This yield sign warns drivers to watch for crossing pedestrians.
In America, color-coded road signage helps drivers make proper decisions when driving, even if they are unfamiliar with an area. Many signs use pictures in addition to language to direct drivers. Common types of U.S. road signage include warning, regulatory, guide, construction, recreational, stop, services and marker signs.
Warning Signs
Railroad warning signs feature two Rs and an X.
Warning signs feature a yellow background with black letters, usually in a diamond shape, to caution drivers. One type of warning road sign alerts drivers to a stop or traffic signal ahead. Some rural signs contain pictures of animals, warning drivers to watch out for deer or cows in the road. Other yellow signs warn of sharp curves or school bus stops. Railroad crossing signs have a circular shape and feature a black "X" symbol. School signs have a pentagonal shape.
Regulatory Signs
This regulatory sign tells drivers not to exceed 25 mph.
Regulatory signs feature a square shape, with black lettering on a white background. Their primary purpose is to establish rules of the road. Speed limit signs dictate the maximum legal rate of speed. Regulatory signs may also direct drivers to keep to the right or the left side of the road. One-way signs are also a type of regulatory road signage.
Guide Signs
Highway guide signs direct motorists to the right exit.
Guide road signage features white writing on a green background in a rectangular shape. These signs are informative, letting drivers know what street they're on or approaching, or which path they need to follow to reach their destination. Examples of guide signs include highway exit and street-name signs.
Construction Signs
This sign warns drivers of road construction.
Construction signage features a bright orange background with black text in a diamond shape. These signs let drivers know when maintenance crews are working on the road. Construction signs may also be put up during events to warn drivers of a short-term activity ahead, such as a festival or fair.
Stop and Yield Signs
Drivers must bring their vehicles to a full stop at a stop sign.
Stop signs are used to assign right-of-way at intersections in the absence of a traffic light. They feature a red background with white lettering in an octagonal shape. Drivers must completely stop and check for other vehicles before proceeding. Yield signs feature a triangle shape with a red background. There is a white triangle in the middle of the sign with red lettering spelling "yield." These signs caution drivers to give the right-of-way to other drivers at an intersection.
Recreational Signs
Recreational signs notify drivers of a permanent recreational activity ahead. This type of signage features a brown background with white lettering. Some examples of recreational activities can include camping, golfing, or boating.
Service Signs
Service signs are found on interstate highways, usually near exits. This type of road signage features a blue background with white lettering in a rectangular shape. These signs give drivers information on the availability of gas, food and lodging. Hospitals are also featured on service signs.
Marker Signs
This sign notifies motorists that they are driving on Route 66.
Marker signs designate routes and highways. Interstate marker signs feature a blue background with white lettering, topped by a red crown. State route marker signs typically have a black border with a white background. Lettering for route marker signs is black in coloring. Both types of marker signs can come in a modified shield shape with three points at the top. Sometimes the outline of the state is used for state signs.
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