US regulatory signs and their meanings

US road signs follow the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), published by the Federal Highway Administration. Regulatory signs are rectangular unless the manual says otherwise (Section 2B.02). In its color code, black and white both mean regulation, and red means stop or prohibition (Section 1D.05).

A few shapes are reserved for one sign each: the octagon for STOP, the downward-pointing triangle for YIELD and the crossbuck for railroad crossings (Section 2A.05). The traffic laws behind each sign are state laws, so your state’s driver handbook is the final word on what they require.

US regulatory signs

• Stop signCome to a full stop, then go when it is safe.
• Yield signSlow down and let other traffic go first.
• All-way stop signEvery approach to the intersection has a STOP sign.
• Do not enter signTraffic comes toward you here; do not go in.
• Wrong way signYou are going against traffic: turn around safely.
• Speed limit signThe maximum speed allowed on this road.
• No U-turn signDo not turn around here.
• No turn on red signWait for the green before turning.
• One way signAll traffic moves in the arrow’s direction.
• Keep right signPass to the right of the island or obstacle.
• Do not pass signPassing is not allowed here.
• Railroad crossbuck signA railroad crossing: yield to trains.
• No right turn signDo not turn right here.
• No left turn signDo not turn left here.
• Left turn only signThis lane must turn left.
• Keep right except to pass signStay in the right lane unless passing.
• Slower traffic keep right signDrive in the right lane if you are slower.
• Keep left signPass to the left of the obstacle.
• No parking signNo parking here.
• Stop here on red signStop at this line when the light is red.
• Left turn yield on green signTurning left on a green ball? Yield first.
• Yield here to pedestrians signYield to people crossing at this line.
• No bicycles signBicycles are not allowed.
• Push button for walk signal signPress the button to get a WALK signal.
• Move over or reduce speed signMove over or slow down for stopped emergency vehicles.
• School speed limit signA lower speed limit near a school when the lights flash.
• End school zone signThe school zone ends here.
• No turns signNo left or right turns here.
• Left lane must turn left signTraffic in the left lane must turn left.
• Pass with care signThe no-passing zone ends here.
• Trucks use right lane signTrucks must keep to the right lane.
• Stay in lane signDo not change lanes here.
• Do not drive on shoulder signDo not use the shoulder as a lane.
• Emergency stopping only signStop on the shoulder only in an emergency.
• Do not block intersection signDo not stop inside the intersection.
• Road closed signThe road is closed to all traffic.
• Road closed to thru traffic signOnly local traffic may use the road.
• Weight limit signNo vehicles over the weight shown.
• No parking any time signNo parking here at any time.

Test yourself

Every sign page has its own quick question. Then see what to expect on the permit test.

More signs and markings

• Warning signs
• Work zone signs
• Railroad crossing signs
• Guide and service signs
• Pavement markings
• All road signs

Sources

(4)

1. MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 1, General: Section 1D.05, FHWA
2. MUTCD 11th Edition, Chapter 2A, General (signs): Section 2A.05, FHWA
3. MUTCD 11th Edition, Chapter 2B, Regulatory Signs, Barricades, and Gates: Section 2B.02, FHWA
4. MUTCD 11th Edition, FHWA. FHWA lists the current version as the 11th Edition with Revision 1, dated December 2025

Sign pictures are our own simplified drawings of the MUTCD designs, which are in the public domain (MUTCD Section 1D.06). Sources and image credits.