Traffic Controls and Roadway Markings

Traffic Controls Overview

• Pavement Markings: Essential for directing drivers and controlling traffic flow. Understand the meaning of the various lines, colors, and symbols.
  • Staying within lines: Always remain between lane markings unless turning, exiting a highway, or changing lanes.
  • Left of Center: Safe to briefly drive left of center when overtaking bicycles, non-motorized vehicles, or pedestrians.

Edge Lines

• Solid Lines: Mark the edge of the roadway.
  • Single Solid White Line: Marks the right edge.
  • Single Solid Yellow Line: Marks the left edge on divided highways and one-way streets.

White Lane Lines

• Separators for Same Direction Traffic:
  • Single Broken White Line: Lane change permitted when safe.
  • Single Solid White Line: Do not cross unless necessary to avoid hazards.
  • Double Solid White Lines: Crossing is prohibited.

Yellow Lane Lines

• Separators for Opposite Direction Traffic:
  • Single Broken Yellow Line: Stay right; can cross when safe to pass.
  • Double Solid Yellow Lines: Passing is not allowed in either direction except when safely navigating turns or passing cyclists.

Traffic Control Elements

• White Stop Lines: Indicate where to stop for stop signs or red lights.
  • Must stop before crossing any part of the line.
• Marked Crosswalks: Shows where to yield to pedestrians.
• Turn Lanes: Arrows indicate turning permissions.
  • Curved Arrow and 'ONLY': Must turn in the indicated direction.
  • Both Curved and Straight Arrows: Can turn or go straight.
• Center Turn Lane: Used for left turns by drivers in both directions.
• Reversible Lanes: Traffic direction changes at designated times.

Bicycle Lanes

• Exclusive Bike Lane: Separated by solid white lines; marked with bike lane signs.
• Shared-use Lane: Indicated by "sharrows"; allows safe sharing of the lane with vehicles.
• Restrictions: Motor vehicles must not drive in bike lanes except when turning, ensuring no cyclists are present.

Other Markings

• Curbs: Marked yellow for no parking zones near hydrants/intersections.
• Diagonal Stripes: Indicate fixed obstructions or no parking zones.
• Illegal Stops: Any zones marked for fire safety or safety zones are off-limits for parking/driving.

Traffic Signs Overview

• Purpose: Communicates traffic rules, hazards, directions, and services.
• Colors:
  • Red: Stop, Do Not Enter, Wrong Way, Yield
  • Orange: Construction warnings.
  • Yellow: General warnings.
  • Fluorescent Yellow/Green: High emphasis on pedestrian and school activity.
  • White/Black: Regulatory signs.
  • Green: Directional information.
  • Blue: Indicates driver services (e.g. gas, food).
  • Brown: Cultural and historical significance areas.

Common Regulatory Signs

• Stop Sign: Complete stop required.
  • Stop before marked lines or crosswalks.
• Yield: Slow down and give the right-of-way.
• Speed Limit: Do not exceed posted limits.
• Do Not Enter/Wrong Way: Indicates one-way streets.
• No U-Turn: Turning around prohibited in designated areas.