DMV Road Signs and Meanings 2023 [UPDATED]

When you see a YIELD SIGN you must slow down and check for oncoming traffic.
If there is NO oncoming traffic, you do NOT have to stop.
If there is oncoming traffic, you must stop and wait for it to pass before proceeding.

A flashing yellow traffic signal light is a warning to “PROCEED WITH CAUTION.” Slow down. Be alert before you enter the intersection. Yield (wait) for any pedestrians, bicyclists, or vehicles in the intersection. You do not need to stop for a flashing yellow light.

A flashing red signal light means “STOP.” After stopping, you may go when it is safe. If there are other vehicles, pedestrians, or bicyclists nearby, make sure you know who has the rightof-way (permission to go first). (See “Right of Way Rules: Who Goes First?”)

This sign means that this is a parking space that is reserved for disabled people. You must have an authorized license place or placard in order to park in a reserved parking spot. If you are not authorized to park here, your vehicle may be towed and you will get a fine.

This sign lets you know that you have the option of continuing to drive straight or make a right turn from the lane you are driving in.

This sign lets you know that large trucks and tractor trailers are not allowed to use the road or drive on the highway.

Speed limit signs let you know the maximum speed you are allowed to drive on the road you are traveling on.

This sign lets you know that the roadway splits up ahead. If you are in the left lane, you must turn left. If you are in the right lane, you must turn right. Make sure that you are in the correct lane depending on which direction you want to travel.

Some intersections have stop signs placed in all four directions. This means that traffic coming from any direction must stop at the intersection.

This sign lets you know that you cannot make a U-turn. A U-turn is when you make a 180-degree turn to go in the opposite direction.

This sign lets you know that right turns are prohibited at this intersection.

This sign lets you know that bicycles are not allowed to ride on the road or highway because it is not safe for cyclists to travel on.

A green arrow means “GO.” You must turn in the direction the arrow is pointing. The green arrow allows you to make a protected turn. Oncoming vehicles are stopped by a red traffic signal light. Yield (wait) for any vehicle, bicyclist, or pedestrian still in the intersection.

You cannot park your car in areas where a “no parking” sign is posted.

Stop as if the intersection is controlled by “STOP” signs in all directions. Then proceed cautiously.

This sign lets you know left turns are not allowed at this intersection.

When you see a one-way traffic sign it means that vehicles are only allowed to travel in the direction the sign is pointing. Do not drive the wrong way down a one-way street, ramp, or lane.

This sign lets you know that you can make a left turn at the intersection, but you must yield to oncoming traffic and proceed only when you have enough space to make your turn safety.

This sign lets you know that people are not allowed to cross the intersection on foot. They must go to another intersection where crossing is permitted.

Red and White Regulatory Sign Follow the sign’s instructions. For example, DO NOT ENTER means do not enter the road or ramp where the sign is posted (usually on a freeway off-ramp). ,

DO NOT ENTER WRONG WAY Sign You are going against traffic. This may be posted with a DO NOT ENTER sign. If you see one or both signs drive to the side of the road and stop. When it is safe, back out or turn around. If you are driving at night, you will know you are going the wrong way if the road reflectors shine red in your headlights.

A yellow traffic signal light means “CAUTION.” The light is about to turn red. When you see a yellow traffic signal light, stop (if you can do so safely). If you cannot stop safely, cautiously cross the intersection

This sign lets you know that traffic in the left lane must turn left at the intersection. However, traffic in the adjoining lane can turn left or continue driving straight.

This sign lets you know that you are in a no passing zone. This means you are not allowed to pass vehicles traveling in the same direction as you.

Do not start crossing the street. The traffic signal light is about to change. Drivers must yield to pedestrians, even if the “Don’t Walk” light is flashing.

This sign lets you know that the road you are on intersects with a divided highway. A divided highway is two, one-way lanes that are separated by a median or guide rail.

A green traffic signal light means “GO.” You should still stop for any vehicle, bicyclist, or pedestrian in the intersection. If you are turning left, only turn if you have enough space to complete the turn without creating a danger to any oncoming vehicle, bicyclist, or pedestrian. Do not enter the intersection if you cannot get completely across before the traffic signal light turns red. You may get a ticket if you block the intersection

Make a full stop before entering the crosswalk or at the limit line. A limit line is a wide white line painted on the street. If there is no limit line or crosswalk, stop before entering the intersection. Check traffic in all directions before proceeding

These signs let you know that you are in a school zone. Slow down and be on the lookout for children. You must yield to students who are crossing the street.