Can You Identify All These Road Signs?

By: Lauren Lubas
Estimated Completion Time
4 min
Can You Identify All These Road Signs?
Image: Pixabay by Geralt

About This Quiz

The rules of the road, unlike many things in life, don't change very often. If you see a sign posting a speed limit, you need to keep your car within that limit (while the limit itself might change from place to place, the rule still stands). If you see a stop sign, you stop (contrary to popular belief, the ones with white borders are NOT optional, because they all have white borders). 

While road signs are standard throughout the country, you may find that your neck of the woods doesn't have the same signs that other regions might have. However, for some reason, when you see these new signs, you know exactly what to do. This is because the United States Department of Transportation does everything in its power to maintain consistency in how a sign is made so that people can quickly understand what to do when they see a sign that might look slightly different. 

Though road signs are an important part of road safety, there are some people out there who ignore them. If you are annoyed by people who do this, you probably have a decent understanding of the rules of the road (even if you don't always follow them), so you like to criticize those who don't follow said rules. Do you think you're an expert driver? If so, let's test your skills and see if you can identify these road signs and what they are for.

Left turn ahead
Pixabay by Clker-Free-Vector-Images
What does it mean when you see a sign that points to the left?
Left turn ahead
Stop
Someone is on your left
Left lane ends
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The bent arrow pointing toward the left can be in a lane that requires you to turn left, or it can warn you that a left turn is coming up, so people ahead of you might be slowing down.

Mile markers
Pixabay by Clker-Free-Vector-Images
Can you name these signs that you see on the side of highways?
Speed limit signs
Mile markers
Hospital services
Hurricane evacuation route
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Mile markers are one of the most reliable ways to understand the distance you have to go to your exit, because exits are generally numbered by the mile marker they sit on. Therefore, if your GPS fails you, you can figure out how long you have to go.

The left lane has to turn, the right lane can go straight or turn
NesneJkraM / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
What does this intersection lane control sign tell you?
The left lane has to turn, the right lane can go straight or turn.
The left lane can't do a u-turn, but the right lane can.
The right lane can't do a u-turn, but the left lane can.
There is only one way to go.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

These intersection lane control markers are a great way to tell motorists what they have to do. Though some may miss these signs until they are at a stoplight, for the most part, they are simple to understand and follow.

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Camping
Pixabay by Clker-Free-Vector-Images
If you see this blue sign on the highway, what is available at that exit?
A telephone
A hospital
Picnicking
Camping
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Most motorist service signs that you see on the highway show you different amenities that are offered at each of the exits. The triangle sign is supposed to be a tent, which lets you know that camping is available at that exit.

Yield
Pixabay by Succo
Can you name the sign that is an upside down triangle?
Stop
Yield
Slow traffic ahead
No parking
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

It is best to treat a yield sign as though it is a stop sign. You have to look for oncoming traffic, because they have the right of way, but if there is no traffic coming, you don't have to come to a full and complete stop at this sign.

Hazardous materials are prohibited
Blue_iq / DigitalVision Vectors / Getty Images
What is this sign telling you?
You have to take a detour.
There is a hospital nearby.
There is a four-way stop ahead.
Hazardous materials are prohibited
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

This is a pretty rare sign, but it is usually found on roads that are dangerous and at risk if there is a hazardous material spill. You may even find them near military bases around the country.

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Stop
Pixabay by CopyrightFreePictures
Ignoring this red octagon sign can cause of a lot of accidents. What should you do when you see it?
Yield
Speed up
Stop
Do a U-turn
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Stop signs are incredibly important in neighborhood areas as well as in rural areas where there are few traffic lights. One of the major causes of accidents is when people simply roll through them or don't follow these signs at all.

There is a hiking trail nearby
Pixabay by Clker-Free-Vector-Images
Can you identify this sign that looks like two people walking?
There is a ski slope nearby.
There is a hiking trail nearby.
You have to walk to get to the gas station.
There is a winter recreation area nearby.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

As you drive through the United States, recreational areas are flagged by brown signs. Never miss your chance to look up what is coming your way on a road trip. You will be pleasantly surprised by what this country has to offer.

Do not enter
Pixabay by Clker-Free-Vector-Images
If you drive past this sign, you might be in trouble. What is it telling you?
Do not enter
Falling rock zone
Drivers driving the wrong way
No trucks allowed
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In general, if you see this sign, you are going the wrong way down a one-way street, or you are going the wrong way onto a highway ramp. Either way, it's a very bad idea to ignore this sign.

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There is a school crosswalk ahead
Kenhurst / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
Do you know what this sign is telling you?
There is shopping ahead
There is a school crosswalk ahead.
There is a pedestrian crossing ahead.
There is a playground ahead.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Pedestrian crosswalks have one person on them while school crosswalks have two people on them. The two signs are different shapes as well. A pedestrian crosswalk is a diamond shape, while a school crosswalk looks more like a house (a school house, if you will).

No Parking
Bubaone / DigitalVision Vectors / Getty Images
What is prohibited where you see this sign?
Parking
Detours
Trucks
Compact cars
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Whenever you see a no parking sign, make sure you read in detail what is under it. This will tell you if parking is restricted during certain hours or during certain weather conditions.

Sharp curve to the right
Tapui / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
You usually see these signs in a row along the road. What are they warning you of?
Sharp curve to the left
Shopping to the right
Sharp curve to the right
Shopping to the left
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

If you are driving down a country road, you will typically see a warning of a curve before the curve actually happens. If the curve is sharp enough, the speed limit for that curve will change, and you will see these bright signs to warn you.

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Signal ahead
Pixabay by ZacharyOliver
Can you identify this road sign that has a picture on it?
Stop ahead
Hospital ahead
Road narrows ahead
Signal ahead
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

You will normally see these signs in country roads where there are few stoplights and after you get off of highways. They remind motorists that something is coming, and tell motorists to be prepared to stop, yield or go.

An intersection in a curve
Mongkon N. Thongsai / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
When you see this sign, what should you prepare for?
A right curve
A sharp right curve
A merge in a curve
A hairpin curve
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

While it is typically avoided by city planners, sometimes roads intersect in a curve and traffic has to merge in the intersection. When this is the case, take extra care and remember to keep an eye on those mirrors!

Truck rollover
Tapui / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
What does this sign warn of?
Dancing trucks
Truck rollover
Truck turning
Wind advisory
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

While these signs are generally meant for larger trucks, they also apply to vehicles with a high center of gravity that can tip over. These include SUVs and vehicles carrying loads on top of them.

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Deer
Ollo / E+ / Getty Images
If you see this sign, what should you look out for?
Deer
Turtles
Elk
Cows
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

If you live in the American Midwest, you know that these signs are pretty common. However, it is best to keep an eye out for deer when the temperature first dips below 35 degrees, because chances are they are out mating.

Ferry service
Coolvectormaker / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
This sign shows you which service is ahead?
Boat service
Ferry service
Sightseeing service
Swimming area
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Near the coastlines and rivers of this country, you will see these sprinkled throughout smaller crossings or near barrier islands. They are a great service to get your car from one place to the next, but they can take quite a long time and a fair bit of waiting.

Diesel
Coolvectormaker / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
What kind of fuel is this sign notifying drivers of?
Diesel
Gas
E80
Alternative fuel
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Owning a vehicle with an alternative energy source such as diesel and electric can be a little tough sometimes. This is especially true on road trips. Make sure you know the signs that will confirm your vehicle will get what it needs.

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Laundry facilities ahead
Coolvectormaker / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
Which of these best describes this road sign?
Drinking water ahead
Hardware store ahead
Stoves for sale
Laundry facilities ahead
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

If you are on a longer road trip, seeing a sign like this is not only helpful, it is a miracle. You love to see signs like this, because there is nothing like washing your clothes after being on the road for weeks.

County rout marker
Pixabay by Clker-Free-Vector-Images
Do you know what these blue signs are for?
Mile marker
U.S. route marker
County route marker
Interstate route marker
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

County route markers are probably the most ignored sign by drivers. They are generally on arterial roads that connect smaller towns, and if you can find one on a map, it is usually connected to a state route marker.

Yield here to pedestrians
Wiki Commons by RTCNCA
This sign gives a complete command, what is it saying?
Follow the arrow to the people
Yield here to pedestrians
School crossing, yield here
Yield at the school crossing
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

This road sign has three signs built into it. It has the yield sign, which people recognize right away, but then it has an arrow pointing to a line on the road, and the pedestrian crossing symbol as well.

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Slippery when wet
Wiki Commons by Fry1989
Can you name this sign that Bon Jovi named an album after?
Slippery when wet
Bridge ices before roads
Steep incline
Hill ahead
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

There are a lot of things that can make a road slippery. Wet leaves, rain on oil and ice are all factors in major accidents on roadways. These signs are incredibly important for roads made from materials that get slippery easily.

Swimming
Pixabay by OpenIcons
If you see this guy, what kind of fun can you have at the next stop?
Swimming
Sawing
Hiking
Washing clothes
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

These signs aren't just to inform people of public pools. They also show people where there are safe swimming areas in lakes, beaches and rivers. If you're road tripping through the summer months, these signs are beacons of hope.

Lodging
Tapui / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
Many people love to see this sign when they're tired. What is it?
Camping
Food
Lodging
Litter Barrel
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The sleeping person is a great sign to see when you know you just can't push it another mile. Remember that driving tired is equivalent to driving intoxicated, so be sure to stop if you start to get sleepy.

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Railroad crossing
Douglas Sacha / Moment / Getty Images
What's ahead when you see this sign?
Pedestrian crossing
Railroad crossing
Snowmobile crossing
Firestation
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

While most railroad crossings have stop arms and bells and whistles, some of them only have this basic sign. That means that you have to stop, look and listen at these places, because trains are no joke.

Fire station
Anders Clark / EyeEm / EyeEm / Getty Images
Can you tell what's close if you see this sign?
Fire station
Police station
Speed reduction
Stop sign
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

It is important to pay attention to fire station signs, especially those that are close to intersections. If you see a first station sign, and you are at a stop, be sure not to block the driveway, as the trucks need to exit and enter frequently.

Crossroads
Luisrftc / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
Do you know what the plus sign means?
Railroad crossing
Crossroads
Circular intersection
T-intersection
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

You see this sign quite a bit when you are on an arterial road that doesn't have too many stoplights. This sign is usually accompanied by the name of the crossroad, so you can prepare for stops and turns if necessary.

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National forest
ChrisBoswell / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
Where would you see these route markers?
Rest areas
Highways
County roads
National forest
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In designated national forests, roads are built to help you get from one place to another. These road signs can be seen to give you an idea of where you are and how far you have to go to get to your destination.

Handicap crossing
Alperguzeler / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
Do you know what this sign is reminding you about?
Handicap parking
Disabled parking
Handicap recreational area
Falling rocks
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Remember that parking signs for those with disabilities are rectangular or square, while a crossing sign is diamond-shaped and greenish-yellow. If you see one of these signs, be sure that you are only parking there if you have legal accommodation.

Y-intersection
Jojoo64 / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
If you see this sign, what is ahead?
Y-intersection
T-intersection
U-turn
Farm
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Y-intersections should be treated as any other intersection. If you see this sign, be sure to watch for other signs, including signal ahead signs and yield or stop signs that will tell you what to do when you reach the intersection.

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There are cameras at the intersection
Ecelop / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
What does the "photo enforced" sign mean?
There are cameras at the intersection.
Railroad crossing ahead
No pictures allowed
Take pictures of everything.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

You will normally see the "photo enforced" sign under another warning sign. They are generally found below the signal ahead and stop ahead signs. These are a great way to let motorists know that the police are watching.

Playground
Scibak / E+ / Getty Images
Can you tell us what's ahead when you see this sign?
Detour
Bike path
Pedestrian
Playground
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

These signs are important for motorists to pay attention to during the summer months. This sign is usually accompanied by a reduced speed limit sign to ensure teh safety of young people in our communities.

No hitchhiking
Tapui / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
Do you know what this sign means?
No thumbs up
No Facebook
No dudes
No hitchhiking
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

You usually see this sign in areas where there are few walking paths for people because, on certain roads, hitchhiking can be a very dangerous choice. This is because they have no way to avoid motorists.

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The height of the bridge
Blue_iq / DigitalVision Vectors / Getty Images
If you're about to drive under a bridge, what do these numbers tell you?
The width of the bridge
The height of the bridge
How much weight the bridge can hold
How many cars can go on the bridge at once
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

These signs are found by bridges that have a low clearance. In general, they are only posted if the bridge is lower than most semi-trucks to ensure that the trucks don't damage the bridges or themselves.

Trucks crossing the road
Clintscholz / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
When you see this sign, what should you watch out for?
Trucks crossing the road
Cows
Falling rocks
Farmers
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

We all know that when a truck is at a full and complete stop, it doesn't start up very fast. For this reason, signs like this are important to pay attention to, because depending on your speed, you may not be able to stop in time when you see the truck go.

Everyone has to stop
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This little sign is usually under a stop sign. What does it mean?
Everyone has to stop
No one has to stop
Always stop
Look 4 ways before stopping
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

For the most part, all 4-way stops are posted with these little signs. This tells motorists to pay attention to who stops when as you approach the stop sign. Always remember to wait your turn, and the person on the right goes first if you both stop at the same time.

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Slowing trucks on inclines
Tapui / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
What is a "truck escape ramp" used for?
Letting trucks avoid police
Slowing trucks on inclines
Weigh stations
Finding trucks that are broken down
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

When you drive through the mountains, you will usually see a sign like this on steeper inclines. The problem with these steep inclines is that they can ruin brakes, and if your brakes go out in the mountains, you have to find another way to stop. That is what these truck escape ramps are for.

Falling rocks
Georgeclerk / E+ / Getty Images
Do you know what to look out for when you see this sign?
Falling rocks
Cows
Farmers
Deer
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

It doesn't take much of a shift to make loose rocks fall from the sides of mountains. If you are traveling through the mountains, you may see large nets and patches, but whenever you see this sign, be aware of what's happening above you.

Cows
Owen Smith / Image Source / Getty Images
What animals are liable to be in the road if you see this sign?
Cats
Coyotes
Cows
Chickens
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

If you're from the rural areas of this country, you probably already know that there is nothing more annoying than a cow in the road. This sign will tell you if you need to watch out for it.

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Hospital
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Do you know what the big "H" stands for on this sign?
Hospital
Hotel
Hot springs
Hoses
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

For those traveling to areas they aren't familiar with, these signs are good to make note of. If you don't have an emergency, but you still need a hospital, it's always good to know where you can find one (in case your GPS fails you).

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Pixabay by Geralt