A railroad crossing is located where railroad tracks cross the roadway, signal bells, flashing red lights, and railroad gates warn and protect drivers. Regardless of whether or not lights or gates are present, if a train is coming, you must stop.

What Are Warning Signs?
Warning signs alert you to changes in the condition or use of the road ahead. All warning signs are either yellow or orange with black symbols or letters, and most are diamond shaped. Warning signs tell you about road construction, school zones, school crossings, railroad crossings, curves, intersections, changes in road width, and deer crossings.

What Actions Should You Take at Warning Signs?
When you see a warning sign increase your level of alertness to changes in the roadway in traffic or environmental conditions. Always proceed with caution, being especially careful around school zones and railroad advance warning signs slowing down before you reach the tracks and be prepared to stop. Look in both directions to see if a train is approaching and never cross the track with the warning lights flashing.