CHAPTER FOUR

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
driver’s license.

Traffic Sign Colors

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

Red Traffic Signs

Red traffic signs convey traffic regulations that require
drivers to take immediate action to avoid threats to traffic
safety. A “Wrong Way” sign is an example of a traffic sign
with a red background.

Yellow or Fluorescent Yellow-Green

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

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.

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White Traffic Signs

White traffic signs display traffic regulations, such as
speed limits, that drivers must obey, 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.

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.

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.

Blue Traffic Signs

Blue traffic signs display road services and evacuation
route information. 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 nearby recreational and
cultural interest sites. A sign showing a nearby state park
is an example of a traffic sign with a brown background.

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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.

Circular Traffic Signs

Circular traffic signs alert drivers to upcoming
railroad crossings.

Equilateral 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.

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 like “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.

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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.

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.

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.

Eight-Sided Traffic Signs

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

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Warning Signs
Warning signs prepare drivers for upcoming road conditions and hazards.
The following signs are examples of Indiana’s warning traffic signs:

Added Lane Bicycle Crossing Buggy Warning Cattle Crossing

DETOUR
1000 FT

Intersection Curve Ahead Deer Crossing Detour In

Ahead 1,000 Feet

Divided Highway Farm Fire Station Lane Ends

Begins Machinery

Lanes Shifting Low Clearance Low Shoulder Merging Traffic

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Narrow Bridge Object Markers Pedestrian Playground

Crossing Warning

BE
PREPARED
TO STOP

Prepare To Stop Sharp Turn Side Road Slippery

Slow Down When Wet

Steep Stop Ahead “T” Traffic Signal

Downgrade Intersection

WATCH

FOR ICE ON
BRIDGES

Two-Way Winding Road Watch For Ice Yield Ahead

Traffic On Bridges

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Highway Construction and Maintenance Signs

Construction zones pose dangers both for drivers and for construction
workers. Orange highway construction traffic signs warn drivers to be careful
when approaching construction zones.

FLAGGER
AHEAD

Detour Detour Ahead Worksite Added Flagger Ahead

Penalties

Flagger Ahead Right Lane Road Work Ahead Work Crew

Closed Ahead

Railroad Signs
Railroad traffic signs alert drivers to upcoming railroad crossings.

Railroad Railroad Railroad

Crossing Crossing Crossing

2 TRACKS

Railroad
Crossing

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School Zone Signs

Yellow or fluorescent yellow-green signs warn drivers that they are entering
an area near a school in which children may be crossing the road.

SCHOOL
BUS STOP
AHEAD

School Bus School Bus

Stop Ahead Stop Ahead

School School
Crossing Crossing

Slow-Moving Vehicle Emblem

A slow-moving vehicle emblem has an orange fluorescent center and red
reflective borders, and indicates a slow-moving vehicle which cannot exceed
25 miles per hour.

Slow Moving
Vehicle

Speed Advisory Signs

Speed advisory signs may accompany some warning signs.

EXIT RAMP

35
M.P.H.
15
MPH
45
M.P.H.

Speed Advisory Speed Advisory Speed Advisory Speed Limit

At Exit At Roundabout On Ramp Ahead

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Traffic Regulation Signs

Traffic regulation signs regulate traffic speed as well as movement and
display rules which drivers must obey. The following signs are examples of
Indiana’s traffic regulation signs:

DO NOT EMERGENCY
BLOCK STOPPING
ONLY
INTERSECTION

Do Not Block Do Not Enter Do Not Pass Emergency

Intersection Stopping

LEFT LANE LEFT ON LEFT

GREEN
MUST ARROW
TURN
TURN LEFT ONLY SIGNAL
Keep Right Left Lane Must Left On Green Left Turn Signal
Turn Left Arrow Only

HR
LEFT TURN
YIELD 2 PARKING MINIMUM
SPEED

40
ON GREEN 8:30 AM
TO 5:30 PM

Left Turn Yield Limited Minimum Speed Multiple Turns

On Green Parking

NO
PARKING
ANY
TIME
No Left Turn No Parking No Parking No Right Turn
Any Time

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No Trucks No Turn On Red No U-Turn One Way

ONE
WAY
P RESERVED
PARKING
1 HOUR
PAY
PARKING
One Way Reserved Restricted Lane
Pay Parking Parking

RIGHT LANE SLOWER SPEED

MUST TRAFFIC
KEEP ZONE
TURN RIGHT RIGHT AHEAD
Right Lane Must Right Lane Only Slower Traffic Speed Zone
Turn Right Keep Right Ahead

HER E
ON

Stop Stop Here Tow-Away Zone Turn Left Or

On Red Go Through

Turn Right Or Two-Way Wrong Way Yield

Go Through Left Turn

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Supplemental Plaques
Supplemental plaques are sometimes added to the bottom of stop signs to
indicate directions in which the intersection must stop.

4-WAY ALL WAY

4-Way All Way

Traffic Guidance Signs

Traffic guidance signs provide drivers with information about the type of road
they are traveling on, upcoming highway entrances and exits, and distances
to various destinations. The following signs are examples of Indiana’s traffic
guidance signs:

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INTERSTATE

70

Posted 1 MILE
Airport Bus Station Distances Highway Exits

INDIANA

70
Interstate Mileage
39 40
State Road US Highway
Indicator

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Driver Services and Recreation Signs

Driver services and recreation signs provide drivers with information about
nearby amenities, parks and recreational areas.

Accommodations Amenities Bike Trail Boat Ramp

Available Available

Camping Site Food Services Fuel Services Handicap

Available Available Parking

Handicap Historical Marker Hospital Playground

Parking

Rest Area Road / Weather State Park Telephone

Information Available

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Traffic Signals
Traffic control devices such as stop lights and signs are used to control traffic
flow and indicate right of way at intersections and pedestrian crossings.

Driving through an Intersection

A green light means go. If you are facing a green light, you have the right of
way and may drive through an intersection as long as the intersection is clear
of other vehicles and pedestrians.

A steady yellow light means the green light has ended and the signal is about
to turn red. If you are facing a steady yellow light, your right of way is ending.
If you are approaching the intersection and are too close to stop safely, you
may complete your movement.

A red light means stop. Traffic entering an intersection from other directions
has the right of way. If you are facing a red light, you may not enter the
intersection until the light facing you turns green and the intersection is clear.

LEFT TURN R R
YIELD
ON GREEN Y Y Y

G G G

Turning through an Intersection

If you are facing a green arrow displayed with a red or green light, you
have the right of way and may turn through an intersection, as long as the
intersection is clear.

If you are facing a green light displayed without an arrow, you may turn
through an intersection as long as the intersection is clear. You must yield the
right of way to all oncoming traffic. Only one vehicle at a time may move into
an intersection to turn left.

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Yellow Flashing Arrows for Turning Movements

A yellow flashing arrow for a turning movement means that you
may proceed with the turn only after you have yielded the right of
way to pedestrians and oncoming traffic.

If you are facing a steady yellow light or arrow, your right of way
is ending.

Turning through a Solid Red Light

If you are facing a red light or arrow, your right of way has ended.
If you are in the middle of an intersection, you may turn once oncoming traffic
has stopped. If you are facing a red light or arrow, you may not enter the
intersection until the light facing you turns green and the intersection is clear.

To turn right through an intersection with a red light or arrow, when

permissible, you must come to a full stop, check to make sure that there are
no vehicles and pedestrians in the path of your turn or about to enter the
path of your turn, check that there is not a “No Turn on Red” sign and use the
correct lane.

You may turn left through an intersection with a red light or arrow if you are
turning from a one-way street onto a one-way street. You must also come to
a full stop, check to make sure that there are no vehicles and pedestrians in
the path of your turn or about to enter the path of your turn, check that there
is not a “No Turn on Red” sign, and use the correct lanes.

Yellow Flashing Lights

A yellow flashing light displayed without an arrow at an
intersection means that you should slow down and use
caution when traveling through an intersection. If turning
left, you must yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians. All
traffic on the cross street is required to yield the right of way
to you. However, you should watch for other vehicles or
pedestrians attempting to cross the intersection.

Red Flashing Lights

A red flashing light at an intersection is equivalent to a stop
sign and means that you must come to a complete stop
before entering the intersection.

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If you are facing a red flashing light at an intersection at which cross-traffic is

not required to stop, you may proceed only when the intersection is clear and
when you will not interfere with the right of way of cross-traffic.

If you are facing a red flashing light at an intersection at which all traffic is
required to stop, you may proceed only after you have stopped and yielded
the right of way to any vehicle that is already in the intersection, any vehicle
that stopped before you and is entering the intersection, and any vehicle that
arrived at the same time as you and is to your right.

Approaching a Red Light or Stop Sign

If you are approaching a red light or a stop sign, you must stop at the solid
white stop line. If there is no stop line, you should come to a complete stop
perpendicular to the stop sign or before entering the crosswalk on your side
of the intersection. If there is no crosswalk, you should come to a complete
stop before entering the intersection.

Often people who are operating motorcycles, motor driven cycles and
bicycles get stuck at a red light and the signal fails to change to green.
These individuals may avoid prolonged waits at red lights under the
following condition:
• An operator approaching an intersection controlled by a traffic signal may
proceed through a steady red light if the operator comes to a complete stop
for at least two minutes and exercises due caution
• This rule does not apply to autocycles

Approaching a Yield Sign

A yield sign indicates that a driver must slow down when approaching an
intersection and be prepared to come to a complete stop if a vehicle or
pedestrian with the right of way is approaching from another direction.

If you are approaching a yield sign, a vehicle approaching from another

direction with the right of way should not have to brake to avoid a collision
with you.

Approaching an Intersection with Non-Operating Signal

If you are approaching an intersection with a non-operating signal, you
should stop before entering the intersection. After stopping, you may proceed
with caution only after you have yielded the right of way to:

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• Cross-traffic that has already entered the intersection

• Any vehicle that stopped before you and is entering the intersection
• Any vehicle that arrived at the same time as you and is to your right
• Any pedestrian traffic

Approaching an Intersection with No Sign or Signal

Before entering a street from an alley or driveway, you should stop and yield
the right of way to other vehicles.

Pedestrian Signals
Pedestrian signals alert pedestrians when they may safely cross a street
or intersection.

Pedestrian signals display the word “WALK” or a symbol of a person

walking when pedestrians may safely cross a street or intersection. At some
intersections, there is a button near the base of the pedestrian signal or stop
sign that may be pushed to activate the walk signal.

Pedestrian signals display the words “DON’T WALK” or a symbol of a raised

hand when it is not safe for pedestrians to cross a street or intersection. The
words or symbols flash to alert pedestrians that the time in which to safely
cross the street or intersection is ending.

Walk Walk Don’t Walk Don’t Walk

Pedestrian Hybrid Beacons

A pedestrian hybrid beacon is a signal used to facilitate pedestrian crossing,
and which may be found at a mid-block crosswalk. The pedestrian hybrid
beacon is dark unless it has been activated by a pedestrian.

Once activated by a pedestrian, the pedestrian hybrid beacon will display a

flashing yellow light to allow drivers to clear the crossing. The flashing yellow
will be followed by a steady yellow light to warn drivers that their right of way

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is ending. Then, two steady red lights will be displayed while the pedestrian
crosses, and then the two red lights will flash to allow drivers to proceed
through if the crossing is clear of pedestrians. The pedestrian hybrid beacon
will then go dark until activated again by a pedestrian.

Sequence for a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon

R R R R R R SR SR

Y FY SY Y

1. Dark Until Activated 2. Flashing Yellow 3. Steady Yellow 4. Steady Red During
Upon Activation Pedestrian Walk Interval

FR R R FR R R Legend
SY Steady yellow
Y Y Y FY Flashing yellow
SR Steady red
5. Alternating Flashing Red During 6. Dark Again Until Activated FR Flashing red
Pedestrian Clearance Interval

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