SIGNS TO REMEMBER WA

Stop

Yield

Slow Down and Stop to allow right of way if necessary

Speed Limit

Tells you maximum or minimum speed on road

Keep Right

Stay Right unless passing a vehicle

Automated traffic safety cameras

Cameras Automatically record images of you. Speeding tickets will be mailed.

Speed Warning

Signs indicate Speed change is recommended for a potential hazard or road condition.

Variable speed limit and advanced notification

Digital signs attempting to distribute the flow of traffic by posting changing speed limits, close entire lanes and provide warning information.

One way

Identifies where traffic flows only in the direction of the arrow. Never drive the wrong way on a one-way street.

No pedestrians

Pedestrians are prohibited from walking or entering this designated area or roadway.

No U-Turn

Drivers are not allowed to make a 180-degree turn to travel in the opposite direction.

No right turn

Vehicles are prohibited from turning right at the intersection or specified location.

No left turn

Vehicles are prohibited from turning left at the intersection or specified location.

No Trucks

Commercial trucks or heavy vehicles exceeding a certain weight limit are restricted from using the road.

No Parking

Do Not Enter

Wrong Way

To prevent hard on collisions

No passing and passing safety

You might see these signs where there are potential hazards (hills, curves, intersections) and other places a vehicle could enter the roadway.

Shared center lane left turn only

lane is reserved for left-turning vehicles from either direction and isn’t to be used for through traffic or passing other vehicles. Arrows often painted on road.

Roundabout/ Circular Intersection

Roundabout

No turn on Red

Lane Use Control

Shows permitted or restricted movements for specific lanes during indicated times (ex. straight-only, turn-only, or prohibited lanes).

Mile Marker

Indicates your exact location along a highway in miles.

School zone speed limit

Requires drivers to slow down to the posted speed limit (ex. 15 MPH).

Reduced speed limit ahead

Prepares drivers to slow down soon.

Railroad Intersection (crossbuck)

Placed directly at a railroad track crossing to warn drivers to yield or stop for approaching trains.

Cross road

Warns that a four-way intersection is ahead

Curve

Indicates a gradual curve in the road ahead. (Note: Has a version with the arrow curving to the right)

Deer crossing

Hill

Warns of a steep downgrade ahead; drivers should check their brakes and slow down.

Low Clearance

Indicates the maximum height clearance allowed under an overpass or structure.

Merge

Warns drivers that their lane is coming to an end and they must merge into the continuing lane. (Note: Has a version where the left lane ends instead of the right).

Merging Traffic

Alerts drivers that a lane will be joining the main roadway. (Note: Has a version showing the side lane entering from the left).

Pedestrian Crossing

Reversing Curves

Indicates two consecutive turns in opposite directions ahead. (Note: Has a version that curves right first, then left).

School Crossing

Side Road

Warns that another road enters the highway at a right angle. (Note: Has a version showing the side road entering from the left).

Signal Ahead

Slippery when Wet

Soft shoulder

Warns that the dirt/gravel area off the edge of the road is unpaved or soft.

Stop Ahead

Sharp Turn

Alerts drivers to a sharp, sudden turn requiring lower speeds. (Note: Has a version with the arrow turning to the right).

2-way Traffic

Added Lane (from right, no merging required)

Indicates that entering traffic is getting its own dedicated lane, so no merging is necessary. (Note: Has a version showing the added lane entering from the left side).

Advance warning bicyclists

Narrow Road or Bridge Ahead

Curve Left (35 mph rec.)

Warns of a curve ahead with a recommended speed. (Note: Has a version featuring an arrow curving to the right)

Divided highway (road) begins

Indicates that a highway separated by a median or physical barrier is starting ahead.

Divided highway (road) ends

Warns that the physical divider ends, returning to a standard two-way road.

Slow moving vehicles

Placed on vehicles that drive at speeds under 25 MPH.

Winding Roads

Warns of a series of three or more consecutive curves or turns ahead.

Advisory Speed

Recommends a safe maximum speed for an upcoming exit ramp or curve.

Chain Advisory

Electronic sign indicating that tire chains are mandatory due to winter conditions.

Light Rail

Alerts drivers to look out for trains crossing or running parallel in shared lanes.

Sharp Curve Ahead (Chevron)

Outlines the outer edge of a sharp curve to guide drivers. (Note: Has a version with the chevrons pointing to the right).

Railroad crossing

Advance warning sign alerting drivers that a railroad crossing is ahead.

Traffic Direction

Indicates a mandatory direction that traffic must follow. (Note: Has a version with the arrow pointing to the right).

Tsunami hazard zone

National Forest

Route marker designating a roadway traveling through a National Forest. (Note: Route numbers vary).

Volcano evaluation route

Road Construction Ahead/ Construction

Worker Symbol (Road Worker)

Indicates that road maintenance or highway personnel are physically working in or near the roadway.

Detour

Directs drivers onto an alternate route to bypass closed road sections. (Note: Has versions with arrows pointing to the left, right, or straight).

Flagger Symbol

Warns drivers that a flagger is ahead regulating traffic flow using a flag or paddle.

Road Work 1000FT

Prepares drivers for upcoming roadwork at a specific distance. (Note: Distance text varies)

Hospital

Directs drivers toward medical facilities providing emergency health services. (Note: Often includes directional arrows pointing left, right, or straight).

Rest Area

Directs drivers toward designated roadside pull-off locations with restrooms and facilities. (Note: Has versions with arrows pointing in different directions or specific distance listings.)

EV Charging Station

Indicates the availability of electric vehicle charging infrastructure. (Note: May include directional arrows or specific connector type labels).

Hiking/ Trails

Brown square sign marking access to hiking paths, trailheads, or outdoor walking areas. (Note: Specific recreation icons vary depending on the facility, such as camping, boat launches, or picnic areas).

Picnic Area

Skiing Area

City Mileage

Displays upcoming destination names alongside the remaining mileage to reach them. (Note: Text, cities, numbers, and layout vary completely based on the location).

Optional exit and exit only

Overhead/ roadside signs indicating exit numbers, cardinal directions, city destinations, and lane requirements (whether a lane is "Exit Only" = “ONLY” or optional = “OK”). (Note: Text, route numbers, arrows, and exit numbers vary).

George Washington silhouette / State Route Marker

Marks highways managed and funded specifically by that individual state (George Washington head for Washington State). They connect cities and towns locally within state borders.

US highway Shield

Marks nationwide highways that cross state lines. While they are major roads, they are not always full freeways and can have traffic lights, lower speed limits, and cross-streets.

Interstate Shield

Marks high-speed Interstate freeways (like I-5). These are divided roads with no stoplights, no cross-street intersections, and access limited strictly to entrance and exit ramps. Also crosses state lines.