CHAPTER FOUR
White Traffic Signs
White traffic signs display traffic regulations that drivers must obey such as speed limits, as well as helpful information such as state highway markers. A No Turn On Red sign is an example of a traffic sign with a white background.
Traffic Signs And Signals
Traffic signs control traffic flow, making streets and highways safer for drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians. These signs, which are posted by the Indiana Department of Transportation and local governments, use colors, shapes, written messages, and symbols to help drivers quickly understand the information. Understanding these signs is necessary to obtain an Indiana drivers license.
Orange Traffic Signs
Orange traffic signs warn drivers of conditions ahead due to highway construction and maintenance projects. A Flagger Ahead sign is an example of a traffic sign with an orange background.
Traffic Sign Colors
The background color of a traffic sign helps to identify the type of information displayed on the sign. There are seven common colors used for signs.
Green Traffic Signs
Green traffic signs indicate directions, highway entrances and exits, and distance to upcoming destinations. A sign showing distances is an example of a traffic sign with a green background.
Red Traffic Signs
Red traffic signs require drivers to take immediate actions to avoid threats to traffic safety. A Wrong Way sign is an example of a traffic sign with a red background.
Blue Traffic Signs
Blue traffic signs display traveler information to drivers. A sign showing information about amenities at an upcoming exit is an example of a traffic sign with a blue background.
Yellow Or Fluorescent Yellow-Green Traffic Signs
Yellow or fluorescent green traffic signs prepare drivers for specific road conditions and hazards ahead, and alert drivers to nearby school zones. A Slippery When Wet sign is one example of a traffic sign with a yellow background. A Pedestrian Crossing sign is an example of a traffic sign with a fluorescent green background.
Brown Traffic Signs
Brown traffic signs indicate nearby parks and recreational areas. A sign showing a nearby state park is an example of a traffic sign with a brown background.
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Traffic Sign Shapes
The shape of a traffic sign also indicates the type of information displayed on the sign. There are eight common shapes used for traffic signs.
Rectangular Traffic Signs
Rectangular traffic signs display traffic regulations that drivers must obey such as speed limits, as well as helpful information such as state highway markers. Rectangular signs are often posted with pennant-shaped signs to warn drivers not to pass other vehicles, or to pass other vehicles with care. A Speed Limit sign is an example of a rectangular traffic sign.
Circular Traffic Signs
Circular traffic signs alert drivers of upcoming railroad crossings.
Diamond-Shaped Traffic Signs Three-Sided Traffic Signs
Traffic signs with three sides of equal length warn drivers to slow down when approaching an intersection and to be prepared to come to a complete stop. Diamond-shaped traffic signs warn drivers of upcoming road conditions and hazards. A Divided Highway Ends sign is an example of a diamond-shaped traffic sign.
Five-Sided Traffic Signs Pennant-Shaped Traffic Signs
Pennant-shaped traffic signs are posted on the left-hand side of two-way roads to warn drivers not to pass other vehicles on the left. Five-sided traffic signs warn drivers that they are entering an area near a school in which children may be crossing the road.
Eight-Sided Traffic Signs Square Traffic Signs
Square traffic signs display regulations that drivers must obey. Signs that warn drivers to avoid certain actions will often have a symbol surrounded by a red circle with a red diagonal bar. A No Left Turn sign is an example of a square traffic sign. Eight-sided traffic signs warn drivers to stop and yield the appropriate right-of-way at an intersection.
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Warning Signs
Warning signs prepare drivers for upcoming road conditions and hazards. The following signs are some examples of Indianas warning traffic signs.
Warning Signs (continued)
Narrow Bridge
Narrow Bridge
Pedestrian Crossing
Playground Warning
Added Lane
Bicycle Crossing
Buggy Warning
Cattle Crossing
BE PREPARED TO STOP
Prepare To Stop Sharp Turn Slow Down Side Road Slippery When Wet
DETOUR 1000 FT
Crossroads Ahead Curve Ahead Deer Crossing Detour In 1,000 Feet
Steep Downgrade Divided Highway Farm Machinery Fire Station Lane Ends
Stop Ahead
T Intersection
Traffic Signal
WATCH
FOR ON BRIDGES
ICE
Two-Way Traffic Lanes Shifting Low Clearance Low Shoulder Merging Traffic
Winding Road
Watch For Ice On Bridges
Yield Ahead
...continued
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Highway Construction And Maintenance Signs
Construction zones pose dangers both for drivers and for construction workers. Orange highway construction traffic signs warn drivers to be careful when approaching construction zones.
School Zone Signs
Yellow, five-sided traffic signs warn drivers that they are entering an area near a school in which children may be crossing the road. SCHOOL BUS STOP AHEAD
Pedestrian Crossing Pedestrian Crossing Pedestrian Crossing School Bus Stop Ahead
DETOUR
FLAGGER AHEAD
Detour Ahead Fines Double In Work Zones Flagger Ahead
Detour
Slow Moving Vehicle Emblem
A slow moving vehicle emblem has an orange fluorescent center and red reflective borders, and indicates a slow-moving vehicle which cannot exceed 25 miles per hour.
Flagger Ahead Right Lane Closed Road Work Ahead Work Crew Ahead
Railroad Signs
Railroad traffic signs alert drivers of upcoming railroad crossings.
Slow Moving Vehicle
Speed Advisory Signs
Speed advisory traffic signs may accompany some warning signs.
Railroad Crossing
2 TRACKS
Railroad Crossing
Railroad Crossing
Railroad Crossing
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EXIT
RAMP
15 MPH Speed Advisory At Roundabout
M.P.H.
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M.P.H.
Speed Advisory At Exit
Speed Advisory On Ramp
Speed Limit Ahead
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Traffic Regulation Signs
Traffic regulation signs regulate traffic speed and movement and display rules which drivers must obey. The following signs are some examples of Indianas traffic regulation signs.
Traffic Regulation Signs (continued)
BLOCK
INTERSECTION
Do Not Block Intersection Do Not Enter Do Not Pass
DO NOT
EMERGENCY STOPPING ONLY
Emergency Stopping
No Trucks
No Turn On Red
No U-Turn
One Way
ONE WAY
One Way Reduced Speed Ahead
RESERVED PARKING
LEFT LANE TURN LEFT
Keep Right Left Lane Must Turn Left
MUST
LEFT ON ARROW ONLY
Left On Arrow Only
LEFT TURN SIGNAL
Left Turn Signal
Reserved Parking
Restricted Lane
RIGHT LANE
MUST
TURN RIGHT
Right Lane Must Turn Right Right Lane Only
LEFT TURN ON GREEN
YIELD
HR 2 PARKING 8:30 AM TO 5:30 PM
Limited Parking
MINIMUM SPEED
SLOWER TRAFFIC KEEP RIGHT
Slower Traffic Keep Right
SPEED ZONE AHEAD
Speed Zone Ahead
Left Turn Yield On Green
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Minimum Speed No Parking Any Time
HER E
Multiple Turns
ON
NO PARKING ANY TIME
No Left Turn No Parking No Right Turn
Stop
Stop Here On Red
Tow-Away Zone
Turn Left Or Go Through
...continued
Turn Right Or Go Through
Two-Way Left Turn
Wrong Way
Yield
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Supplemental Plaques
Supplemental plaques are sometimes added to the bottom of stop signs to indicate which directions in the intersection must stop.
Driver Services And Recreation Signs
Driver services and recreation signs provide drivers with information about nearby amenities, parks, and recreational areas.
4-WAY
4-Way
ALL WAY
All Way Accommodations Available Amenities Available Bike Trail Boat Ramp
Traffic Guidance Signs
Traffic guidance signs provide drivers with information about the type of road they are traveling, upcoming highway entrances and exits, and distances to various destinations. The following signs are some examples of Indianas traffic guidance signs.
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INTERSTATE
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Camping Site
Food Services Available
Fuel Services Available
Handicap Parking
1 MILE
Airport
Bus Station
Posted Distances
Highway Exits
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Interstate Mileage Indicator
INDIANA
39 40
State Road US Highway
Handicap Parking
Historical Marker
Hospital
Playground
Rest Area
Road / Weather Information
State Park
Telephone Available
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Traffic Signals
Traffic control devices such as stop lights and signs are used to control traffic flow and indicate right-of-way at intersections and pedestrian crossings.
If you are facing a red light displayed without an arrow, your right-of-way has ended. If you are in the middle of an intersection when your right-of-way ends, you may turn once oncoming traffic has stopped. If you are facing a red light, you may not enter an intersection until the light facing you turns green and the intersection is clear. To turn right through an intersection with a red light you must come to a full stop, check to make sure that there are no vehicles or pedestrians in the path of your turn or about to enter the path of your turn, and use the correct lanes.
Driving Straight Through An Intersection
A green light means go. If you are facing a green light, you have the right-of-way and may drive through an intersection, as long as the intersection is clear of other vehicles and pedestrians. A yellow light means slow. If you are facing a yellow light, your right-of-way is ending.
You may turn left through an intersection with a red light if you are turning from a one-way street to a one-way street. You must also come to a full stop, check to make sure that there are no vehicles or pedestrians in the path of your turn or about to enter the path of your turn, and use the correct lanes.
Red Flashing Lights
A red flashing light at an intersection is equivalent to a stop sign and means that you must come to a complete stop before entering the intersection.
A red light means stop. Traffic entering an intersection from other directions have the right-of-way. If you are facing a red light, you may not enter an intersection until the light facing you turns green and the intersection is clear.
If you are facing a red flashing light at an intersection at which cross-traffic is not required to stop, you may proceed only when the intersection is clear and you will not interfere with the right-of-way of cross-traffic. If you are facing a red flashing light at an intersection at which all traffic is required to stop, you may proceed only after you have stopped and yielded the right-of-way to any vehicle that is already in the intersection, any vehicle that stopped before you and is entering the intersection, and any vehicle that arrived at the same time as you and is to your right.
Turning Through An Intersection
If you are facing a green arrow displayed with a red or green light, you have the right-of-way and may turn through an intersection, as long as the intersection is clear. Drivers who are not facing a green arrow must stop.
Yellow Flashing Lights
A yellow flashing light at an intersection means that you should slow down and use caution when traveling through the intersection. Cross-traffic is required to yield the right-of-way to you. However, you should watch for other vehicles or pedestrians attempting to cross the intersection. Approaching A Red Light Or Stop Sign If you are approaching a red light, you must stop at the solid white stop line. If there is no stop line, you should stop before entering the crosswalk on your side of the intersection. If there is no crosswalk, you should stop before entering the intersection.
If you are facing a yellow arrow displayed with a red or green light, your right-of-way is ending.
If you are facing a green light displayed without an arrow, you may turn through an intersection as long as the intersection is clear and you yield the right-of-way to all oncoming traffic. Only one vehicle at a time may move into an intersection to turn left. If you are facing a yellow light displayed without an arrow, your right-ofway is ending.
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If you are approaching a stop sign, you must stop at the solid white stop line. If there is no stop line, you should stop parallel to the stop sign or before entering the intersection.
CHAPTER FIVE
Approaching A Yield Sign
A yield sign indicates that a driver must slow down when approaching an intersection and be prepared to come to a complete stop if a vehicle or pedestrian with the right-of-way is approaching from another direction. If you are approaching a yield sign, a vehicle approaching from another direction with the right-of-way should not have to brake to avoid a collision with you.
Safe Vehicle Operation
Even the most experienced drivers can be distracted while driving. A defensive driver looks out for the actions of other drivers and anticipates potential problems.
Lane Markings
Lane markings separate traffic and alert drivers when it is safe to pass other vehicles.
Approaching An Intersection with No Signal
If you are approaching an intersection with a non-operating signal, you should stop before entering the intersection. After stopping, you should yield the right-of-way to cross-traffic and then proceed with caution. Before entering a street from an alley or driveway, you should stop and yield the right-of-way to other vehicles.
Yellow Lane Markings
Yellow lane markings separate multiple lanes of traffic going in opposite directions. You may cross a broken yellow line to pass another vehicle but you should not cross a solid yellow line except to turn.
Pedestrian Signals
Pedestrian signals alert pedestrians when they may safely cross a street or intersection. Pedestrian signals display the word WALK or a symbol of a person walking when pedestrians may safely cross a street or intersection. At some intersections, there is a button near the base of the pedestrian signal or stop sign that may be pushed to activate the walk signal.
Two lane road with a solid yellow line
Two lane road with a broken yellow line
Pedestrian signals display the words DONT WALK or a symbol of a raised hand when it is not safe for pedestrians to cross a street or intersection. The words or symbol flash to alert pedestrians that the time in which to safely cross the street or intersection is ending.
Four lane road with a solid yellow line
Walk
Walk
Dont Walk
Dont Walk
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