Traffic signs

TRAFFIC SIGNS
Traffic signs control the flow of traffic, warn you of hazards ahead, guide you to your destination, and inform you of roadway services. As indicated below, traffic signs are intentionally color coded to assist the operator. RED - stop GREEN - direction YELLOW - general warning BLACK/WHITE - regulation BLUE - motorist service (e.g., gas, food, hotels) BROWN - recreational,historic, or scenic site ORANGE - construction or maintenance warning

STOP AND YIELD SIGNS The STOP sign always means come to a complete halt and applies to each vehicle that comes to the sign. You must stop before any crosswalk or stop line painted on the pavement. Come to a complete stop, yield to pedestrians or other vehicles, and proceed carefully. Simply slowing down is not enough. If a 4-WAY orALL WAY sign is added to a STOP sign at an intersection, all traffic approaching the intersection must stop. The first vehicle in the intersection of a four-way stop has the right of way. When you see a YIELD sign, slow down and be prepared to stop. Let traffic, pedestrians, or bicycles pass before you enter the intersection or join another roadway. You must come to a complete stop if trafficconditions require it.

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REGULATORY SIGNS The United States is now using an international system of traffic control signs that feature pictures and symbols rather than words. The red-and-white YIELD and DO NOT ENTER signs prohibit access or movement. WARNING SIGNS Yellow warning signs alert you to hazards or changes in conditions ahead. Changes in road layout, proximity to a school zone, orsome special situation are examples of warning signs. Slow down and obey the sign. Disregarding a warning sign is not only dangerous, it is against the law. GUIDE SIGNS In the guide signs category you will find route markers, distanceand-destination signs, and informational signs. Green signs give highway directions and guide you through highway interchanges. Blue signs list motorist services, likegas, food, and lodging. Brown signs direct you to public recreational areas, state and national parks, historical points of interest, and scenic sites. In Massachusetts, numbered state highway routes are posted on white, rectangular signs with black letters and borders. Interstate highway signs are blue, red, and white shields. CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE ROAD WORK WARNINGS When people arerepairing or constructing roadways, their work areas are protected from traffic by orange warning signs and other devices. These signs and devices may be mounted with warning flags or yellow flashing lights. These warnings help to guide pedestrians and vehicle traffic safely through a work zone and past any hazards.

Drum

Barricade

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Tubuar Marker

Many of these warning signs use the samesymbols as yellow warning signs, but you should take extra care when orange signs are posted. Traffic and road conditions around work zones often change quickly. In addition to posting orange warning signs, road work crews can use a number of channeling devices to keep traffic in lanes and away from hazards. Sometimes, electric warning arrow signs will direct traffic flow near a work zone. When aflag person or police officer is directing traffic around a work zone, you must obey the flagger’s or officer’s signals or directions.

Traffic cone

Work zone flag person

Know signs by their appearances so you can recognize them at a distance.

Stop

School Zone

Guide/Information

Yield

Regulation

No Passing Zone

Warning

Railroad Crossing

Interstate Highway

Knowtraffic signs by their shapes

Lighted directional signs

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REGULATORY

WARNING

Traffic signal ahead No right turn

School zone Lane merging from right, watch for other traffic

Traffic moves only in one direction No left turn

Stop ahead

School crossing Road narrows or right lane ends Maximum height allowed

No U turn

You may not overtake another vehicle Road curves...