US road signs quiz

31 signs and markings shared by every state. Pick what each means and see the reason.

Checked against the MUTCD · Report a mistake

  1. Regulatory signs

    What does this sign mean?

    A red octagon with a white border and the word STOP in white
    1. AEvery approach to the intersection has a STOP sign
    2. BA STOP sign is coming up
    3. CSlow down and let other traffic go first
    4. DCome to a full stop, then go when it is safe
    Answer and reason

    D. Come to a full stop, then go when it is safe. Stop sign. The stop sign means you must come to a complete stop and wait until it is safe to go. The octagon shape is used only for STOP signs. Source: MUTCD 11th Edition, Chapter 2B, Regulatory Signs, Barricades, and Gates: Section 2B.04, FHWA; MUTCD 11th Edition, Chapter 2A, General (signs): Section 2A.05, FHWA; MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 3, Markings: Section 3B.19, FHWA; MUTCD 11th Edition, FHWA

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  2. Regulatory signs

    What does this sign mean?

    A downward-pointing triangle with a wide red border, a white center and the word YIELD in red
    1. ACome to a full stop, then go when it is safe
    2. BSlow down and let other traffic go first
    3. CTraffic will merge into your lane
    4. DEvery approach to the intersection has a STOP sign
    Answer and reason

    B. Slow down and let other traffic go first. Yield sign. The yield sign means you must let other traffic go first. Slow down, and stop when you need to, so you do not interfere with traffic that has the right-of-way. Source: MUTCD 11th Edition, Chapter 2B, Regulatory Signs, Barricades, and Gates: Sections 2B.05, 2B.10, FHWA; MUTCD 11th Edition, Chapter 2A, General (signs): Section 2A.05, FHWA; MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 3, Markings: Section 3B.19, FHWA; MUTCD 11th Edition, FHWA

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  3. Regulatory signs

    What does this sign mean?

    A STOP sign with a red ALL WAY plaque in white letters mounted below it
    1. AEvery approach to the intersection has a STOP sign
    2. BSlow down and let other traffic go first
    3. CCome to a full stop, then go when it is safe
    4. DAnother road crosses yours ahead
    Answer and reason

    A. Every approach to the intersection has a STOP sign. All-way stop sign. The ALL WAY plaque under a STOP sign means every approach to the intersection has a STOP sign, so all traffic must stop. It is a red plaque with white letters. Source: MUTCD 11th Edition, Chapter 2B, Regulatory Signs, Barricades, and Gates: Sections 2B.04, 2B.12, FHWA; MUTCD 11th Edition, Chapter 2C, Warning Signs and Object Markers: Section 2C.66, FHWA; MUTCD 11th Edition, FHWA

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  4. Regulatory signs

    What does this sign mean?

    A red circle on a white square, with a white bar across the middle and the words DO NOT ENTER in white
    1. APass to the right of the island or obstacle
    2. BAll traffic moves in the arrow’s direction
    3. CTraffic comes toward you here; do not go in
    4. DYou are going against traffic: turn around safely
    Answer and reason

    C. Traffic comes toward you here; do not go in. Do not enter sign. The DO NOT ENTER sign means you must not drive into the road or ramp beyond it, because traffic there comes toward you, such as at the wrong end of a one-way road. Source: MUTCD 11th Edition, Chapter 2B, Regulatory Signs, Barricades, and Gates: Section 2B.46, FHWA; MUTCD 11th Edition, FHWA

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  5. Regulatory signs

    What does this sign mean?

    A red horizontal rectangle with the words WRONG WAY in white
    1. AAll traffic moves in the arrow’s direction
    2. BPass to the right of the island or obstacle
    3. CYou are going against traffic: turn around safely
    4. DTraffic comes toward you here; do not go in
    Answer and reason

    C. You are going against traffic: turn around safely. Wrong way sign. The WRONG WAY sign means you have entered a one-way road or ramp against the flow of traffic. Get out of the path of traffic as soon as it is safe and turn around. Source: MUTCD 11th Edition, Chapter 2B, Regulatory Signs, Barricades, and Gates: Section 2B.47, FHWA; MUTCD 11th Edition, FHWA

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  6. Regulatory signs

    What does this sign mean?

    A white vertical rectangle with the words SPEED LIMIT and the number 25 in black
    1. AThe road can be slippery when wet
    2. BThe road curves ahead
    3. CThe maximum speed allowed on this road
    4. DA school area, zone or crossing is near
    Answer and reason

    C. The maximum speed allowed on this road. Speed limit sign. The SPEED LIMIT sign shows the maximum speed allowed on that road, in miles per hour. It is a maximum, not a target. Source: MUTCD 11th Edition, Chapter 2B, Regulatory Signs, Barricades, and Gates: Section 2B.21, FHWA; MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 1, General: Section 1D.05, FHWA; MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 7, Traffic Control for School Areas: Section 7B.05, FHWA; MUTCD 11th Edition, FHWA

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  7. Regulatory signs

    What does this sign mean?

    A white square with a black U-turn arrow inside a red circle with a red slash
    1. AWait for the green before turning
    2. BTraffic comes toward you here; do not go in
    3. CAll traffic moves in the arrow’s direction
    4. DDo not turn around here
    Answer and reason

    D. Do not turn around here. No U-turn sign. The No U-turn sign means you must not make a U-turn at that location. The red circle and slash show the move is prohibited. Source: MUTCD 11th Edition, Chapter 2B, Regulatory Signs, Barricades, and Gates: Section 2B.26, FHWA; MUTCD 11th Edition, FHWA

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  8. Regulatory signs

    What does this sign mean?

    A white vertical rectangle with the words NO TURN ON RED in black
    1. AWait for the green before turning
    2. BTraffic lights are ahead
    3. CWhere to stop, and where people cross
    4. DDo not turn around here
    Answer and reason

    A. Wait for the green before turning. No turn on red sign. The NO TURN ON RED sign means you must not turn while the signal shows a red light, even after stopping. Wait for a green light or green arrow. Source: MUTCD 11th Edition, Chapter 2B, Regulatory Signs, Barricades, and Gates: Section 2B.60, FHWA; MUTCD 11th Edition, FHWA

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  9. Regulatory signs

    What does this sign mean?

    A black horizontal rectangle with a white arrow pointing right and the words ONE WAY in black inside the arrow
    1. APass to the right of the island or obstacle
    2. BTraffic comes toward you here; do not go in
    3. CAll traffic moves in the arrow’s direction
    4. DYou are going against traffic: turn around safely
    Answer and reason

    C. All traffic moves in the arrow’s direction. One way sign. The ONE WAY sign means traffic on that street may travel only in the direction of the arrow. When you turn onto it, turn in that direction. Source: MUTCD 11th Edition, Chapter 2B, Regulatory Signs, Barricades, and Gates: Section 2B.49, FHWA; MUTCD 11th Edition, FHWA

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  10. Regulatory signs

    What does this sign mean?

    A white vertical rectangle with a black island shape and a black arrow curving up around its right side
    1. ATraffic comes toward you here; do not go in
    2. BA median will split the two directions
    3. CPass to the right of the island or obstacle
    4. DAll traffic moves in the arrow’s direction
    Answer and reason

    C. Pass to the right of the island or obstacle. Keep right sign. The Keep Right sign means you must pass to the right of the island, median or obstruction it stands on. Source: MUTCD 11th Edition, Chapter 2B, Regulatory Signs, Barricades, and Gates: Section 2B.39, FHWA; MUTCD 11th Edition, FHWA

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  11. Regulatory signs

    What does this sign mean?

    A white vertical rectangle with the words DO NOT PASS in black
    1. APassing is not allowed here
    2. BThe road curves ahead
    3. CPassing is not allowed from here
    4. DYellow lines separate opposite directions
    Answer and reason

    A. Passing is not allowed here. Do not pass sign. The DO NOT PASS sign means you must not pass other vehicles in that zone. It backs up the no-passing lines painted on the road. Source: MUTCD 11th Edition, Chapter 2B, Regulatory Signs, Barricades, and Gates: Section 2B.36, FHWA; MUTCD 11th Edition, Chapter 2C, Warning Signs and Object Markers: Section 2C.53, FHWA; MUTCD 11th Edition, FHWA

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  12. Regulatory signs

    What does this sign mean?

    Two white boards crossed in an X with the words RAILROAD CROSSING in black
    1. AA railroad crossing: yield to trains
    2. BA railroad crossing is ahead
    3. CSlow down and let other traffic go first
    4. DCome to a full stop, then go when it is safe
    Answer and reason

    A. A railroad crossing: yield to trains. Railroad crossbuck sign. The crossbuck marks a railroad crossing. In most states it means you must yield to trains: slow down, look and listen, and stop if a train is coming. Source: MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 8, Traffic Control for Railroad and Light Rail Transit Grade Crossings: Sections 8B.03, 8B.04, FHWA; MUTCD 11th Edition, FHWA

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  13. Warning signs

    What does this sign mean?

    A yellow diamond with a black arrow curving to the right
    1. AAnother road crosses yours ahead
    2. BThe road can be slippery when wet
    3. CPassing is not allowed from here
    4. DThe road curves ahead
    Answer and reason

    D. The road curves ahead. Curve ahead sign. The curve sign warns that the road curves ahead in the direction of the arrow. Slow down before the curve. Source: MUTCD 11th Edition, Chapter 2C, Warning Signs and Object Markers: Sections 2C.02, 2C.07, 2C.59, FHWA; MUTCD 11th Edition, FHWA

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  14. Warning signs

    What does this sign mean?

    A yellow diamond with a black plus-shaped crossroad symbol
    1. AAnother road crosses yours ahead
    2. BA STOP sign is coming up
    3. CTraffic lights are ahead
    4. DTraffic will merge into your lane
    Answer and reason

    A. Another road crosses yours ahead. Cross road sign. The cross road sign warns of an intersection ahead where another road crosses yours. Watch for vehicles turning in or crossing. Source: MUTCD 11th Edition, Chapter 2C, Warning Signs and Object Markers: Sections 2C.41, 2C.02, FHWA; MUTCD 11th Edition, FHWA

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  15. Warning signs

    What does this sign mean?

    A yellow diamond with a small red octagon and a black arrow pointing up to it
    1. AA STOP sign is coming up
    2. BAnother road crosses yours ahead
    3. CTraffic lights are ahead
    4. DCome to a full stop, then go when it is safe
    Answer and reason

    A. A STOP sign is coming up. Stop ahead sign. The Stop Ahead sign warns that there is a STOP sign ahead that you might not see in time. Start slowing down. Source: MUTCD 11th Edition, Chapter 2C, Warning Signs and Object Markers: Section 2C.35, FHWA; MUTCD 11th Edition, FHWA

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  16. Warning signs

    What does this sign mean?

    A yellow diamond with a traffic light showing red, yellow and green
    1. ATraffic lights are ahead
    2. BA STOP sign is coming up
    3. CAnother road crosses yours ahead
    4. DWait for the green before turning
    Answer and reason

    A. Traffic lights are ahead. Signal ahead sign. The Signal Ahead sign warns of a traffic signal ahead that may be hard to see in time. Be ready to stop. Source: MUTCD 11th Edition, Chapter 2C, Warning Signs and Object Markers: Section 2C.35, FHWA; MUTCD 11th Edition, FHWA

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  17. Warning signs

    What does this sign mean?

    A yellow diamond with a black arrow pointing up and a line joining it from the side
    1. ATraffic will merge into your lane
    2. BSlow down and let other traffic go first
    3. COne lane ends; move over in good time
    4. DWhite lines separate lanes going the same way
    Answer and reason

    A. Traffic will merge into your lane. Merge sign. The Merge sign warns that traffic from another road will merge into your lane ahead. Be ready to adjust your speed and let it in safely. Source: MUTCD 11th Edition, Chapter 2C, Warning Signs and Object Markers: Section 2C.45, FHWA; MUTCD 11th Edition, FHWA

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  18. Warning signs

    What does this sign mean?

    A yellow diamond showing two lanes where the right-hand lane narrows and ends
    1. APass to the right of the island or obstacle
    2. BTraffic will merge into your lane
    3. COne lane ends; move over in good time
    4. DWhite lines separate lanes going the same way
    Answer and reason

    C. One lane ends; move over in good time. Lane ends sign. The Lane Ends sign warns that the number of lanes in your direction is about to drop. If your lane is the one ending, find a safe gap and move over. Source: MUTCD 11th Edition, Chapter 2C, Warning Signs and Object Markers: Sections 2C.47, 2C.45, FHWA; MUTCD 11th Edition, FHWA

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  19. Warning signs

    What does this sign mean?

    A yellow diamond showing a road splitting around a median island
    1. AA median will split the two directions
    2. BYellow lines separate opposite directions
    3. CPass to the right of the island or obstacle
    4. DA center lane for left turns from both directions
    Answer and reason

    A. A median will split the two directions. Divided highway sign. The Divided Highway sign warns that the two directions of traffic ahead will be separated by a median or barrier. Keep to the right of it. Source: MUTCD 11th Edition, Chapter 2C, Warning Signs and Object Markers: Sections 2C.20, 2C.21, FHWA; MUTCD 11th Edition, FHWA

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  20. Warning signs

    What does this sign mean?

    A yellow diamond with a black car and wavy skid marks behind it
    1. AThe road curves ahead
    2. BDeer may be on or crossing the road
    3. CThe road can be slippery when wet
    4. DThe maximum speed allowed on this road
    Answer and reason

    C. The road can be slippery when wet. Slippery when wet sign. The Slippery When Wet sign warns that the road ahead can be unexpectedly slippery. Slow down and avoid sudden braking or steering. Source: MUTCD 11th Edition, Chapter 2C, Warning Signs and Object Markers: Section 2C.30, FHWA; MUTCD 11th Edition, FHWA

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  21. Warning signs

    What does this sign mean?

    A yellow diamond with a black leaping deer
    1. AThe road can be slippery when wet
    2. BThe road curves ahead
    3. CDeer may be on or crossing the road
    4. DPeople may be crossing ahead
    Answer and reason

    C. Deer may be on or crossing the road. Deer crossing sign. The deer crossing sign warns that deer may enter the road ahead. Slow down and watch the sides of the road. Source: MUTCD 11th Edition, Chapter 2C, Warning Signs and Object Markers: Section 2C.55, FHWA; MUTCD 11th Edition, FHWA

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  22. Warning signs

    What does this sign mean?

    A fluorescent yellow-green diamond with a black walking person
    1. AWhere to stop, and where people cross
    2. BDeer may be on or crossing the road
    3. CPeople may be crossing ahead
    4. DA school area, zone or crossing is near
    Answer and reason

    C. People may be crossing ahead. Pedestrian crossing sign. The pedestrian crossing sign warns that people may be crossing the road ahead. Slow down and be ready to stop for them. Source: MUTCD 11th Edition, Chapter 2C, Warning Signs and Object Markers: Sections 2C.02, 2C.55, FHWA; MUTCD 11th Edition, FHWA

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  23. Warning signs

    What does this sign mean?

    A fluorescent yellow-green five-sided sign shaped like a house, with two black children walking
    1. AThe maximum speed allowed on this road
    2. BPeople may be crossing ahead
    3. CA school area, zone or crossing is near
    4. DWhere to stop, and where people cross
    Answer and reason

    C. A school area, zone or crossing is near. School sign. The five-sided School sign warns that you are near a school area, a school zone or a crossing used by schoolchildren. Slow down and watch for children. Source: MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 7, Traffic Control for School Areas: Section 7B.02, FHWA; MUTCD 11th Edition, Chapter 2C, Warning Signs and Object Markers: Section 2C.02, FHWA; MUTCD 11th Edition, Chapter 2A, General (signs): Section 2A.05, FHWA; MUTCD 11th Edition, FHWA

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  24. Warning signs

    What does this sign mean?

    A yellow pennant-shaped triangle pointing right with the words NO PASSING ZONE in black
    1. AThe road curves ahead
    2. BPassing is not allowed from here
    3. CYellow lines separate opposite directions
    4. DPassing is not allowed here
    Answer and reason

    B. Passing is not allowed from here. No passing zone sign. The pennant-shaped NO PASSING ZONE sign marks the start of a stretch where you must not pass. It stands on the left side of the road. Source: MUTCD 11th Edition, Chapter 2C, Warning Signs and Object Markers: Section 2C.53, FHWA; MUTCD 11th Edition, Chapter 2A, General (signs): Section 2A.05, FHWA; MUTCD 11th Edition, FHWA

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  25. Warning signs

    What does this sign mean?

    A round yellow sign with a black X and the letters R and R
    1. AA railroad crossing is ahead
    2. BTraffic lights are ahead
    3. CA railroad crossing: yield to trains
    4. DA STOP sign is coming up
    Answer and reason

    A. A railroad crossing is ahead. Railroad crossing ahead sign. The round yellow sign with an X and two Rs warns of a railroad crossing ahead. Slow down, look and listen for trains, and be ready to stop. Source: MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 8, Traffic Control for Railroad and Light Rail Transit Grade Crossings: Section 8B.06, FHWA; MUTCD 11th Edition, Chapter 2A, General (signs): Section 2A.05, FHWA; MUTCD 11th Edition, FHWA

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  26. Guide and service signs

    What does this sign mean?

    A blue square with a white border and a large white letter H
    1. AThe way to a hospital open 24 hours
    2. BShows where you are along the highway
    3. CThe maximum speed allowed on this road
    4. DPeople may be crossing ahead
    Answer and reason

    A. The way to a hospital open 24 hours. Hospital sign. The blue sign with a white H shows the way to a hospital. The MUTCD limits it to facilities open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Source: MUTCD 11th Edition, Chapters 2H to 2N, General Information and Service Signs: Section 2I.02, FHWA; MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 1, General: Section 1D.05, FHWA; MUTCD 11th Edition, FHWA

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  27. Guide and service signs

    What does this sign mean?

    A narrow green vertical sign with a white border, the word MILE and the number 12 in white
    1. AThe way to a hospital open 24 hours
    2. BShows where you are along the highway
    3. CThe maximum speed allowed on this road
    4. DA median will split the two directions
    Answer and reason

    B. Shows where you are along the highway. Mile marker sign. A mile marker, officially a reference location sign, shows the distance point along a highway. It helps you track your progress and tell emergency services where you are. Source: MUTCD 11th Edition, Chapters 2H to 2N, General Information and Service Signs: Sections 2H.11, 2H.01, FHWA; MUTCD 11th Edition, FHWA

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  28. Pavement markings

    What do these markings mean?

    On a two-lane road, double solid yellow lines, then a solid line beside a broken line, then a single broken yellow line
    1. AA center lane for left turns from both directions
    2. BYellow lines separate opposite directions
    3. CWhite lines separate lanes going the same way
    4. DPassing is not allowed here
    Answer and reason

    B. Yellow lines separate opposite directions. Yellow center lines. Yellow center lines separate traffic going in opposite directions. A broken line on your side means you may pass with care; a solid line on your side means you may not. Source: MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 3, Markings: Sections 3A.03, 3B.01, 3B.03, FHWA; MUTCD 11th Edition, FHWA

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  29. Pavement markings

    What do these markings mean?

    A three-lane road with all traffic going one way, broken white lines between lanes, a solid white line on the right edge and a solid yellow line on the left edge
    1. AOne lane ends; move over in good time
    2. BWhite lines separate lanes going the same way
    3. CYellow lines separate opposite directions
    4. DTraffic will merge into your lane
    Answer and reason

    B. White lines separate lanes going the same way. White lane lines. White lane lines separate lanes of traffic going in the same direction. A broken white line means you may change lanes with care; a solid white line means lane changes are discouraged. Source: MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 3, Markings: Sections 3A.03, 3B.06, 3B.09, FHWA; MUTCD 11th Edition, FHWA

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  30. Pavement markings

    What do these markings mean?

    A center lane with a solid and a broken yellow line on each side and white left-turn arrows pointing in opposite directions
    1. AWhite lines separate lanes going the same way
    2. BA center lane for left turns from both directions
    3. CA median will split the two directions
    4. DYellow lines separate opposite directions
    Answer and reason

    B. A center lane for left turns from both directions. Two-way left-turn lane. A two-way left-turn lane is a center lane that drivers from both directions use to turn left. Each side has a solid yellow line outside and a broken yellow line inside. Source: MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 3, Markings: Section 3B.05, FHWA; MUTCD 11th Edition, FHWA

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  31. Pavement markings

    What do these markings mean?

    A wide white stop line across the lane and a crosswalk of white bars in front of it
    1. APeople may be crossing ahead
    2. BWhere to stop, and where people cross
    3. CA school area, zone or crossing is near
    4. DCome to a full stop, then go when it is safe
    Answer and reason

    B. Where to stop, and where people cross. Stop lines and crosswalks. A white stop line shows where to stop for a STOP sign or signal. A marked crosswalk shows where people on foot cross. Stop behind the line and keep the crosswalk clear. Source: MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 3, Markings: Sections 3B.19, 3C.01, FHWA; MUTCD 11th Edition, FHWA

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Shape and color give most signs away: an octagon is always STOP, a yellow diamond warns and a white rectangle states a rule. If you get stuck, read US road sign shapes and colors first. Many states test signs separately: Georgia, for example, has a 20-question road signs test, and in Virginia you must get all 10 sign questions right.

Keep going

Sign pictures are our own simplified drawings of the MUTCD designs, which are in the public domain (MUTCD Section 1D.06). The state examples come from the Georgia Drivers Manual and the Virginia DMV knowledge exam page, checked on October 20, 2026.

Sources

  1. MUTCD 11th Edition, FHWA. FHWA lists the current version as the 11th Edition with Revision 1, dated December 2025
  2. State MUTCD information, FHWA