US Road Sign Meanings
Understanding the meaning of every road sign is essential for safe driving and passing your DMV test. Below is a complete list of US traffic signs with their official meanings.
Stop Sign Meaning
Come to a complete stop at the marked stop line or before entering the crosswalk or intersection.
Yield Sign Meaning
Yield the right of way to all vehicles and pedestrians approaching from an intersecting street or highway.
Do Not Enter Sign Meaning
Do not enter this road or ramp. Usually marks the exit of a one-way street or expressway ramp.
Speed Limit Sign Meaning
The maximum legal speed you can travel on the road under ideal conditions.
Pedestrian Crossing Sign Meaning
Pedestrian crossing ahead. Watch for people crossing the street.
Slippery When Wet Sign Meaning
The road surface is slippery when wet. Slow down and drive with caution.
No Right Turn Sign Meaning
Right turns are prohibited at this intersection. Drivers must not turn right where this sign is displayed.
One Way Sign Meaning
Traffic is allowed to move only in the direction indicated by the arrow. Do not drive in the opposite direction.
Divided Highway Ends Sign Meaning
The divided highway ends ahead. You will soon be on a roadway with two-way traffic and no median separator.
Two Way Traffic Sign Meaning
You are leaving a one-way roadway and entering a two-way roadway. Watch for oncoming traffic.
Hill/Grade Sign Meaning
A steep hill or downgrade is ahead. Drivers should check their brakes and be prepared to shift to a lower gear.
Low Clearance Sign Meaning
The overhead structure has a low clearance. Do not proceed if your vehicle is taller than the height shown on the sign.
Roundabout Ahead Sign Meaning
A roundabout or circular intersection is ahead. Slow down and be prepared to yield to traffic already in the circle.
Dead End Sign Meaning
The road ahead ends and has no outlet. Drivers must turn around to exit the area.
No Parking Sign Meaning
Parking is prohibited in this area. Vehicles left unattended may be ticketed or towed.
Wrong Way Sign Meaning
You are driving in the wrong direction on a one-way street or highway ramp. Stop and turn around immediately.
Left Turn Only Sign Meaning
You must turn left from this lane. Straight through movement is prohibited.
Right Lane Must Turn Right Sign Meaning
Vehicles in the right lane are required to turn right at the upcoming intersection.
Pass With Care Sign Meaning
The no-passing zone has ended, but you should still pass with caution.
No Turn on Red Sign Meaning
You are prohibited from making a turn while the traffic signal is red.
Sharp Right Turn Sign Meaning
The road ahead turns sharply to the right. Slow down significantly.
Right Curve Sign Meaning
The road ahead curves to the right. Adjust your speed accordingly.
Cross Road Sign Meaning
Another road crosses the main highway ahead. Watch for cross traffic.
T-Intersection Sign Meaning
The road you are on ends at a perpendicular road. You must turn left or right.
Yield Ahead Sign Meaning
A yield sign is ahead. Be prepared to slow down or stop for other traffic.
Lane Ends Sign Meaning
The number of lanes is reduced ahead. Merge into the adjacent lane.
Road Narrows Sign Meaning
The pavement width becomes narrower ahead, but the number of lanes stays the same.
Bump Sign Meaning
There is a sudden rise in the road surface. Slow down to avoid losing control.
Soft Shoulder Sign Meaning
The dirt on the side of the road is soft. Do not drive off the pavement.
Railroad Advance Warning Sign Meaning
A railroad crossing is ahead. Look and listen for trains.
No Passing Zone Sign Meaning
Placed on the left side of the road to indicate the start of a no-passing zone.
Road Work Ahead Sign Meaning
Construction or maintenance work is being done on the road ahead.
Flagger Ahead Sign Meaning
A person with a flag or sign is directing traffic ahead. Follow their instructions.
Interstate Route Sign Meaning
Indicates that the road is part of the Interstate Highway System.
Rest Area Sign Meaning
Indicates a nearby rest area where drivers can stop and use facilities.
School Bus Stop Ahead Sign Meaning
Watch for school buses stopping to pick up or drop off children.
School Speed Limit Sign Meaning
The maximum legal speed in a school zone when children are present or lights are flashing.
Minimum Speed Sign Meaning
Specifies the minimum speed allowed on a roadway to maintain traffic flow.
Lane Use Control Sign Meaning
Indicates the permitted or mandatory directions of travel for specific lanes at an intersection.
Slower Traffic Keep Right Sign Meaning
Instructs slower-moving vehicles to stay in the right-hand lane.
No Pedestrian Crossing Sign Meaning
Prohibits pedestrians from crossing the roadway at a specific location. This is usually placed in high-speed or dangerous areas where pedestrian crossing is unsafe.
Weight Limit Sign Meaning
Indicates the maximum gross weight allowed for vehicles on a bridge or roadway.
Two-Way Left Turn Only Sign Meaning
Indicates a center lane reserved for left turns from both directions of travel.
Keep Left Sign Meaning
Instructs drivers to stay to the left of an obstruction or traffic island.
One Way (Large Arrow) Sign Meaning
Indicates the direction of travel on a one-way street at an intersection.
Stop Here on Red Sign Meaning
Indicates the precise location where vehicles must stop at a red traffic signal.
Reverse Turn Sign Meaning
Warns of two consecutive sharp turns in opposite directions ahead.
Pavement Ends Sign Meaning
Warns that the paved road surface is ending and changing to gravel or dirt.
Fire Station Sign Meaning
Warns of a nearby fire station where emergency vehicles may enter the road.
Double Arrow Sign Meaning
Indicates that traffic may pass on either the left or right side of an obstruction.
Advisory Speed Sign Meaning
Recommends a safe speed for a curve or hazardous section of road.
Large Arrow (Horizontal) Sign Meaning
Emphasizes a sharp change in road direction, often at a T-intersection.
Added Lane Sign Meaning
Indicates that a new lane is being added ahead, so merging is not immediately required.
Hill (Percentage) Sign Meaning
Warns of a steep downgrade ahead, often specifying the percentage of the grade.
Truck Rollover Sign Meaning
Warns that a curve is particularly hazardous for trucks and may cause rollovers.
RR Crossing (Side Road) Sign Meaning
Warns of a railroad crossing on a side road that intersects the main highway.
Farm Machinery Sign Meaning
Warns of farm machinery or tractors crossing or using the roadway.
Bike/Ped Crossing Sign Meaning
Warns of a location where both bicyclists and pedestrians may cross the road.
Low Clearance (Plaque) Sign Meaning
Specifies the exact vertical clearance of an overhead obstruction.
No Outlet Sign Meaning
Warns that the road ahead leads to a network of streets with no other exit.
Playground Sign Meaning
Warns of a nearby playground where children may unexpectedly enter the road.
End Freeway Sign Meaning
Warns that the freeway is ending, requiring drivers to prepare for slower speeds or stops.
Detour Ahead Sign Meaning
Warns that the regular route is closed and a detour has been established. Drivers must follow the temporary route marked by detour signs to return to their original path.
Road Closed Ahead Sign Meaning
Warns that the road is closed to all traffic a short distance ahead.
One Lane Road Ahead Sign Meaning
Warns that the road ahead narrows to a single lane for both directions.
Right Lane Closed Sign Meaning
Warns that the right-hand lane of a multi-lane road is closed ahead.
Road Work Next X Miles Sign Meaning
Indicates the total length of a construction or maintenance zone.
Detour (Arrow) Sign Meaning
A supplementary sign used to guide traffic along a detour route.
Utility Work Ahead Sign Meaning
Warns of utility maintenance or repair work near the roadway.
Destination Sign Sign Meaning
Shows the direction and distance to specific cities or destinations.
Mile Marker Sign Meaning
Shows the distance in miles from the start of a route or state line.
North (Plaque) Sign Meaning
Used with a route marker to indicate the cardinal direction of travel.
Detour (Large Arrow) Sign Meaning
Emphasizes the direction of a detour route with a large arrow.
School Bus Stop Ahead Sign Meaning
Warns of a school bus stop ahead where children may be present.
Yield to Pedestrians Sign Meaning
Reminds turning drivers that they must yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk.
Emergency Vehicle Sign Meaning
Warns that emergency vehicles may enter the roadway unexpectedly.
3-Way Stop Sign Meaning
Indicates that three approaches to an intersection are required to stop.