Decoding Traffic Signs: Understanding Colors, Shapes and Symbols
Have you ever been confused by the meaning of a roadway sign or wondered about the significance of its color and shape? Understanding the meanings of traffic signs is crucial for drivers to ensure safety.
To make it easy for people to understand roadway sign meanings, a universal set of guidelines has been established by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). These guidelines help drivers quickly and accurately interpret road signs, even at high speeds. This is especially important considering language barriers and vision deficiencies that can complicate the interpretation of these important signs.
To overcome these challenges, the DOT Federal HIghway Administration designates symbols for traffic signs instead of words. Pictograms and symbols are easier to recognize and understand, and they can bridge the language gap. Symbols are becoming the standard for traffic control signs worldwide.
Understanding the meanings of roadway signs can be as simple as recognizing the colors, shapes and symbols on the sign. The colors of road signs play a critical role in conveying information. For example, red is used for stop, yield and prohibition signs, while yellow is used for general caution. The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) outlines road sign color standards, ensuring consistency throughout U.S. roadways.
Standard Traffic Sign Colors
- Blue: Indicates road user services, tourist information, and evacuation routes
- Brown: Shows guidance to sites of public recreation or cultural interest
- Coral: Incident management signs
- Fluorescent Yellow/Green: Indicates pedestrian crossings and school zones
- Green: Shows permitted vehicle movements or directional guidance
- Orange: Gives warning and guidance in roadway work zones
- Red: Usually means stop. Red is limited to stop, yield and prohibition signs
- White: Indicates a regulatory sign, such as a speed limit
- Yellow: Conveys a general caution message
Example Sign Colors. (Click to View Sign)
 |  |  |  |
Traffic Sign Shapes Also Have Meaning
The shape of a sign can provide a clue about its message even before you can read the content. Different types of signs have different shapes. An octagon means stop. An upside-down triangle means yield. A diamond shape warns of possible hazards ahead. Pentagon-shaped signs indicate a school zone. Round signs indicate railroad crossings.
While these color and shape rules generally apply, there are some exceptions based on the specific type of sign. For example, the railroad crossbuck sign is not circular, but its meaning is still clear.
In addition to color and shape, roadway signs must also meet specific size and material requirements set by the MUTCD. This ensures consistency and visibility. Retroreflective materials or lighting help illuminate signs that need to be visible at night.
Despite these standards, there are instances where custom traffic signs are necessary to convey unique messages effectively. Custom signs are often found in parking areas where vehicle control is essential.
Roadway Sign Symbols
Now that you know the basics of traffic sign meanings, let’s look at the symbols found on road signs. As with sign colors, road sign symbols are also dictated by the Federal Highway Administration.
Flagger Ahead
This symbol indicates the presence of workers in the vicinity. It is primarily used in temporary traffic control settings such as construction zones.
No Left Turn
This symbol shows drivers that left turns are not allowed, providing guidelines and restrictions for compliance with traffic laws.
Pedestrian Crossing
This symbol signifies the potential presence of pedestrians crossing the road, ensuring the safe flow of traffic at designated locations.
Object Marker
Reflective diagonal yellow-and-black stripes indicate an obstruction or object in the roadway, such as a support pillar under a bridge, maintaining safety standards as per MUTCD guidelines.
These are just a few examples of traffic control signs and their meanings. Understanding traffic signs is crucial for every driver to ensure safety on the road. Learn more about MUTCD-approved roadway signs and their meanings with the resources below.
Road Sign Resources
- Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD)
- Federal Highway Administration
- Sign Visibility Requirements (pdf)
- Traffic Control Signs at ComplianceSigns
- 15 Signs You Need In Your Parking Lot
Remember, interpreting road signs correctly can help prevent accidents and keep everyone safe on the road. Drive safely and always pay attention to road signs!