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School Crossing: What It Means & What To Do

School Crossing (S1-1a) - pentagon fluorescent yellow-green with black school zone sign: You are near a school
MUTCD CodeS1-1a
CategorySchool Signs
ShapePentagon
ColorFluorescent yellow-green with black

What Does the School Crossing Mean?

You are near a school. Slow down, watch for children, and prepare to stop suddenly if necessary.

About This Sign

You are near a school. Slow down, watch for children, and prepare to stop suddenly if necessary. Children may cross without looking, and a crossing guard may step into the road.

Where you will see it

You meet this sign on roads close to a school, where children walk or cross to get to class. It warns that young pedestrians, and sometimes a crossing guard, may be in the road.

What to do

  • Slow down as soon as you see the sign.
  • Scan both sides of the road for children and a crossing guard.
  • Be ready to stop suddenly, and obey a crossing guard who steps into the road.

A common mistake

Assuming children will look before they step out. They may cross without looking, and a crossing guard may step into the road, so a driver going too fast has very little time to react.

What to remember for the test

Questions usually ask what to do near a school: reduce speed, watch for children, and be ready to stop suddenly. Remember that this sign is a warning to be extra careful.

Commonly Confused With

Other School Signs

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the School Crossing mean?

You are near a school. Slow down, watch for children, and prepare to stop suddenly if necessary.

What shape and color is the School Crossing?

The School Crossing uses the Pentagon shape and Fluorescent yellow-green with black coloring.

Practice Road Sign Questions

Test your knowledge of road signs with free DMV practice tests.