Traffic signs

Shapes of Signs

The State of Georgia uses seven basic shapes of signs to convey traffic control instructions. Drivers should know signs by their shapes and colors so that they may recognize them from a distance and begin reacting timely and appropriately.

Vertical rectangle signs

Vertical Rectangle signs are generally used for regulatory signs, which tell you what you must do. You must obey them in the same manner as traffic laws.

Horizontal rectangle signs

Horizontal Rectangle signs are generally used as guide signs. They show locations, directions, or other special information.

Octagon signs

An Octagon (eight-sided shape) always means stop. When you come to it, you must make a complete stop at a marked stop line. If there is no stop line, stop before the crosswalk on your side of the intersection. If there is no crosswalk, stop at a point from which you can best see oncoming traffic. You must not start again until all pedestrians have finished crossing on the side of the roadway you are traveling on, and you have yielded the right-of-way to closely approaching traffic.

Triangle signs

Triangle signs mean yield. You must slow down to a speed that is reasonable for existing conditions and stop if necessary. If you must stop, do so at a marked stop line, if it exists. After slowing or stopping, you must yield the right-of-way to other vehicles in the intersection or approaching closely on another roadway or auxiliary road leading into a major highway.

Diamond signs

Diamond shaped signs warn of existing or possible hazards on roadways or adjacent areas. They are yellow with black words indicating the potential hazard, or black symbols visually describing the potential hazard.

Round signs

A round sign means you are approaching a railroad crossing. This sign is posted a few hundred feet in front of the tracks and alerts you to slow down, look, listen and prepare to stop. If necessary, roll down a window and listen carefully for an approaching train. If a train is approaching, stop! Do not try to calculate whether you can "make it" across the track. Never try to beat a train through the intersection. Passing is prohibited at all railroad crossings.

Pentagon signs

Pentagon shaped signs mean you are approaching a school zone and/or school crossing. When used, they will be erected not less than 150 feet nor more than 700 feet in advance of the school grounds or school crossing. (These signs can sometimes be fluorescent green in color.)

Regulatory Signs

Regulatory signs tell drivers what they may or may not do. Drivers, including bicyclists, must obey them in the same manner as traffic laws. Remember, a red circle with a red slash from upper left to lower right means "No." The picture within the circle shows what is prohibited.

Wrong way sign

You are approaching a one-way highway or ramp. Driving on the highway or ramp in the direction you are traveling is not allowed.

No U turn sign

You cannot turn around to go in the opposite direction at this intersection.

Reduced speed ahead sign

You are approaching an area where a reduced speed limit has been established.

School speed limit sign

You are approaching a school zone. A reduced speed limit is in effect when the yellow lights are flashing.

One way sign

You may travel only in the direction of the arrow.

No right turn sign

You cannot make a right turn at this intersection.

Slower traffic keep right sign

When two or more traveling lanes are available in the direction you are traveling, slower traffic should travel in the right (outside) lane(s).

No bicycles sign

Bicycles are prohibited from entering this roadway.

Do not enter sign

This marks a one-way road. If you are facing this sign traffic is coming toward you. You must not continue down the road.

Keep right sign

Traffic is required to keep to the right of medians or obstructions.

Speed limit 55 sign

55 miles per hour is the maximum speed limit permitted in this area.

No right turn on red after stop sign

A right turn on red is prohibited, even after coming to a complete stop.

No trucks sign

Trucks are prohibited from entering this roadway.

Warning Signs

Warning signs are usually yellow with black markings. (Warning signs can also be fluorescent green with black markings.) They alert you to conditions that are immediately ahead. There may be road hazards, changes in traffic direction, or some other potentially hazardous situation that requires action on your part.

Sharp right turn then sharp left turn sign

Sharp turn to the right and then sharp turn to the left.

Side road enters at an angle sign

Side road enters highway ahead at an angle.

Narrow bridge sign

The bridge ahead allows room for only two lanes of traffic. Approach with caution.

Soft shoulder sign

Shoulder of the road is soft. Drive on the shoulder only in emergencies.

Two way traffic sign

Warning that you are leaving a separated one-way highway and will soon be driving on a two-way highway.

Sharp right turn sign

Sharp turn to the right.

Winding road sign

Winding road ahead.

Road crossing ahead sign

Another road crosses the highway ahead.

Dip sign

There is a dip in the road ahead. Slow down!

Divided highway sign

Divided highway begins. Prepare to change lanes or shift lane position.

Low clearance sign

Approaching a low underpass. Do not enter if your vehicle or cargo exceeds the maximum height indicated on the sign.

Right curve sign

Curve to the right.

Side road enters ahead sign

Side road enters highway ahead.

Road ends sign

The road you are traveling on ends straight ahead. Slow down and prepare to yield or stop before turning right or left.

Bump sign

There is a bump in the road ahead. Slow down!

Divided highway ends sign

Divided highway ends. Prepare to change lanes or shift lane position.

Hill sign

Steep hill ahead. Slow down and be ready to shift to lower gear to control speed and protect brakes from damage.

Signal ahead sign

Presence of traffic signals at intersection ahead. Slow down!

Slippery when wet sign

Roadway is slippery when wet. Remember, the first half-hour of rain is most hazardous.

Merge sign

Traffic merging from the right. Prepare to allow traffic to safely merge.

Yield ahead sign

There is a yield sign ahead. Slow down and prepare to stop if necessary.

Stop ahead sign

There is a stop sign ahead. Begin to slow down and be prepared to stop.

Pedestrian and animal crossing signs

These signs alert drivers in advance of areas where animals, people, and vehicles may be crossing.

Watch for pedestrians in the crosswalk sign

Drivers must stop and stay stopped when pedestrians are in the crosswalk.

No passing zone sign

This sign is on the left side of the highway and marks the beginning of a no passing zone. Any passing maneuver must be completed before reaching this sign.

Speed limit signs

These signs may be accompanied by speed advisory plaques that indicate the speed with which you should proceed.

Lanes reduced sign

Number of lanes reduced ahead.

Guide Signs

Guide signs may indicate what road you are on, and how to get to your destination. Many guide signs are rectangular, but some have other shapes. There are several different kinds of guide signs — route markers, information, destination, distance, and location signs. These signs may be accompanied by a "To" sign or an arrow, indicating the highway, facility, or location that can be reached by following the signs.

Here are some examples:

Exit 44 sign

Numbered interstate and highway signs

The numbers on these signs designate specific exits, interstates or highways.

Junction sign

Intersection of U.S. Route 47 & Ga. Highway 38. These roads are going to cross or meet the highway you are traveling on.

Milepost marker

Milepost markers are placed each mile along the edge of the roadway from one end of the state to the other. Zero always starts at the south or west border where a route begins.

Caution sign

Caution - a vehicle displaying this emblem is a slow-moving vehicle. A slow-moving vehicle is defined as any vehicle moving less than 25 miles per hour. They are required by law to display this emblem.

Bike route sign

This sign marks an officially designated bicycle route. Be cautious of bicyclists while traveling on this road.

Parking sign

This sign means there is a public parking area in the direction of the arrow.

Railroad crossing sign

The cross-buck is placed at all railroad crossings. Yield to any approaching trains. Slow down, look and listen before crossing. A sign below the cross-buck indicates the number of tracks. A complete stop is required when a red light is flashing.

Construction and Maintenance Warning SignsRoad construction and Flagman signs

Warning signs for construction and maintenance projects are used to alert you to dangers ahead and give you enough time to adjust your speed accordingly. These signs are orange with black markings.

Road closed sign

Service Signs

While traveling along Georgia's highways, the following blue and white signs will give directions to service facilities.

Camping, hospital and picnic area signs

Express Lanes

Express Lanes offer motorists the option to pay a toll to bypass congestion in certain areas on the interstate. All vehicles with no more than two axles or up to six wheels can use Express Lanes if they have a registered Peach Pass. When the vehicle travels through the Express Lane, the toll amount will automatically be deducted from the pre-established account. There are currently two sets of Express Lanes in Georgia.

The I-85 Express Lanes are HOT Lanes along I-85 North in Gwinnett County. They are open 24-hours per day. On the I-85 Express Lanes, registered transit, three or more person carpools, motorcycles, emergency vehicles, and Alternative Fuel Vehicles (AFV) with the proper AFV license plate are allowed to use the lanes toll-free.

The I-75 South Metro Express Lanes are reversible lanes along I-75 South in Henry and Clayton counties. Reversible lanes change directions during the day to provide additional travel options during peak travel periods. When the travel direction is being reversed, signs will show the lanes are closed. On the I-75 South Metro Express Lanes, all vehicles, including motorcycles and electric vehicles, are required to pay a toll. Public transit buses, registered vanpools and emergency response vehicles may use the lanes toll-free if they have a Peach Pass.

Express lanes entrance sign

 Express lanes closed sign

Traffic Signals and Signs

Traffic signals are placed at intersections to control the orderly movement of traffic and to prevent crashes. Drivers (including bicyclists) and pedestrians must obey these signals except when an officer is directing traffic. If a traffic signal is not functioning at all at an intersection, all drivers must treat the intersection as if a stop sign is posted for all directions. If a traffic signal is malfunctioning and flashing, drivers must proceed based on the color of the flashing signal they are facing: if the driver is facing a yellow flashing signal, the driver may proceed with caution; if the driver is facing a red flashing signal, the driver must stop and wait until it is safe to proceed.

Red light

A red light means you must make a complete stop before entering the crosswalk or intersection and wait until the light turns to green before proceeding.

Yellow light

A yellow light warns that the light is changing from green to red. Slow down and prepare to stop.

Green light

A green light means you may proceed if it is safe to do so after stopping for pedestrians and yielding to vehicles within the intersection.

Green up arrow

A green arrow means you may proceed carefully only in the direction the arrow is pointing after stopping for pedestrians and yielding to vehicles within the intersection. In this case you may go straight ahead only.

Green left arrow

A green arrow, in this case, means you may turn in the direction of the arrow after stopping for pedestrians and yielding to vehicles within the intersection.

Yellow right arrow

A yellow arrow may appear after a green arrow and warns you to clear the intersection.

Flashing red light

A red flashing light means you must stop completely (treat as you would a stop sign). Proceed with caution only after yielding the right-of-way to pedestrians and to other vehicles at the intersection.

Flashing yellow light

A yellow flashing light means you must slow down and exercise caution before proceeding through the intersection.

Flashing yellow arrow

A flashing yellow arrow means you may turn left after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians (oncoming traffic still has the green light).

Lane Control signals

Some roadways are designed to accommodate different traffic demands during the day through the use of a reversible lane system. Appropriate travel lanes on a roadway utilizing a reversible lane system are indicated as follows:

No travel allowed signal

No travel allowed in this lane in the direction you are going.

Clear the lane or left turn permitted signal

"Steady" - clear the lane; "Flashing" - left turn permitted.

Travel in lane signal

Travel in lane.

Overhead Lane SignsLeft turn only sign

Left turn only.

Straight or left turn only sign

Straight or left turn only.

Right turn only sign

Right turn only.

Pedestrian SignalsWalk signal

Leave the curb to cross the street.

Orange Don't Walk signal

Do not leave the curb.

Red Don't Walk signal

Flashing - do not leave the curb, but complete walking across the street if already started.

Pedestrian safety guide sign

Pedestrian-Hybrid Beacons (PHB)

This signal is known as a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (PHB), and it is designed to help pedestrians safely cross busy streets. Pedestrians push a button to activate the overhead beacon and stop road traffic. When WALK appears on the Pedestrian signal, pedestrians can cross the street.

Dark

The PHB remains DARK for traffic unless a pedestrian activates the push-button.

Flashing

When a pedestrian presses the button, the signal is activated. Approaching drivers will see a FLASHING YELLOW signal for a few seconds.

Solid Yellow

The flashing yellow is followed by a SOLID YELLOW signal, indicating drivers should reduce speed and be prepared to stop.

Solid Red

The solid yellow is followed by double SOLID RED signals, requiring drivers to stop.

Flashing Red