CHAPTER 2 1 Signs Signals and Roadway Markings

CHAPTER 2. 1 Signs, Signals, and Roadway Markings

Regulatory Signs l Controls traffic l Tells you what you can and cannot do! l Shapes l l Colors l l Usually Rectangles or Squares Red, white, & black STOP & YIELD have unique shapes

STOP Sign l Always come to a full stop at a STOP sign l Once stopped you must yield to pedestrians & vehicles in the intersection

YIELD SIGN l Always slow down or Stop l Give the right of way to traffic l Slowing down enough can prevent you from having to come to a complete stop l Proceed only when safe

Speed Limit Signs l Used to manage traffic flow and safe speeds l Are set for IDEAL driving conditions

Basic Speed Limit You may not drive faster than is safe and prudent for existing conditions, regardless of posted speed limit. * If you are driving 25 mph and the speed limit is 25 mph, but it is snowing you can get a ticket!

Minimum Speed Limit l Is set on some roadway to keep traffic moving safely. l This tells you not to drive slower than the posted minimum speed unless conditions are less than ideal.

Advisory Speed Limits l These l Some are setup for special conditions. advisory speed limits are set for certain times of the day or “when children are present. ”

WARNING SIGNS

Special Shape Warning Signs 250 ft in urban area 750 feet in rural area

Warning Signs l Warn you that you might have to STOP or SLOW DOWN l Color l Yellow, Orange, and Black l Shape l Most are diamond – shaped signs

Construction Signs l Orange l Diamond or rectangle l Be ready to slow down, STOP, or drive around workers. l Fines are increased in the areas!

GUIDE SIGNS Signs that give you directions, distance, services, points of interest, and other information

Mileage Points of Interest Services

International Signs

Shapes and Colors

Sign Colors & Their Meanings

2. 2 Traffic Signals

Traffic Lights

GREEN LIGHT l You can proceed only when traffic is clear l Check left, front, & right before entering l If light has been green for some time, be prepared for it to turn yellow!

YELLOW LIGHT l Doesn't mean speed up to try to beat the red light! l Slow down and be prepared to STOP!

RED LIGHT l You must come to a full STOP! l Stop behind the stop line, crosswalk, or before entering the intersection.

Right-turn-on-RED l All states now allow drivers to turn on red after coming to a complete STOP and yielding to all other traffic (as long as a NO TURN ON RED sign is not posted). l You may not turn on red in NYC!

FLASHING SIGNALS l Flashing STOP l Yield to traffic & pedestrians l Proceed when clear l l Flashing l Slow down and be prepared to STOP

Traffic Lights with arrows

Arrows l GO right only. Yield to pedestrians and vehicles already in the intersection l GO left only. Be sure that oncoming traffic does not run the red. l GO straight ahead only after yielding to others.

l WARNING. The red arrow is about to appear. l STOP. You may not go in this direction.

2. 3 ROADWAY MARKINGS

Broken Yellow l Separates traffic going in opposite direction in which you may pass. l You may only pass when safe!

Solid Yellow l Solid yellow on the driver’s side of the center line indicates that passing is not allowed. l You may cross over a solid yellow after you come to a complete STOP and yield to others.

Broken White Lines Separates traffic going in the same direction in which you may pass.

Solid White Lines l Separates traffic going in the same direction in which you may not pass. l Found: l l l Side of road Construction areas Toll Booth areas Tunnels Some bridges

Rumble Strips l Are short sections of corrugated roadway. l Warn you! l Where are they? l l Dangerous intersections Side of road Tolls Unexpected reduced speed

Railroad Markings l Use an “X” and two “Rs” to warn you that a railroad crossing is ahead l Do not pass near railroad crossings.