10 Most Important Roadway Signs You Must Know

When driving, paying attention to roadway signs is critical. These signs warn of hazards and provide navigational information. Understanding them is essential for passing the California DMV driving test, as sign violations constitute critical errors.

Top Critical Driving Errors to Avoid

• Examiner intervention
• Striking objects or curbs
• Disobeying traffic signs or signals
• Disobeying safety personnel
• Dangerous maneuvers
• Speed limit violations
• Improper auxiliary equipment use
• Lane violations

1. Stop Sign

Appearance: Red octagon with white "STOP" text

Meaning: A stop sign is a red octagon with the word "STOP" written in white. You must make a complete halt before proceeding. The key requirement is coming to a complete stop—the duration matters less than achieving full cessation of movement before entering traffic.

2. Yield Sign

Appearance: Red and white triangle (inverted)

Meaning: Yield means let other road users go first. You should prepare to stop and allow other vehicles priority. Unlike stop signs, if the road is clear, you can proceed without stopping.

3. No Parking Sign

Appearance: White sign with red text or red painted curbs

Meaning: Prevents vehicles from stopping and blocking traffic. Special regulations apply near fire hydrants: "No person shall stop, park, or leave standing any vehicle within 15 feet of a fire hydrant" unless attended by a licensed driver or authorized by local ordinance.

4. Speed Limit Sign

Appearance: White rectangle with black numbers

Meaning: Indicates maximum allowable speed. In California: 65 mph on highways, 55 mph on two-lane undivided highways, and 25 mph in school zones.

5. U-Turn Sign

Appearance: Arrow showing 180-degree turn

Meaning: Indicates where U-turns are permitted. California law states you cannot make U-turns when vehicles approach within 200 feet in residential districts, except at intersections controlled by traffic signals.

6. School Zone Ahead Sign

Appearance: Yellow diamond or rectangular warning sign

Meaning: Alerts drivers that a school zone is approaching. Speed limit drops to 25 mph in these areas because children may be crossing streets.

7. Railroad Crossing Signs

Types:

• Stop/Slow: Marked by flashing red lights, bells, and gates. Complete stop required before crossing tracks.
• Warning: Alerts to railway crossings ahead; slow down as trains may appear suddenly.
• No Trespassing: Warns of private property; only authorized persons may enter.

8. Left Turn Sign

Meaning: Indicates where left turns are permitted. "To make a left turn, drive close to the center divider line or into the left turn lane. Begin signaling about 100 feet before the turn." Avoid cutting corners into oncoming traffic lanes.

9. Right Turn Sign

Meaning: Permits right turns. Unlike many countries, U.S. law allows right turns on red signals unless marked "No turn on red," provided conditions are safe and other traffic yields right-of-way.

10. One Way Sign

Appearance: White sign with single arrow

Meaning: Traffic flows in only one direction on that street. Violating this results in tickets; ensure you're moving with traffic flow and turning correctly.

Key Takeaway

These are the most common ten roadway signs that you'll see in your daily commute. While more signs exist, these fundamentals are essential for safe driving and passing licensing tests. Violations can result in failed examinations or traffic citations.