driving

Circular Traffic Signs

Circular traffic signs alert drivers of upcoming railroad crossings.

Traffic Sign Colors

The background color of a traffic sign helps to identify the type of information displayed on the sign. There are seven common colors used for signs.

Traffic Sign Shapes

The shape of a traffic sign also indicates the type of information displayed on the sign. There are seven common shapes used for traffic signs.

Three-Sided Traffic Signs

Traffic Signs with three sides of equal length warn drivers to slow down when approaching an intersection and to be prepared to come to a complete stop in order to yield to other drivers or pedestrians.

Traffic Signs and Signals

Traffic signs control traffic flow, making streets and highways safe for drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians. These signs, which are posted by the Indiana Department of Transportation and local governments, use colors, shapes, written messages, and symbols to help drivers quickly understand the information. Understanding these signs is necessary to obtain an Indiana drivers license.

Blue Traffic Signs

blue traffic signs display road services and evacuation route information to drivers. A sign showing information about amenities at an upcoming exit is an example of a traffic sign with a blue background.

Brown Traffic Signs

brown traffic signs indicate nearly recreational and cultural interest formation. A sign showing a nearby state park is an example of a traffic sign with a brown background.

Diamond-Shaped Traffic Signs

diamond-shaped traffic signs warn drivers of upcoming road conditions and hazards. A "Divided Highway Ends" sign is an example of a diamond-shaped traffic sign.

Eight-Sided Traffic Signs

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

Five-Sided Traffic Signs

five-sided traffic signs warn drivers that they are entering an area near a school in which children may be crossing the road.

Fluorescent Yellow-Green Traffic Signs

fluorescent yellow-green signs warn drivers of nearby schools, pedestrians, bicycles, playgrounds, and school bus routes. A "Pedestrian Crossing" sign for a school crossing is an example of a traffic sign that may have a fluorescent yellow-green background.

Green Traffic Signs

green traffic signs indicate permitted movements and directions or guidance, such as highway entrances and exits or distance to upcoming destinations. A sign showing distance is an example of a traffic sign with a green background.

Orange Traffic Signs

orange traffic signs warn drivers of temporary traffic conditions. These signs are often used to warn drivers of conditions ahead due to highway construction and maintenance projects. A "Flagger Ahead" sign is an example of a traffic sign with an orange background.

Pennant-Shaped Traffic Signs

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.

Rectangular Traffic Signs

rectangular traffic signs display one of three types of information. They may convey traffic regulations that drivers must obey such as speed limits and turn movement prohibitions such as "No Left Turn." They may provide helpful information such as route marker signs that identify a state highway or destination signs that give the direction to the next town. They may also warn drivers of hazardous conditions such as an advisory speed for a sharp curve in the roadway. This advisory speed sign is often posted with a diamond-shaped warning sign.

red traffic signs

red traffic signs convey traffic regulations that require drivers to take immediate actions to avoid threats to traffic safety. A "wrong way" sign is an example of a traffic sign with a red background.

Warning Signs

warning signs prepare drivers for upcoming road conditions and hazards.

White Traffic Signs

white traffic signs display traffic regulations that drivers must obey such as speed limits, as well as helpful information such as state highway markers. A "No Turn On Red" sign is an example of a traffic sign with a white background.

yellow or fluorescent yellow-green traffic signs

yellow or fluorescent yellow-green traffic signs prepare drivers for specific road conditions, hazards ahead and alerts drivers to nearby school zones. A "Slippery When Wet" sign is one example of a traffic sign with a yellow background.