1. Chapter 2 Signs, Signals, and Roadway Markings
Driver’s Education
Chapter 2
Signs, Signals, and Roadway Markings

2. Shapes and Color
Each sign shape and color has a special meaning. By knowing the meaning of these shapes and colors, you can get valuable information from a sign, even at a distance
Regulatory Sign – such as a stop sign, controls traffic
Warning Sign – alerts you to possible hazards and road conditions ahead
Guide Sign – Give directions

3. Regulatory Signs Stop Sign – red octagon with white letters and border
Must always come to a full stop
Once stopped you must yield the right of way to pedestrians or other vehicles.

4. Regulatory Signs
Right of way – means that you accept the privilege of immediate use of the roadway
4 way stop (all way stop)
First driver stopped goes first
Vehicles stopped at the same time, vehicle on right goes first
Driver turning left should wait for driver going straight

5. Regulatory Signs Yield Sign – red and white triangle
Always slow or stop, and give the right of way to traffic when approaching
Can proceed without completely stopping, but always be prepared to stop
Proceed without affecting the flow of traffic

6. Regulatory Signs
Speed Limit Sign – used to manage traffic flow at safe speeds
Speed limits are for ideal driving conditions
Minimum Speed Limits – Set on expressways to keep traffic moving safely
Advisory speed limits – set for special conditions like sharp curves and school zones
Basic Speed Law – you may not drive faster then is safe and prudent for existing conditions.

7. Regulatory Signs Other Signs Turns and Lanes One way
Control parking and passing

8. Warning Signs
Diamond Shaped Warning Signs - most are diamond shaped with yellow background and black lettering
Warn of danger ahead
Be prepared to slow or stop when you see a warning sign

9. School Sign
School Zone – is a portion of a street or highway near a school that is subject to special speed limits
School Crossing – is a intersection or crossing used by school children

10. Construction Signs An orange sign in a diamond or rectangle shape
Be ready to stop, slow, or drive around workers and equipment
Follow directions from signs and workers direction traffic
New Jersey increases fines for violations in construction zones

11. Railroad Signs
Railroad Crossing Sign – round yellow sign with a black X and 2 black R’s
250 ft before crossing in Urban area
750ft before crossing is rural area
Crossbuck – the crossing will be marked with the crossbuck and may have flashing red lights or a gate

12. Guide Signs
Local, state, and interstate routes are posted with route signs
Signs vary according to the type of roadway
Green signs provide information on destinations
Blue signs guide you to services near the highway
Brown signs indicate a point of interest

13. Traffic Lights Green Light – Only proceed when intersection is clear.
Check traffic on all sides before entering intersection
When approaching light that has been green awhile, but prepared for the light to turn yellow
The green light will be on the bottom of the traffic signal
Yellow Light – Make every effort to stop a safely for a yellow light.
If you are to close to stop safely, proceed with caution and exit the intersection before the light turns red
The yellow light will appear in the middle of the traffic signal

14. Traffic Lights
Red Light – You must come to a full stop. Stop behind line, crosswalk, or before entering intersection if no lines.
Top light on traffic signal

15. Right Turn on Red
This is making a right turn when the traffic signal is red.
Treat light like stop sign
If no turn on red sign is posted. You can not make the turn

16. Flashing Signals
Alerts drivers to dangerous conditions ahead or tells them to stop
Flashing red light make full stop
Flashing yellow, slow down and be prepared to stop

17. Roadway Markings
Gives you warning or direction. These are lines, words, or arrows painted on the roadway.
Broken Yellow Line – separates two way traffic and may pass when no traffic is coming from the opposite direction

18. Roadway Markings
Solid Yellow Line – indicates that passing is not allowed
Turning left across a solid line is allowed after yielding to oncoming traffic

19. Roadway Markings
Broken White lines – separate lanes of traffic moving in the same direction
Solid white lines keep drivers in their lanes and you should not cross them
Solid white lines are also used in crosswalks and stop lines

20. Roadway Markings White arrows in lanes tell you when and where to turn
If you are in a lane with an arrow you must continue in the direction of the arrow

21. Roadway Markings
Rumble Strips – are short sections of corrugated roadway
They alert you by noise when you drive over them
Also used before unexpected stops like a toll plaza

22. Roadway Markings
Curbs alongside a road may be painted to indicate warnings or that parking is not permitted
Also check for signs that say handicapped parking only