U.S. Road Signs and Their Meanings — Complete Guide
Learn the 67 most common US road signs and exactly what each one means — grouped by type (regulatory, warning, school and guide). Signs follow the national MUTCD standard, so they're the same in every state. Study them here, then practice real questions for your state's DMV test, free.
Practice road-sign questions →Regulatory signs (24)
Practice these →Tell you what you must or must not do — they have the force of law (stop, yield, speed limit, no turns, no parking).
StopCome to a complete stop; proceed only when it is safe.
YieldSlow down and give the right-of-way to traffic and pedestrians; stop if necessary.
Yield Here to PedestriansYield to pedestrians in the crosswalk at the marked location.
Yield to Pedestrians (In-Street)State law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians within the crosswalk.
Speed LimitDo not drive faster than the posted speed limit.
No Left TurnLeft turns are prohibited at this location.
No U-TurnU-turns are prohibited at this location.
Right Turn OnlyTraffic in this lane must turn right.
Do Not PassPassing other vehicles is prohibited along this stretch of road.
Slower Traffic Keep RightSlower-moving vehicles must keep to the right lane.
Keep Right (Slower Traffic)Keep to the right; the left lane is for passing slower traffic.
Begin Right Turn Lane / Yield to BikesMotorists turning right must yield to bicyclists in the bike lane.
Keep RightKeep to the right of the median or obstruction ahead.
Do Not EnterDo not enter the roadway in this direction.
Wrong WayYou are traveling against traffic; turn around immediately.
No TrucksTrucks are prohibited from using this roadway.
One WayTraffic flows only in the direction of the arrow.
No Parking Any TimeParking is prohibited here at all times.
No Parking This SideParking is prohibited on this side of the sign as indicated.
Reserved Parking (Disabled)This parking space is reserved for vehicles displaying a disability permit.
Stop Here on RedStop at this point when the traffic signal is red.
No Turn on RedTurning is prohibited while the traffic signal is red.
Road ClosedThe road is closed to all traffic; do not proceed.
Railroad Crossing (Crossbuck)Yield at the railroad crossing; stop if a train is approaching.
Warning signs (38)
Practice these →Yellow diamonds that alert you to hazards or changes ahead so you can slow down and prepare.
TurnA sharp turn in the road is ahead; slow down.
CurveThe road curves ahead; reduce speed.
Reverse TurnA sharp turn one way then the other is ahead; slow down.
Winding RoadA series of curves is ahead; reduce speed.
Cross RoadA four-way intersection is ahead; watch for cross traffic.
Side RoadA side road enters from the side ahead; watch for entering traffic.
T IntersectionThe road ends ahead at a T intersection; prepare to turn.
Y IntersectionThe road splits into a Y intersection ahead; choose your direction.
Stop AheadA stop sign is ahead; prepare to stop.
Yield AheadA yield sign is ahead; prepare to yield.
Signal AheadA traffic signal is ahead; be prepared to stop.
MergeTraffic merges from the side ahead; adjust speed and position.
Lane Ends (Merge)A lane ends ahead and traffic must merge.
Added LaneA lane is added ahead; merging is not required.
Narrow BridgeThe bridge ahead is narrower than the road; proceed with caution.
Narrow RoadThe road narrows ahead; proceed with caution.
Divided Highway BeginsThe highway ahead is divided by a median; keep right.
Divided Highway EndsThe divided highway ends ahead and becomes a two-way road; keep right.
Two-Way TrafficYou are entering a two-way roadway; watch for oncoming traffic.
HillA steep downgrade is ahead; control your speed.
BumpThere is a bump in the road ahead; slow down.
DipThere is a dip in the road ahead; slow down.
Pavement EndsThe paved surface ends ahead and becomes a gravel or dirt road.
Soft ShoulderThe road shoulder is soft; stay on the pavement.
Slippery When WetThe road is slippery when wet; slow down and drive carefully.
Loose GravelLoose gravel is on the road ahead; slow down.
Low ShoulderThe shoulder is lower than the pavement; stay on the roadway.
Lane EndsThe right lane ends ahead; merge left.
Railroad Advance WarningA railroad crossing is ahead; slow down and be prepared to stop.
Bicycle CrossingWatch for bicyclists crossing or sharing the road ahead.
Pedestrian CrossingWatch for pedestrians crossing the road ahead.
Deer CrossingWatch for deer crossing the road ahead.
Truck CrossingWatch for trucks entering or crossing the roadway ahead.
Truck CrossingWatch for trucks crossing the roadway ahead.
Low ClearanceThe overhead clearance ahead is limited; tall vehicles must not proceed.
No Passing ZonePassing is prohibited beginning at this point.
Advisory SpeedThe safe speed for the condition ahead is the speed shown.
Exit/Ramp Advisory SpeedThe safe speed for the exit ramp ahead is the speed shown.
School signs (3)
Practice these →Fluorescent yellow-green signs marking school zones and crossings — slow down and watch for children.
School Zone / CrossingA school zone or crossing is ahead; slow down and watch for children.
School Bus Stop AheadA school bus stop is ahead; be prepared to stop for loading children.
School Speed LimitObey the reduced speed limit during the posted school hours.
Guide signs (1)
Practice these →Green or blue signs that give directions, distances, and services.
HospitalDirects drivers to a nearby hospital.
Other markers (1)
Practice these →Other standard markers you'll meet on the road.
Slow-Moving VehicleMarks a vehicle that travels 25 mph or less; slow down and use caution.
Road signs are only part of the test. Pick your state to practice signs, traffic laws and safe driving:
Find your state's free practice test →