Road signs are standardised across the United States, so these mean the same thing in every state. Shape and colour tell you what kind of sign you are looking at before you can read a word of it — an eight-sided red sign is a stop sign whether you are in Virginia or Oregon.
A few shapes are reserved for exactly one meaning: the octagon is only ever a stop sign, and the downward-pointing triangle is only ever a yield sign. That is deliberate, so you can recognise them in fog, in the dark, or when the face is covered in snow.
Pick your state and start practising
Come to a complete stop; go only when it's safe.
Its eight-sided shape is used for exactly one meaning in the entire sign system.
Slow down and let cross traffic or pedestrians go first.
It's the only sign shaped like a downward-pointing triangle.
Do not drive past this sign in this direction — it's a one-way entrance from the other side.
You're looking at the back of a one-way entrance, from the wrong side.
You're heading the wrong direction on a one-way road or ramp — turn around safely.
This one's for a driver who's already made the mistake this sign warns about.
Traffic on this road moves only in the direction the arrow points.
A single arrow tells you there is no oncoming traffic to worry about on this road.
The maximum legal speed allowed on this road under good conditions.
The number on it is the legal ceiling, not a suggestion.
Railroad tracks are ahead — slow down, look both ways, and be ready to stop for a train.
The round yellow shape with an X pattern warns of something crossing on steel rails.
A school zone is ahead — expect reduced speed limits and children nearby.
The five-sided "home plate" shape is reserved for one type of zone with kids nearby.
A marked or expected pedestrian crossing is ahead — watch for people on foot.
A diamond with a walking figure — think about who might be crossing on foot.
Bicycles may be crossing or sharing the road ahead.
A diamond with two wheels — think about who else might be sharing this lane.
The road curves ahead in the direction shown — reduce your speed.
A diamond showing a single bend — the road itself is about to change direction once.
A series of curves is ahead — slow down for multiple turns in a row.
A diamond showing several bends in a row, not just one.
Traffic is merging into your lane from the side — be ready to adjust.
A diamond showing two lines becoming one — someone else is about to join your lane.
You're entering a section with traffic moving in both directions — stay right.
A diamond with arrows pointing opposite ways — the road ahead isn't one-directional anymore.
The median ends ahead and the road becomes a normal two-way road — oncoming traffic will be close.
The median that's been separating you from oncoming cars is about to disappear.
The road may be slippery in wet weather — reduce speed and avoid sudden moves.
Wavy lines on a diamond — think about road surface, especially after rain.
Deer may cross the road here, especially at dawn and dusk — slow down and scan the shoulders.
A silhouette of an animal that's most active at dawn and dusk.
A steep downhill grade is ahead — downshift and watch your speed and brakes.
A diamond showing a triangle profile — think about what a hill this steep does to your brakes.
The road ends ahead at a T — you must turn left or right.
The road you're on simply stops ahead — there's no "straight" option left.
A minor side road joins from the direction shown — traffic may enter from it.
Not your road ending — a smaller road joining yours from one side.
U-turns are not allowed at this location.
A red circle with a U-shaped arrow crossed out.
You may not pass other vehicles while in this stretch of road.
A pennant (flag) shape — no other sign uses this shape.
A construction or maintenance zone is ahead — slow down and watch for workers.
An orange diamond with a figure holding a tool — orange means a zone, not a warning about nature or weather.
A roundabout is ahead — slow down and yield to traffic already circulating.
A diamond with a circular arrow — picture the traffic pattern where everyone circles one way.
Marks the number of a numbered interstate highway.
A shield shape used only for one kind of numbered federal highway.
Marks an upcoming highway exit and its number.
A green highway sign that tells you a specific number is coming up to leave by.
A hospital or emergency medical service is nearby, in the direction shown.
A blue sign with a plus-shaped letter on it.
Unofficial study aid. Not affiliated with or endorsed by any DMV or state agency.