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124 MUTCD Signs

Complete DMV Road Signs List

All 124 official MUTCD signs with meanings, shapes, and required actions

Road sign questions appear on every US state’s DMV written test, making up roughly 10–15% of all questions. This free guide covers the 124 signs you’re most likely to see on exam day, each with its official MUTCD code, meaning, and what to do when you see it.

Already familiar with signs? Jump to a free practice test for your state.

Regulatory Signs(42)

Regulatory signs tell you about traffic laws and regulations. They inform drivers of laws that apply to a particular road or intersection and must be obeyed — just like any other traffic law. Most regulatory signs are white rectangles with black or red markings.

Stop Sign (R1-1) - octagon red with white regulatory sign: Come to a complete stop before the stop line or crosswalk

Stop Sign

R1-1

Come to a complete stop before the stop line or crosswalk. Yield to pedestrians and cross traffic before proceeding.

Yield Sign (R1-2) - triangle (inverted) red and white regulatory sign: Slow down and be prepared to stop

Yield Sign

R1-2

Slow down and be prepared to stop. Give the right-of-way to traffic and pedestrians already in the intersection or roadway.

Stop for Pedestrians in Crosswalk (R1-5b) - rectangle (vertical) white with black/red regulatory sign: Stop for pedestrians within the crosswalk

Stop for Pedestrians in Crosswalk

R1-5b

Stop for pedestrians within the crosswalk. Yield the right-of-way to people on foot.

In-Street Pedestrian Crossing (R1-6) - rectangle (vertical) white with black/red regulatory sign: Yield to pedestrians crossing the road at this marked location

In-Street Pedestrian Crossing

R1-6

Yield to pedestrians crossing the road at this marked location.

Speed Limit (R2-1) - rectangle (vertical) white with black/red regulatory sign: Do not exceed the posted speed

Speed Limit

R2-1

Do not exceed the posted speed. This is the maximum legal speed under ideal conditions.

Minimum Speed (R2-4P) - rectangle (vertical) white with black/red regulatory sign: You must travel at least the posted minimum speed unless conditions make it unsafe

Minimum Speed

R2-4P

You must travel at least the posted minimum speed unless conditions make it unsafe.

No Right Turn (R3-1) - rectangle (vertical) white with black/red regulatory sign: Right turns are prohibited at this intersection

No Right Turn

R3-1

Right turns are prohibited at this intersection.

No Left Turn (R3-2) - rectangle (vertical) white with black/red regulatory sign: Left turns are prohibited at this intersection

No Left Turn

R3-2

Left turns are prohibited at this intersection.

No Turns (R3-3) - rectangle (vertical) white with black/red regulatory sign: All turns are prohibited at this location

No Turns

R3-3

All turns are prohibited at this location.

No U-Turn (R3-4) - rectangle (vertical) white with black/red regulatory sign: U-turns are not permitted at this location

No U-Turn

R3-4

U-turns are not permitted at this location.

Straight Ahead Only (R3-5) - rectangle (vertical) white with black/red regulatory sign: This lane must go straight only

Straight Ahead Only

R3-5

This lane must go straight only. No turns are allowed.

Right Lane Must Turn Right (R3-7) - rectangle (vertical) white with black/red regulatory sign: Vehicles in the right lane must turn right at the intersection

Right Lane Must Turn Right

R3-7

Vehicles in the right lane must turn right at the intersection.

Lane Use Control (R3-8) - rectangle (vertical) white with black/red regulatory sign: Drivers must follow the mandatory lane direction shown by the arrows

Lane Use Control

R3-8

Drivers must follow the mandatory lane direction shown by the arrows.

Do Not Pass (R4-1) - rectangle (vertical) white with black regulatory sign: Do not pass other vehicles in this zone

Do Not Pass

R4-1

Do not pass other vehicles in this zone. Stay in your lane.

Pass With Care (R4-2) - rectangle (vertical) white with black/red regulatory sign: You may pass other vehicles in this zone, but exercise caution

Pass With Care

R4-2

You may pass other vehicles in this zone, but exercise caution.

Slower Traffic Keep Right (R4-3) - rectangle (vertical) white with black/red regulatory sign: Vehicles traveling slower than the normal speed of traffic should use the right lane

Slower Traffic Keep Right

R4-3

Vehicles traveling slower than the normal speed of traffic should use the right lane.

Begin Right Turn Lane Yield to Bikes (R4-4) - rectangle (vertical) white with black/red regulatory sign: A right turn lane begins ahead

Begin Right Turn Lane Yield to Bikes

R4-4

A right turn lane begins ahead. Yield to bicyclists when changing lanes.

Trucks Use Right Lane (R4-5) - rectangle (vertical) white with black/red regulatory sign: Trucks must use the right lane except when passing

Trucks Use Right Lane

R4-5

Trucks must use the right lane except when passing.

Keep Right (R4-7) - rectangle (vertical) white with black/red regulatory sign: Stay to the right of an obstacle, median, or traffic island

Keep Right

R4-7

Stay to the right of an obstacle, median, or traffic island.

Keep Left (R4-8) - rectangle (vertical) white with black/red regulatory sign: Stay to the left of an obstacle, median, or traffic island

Keep Left

R4-8

Stay to the left of an obstacle, median, or traffic island.

Bikes May Use Full Lane (R4-11) - rectangle (vertical) white with black/red regulatory sign: Bicycles may occupy the full travel lane

Bikes May Use Full Lane

R4-11

Bicycles may occupy the full travel lane. Do not crowd cyclists.

Do Not Enter (R5-1) - square red and white regulatory sign: Do not drive past this sign

Do Not Enter

R5-1

Do not drive past this sign. The road ahead is restricted or one-way against you.

Wrong Way (R5-1a) - rectangle (horizontal) red with white regulatory sign: You are traveling against traffic

Wrong Way

R5-1a

You are traveling against traffic. Turn around immediately.

No Trucks (R5-2) - rectangle (vertical) white with black/red regulatory sign: Trucks are prohibited from using this road

No Trucks

R5-2

Trucks are prohibited from using this road.

No Bicycles (R5-6) - rectangle (vertical) white with black/red regulatory sign: Bicycles are not allowed on this roadway or path

No Bicycles

R5-6

Bicycles are not allowed on this roadway or path.

One Way (Left) (R6-1) - rectangle (vertical) white with black/red regulatory sign: Traffic on this road moves to the left only

One Way (Left)

R6-1

Traffic on this road moves to the left only.

One Way (Left) (R6-2) - rectangle (vertical) white with black/red regulatory sign: Traffic on this road moves to the left only

One Way (Left)

R6-2

Traffic on this road moves to the left only.

Divided Highway (R6-3) - rectangle (vertical) white with black/red regulatory sign: The road ahead is divided by a median

Divided Highway

R6-3

The road ahead is divided by a median. Keep right of the divider.

No Parking (Time-Specific) (R7-1) - rectangle (vertical) white with black/red regulatory sign: Parking is prohibited during the times shown on the sign

No Parking (Time-Specific)

R7-1

Parking is prohibited during the times shown on the sign.

Accessible Parking (R7-8) - rectangle (vertical) blue with white regulatory sign: This parking space is reserved for persons with disabilities who have a valid placard or plate

Accessible Parking

R7-8

This parking space is reserved for persons with disabilities who have a valid placard or plate.

Van Accessible (R7-8p) - rectangle (vertical) blue with white regulatory sign: This accessible parking space has extra width for wheelchair van ramps

Van Accessible

R7-8p

This accessible parking space has extra width for wheelchair van ramps.

No Parking (R8-3) - rectangle (vertical) white with black/red regulatory sign: Parking is not permitted in this area

No Parking

R8-3

Parking is not permitted in this area.

No Standing Any Time (R8-5) - rectangle (vertical) white with black/red regulatory sign: No stopping or standing is allowed at any time, even briefly to pick up or drop off passengers

No Standing Any Time

R8-5

No stopping or standing is allowed at any time, even briefly to pick up or drop off passengers.

No Pedestrians (R9-3) - rectangle (vertical) white with black/red regulatory sign: Pedestrians are not allowed on this roadway

No Pedestrians

R9-3

Pedestrians are not allowed on this roadway.

Stop Here on Red (R10-6) - rectangle (vertical) white with black/red regulatory sign: Stop at this line when the traffic signal is red

Stop Here on Red

R10-6

Stop at this line when the traffic signal is red.

Do Not Block Intersection (R10-7) - rectangle (vertical) white with black/red regulatory sign: Do not enter the intersection unless you can clear it completely

Do Not Block Intersection

R10-7

Do not enter the intersection unless you can clear it completely.

No Turn on Red (R10-11) - rectangle (vertical) white with black/red regulatory sign: Turning on red is not permitted at this intersection

No Turn on Red

R10-11

Turning on red is not permitted at this intersection.

Left Turn Yield on Green (R10-12) - rectangle (vertical) white with black/red regulatory sign: When making a left turn on a green signal, you must yield to oncoming traffic

Left Turn Yield on Green

R10-12

When making a left turn on a green signal, you must yield to oncoming traffic.

Turning Vehicles Yield to Pedestrians (R10-15) - rectangle (vertical) white with black/red regulatory sign: Vehicles making turns must yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk

Turning Vehicles Yield to Pedestrians

R10-15

Vehicles making turns must yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk.

Road Closed (R11-2) - rectangle (vertical) white with black/red regulatory sign: The road ahead is closed to all traffic

Road Closed

R11-2

The road ahead is closed to all traffic. Do not proceed.

Weight Limit (R12-1) - rectangle (vertical) white with black/red regulatory sign: Vehicles exceeding the posted weight are prohibited from using this road or bridge

Weight Limit

R12-1

Vehicles exceeding the posted weight are prohibited from using this road or bridge.

Railroad Crossing (R15-1) - circle yellow with black regulatory sign: A railroad crossing is ahead

Railroad Crossing

R15-1

A railroad crossing is ahead. Be prepared to stop for trains.

Warning Signs(50)

Warning signs alert you to conditions ahead that may require you to slow down or take extra caution. They are typically diamond-shaped with yellow backgrounds and black symbols. While they do not indicate a legal requirement, ignoring them can put you in danger.

Sharp Turn (W1-1) - diamond yellow with black warning sign: A sharp turn is ahead

Sharp Turn

W1-1

A sharp turn is ahead. Slow down before the curve.

Curve Ahead (W1-2) - diamond yellow with black warning sign: A curve is ahead

Curve Ahead

W1-2

A curve is ahead. Reduce speed to navigate safely.

Reverse Turn (W1-3) - diamond yellow with black warning sign: The road ahead makes two sharp turns in opposite directions

Reverse Turn

W1-3

The road ahead makes two sharp turns in opposite directions.

Reverse Curve (W1-4) - diamond yellow with black warning sign: The road curves in one direction, then curves in the opposite direction

Reverse Curve

W1-4

The road curves in one direction, then curves in the opposite direction.

Winding Road (W1-5) - diamond yellow with black warning sign: A series of curves ahead

Winding Road

W1-5

A series of curves ahead. Reduce speed and stay alert.

Large Arrow (W1-6) - rectangle (horizontal) yellow with black warning sign: A sharp curve or turn is ahead

Large Arrow

W1-6

A sharp curve or turn is ahead. Follow the direction of the arrow.

Two-Direction Arrow (W1-7) - rectangle (horizontal) yellow with black warning sign: Traffic can go either direction around an obstacle

Two-Direction Arrow

W1-7

Traffic can go either direction around an obstacle.

Cross Road (W2-1) - diamond yellow with black warning sign: A crossroad intersection is ahead

Cross Road

W2-1

A crossroad intersection is ahead. Watch for cross traffic.

Side Road (Right) (W2-2) - diamond yellow with black warning sign: A side road enters from the right ahead

Side Road (Right)

W2-2

A side road enters from the right ahead. Watch for turning traffic.

Side Road (Left) (W2-3) - diamond yellow with black warning sign: A side road enters from the left ahead

Side Road (Left)

W2-3

A side road enters from the left ahead. Watch for turning traffic.

T-Intersection (W2-4) - diamond yellow with black warning sign: The road ahead ends at a T-intersection

T-Intersection

W2-4

The road ahead ends at a T-intersection. You must turn left or right.

Stop Ahead (W3-1) - diamond yellow with black warning sign: A stop sign is ahead

Stop Ahead

W3-1

A stop sign is ahead. Begin slowing down.

Yield Ahead (W3-2) - diamond yellow with black warning sign: A yield sign is ahead

Yield Ahead

W3-2

A yield sign is ahead. Be prepared to slow or stop.

Signal Ahead (W3-3) - diamond yellow with black warning sign: A traffic signal is ahead

Signal Ahead

W3-3

A traffic signal is ahead. Be prepared to stop.

Merge (W4-1) - diamond yellow with black warning sign: Two lanes of traffic are merging into one

Merge

W4-1

Two lanes of traffic are merging into one. Be prepared to allow vehicles to merge.

Lane Ends (W4-2) - diamond yellow with black warning sign: The lane you are in ends ahead

Lane Ends

W4-2

The lane you are in ends ahead. Merge into the adjacent lane.

Added Lane (W4-3) - diamond yellow with black warning sign: A new lane is being added

Added Lane

W4-3

A new lane is being added. Entering traffic does not need to merge.

Road Narrows (W5-1) - diamond yellow with black warning sign: The road ahead becomes narrower

Road Narrows

W5-1

The road ahead becomes narrower. Proceed with caution.

Narrow Bridge (W5-2) - diamond yellow with black warning sign: A narrow bridge is ahead

Narrow Bridge

W5-2

A narrow bridge is ahead. The bridge may not accommodate two lanes of traffic.

One Lane Bridge (W5-3) - diamond yellow with black warning sign: The bridge ahead allows only one lane of traffic

One Lane Bridge

W5-3

The bridge ahead allows only one lane of traffic. Yield to oncoming vehicles already on the bridge.

Divided Highway Begins (W6-1) - diamond yellow with black warning sign: The road ahead becomes a divided highway with a median separating opposing traffic

Divided Highway Begins

W6-1

The road ahead becomes a divided highway with a median separating opposing traffic.

Divided Highway Ends (W6-2) - diamond yellow with black warning sign: The divided highway ends ahead

Divided Highway Ends

W6-2

The divided highway ends ahead. Prepare for two-way traffic.

Two-Way Traffic (W6-3) - diamond yellow with black warning sign: Two-way traffic ahead

Two-Way Traffic

W6-3

Two-way traffic ahead. Oncoming vehicles will be in the opposite lane.

Hill / Steep Grade (W7-1) - diamond yellow with black warning sign: A steep hill is ahead

Hill / Steep Grade

W7-1

A steep hill is ahead. Use lower gear and control your speed.

Truck Escape Ramp (W7-4) - diamond yellow with black warning sign: An emergency escape ramp for trucks is ahead

Truck Escape Ramp

W7-4

An emergency escape ramp for trucks is ahead.

Bump (W8-1) - diamond yellow with black warning sign: A bump is in the road ahead

Bump

W8-1

A bump is in the road ahead. Slow down.

Dip (W8-2) - diamond yellow with black warning sign: A dip or low area is in the road ahead

Dip

W8-2

A dip or low area is in the road ahead. Slow down.

Pavement Ends (W8-3) - diamond yellow with black warning sign: The paved road surface ends ahead

Pavement Ends

W8-3

The paved road surface ends ahead. Be prepared for gravel or dirt road.

Slippery When Wet (W8-5) - diamond yellow with black warning sign: The road surface may become slippery when wet

Slippery When Wet

W8-5

The road surface may become slippery when wet. Reduce speed.

Low Shoulder (W8-9) - diamond yellow with black warning sign: The road shoulder is lower than the travel lane

Low Shoulder

W8-9

The road shoulder is lower than the travel lane. Use caution near the edge.

Bridge Ices Before Road (W8-13) - diamond yellow with black warning sign: The bridge surface freezes before the road surface

Bridge Ices Before Road

W8-13

The bridge surface freezes before the road surface. Use extreme caution in cold weather.

Shoulder Drop Off (W8-17) - diamond yellow with black warning sign: There is a significant drop-off at the edge of the road

Shoulder Drop Off

W8-17

There is a significant drop-off at the edge of the road.

Road May Flood (W8-18) - diamond yellow with black warning sign: This road is subject to flooding

Road May Flood

W8-18

This road is subject to flooding. Do not drive through standing water.

Railroad Advance Warning (W10-1) - diamond yellow with black warning sign: A railroad crossing is ahead

Railroad Advance Warning

W10-1

A railroad crossing is ahead. Be prepared to stop for trains.

Railroad Crossing at Intersection (W10-2) - x-shaped (crossbuck) white with black warning sign: A railroad crossing is near an intersection ahead

Railroad Crossing at Intersection

W10-2

A railroad crossing is near an intersection ahead. Watch for trains and crossing traffic.

Bicycle Crossing (W11-1) - diamond yellow with black warning sign: Bicyclists may be crossing or entering the road ahead

Bicycle Crossing

W11-1

Bicyclists may be crossing or entering the road ahead.

Pedestrian Crossing (W11-2) - diamond yellow with black warning sign: A pedestrian crossing is ahead

Pedestrian Crossing

W11-2

A pedestrian crossing is ahead. Be prepared to yield.

Deer Crossing (W11-3) - diamond yellow with black warning sign: Deer frequently cross the road in this area

Deer Crossing

W11-3

Deer frequently cross the road in this area. Be alert, especially at dawn and dusk.

Cattle Crossing (W11-4) - diamond yellow with black warning sign: Cattle may be crossing or near the road

Cattle Crossing

W11-4

Cattle may be crossing or near the road. Slow down and watch for animals.

Farm Equipment (W11-5) - diamond yellow with black warning sign: Farm equipment may be on the road

Farm Equipment

W11-5

Farm equipment may be on the road. Be prepared for slow-moving vehicles.

Horse Crossing (W11-7) - diamond yellow with black warning sign: Horseback riders may be crossing or near the road

Horse Crossing

W11-7

Horseback riders may be crossing or near the road.

Fire Station (W11-8) - diamond yellow with black warning sign: A fire station is nearby

Fire Station

W11-8

A fire station is nearby. Watch for fire trucks entering the road.

Wheelchair Crossing (W11-9) - diamond yellow with black warning sign: Wheelchair users or persons with disabilities may be crossing the road

Wheelchair Crossing

W11-9

Wheelchair users or persons with disabilities may be crossing the road.

Truck Crossing (W11-10) - diamond yellow with black warning sign: Trucks frequently cross or enter the road ahead

Truck Crossing

W11-10

Trucks frequently cross or enter the road ahead.

Bike/Pedestrian (W11-15) - diamond yellow with black warning sign: Both bicyclists and pedestrians may be crossing or sharing the road ahead

Bike/Pedestrian

W11-15

Both bicyclists and pedestrians may be crossing or sharing the road ahead.

Low Clearance (W12-2) - diamond yellow with black warning sign: An overhead structure has limited vertical clearance

Low Clearance

W12-2

An overhead structure has limited vertical clearance. Check your vehicle height.

Dead End (W14-1) - diamond yellow with black warning sign: The road ahead does not connect to another road

Dead End

W14-1

The road ahead does not connect to another road. It ends without an outlet.

No Outlet (W14-2) - diamond yellow with black warning sign: This road leads to a dead end

No Outlet

W14-2

This road leads to a dead end. There is no through road to another street.

Playground (W15-1) - diamond yellow with black warning sign: A playground is near the road

Playground

W15-1

A playground is near the road. Watch for children.

Speed Hump (W17-1) - diamond yellow with black warning sign: A speed hump is ahead

Speed Hump

W17-1

A speed hump is ahead. Slow down to avoid vehicle damage or loss of control.

School Signs(5)

School signs mark school zones and crossings where children may be present. They use a distinctive fluorescent yellow-green color for maximum visibility. Speed limits are reduced in school zones, and fines are typically doubled.

School Zone (S1-1) - pentagon fluorescent yellow-green with black school zone sign: You are entering a school zone

School Zone

S1-1

You are entering a school zone. Reduce speed and watch for children.

School Crossing (S1-1a) - pentagon fluorescent yellow-green with black school zone sign: A school crossing is ahead

School Crossing

S1-1a

A school crossing is ahead. Be prepared to stop for children.

School Bus Stop Ahead (S3-1) - pentagon fluorescent yellow-green with black school zone sign: A school bus stop is ahead

School Bus Stop Ahead

S3-1

A school bus stop is ahead. Be prepared to stop when a school bus displays its stop sign and flashing red lights.

School Speed Limit When Flashing (S5-1) - rectangle (vertical) white with black school zone sign: The reduced speed limit is in effect when the beacons are flashing, indicating school hours

School Speed Limit When Flashing

S5-1

The reduced speed limit is in effect when the beacons are flashing, indicating school hours.

End School Zone (S5-2) - rectangle (vertical) white with black school zone sign: You are leaving the school zone

End School Zone

S5-2

You are leaving the school zone. Normal speed limits resume.

Construction Signs(9)

Construction and work zone signs warn of road work, lane closures, and detours. They are orange with black text and symbols. Fines for traffic violations are often doubled in work zones to protect road workers.

No Passing Zone (W14-3) - pennant (isosceles triangle) yellow with black construction sign: You are entering a no-passing zone

No Passing Zone

W14-3

You are entering a no-passing zone. Do not pass other vehicles.

Road Work Ahead (W20-1) - diamond orange with black construction sign: Construction or maintenance work is ahead

Road Work Ahead

W20-1

Construction or maintenance work is ahead. Expect delays and reduced speeds.

Detour (W20-2) - rectangle (horizontal) orange with black construction sign: Follow the detour route to bypass a closed section of road

Detour

W20-2

Follow the detour route to bypass a closed section of road.

One Lane Road (W20-3) - diamond orange with black construction sign: The road is reduced to one lane ahead

One Lane Road

W20-3

The road is reduced to one lane ahead. Be prepared to take turns with oncoming traffic.

Lane Closed (W20-5) - diamond orange with black construction sign: A lane is closed ahead

Lane Closed

W20-5

A lane is closed ahead. Merge into the open lane.

Flagger Ahead (W20-7) - diamond orange with black construction sign: A flagger is controlling traffic ahead

Flagger Ahead

W20-7

A flagger is controlling traffic ahead. Be prepared to stop and follow their directions.

Workers (W21-1a) - diamond orange with black construction sign: Construction workers are on or near the road

Workers

W21-1a

Construction workers are on or near the road. Slow down and use caution.

Road Machinery Ahead (W21-3) - diamond orange with black construction sign: Heavy machinery may be operating on or near the road

Road Machinery Ahead

W21-3

Heavy machinery may be operating on or near the road.

Shoulder Work (W21-5) - diamond orange with black construction sign: Work is being done on the road shoulder

Shoulder Work

W21-5

Work is being done on the road shoulder. Stay in your lane.

Guide Signs(4)

Guide signs provide information about destinations, distances, and directions. They are green with white text and help drivers navigate to cities, highways, and other destinations.

Destination (D1-1) - rectangle (horizontal) green with white guide sign: Follow this sign toward the indicated destination

Destination

D1-1

Follow this sign toward the indicated destination. Green signs guide you to cities and highways.

Distance (D2-1) - rectangle (horizontal) green with white guide sign: The listed destinations are the indicated number of miles away

Distance

D2-1

The listed destinations are the indicated number of miles away.

Exit (E5-1) - rectangle (horizontal) green with white guide sign: A highway exit is ahead

Exit

E5-1

A highway exit is ahead. Move to the exit lane if this is your destination.

Exit Number (E1-4) - rectangle (horizontal) green with white guide sign: This is the exit number for the upcoming interchange

Exit Number

E1-4

This is the exit number for the upcoming interchange.

Service Signs(10)

Service signs are blue with white symbols and indicate the availability of services such as gas, food, lodging, hospitals, and rest areas near highway exits.

Rest Area (D5-1) - rectangle blue with white service sign: A rest area with facilities is ahead

Rest Area

D5-1

A rest area with facilities is ahead. Services typically include restrooms and picnic areas.

Hospital (D9-2) - rectangle blue with white service sign: A hospital or emergency medical facility is nearby

Hospital

D9-2

A hospital or emergency medical facility is nearby.

Camping (D9-3) - rectangle blue with white service sign: A campground or camping area is available nearby

Camping

D9-3

A campground or camping area is available nearby.

Handicapped Accessible (D9-6) - rectangle blue with white service sign: The facility at this exit is wheelchair accessible

Handicapped Accessible

D9-6

The facility at this exit is wheelchair accessible.

Gas / Fuel (D9-7) - rectangle blue with white service sign: Gasoline and fuel services are available at the next exit

Gas / Fuel

D9-7

Gasoline and fuel services are available at the next exit.

Food (D9-8) - rectangle blue with white service sign: Food and dining services are available at the next exit

Food

D9-8

Food and dining services are available at the next exit.

Lodging (D9-9) - rectangle blue with white service sign: Hotels, motels, or other lodging is available at the next exit

Lodging

D9-9

Hotels, motels, or other lodging is available at the next exit.

Tourist Information (D9-10) - rectangle blue with white service sign: A tourist information center is nearby where you can get maps and local information

Tourist Information

D9-10

A tourist information center is nearby where you can get maps and local information.

EV Charging (D9-11b) - rectangle blue with white service sign: An electric vehicle charging station is available at the next exit

EV Charging

D9-11b

An electric vehicle charging station is available at the next exit.

Emergency Medical Services (D9-13) - rectangle blue with white service sign: Emergency medical services (EMS) are available nearby

Emergency Medical Services

D9-13

Emergency medical services (EMS) are available nearby.

Route Markers(4)

Route markers identify the type and number of the road you are traveling on. Different shapes and colors indicate Interstate highways, US routes, state highways, and county roads.

Interstate Shield (M1-1) - shield red, white, and blue route sign: This road is part of the Interstate Highway System

Interstate Shield

M1-1

This road is part of the Interstate Highway System. The number identifies the specific route.

US Route (M1-4) - shield black and white route sign: This road is a US highway

US Route

M1-4

This road is a US highway. The number identifies the specific route.

State Route (M1-5) - varies by state varies by state route sign: This road is a state highway

State Route

M1-5

This road is a state highway. The number identifies the route within the state.

County Route (M1-6) - pentagon blue with white route sign: This road is a county road

County Route

M1-6

This road is a county road. The number identifies the specific route.

How Road Signs Are Tested on the DMV Exam

Most states test road signs in one of three ways: showing you a sign image and asking what it means, describing a situation and asking which sign applies, or asking what action you should take when you see a specific sign.

Regulatory signs are tested more frequently because they represent legal requirements. Warning signs are tested to ensure you can anticipate hazards ahead.

The 7 most commonly tested signs: Stop, Yield, Do Not Enter, Wrong Way, Speed Limit, One Way, and Railroad Crossing. Practice with DMV test questions to see how signs are tested in your state.

Sign Shapes and Colors

A sign’s shape and color tell you its purpose before you can read it — so you can react quickly, even at a distance.

Octagon (8 sides)

Stop — the only octagonal sign

Triangle (inverted)

Yield — slow down and give way

Diamond

Warning — hazard or changing conditions ahead

Rectangle (vertical)

Regulatory — laws you must follow

Rectangle (horizontal)

Guide — directions, distances, services

Pentagon (5 sides)

School zone — watch for children

Circle

Railroad crossing advance warning

Pennant

No passing zone

Frequently Asked Questions

How many road sign questions are on the DMV test?

Most states include 5-8 road sign questions out of 20-40 total questions. That's roughly 15-25% of your test — enough to make or break a passing score of 80%.

Do I need to memorize every road sign for the DMV test?

No. Focus on the most commonly tested signs covered in this guide. Regulatory signs (Stop, Yield, Do Not Enter, Wrong Way, Speed Limit) and warning signs (Merge, Slippery When Wet, Railroad Crossing) appear most often.

Are road signs the same in every state?

Yes. All US road signs follow the federal MUTCD standard, so signs look and mean the same thing in all 50 states. However, each state may emphasize different signs on their specific test.

What's the difference between regulatory and warning signs?

Regulatory signs (white rectangles) are laws — you must obey them. Warning signs (yellow diamonds) alert you to upcoming conditions but don't require a specific legal action.

What is the best way to study road signs for the DMV test?

Study the sign's shape, color, and symbol together — not just its name. Then take practice tests with sign questions. DMV IQ includes road sign questions in every state's practice test.

Practice Road Sign Questions by State

Choose your state to take a free practice test with road sign questions tailored to your state’s exam format.

Sign classifications and codes follow the MUTCD published by the Federal Highway Administration. Sign images are based on MUTCD specifications. Last updated 2026.

DMV Road Signs List: 124 Signs & Meanings | DMV IQ