Sign shapes

Explanation

A sign’s shape also tells you what kind of information it gives.

• Circle: alerts you to an upcoming railroad crossing.
• Triangle (three equal sides): slow down when approaching an intersection, and be prepared to come to a complete stop to yield to other drivers or pedestrians.
• Pennant: posted on the left-hand side of two-way roads to warn you not to pass other vehicles on the left.
• Rectangle: one of three types of information — a regulation you must obey (a speed limit, No Left Turn), helpful information (a route marker, a destination), or a warning such as an advisory speed for a sharp curve.
• Diamond: warns of upcoming road conditions and hazards, such as Slippery When Wet.
• Five sides: you are entering an area near a school in which children may be crossing the road.
• Eight sides: you must stop and yield the appropriate right of way at an intersection.

Example

You see a pennant-shaped sign on the left-hand side of a two-way road. Even before you read it, its shape tells you not to pass other vehicles on the left.

Common mistake

Thinking every rectangle is a rule. Rectangles can also give helpful information (route markers, destinations) or a warning, such as an advisory speed for a sharp curve.

What the manual says

Circular traffic signs alert drivers to upcoming railroad crossings.

Pennant-shaped traffic signs are posted on the left-hand side of two-way roads to warn drivers not to pass other vehicles on the left.

Eight-sided traffic signs warn drivers that they must stop and yield the appropriate right of way at an intersection.