Chapter 2

Signs, Signals, and Roadway

Markings
 Chapter 2 Objectives
► State the meaning of the eight shapes and eight colors used for traffic signs.
► Describe the actions to take at STOP, YIELD, and speed limit signs
► List five situations where the warning signs might be used
► Explain how guide signs and international signs help you when driving
► Explain what to do at a green light, a yellow light, and a red light.
► Describe the action to take when you approach a flashing red signal or a
flashing yellow signal.
► Describe the actins to take with pedestrian signals and traffic control officers’
signals.
► Describe the difference between broken yellow lines and broken white lines.
► Explain the differences between a shared left turn lane and a left turn lane.
► List six types of special roadway markings.
 8 Basic Sign Colors and
Shapes
► Each color and shape has a special
meaning.
► By knowing the meanings of the colors
and shapes you can get valuable
information from a sign, even at a
distance.
► Each traffic sign has a purpose.
 8 Basic Sign Colors
White: Regulatory Orange: Construction
(speed limit) or detour

Black: Regulatory Blue: Motorist Service

(one way) (rest area)

Red: Stop, Yellow: Warning

Yield (lane reduction)
or prohibited
Green: Guide Brown: Public recreation
(highway and cultural interest
exit)
 8 Basic Sign Shapes

Octagon: Triangle: Pentagon: Vertical Rectangle

Stop Yield School Regulatory

Round: Horizontal Rectangle: Pennant: Diamond:

Railroad Crossing Guide No Passing Warning
 Types of Signs
►A regulatory sign: such as a STOP sign
controls traffic.
► A warning sign: alerts you to possible
hazards and road conditions.
► A guide sign: gives you directions.
Regulatory Signs
 Stop Sign
► A STOP sign is used on a road that crosses a main
highway or a trough street.
► The STOP sign is a red octagon with white letters
and border.
► Always come to a full and complete stop.
► Once stopped you must yield the right of way to
pedestrians or other vehicles in or approaching the
intersection.
► To yield means to allow others to use the
intersection before you do.
► Using the right of way means you accept the
privilege of immediate use of the roadway.
 Where to Stop?
► The location of the STOP sign or stop
line assists you in where to stop.
► If there is only a STOP sign stop before
entering the intersection.
► Stop where you can see approaching
traffic, but stop before reaching any
crosswalk.
4 Way Stop, Who Goes First?
► The driver who stopped first should be allowed to go
first.
► When vehicles stop to the right or left of each other at
the same time, the driver on the left should yield to
the driver on the right.
► When stopped across the intersection facing
oncoming traffic, the driver going straight should be
allowed to proceed. A driver turning left should wait.
► Show your intention to proceed by moving forward
slowly before entering the intersection.
► Check for traffic ahead and to the sides before
entering the intersection
 Yield Sign
► Always slow or stop, and give the right of
way to traffic when approaching a yield sign.
► It is found where roadways cross or merge.
► Slowing enough ahead of time can often
permit you to proceed without completely
stopping.
► However always be prepared to stop.
 Speed Limit Signs
► Speed limit signs are used to manage traffic
flow at safe speeds.
► States are permitted to establish their own
speed limits.
► Speed limits are set for ideal driving
conditions.
► When roadway or traffic conditions are not
ideal, apply the basic speed law.
► Follow all speed limit signs.
Minimum Speed Limit
►A minimum speed limit is
set for roadways such as
expressways, to keep
traffic moving.
► This speed limit tells you
not to drive slower than
the posted minimum
speed unless conditions
are less than ideal, then
follow the basic speed
law.
 Advisory Speed Limits
► These speeds are set for special conditions.
► They are usually posted under warning
signs.
► They indicate the maximum suggested
speed under ideal conditions.
► Speed should be lower when conditions are
less than ideal.
► Be aware of school zones.
 Other Regulatory Signs
► Regulatory signs:
 Direct traffic to turn or go
straight.
 Direct one way traffic
 Control parking and passing
► Signs with red words on
white or white words on red
tell you what not to do
► Black lettered words usually
tell you what you have or
can do.
Warning Signs
Diamond Shaped Warning
Signs
► A diamond shaped warning
sign can help you avoid
surprise situations.
► Most warning signs are
diamond shaped.
► Warning signs have black
symbols or lettering on a
yellow background.
► Be prepared to slow or
stop when you see a
warning sign.
School Signs/Zones
► Two signs are used in school zones.
► A school zone sign, only showing 2
children is posted within a block of
a school.
► A school crossing sign shows
children in a crosswalk area. This
sign is posted at intersections or
crossings used by children.
► Be extra alert in school zones.
 No-Passing Sign
►A yellow pennant-shaped sign with black
letters may or may not be posted on the left
side of the roadway.
► This sign is posted at the start of the no
passing zone and provides advance warning
of where a no passing zone starts.
► A no passing sign is used in conjunction with
a yellow solid line on the roadway.
 Construction Signs
► An orange sign, in a diamond or
rectangular shape, alerts you to
construction zones.
► Be alert in a construction zone. Be
ready to slow, stop, or drive around
workers and equipment.
► Follow directions from signs and any
worker directing traffic.
Railroad Signs
► A round yellow sign with a
black “X” warns of railroad
crossing ahead.
► This sign is posted about 250
feet before a railroad crossing
in an urban area and 750 feet
in a rural area.
► A large “X” might be painted
on the roadway as an
additional warning.
► The crossing itself is marked
with a white crossbuck sign.
► Flashing red lights and/or
crossing gates might be there
as well.
Guide Signs
 Guide Signs
►A guide sign provides a variety of
information.
► Guide signs mark routes, intersections,
service areas, an other points of
interest.
 Route Signs
► Local, state, US, and
interstate routes are
posted with route
signs.
► All signs display
route numbers.
► Interstate route
signs are red, white,
and blue shields.
 Numbering System for
Interstate Routes
► An east-west route is ►A three-figured route that
even numbered. (I 90 is starts with an odd number
Jane Addams Tollway) leads into a city. (I 190
Numbering starts South O’Hare entrance)
and ends North. ► A three-figured route that
starts with an even
► An north-south route is number, bypasses or goes
odd numbered (I 55 is around a city. (I 294 is the
the Stevenson Tri-State Tollway)
Expressway).
Numbering starts West
and ends East.
 Numbering System for IL State
Routes
► Even ending numbers run East-West
 IL 72 (Higgins Road)
 IL 58 (Golf Road)
 IL 64 (North Avenue)
► Odd ending numbers run North-South
 IL 59 (Sutton Road)
 IL 23 (State Street)
 IL 83 (Kingery Highway)
 Other Guide Signs

► Green guide signs provide information on destinations

ahead and distances to be traveled.
► Blue signs highlight highway services such as food, fuel,
and lodging.
► Brown signs direct you to recreation areas such as a state
park.
 International Signs
► International signs convey information with symbols
rather than words.
► Most of these are common sense once you have
established a basic understanding of signs.
► The U.S. had adopted several international signs for
use on highways.
Traffic Lights
► Various combinations of
traffic lights can be place at
intersections to control traffic.
 Traffic Lights
► Green light
 You can proceed only if the intersection is clear. When
approaching a green light check cross and oncoming traffic.
 When approaching a stale green light be prepared for the
light to turn to yellow.
 The Green light will be mounted at the bottom or right on the
traffic signal.
► Yellow light
 Make every effort to stop safely for a yellow light.
 Sometimes you might be too close to do so.
 So you will have to proceed with caution.
 The yellow light will appear in the center of the traffic signal.
► Red light
 You must come to a full stop at a red light.
 Stop behind the stop line, crosswalk, or before entering the
intersection if no stop lines are used.
 The red light will be mounted on the top or to the left side of
the traffic signal.
 Computerized Traffic Lights
► Most traffic lights are computerized.
► The computer uses various sensors and
timers to control the flow of traffic.
 Right Turns (Or Left) on Red
► All states allow right turns on red unless
otherwise posted.
► Come to a full stop and yield the right of
way to pedestrians and others in the
intersection.
► In some states one way streets that turn on
other one way streets turning left on a red
light is permitted unless otherwise posted.
 Flashing Signals
►A flashing signal alerts drivers to dangerous
conditions or tells them to stop.
► A flashing red signal is the same as a STOP
sign, so a full and complete stop is made.
After you stop yield to traffic, and proceed
only when the intersection is clear.
► When you see a warning sign and a flashing
yellow signal, slow down. Be prepared to
stop.
 Arrows
► Traffic must flow in the
direction that a green arrow is
pointing.
► Arrows are used in
conjunction with traffic lights.
► If you are in a lane with a
green arrow pointing left or
right you must turn in that
direction.
► Most intersections in urban
areas use protected left turn
arrows. They can be before or
after the oncoming traffics’
green signal.
 Lane Signals
► Sometimes traffic in some lanes needs to go
in one direction for a certain period of time
and in the opposite direction at another period
of time.
 The Kennedy expressway is a great example of
this. The Express lanes run inbound (into the city)
in the morning rush and outbound (out of the city)
during the evening rush.
► In
situations like this lights hanging overhead
show weather or not a lane could be used at
that time. Each light is a lane signal.
 Pedestrian Signals
► A pedestrian signal is
used at an intersection
with heavy traffic.
These signals or
symbols are mounted
near traffic lights.
► Pedestrians should only
cross at an intersection
when they face a WALK
signal or symbol.
► Pedestrians must clear
the intersection or wait
when a DON’T WALK
signal or symbol is
displayed.
 Officer’s Signals
► Officers signals override all other
signs, roadway markings, or signals.
► Follow the instructions of the officer.
 Yellow Line Markings
►A broken yellow line separates two-way traffic.
It also means a driver may pass only when no
traffic is coming from the opposite direction.
► A solid yellow line on the driver’s side of the
center line indicates no passing is allowed.
► Passing is only allowed only when the solid
yellow line no longer appears on the driver’s
side of the highway (dashes on your side)
► Two solid lines prohibit passing both ways or
not to cross these. Some cities allow you to
turn into a driveway or alley after yielding the
right of way.
 White Line Markings
► Broken white lines separate lane of traffic that are
moving in the same direction.
► You may cross these lines when changing lanes or
to pass someone.
► Solid white lines keep drivers in their lanes and
restrict lane changing.
► White arrows are painted in lane to tell you when
and where to turn.
► Solid white lines are used along the side of a
roadway to mark the edge of the roadway.
► Solid white lines are also used to mark pedestrian
crosswalks and stop lines.
 Rumble strips
► Rumble strips are short sections of
corrugated roadway. These strips alert you
through the noise your tires make when you
drive over them.
► Rumble strips warn of hazards such as a
major or dangerous intersection, toll plaza,
or an unexpected need to stop or reduce
speed.
► Sometimes they are used at the edge of the
roadway to warn you that you are getting
too close to the edge of the pavement.
 Raised Roadway Markers
► On some streets/highways drivers might have a
difficult time seeing the driving lanes at night.
Raised or lowered roadway markers (reflectors)
are used.
► Roadway markers are color coded. White
markers are used at the edge of a roadway or
between lanes. Yellow markers may locate the
left edge of an expressway or in conjunction
with the broken/solid yellow line that divides
traffic moving in opposite directions. If you see
RED markers you are going the wrong way.
 Other Roadway Markings
►A special white marking on the roadway is
used to show you where an exit ramp starts.
It is dangerous and illegal to make a list
minute decision to cross this area.
► The railroad marking using an “X” and two
R’s on each side of the roadway warn you
that a railroad crossing is ahead.
► School crossings or zones might have
“School” written on the pavement.
► Curbs alongside a road may be painted to
indicate parking is not permitted. The
markings may be yellow, white, or red.
 Multiple Choice
1. What does a round traffic sign mean?
a. Yield to other traffic
b. Railroad crossing
c. Stop
d. Pedestrian crossing
2. A construction zone sign is?
a. Yellow
b. Blue
c. Green
d. Orange
3. Which of the following is not an example of a traffic signal?
a. Flashing lights
b. Arrows
c. School zone sign
d. Pedestrian signals
4. Two solid yellow center lines on a two-lane highway indicate?
a. No passing from either way
b. Passing both ways
c. Passing only with caution
d. Passing on the left only
 Multiple Choice (answers)
1. What does a round traffic sign mean?
a. Yield to other traffic
b. Railroad crossing
c. Stop
d. Pedestrian crossing
2. A construction zone sign is?
a. Yellow
b. Blue
c. Green
d. Orange
3. Which of the following is not an example of a traffic signal?
a. Flashing lights
b. Arrows
c. School zone sign
d. Pedestrian signals
4. Two solid yellow center lines on a two-lane highway indicate?
a. No passing from either way
b. Passing both ways
c. Passing only with caution
d. Passing on the left only
 Completion
5. A ____ signal is used at heavy traffic
intersections to tell people who are walking
whether they should proceed or wait.
6. International traffic signs use ____ rather
than words.
7. A lane on a busy street that helps drivers
make safer mid-block left turns is called a
____ .
8. A ____ sign controls traffic.
 Completion (answers)
5. A pedestrian signal is used at heavy traffic
intersections to tell people who are walking
whether they should proceed or wait.
6. International traffic signs use symbols
rather than words.
7. A lane on a busy street that helps drivers
make safer mid-block left turns is called a
shared left-turn lane .
8. A regulatory sign controls traffic.
 Review Vocabulary
9. Sign that alerts you to possible hazards and
road conditions.
10. Signal that alerts drivers to dangerous
conditions or tells them to stop.
11. Sign set on roadways like primary highways and
expressways to keep traffic moving safely.
12. Signal, usually overhead, that tells whether a
lane can or cannot be used at a specific time.
13. Speed limits set for special conditions such as
sharp curves
14. Sign that gives directions
Review Vocabulary (answers)
9. Sign that alerts you to possible hazards and road
conditions. warning sign (c)
10. Signal that alerts drivers to dangerous conditions or
tells them to stop. flashing signal (a)
11. Sign set on roadways like primary highways and
expressways to keep traffic moving safely.
minimum speed limit (f)
12. Signal, usually overhead, that tells whether a lane
can or cannot be used at a specific time. lane
signal (b)
13. Speed limits set for special conditions such as sharp
curves. advisory speed limits (d)
14. Sign that gives directions. guide sign (e)
End of Chapter 2