North Carolina Driver's Ed: Traffic Signs, Rules & Safety

Vocabulary flashcards covering traffic signs, right-of-way, speed limits, safe driving practices, alcohol laws, emergencies, and the North Carolina driver points system.

Warning Signs

Yellow diamond-shaped signs warning of curves, intersections, slippery roads, pedestrian crossings, etc.

Construction Signs

Orange diamond-shaped warning signs indicating construction or maintenance zones.

Regulatory Signs

Red, white, or black signs that inform drivers of laws and regulations (e.g., stop, yield, speed limit).

Stop Sign

Octagonal red regulatory sign requiring a full stop behind the stop line or crosswalk.

Yield Sign

Triangular red-and-white sign instructing drivers to slow and yield the right-of-way.

Guide Signs – Green

Green rectangular signs providing directions, routes, and distance information.

Guide Signs – Blue

Blue rectangular signs indicating services such as rest areas, gas, lodging, or food.

Guide Signs – Brown

Brown rectangular signs pointing to recreational or historical sites.

Traffic Signal – Red Light

Signal light color that requires traffic to stop.

Traffic Signal – Yellow Light

Signal light color signaling caution and preparing to stop.

Traffic Signal – Green Light

Signal light color granting right-of-way to proceed when the intersection is clear.

Flashing Red Light

Flashing signal that must be treated the same as a stop sign.

Flashing Yellow Light

Flashing signal that allows travel but warns drivers to proceed carefully.

Four-Way Stop Rule

At a four-way stop, the first vehicle to arrive proceeds first; if arrival is simultaneous, yield to the vehicle on the right.

Right-of-Way for Pedestrians

Drivers must yield to pedestrians legally crossing within marked or unmarked crosswalks.

T-Intersection Rule

At T-intersections, vehicles on the terminating roadway must yield to traffic on the through road.

Left Turn Yield Rule

Vehicles turning left must yield to oncoming straight-through traffic.

Emergency Vehicle Right-of-Way

Drivers must pull over to the right edge of the road and stop for approaching emergency vehicles using sirens or flashing lights.

NC City Speed Limit

Default speed limit of 35 mph within North Carolina cities and towns unless otherwise posted.

NC Rural Speed Limit

Default speed limit of 55 mph on rural roads outside cities in North Carolina unless otherwise posted.

School Zone Speed Limit

Speed limit of 25 mph (or posted) in active school zones.

Interstate Speed Limit

Posted speed limits of 65–70 mph on North Carolina interstates.

School Bus Stopping Distance

Drivers must stop at least 20 feet from a school bus displaying flashing red lights.

Turn Signal Distance

Turn signals must be activated at least 100 feet before the intended turn.

Right Turn on Red Rule

Right turns on red are permitted after a complete stop unless a sign prohibits it.

Broken Yellow Line

Centerline marking allowing passing when no oncoming traffic is present.

Solid Yellow Line

Centerline marking prohibiting passing in either direction.

Dashed White Line

Lane line marking on highways indicating lane changes are permitted.

Solid White Line

Lane line marking discouraging but not illegal to cross; separates traffic moving same direction.

Passing Distance Requirement

After passing, you must return to your lane before coming within 200 feet of oncoming vehicles.

No-Passing Zones

Passing is illegal on hills, curves, or at intersections.

Fire Hydrant Parking Distance

Illegal to park within 15 feet of a fire hydrant.

Crosswalk Parking Distance

Illegal to park within 25 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection.

Railroad Crossing Parking Distance

Illegal to park within 50 feet of a railroad crossing.

Two-Second Rule

Minimum following distance in good conditions; count two seconds between vehicles.

Dim High Beams – Oncoming

Dim high beams when within 500 feet of oncoming traffic.

Dim High Beams – Following

Dim high beams when following another vehicle within 200 feet.

Hydroplaning Risk Speed

Risk of tires riding on water surface begins around 35 mph on wet roads.

BAC Legal Limit (21+)

Legal blood-alcohol concentration limit for drivers aged 21 and older is 0.08 %.

Zero Tolerance Under 21

Any detectable alcohol results in license suspension for drivers under 21.

Implied Consent Law

By driving, you consent to BAC testing; refusal results in immediate license revocation.

First DUI Suspension

First DUI conviction leads to a one-year license suspension.

Open Container Law

Possessing an open alcoholic container in a vehicle is illegal.

Motorcycle/Bicycle Lane Rule

Motorcycles and bicycles are entitled to a full traffic lane; do not crowd them.

School Bus Stop Requirement

Traffic in all directions must stop for a stopped school bus unless lanes are separated by a median.

Pedestrian Right-of-Way

Pedestrians always have the right-of-way when in a marked or unmarked crosswalk.

Brake Failure Procedure

If brakes fail, pump the pedal and apply parking brake gradually.

Tire Blowout Response

During a tire blowout, grip the steering wheel, ease off the accelerator, and avoid hard braking.

Skid Recovery

In a skid, steer in the direction you want the front wheels to go.

Required Vehicle Equipment

North Carolina requires functioning lights, horn, brakes, and license plate lights on vehicles.

License Suspension Points Threshold

Accumulating 12 points within 3 years results in license suspension.

Points – Reckless Driving

Reckless driving adds 4 points to your driving record.

Points – Speeding Over 75 mph

Driving over 75 mph adds 4 points to your driving record.

Points – Running Red Light

Running a red light adds 3 points to your driving record.

Do Not Enter Sign

Red circle with white bar sign meaning do not enter the roadway.

Railroad Crossing Sign

Round yellow sign or crossbuck indicating a railroad crossing ahead.

School Zone Sign

Five-sided yellow sign marking school zones or crossings.

Slippery When Wet Sign

Yellow diamond showing a car with wavy skid marks warning of slippery conditions when wet.

Merging Traffic Sign

Yellow diamond sign showing merging traffic from another roadway.

Divided Highway Ends Sign

Yellow diamond sign indicating that a divided highway ends ahead.