Road Sign Shapes and Their Uses

Vocabulary flashcards covering the basic shapes of traffic signs and the specific messages or zones they represent.

Vertical Rectangle Sign

Indicates REGULATORY information, such as speed limits or traffic laws that must be obeyed.

Horizontal Rectangle Sign

Provides GUIDE information, including directions, distance, and street names.

Diamond-Shaped Sign

Used exclusively for WARNING signs, alerting drivers to potential hazards or CONSTRUCTION zones.

Octagon-Shaped Sign

Reserved solely for STOP signs, signaling drivers to come to a complete stop.

Pennant-Shaped Sign

Marks NO-PASSING ZONES, placed on the left side of the roadway.

Inverted Triangle Sign

Designates YIELD signs, instructing drivers to give the right-of-way.

Pentagon-Shaped Sign

Alerts drivers to SCHOOL ZONES and sometimes COUNTY ROAD markers.

Trapezoid-Shaped Sign

Used for RECREATIONAL areas and NATIONAL FOREST ROUTE signs.

Round Sign

Serves as an advance WARNING for RAILROAD crossings and emergency evacuation routes.

Crossbuck Sign

Located at actual RAILROAD CROSSINGS to indicate where tracks intersect the roadway.

Misc. Shield Sign

Can be used on INTERSTATE, federal, state, county, or rural road ROUTE markers.