6-4.

02 Basic Considerations for Installation of Traffic Signs

As stated in the MN MUTCD, and summarized in the Transportation and Traffic Engineering Handbook
(published by the Institute of Transportation Engineers) five basic considerations are employed to ensure that the
above basic requirements are met. These considerations are:
1. Design: the combination of physical features such as size, colors, and shape needed to command attention and
convey a clear message.
2. Placement: the installation of devices should be within the viewer's cone of vision, so they will command
attention and allow time for response.
A 20 degree cone of vision should be used for placement of signs. Signs must remain within this cone of
vision to be read. Care should be taken when placing signs near intersections so that they do not restrict
intersection sight distance.
3. Operation: the application of devices so that they meet traffic requirements in a uniform and consistent
manner. Devices should fulfill a need, command respect, and allow time for proper response.
4. Maintenance: the upkeep of devices to retain legibility and visibility, the removal of devices if not needed,
and to aid in commanding respect and attention while fulfilling the needs of users.
5. Uniformity: the uniform application of similar devices for similar situations so that they fulfill the needs of
users and command their respect. The importance of uniformity in signing cannot be overemphasized.
6-4.03 Functional Classifications of Traffic Signs
The MN MUTCD classifies signs by their functional usage as follows:
1. Regulatory signs inform highway users of traffic laws or regulations and indicate the applicability of legal
requirements that would not otherwise be apparent.
2. Warning signs are used to call attention to hazardous conditions, actual or potential, on or adjacent to a
highway or street that would not be readily apparent to the motorist.
3. Guide signs are used to provide directions to motorists, informing them of intersecting routes, directing them
to cities and other important destinations, and guiding them to available services, points of interest, and other
geographical, recreational, or cultural sites.
Further, guide signs for expressways and freeways have two sub classifications:
1. Primary guide signs consist of advance junction signing, exit directional signs, exit gore signs, destination,
and distance signs. Exit numbers are included on interstate freeway signs.
2. Supplemental guide signs further provide the driver geographic orientation and secondary destinations at
certain interchanges. Destinations include cities, motorist services, or state parks. Exit numbers are included
on interstate freeway signs.

Department Classification by Sign Design Type

While the previous sign classifications describe general functions, Mn/DOT has further classified signs by design
type.
Type A signs are large breakaway guide, directional, or informational signs normally installed on mainline
freeways, expressways, and occasionally on conventional highways. They are supported on wide-flange steel
posts.
Type C signs are primarily regulatory, warning, route marker assemblies, and auxiliaries, as found in the Standard
Signs Manual. They are the most common sign type and are typically installed by Mn/DOT sign crews.
Type D signs are the smaller guide, destination, or informational signs. They are supported on driven U posts or
mounted on overhead structures with punching and stringer spacing as indicated in the Standard Signs Manual.
Type OH signs are large overhead guide, directional, or informational signs, either spanning a roadway,
cantilevered over the roadway/shoulder, or bridge-mounted. The requirements of the structural support system
generally require installation or maintenance by contract. There are three kinds of Type OH signs: 1) sign support
(no walkway or sign lighting), 2) truss (may or may not include walkway and sign lighting) and 3) bridge-mounted
(may or may not include walkway and sign lighting).
Type OH Sign - Sign Support Type OH Sign Truss

Traffic signs or road signs are signs erected at the side of or above roads to give instructions or provide
information to road users. The earliest signs were simple wooden or stone milestones. Later, signs with directional
arms were introduced, for example, the fingerposts in the United Kingdom and their wooden counterparts in Saxony.
With traffic volumes increasing since the 1930s, many countries have adopted pictorial signs or otherwise simplified
and standardized their signs to overcome language barriers, and enhance traffic safety. Such pictorial signs use
symbols (often silhouettes) in place of words and are usually based on international protocols. Such signs were first
developed in Europe, and have been adopted by most countries to varying degrees.

Traffic signs or road signs are signs erected at the side of or above roads to give instructions or provide
information to road users. The earliest signs were simple wooden or stone milestones. Later, signs with directional
arms were introduced, for example, the fingerposts in the United Kingdom and their wooden counterparts in Saxony.
With traffic volumes increasing since the 1930s, many countries have adopted pictorial signs or otherwise simplified
and standardized their signs to overcome language barriers, and enhance traffic safety. Such pictorial signs use
symbols (often silhouettes) in place of words and are usually based on international protocols. Such signs were first
developed in Europe, and have been adopted by most countries to varying degrees.

Color meaning of traffic signs and symbols including road signs, street signs,
and highway signs
The colors of traffic signs and symbols can be grouped in to 7 categories. Colors are particularly important and
useful at a distance since they hint drivers with the kind of information they can expect from that particular sign as
they approach it.

Red Traffic
Signs,
Road
Signs,
and
Street
Signs
Red traffic signs, road signs, and street signs usually require drivers to take immediate action to avoid threats to
traffic safety, such as "No Parking Any Time" traffic signs.

Yellow or
Fluorescent
Yellow-Green
Traffic
Signs,
Road
Signs,
and
Street
Signs
Yellow or fluorescent yellow-green traffic signs, road signs, and street signs usually alert drivers of nearby school
zones, and specific road conditions as well as hazards ahead, such as "Merging Lane" traffic signs.

White Traffic
Signs,
Road
Signs,
and
Street
Signs
White traffic signs, road signs, and street signs usually show traffic regulations that drivers must obey by law such
as "Right Turn Only" traffic signs.

Orange Traffic
Signs,
Road
Signs,
and
Street
Signs
Orange traffic signs, road signs, and street signs usually warn drivers of conditions ahead due to highway
construction and maintenance. Warning signs are enforced by law and include "Road Work Ahead" traffic signs.

Green Traffic
Signs,
Road
Signs,
and
Street
Signs
Green traffic signs, road signs, and street signs usually indicate distance to upcoming destinations, highway
entrances, highway exits, and directions.

Blue Traffic
Signs,
Road
Signs,
and
Street
Signs
Blue traffic signs, road signs, and street signs usually display useful information to drivers such as upcoming gas
stations, hotels, telephones, hospitals, restaurants, and general amenities.

Brown Traffic
Signs,
Road
Signs,
and
Street
Signs
Brown traffic signs, road signs, and street signs usually display informations that indicates recreational estates and
parks.

02. Shape meaning of traffic signs and symbols including road signs, street signs, and highway signs
The signs on the road must be easily identified at a distance therefore, the shapes of traffic signs and symbols have
been grouped in to eight categories. The shape of a traffic sign is important and useful because it hints drivers with
the kind of information they can expect from that particular sign as they approach it.

Round Road Signs, Street Signs, and Traffic Signs

Round or circular road signs, street signs, and traffic signs indicate railroad crossings.

Equilateral Triangle Road Signs, Street Signs, and Traffic Signs

Triangular road signs, street signs, and traffic signs indicate drivers to yield and or to slow down or stop as you
approach a merging lane or an intersection.

Pennant Road Signs, Street Signs, and Traffic Signs

Pennant-shaped road signs, street signs, and traffic signs warn drivers not to pass other vehicles. Usually located
on the left side of the road.

Square Road Signs, Street Signs, and Traffic Signs

Square road signs, street signs, and traffic signs usually display regulations that drivers must obey by law. These
traffic signs may indicate what to do or what not to do. Signs indicating what not to do will have a red circle with a
diagonal line over the black symbol.

Rectangular Road Signs, Street Signs, and Traffic Signs

Rectangular road signs, street signs, and traffic signs usually indicate traffic regulations that drivers must obey by
law. A common example is "Left Turn Yield on Green" traffic signs.

Diamond Road Signs, Street Signs, and Traffic Signs

Diamond-shaped road signs, street signs, and traffic signs warn drivers of upcoming road conditions and hazards
such as "Winding Road Ahead" traffic signs.

Pentagon Road Signs, Street Signs, and Traffic Signs

Five-sided road signs, street signs, and traffic signs tell drivers that they are driving in or near a school zone where
children may be present and where children may unexpectedly cross the street or road.

Octagon Road Signs, Street Signs, and Traffic Signs

Eight-sided road signs, street signs, and traffic signs are commonly known as stop signs and are found at
intersections where they warn drivers to make a complete stop and yield in the appropriate right-of-way.

03. Color meaning of traffic signal lights

Traffic signals as well as stop lights and stop signs are used to manage traffic flow and indicate drivers right-of-way
at pedestrian crossings, ramps, and intersections.
Driving Through an Intersection With a Traffic Signal
Red Light in Traffic Signals
A red light in a traffic signal means that it is someone else's right-of-way and you must make a complete stop,
example below.

Yellow Light in Traffic Signals

A yellow light in a traffic signal indicates that your right-of-way is about to end, example below.

Green Light in Traffic Signals

A green light in a traffic signal means that you have the right-of-way, it means "go" as long as there aren't any
vehicles or pedestrians crossing the intersection, example below.

Turning Through an Intersection With a Traffic Signal

Red Arrow in Traffic Signals
A red arrow in a traffic signal means that it is someone else's right-of-way and you must make a complete stop.
Yellow Arrow in Traffic Signals
A yellow arrow in a traffic signal indicates that your right-of-way is about to end.
Green Arrow in Traffic Signals
A green arrow in a traffic signal means that you have the right-of-way, it means that you can turn through the
intersection as long as there aren't any vehicles or pedestrians crossing.

04. Color meaning of flashing traffic signal lights

Red Flashing Lights in a Traffic Signal or displayed by a School Bus
Red flashing lights in a traffic signal or displayed by a school bus are equivalent to a stop sign. It means that you
must come to a complete stop.
Red Flashing Lights in Other Places
Red flashing lights at an intersection where cross traffic is not required to stop indicate that you may only drive
through the intersection when it is safe to do so, when it is clear, and when you do not interfere with the right-of-way
of cross traffic.
Yellow Flashing Lights
Yellow flashing lights on the road or at an intersection indicate drivers that you must slow down with caution. Yellow
flash lights means that cross traffic is required to yield the right-of-way to you but you should also beware for
crossing vehicles and pedestrians.
05. A complete list of traffic signs, road signs, street signs, highway signs, and traffic symbols
including: Guide, recreational, regulatory, road construction, and warning signs with meanings and
pictures (in alphabetical a-z order).
Guide and Recreational Traffic Road Signs (A-Z)

Airport Road Sign

Bike Route Road Sign

Camping Road Sign

Carpool Lane Entrance Road Sign

Disabled Road Sign

Divided Road Miles Ahead Road Sign

Electric Vehicle Charging Station Road Sign

Exit Road Sign

Hospital Road Sign

North South East West Road Sign

Park Road Sign

Telephone Road Sign

Trolley Road Sign

Regulatory Traffic Road Signs (A-Z)

Bike Lane Road Sign

Bus Carpool Lane Ahead Road Sign

Carpool Violation Minimum Fine Road Sign

Center or Left Turn Lane Road Sign

Center or Right Turn Lane Road Sign

Do Not Enter Road Sign

Do Not Pass Road Sign

Emergency Parking Only Road Sign

Keep Left Road Sign

Keep Right Road Sign

Left or U-Turn Road Sign

Left Turn Yield On Green Road Sign

No Left Turn Road Sign

No Parking Any Time Road Sign

No Parking Road Sign

No Turn On Red Road Sign

No Turns Road Sign

No U-Turn Road Sign

One Way Road Sign

Push Button To Cross Road Sign

Rail Road Crossing Road Sign

Right Lane Must Exit Road Sign

Right Lane Must Turn Right Road Sign

Right Turn Only Road Sign

Slower Traffic Keep Right Road Sign

Slower Traffic Use Turnouts Road Sign

Speed Limit Road Sign

Stop Road Sign

Turning Traffic Must Yield To Pedestrians Road Sign

Turnout in a Quarter of a Mile Road Sign

Two Way Left Turn Road Sign

Two Way Traffic Ahead Road Sign

Wrong Way Road Sign

Yield To Uphill Traffic Road Sign

Yield Road Sign

Road Construction Traffic Street Signs (A-Z)

Detour Street Sign

Flagman Ahead Street Sign

Lane Closed Street Sign

Loose Gravel Street Sign

No Shoulder Street Sign

One Lane Road Ahead Street Sign

Ramp Closed Street Sign

Road Closed Ahead Street Sign

Road Work Ahead Street Sign

Road Work Next X Miles Street Sign

Shoulder Work Ahead Street Sign

Slow Moving Vehicle Street Sign

Use Next Exit Street Sign

Workers Present Street Sign

Warning Traffic Street Signs (A-Z)

Bicycle Traffic Street Sign

Cross Traffic Ahead Street Sign

Crossroad or Intersection Ahead Street Sign

Directional Arrow Street Sign

Divided Highway Ahead Street Sign

End Freeway In Half Mile Street Sign

Fewer Lanes Ahead Street Sign

Flooded Ahead Street Sign

Four Tracks Street Sign

Lane Ends Ahead Merge Left Street Sign

Merging Lane Ahead Street Sign

Narrow Bridge Street Sign

No Passing Zone Street Sign

Pavement Ends Ahead Street Sign

Pedestrians Traffic or Crossing Street Sign

Railroad Crossing Street Sign

Right Turn Ahead Street Sign

Road Narrows Street Sign

Rough Road Street Sign

School Bus Stop X Ft Street Sign

School Zone Street Sign

Sharp Turn Ahead Reduce Speed Street Sign

Signal Ahead Street Sign

Slide Area Ahead Street Sign

Slippery Road Ahead Street Sign

Slope Ahead Street Sign

Soft Shoulder Street Sign

Stop Ahead Street Sign

T-Intersection Ahead Street Sign

Thru Traffic Merge Left Ahead Street Sign

Traffic Signal Ahead Street Sign

Truck Rollover Reduce Speed Ahead Street Sign

Two Way Traffic Ahead Street Sign

Winding Road Ahead Street Sign

Yield Ahead Street Sign

What is a pavement marking?

A pavement marking is part of a communication system for road users in addition to signs and signals, pavement
markings communicate to drivers where to position their vehicles, warn about upcoming conditions, and indicate
where passing is allowed. For more details about this communication system, please visit Learn About Pavement
Markings.
As stated in the MnDOT Policy for Pavement Marking Operations, Mn/DOTs goal is to provide an appropriate
pavement marking on all highways, 365 days a year. The hyperlinks included on this page connect to tools that are
to be used by design and field staff from Traffic, Maintenance and Construction.

What's new about pavement markings?

Glass beads are normally used in pavement markings to reflect light back to the driver from the headlights. They
work well when the road surface is dry, but when the surface is wet, the water can act like a mirror, reflecting light in
a different directionoften creating glare.
The innovative and new pavement markings include glass beads and ceramic elements that reflect light back toward
motorists to help them determine locations of driving lanes, edge lines and merge indicators when they are dry or
covered by a thin film of water.
When wet-reflective pavement markings are grooved into the pavement, it promises better visibility when the going
gets wet. More about the pilot project.

A unique pilot project on a section of I-94 may provide more safety in wet conditions by using new, highly reflective pavement
markings recessed into the surface of the pavement.

RAILROAD CROSSINGS
A round warning sign will usually alert you to an upcoming railroad
crossing. When you see this sign, slow down and prepare to stop. If
you see or hear a train approaching, do not speed up and try to beat
the train to the crossing.
The point at which train tracks cross a road is marked with a white
crossbuck sign. If more than one track crosses a road, the number of
tracks is posted below the crossbuck.
A railroad crossing may also feature red flashing lights, a bell, and a
red-and-white striped gate that is lowered across the roadway when a

train is passing. If the lights begin to flash, you must stop at least 15
feet before the light post or gate and remain stopped until the gate
raises and the lights stop flashing. Failure to stop is a violation that
carries a heavy fine. Even if you dont see a train approaching, never
drive around a lowered gate or ignore the flashing lights.

PAVEMENT MARKINGS
Lines, symbols, and words painted on a roadway help to direct riders and control traffic
flow. You must know what the different lines and colors mean and obey them as you would
traffic signs or signals.
White and yellow lines are used along pavement edges and between lanes to keep
vehicles in line. These lines may be solid or broken (long dashes), single or double. A solid
white or solid yellow line that turns into a dotted line (short dashes) is a continuation of the
line through an intersection or a highway interchange.
Unless you are turning, exiting a highway, or changing lanes, always stay between the
lines marking your lane.
WHITE LANE LINES
White lane lines separate lanes of traffic moving in the same direction. Single white lines
may also mark the right edge of the pavement.46
BROKEN WHITE LANE LINE
A broken white lane line separates two lanes traveling in the same direction. Once you
have signaled, and if it is safe to do so, you may cross this line when changing lanes.

SOLID WHITE LANE LINE

A solid white lane line marks the right edge of the roadway or separates lanes of traffic
moving in the same direction. You may travel in the same direction on both sides of this

line, but you should not cross the line unless you must do so to avoid a hazard.
DOUBLE SOLID WHITE LANE LINE
A double solid white line separates two lanes of traffic going in the same direction.
Crossing a double solid white line is prohibited.
YELLOW LANE LINES
Yellow lane lines separate lanes of traffic moving in opposite directions. Single yellow lines
may also mark the left edge of the pavement on divided highways and one-way streets.
BROKEN YELLOW LANE LINE
A broken yellow lane line separates lanes of traffic moving in opposite directions. Stay to
the right of the line, unless you are passing a vehicle in front of you. When passing, you
may cross this line temporarily when it is safe to do so.

DOUBLE YELLOW LANE LINES: ONE SOLID, ONE BROKEN

As with all yellow lane lines, the one-solid-one-broken combination keeps opposing lanes
of traffic separated. If the solid yellow line is closer to you, you may not cross the double
yellow line. If the broken line is closer to you, you may cross the line only to pass another
vehicle and only when it is safe to do so.

DOUBLE YELLOW LANE LINES: BOTH SOLID

Two solid yellow lane lines prohibit vehicles moving in either direction from crossing the
lines to pass another vehicle. You may not cross these lines unless turning left when it is
safe to do so.

WORDS AND SYMBOLS

Words or symbols may be painted on roadway surfaces to help guide, warn, or regulate
drivers. Words or symbols are often used with traffic signs, signals, and other pavement
markings. White arrows show lane directions or restrictions.
A white diamond alerts you to a special lane restriction, like high-occupancy vehicle (HOV)
only, bus only, or bicycle only.

STOP LINES AND CROSSWALKS

An intersection or a pedestrian crossing controlled by a stop sign, yield sign, traffic signal,
or traffic officer may have a solid white STOP line painted across it. You must stop your
vehicle behind this line.

A crosswalk is a pair of white lines painted across a lane that guides pedestrians from one
side of the road to the other. A painted crosswalk is also a warning to drivers that
pedestrians are crossing the road at that point. Crosswalks may have diagonal or vertical
lines painted between the two main lines for added emphasis.

LANE USE & RESTRICTIONS

USING LANES
Always use traffic lanes as they are defined by pavement markings and road signs. Many
intersections have special lanes marked for turns. Follow the rules of the road, using the
proper lanes for turning and riding straight ahead.
On roadways with two or more lanes in your travel direction, use the
right lane for riding unless...
You are passing another vehicle.
You are making a left turn.
The right lane is blocked.
Additional rules pertaining to proper lane use follow below:
As a general rule, do not use a highway breakdown lane as a travel or passing
lane. On some highways, however, motorists may use the breakdown lane as a
travel lane during rush hour.
Never change lanes in the middle of an intersection. It is illegal and dangerous.
If you come to a curve in the road and cannot see ahead, keep to the right and
slow down.

Traffic signals, signs and

pavement markings are used for traffic
control to provide a smooth, orderly flow of traffic. It is
important to understand and obey them. It is illegal to avoid
these traffic controls by cutting through a parking lot or field.
Obey all signs and signals unless directed by a police officer;
always follow the officers direction.
Traffic Signals
Traffic signals apply to drivers, motorcycle riders, bicyclists,
moped-riders and pedestrians.
Red light: At a red light, come to a complete stop
at the stop line or, if there is no stop line, before
entering the intersection or before reaching the
crosswalk. Remain stopped as long as the signal is
red, unless turns are allowed.
Right turn on red: You may turn right while the traffic signal
displays a red light. Before turning, you must come to a
complete stop. Look both ways and yield the right-of-way to
pedestrians and other traffic. Be sure to check for less visible
vehicles such as motorcycles, bicycles and mopeds. You may
not turn right on red if signs are posted at the intersection that
read No Turn on Red, or if a red arrow pointing to the right is
displayed.
Left turn on red: You may turn left at a red light if you are on
a one-way street and turning left onto another one-way street
while the traffic signal displays a red light. Before turning, you
must come to a complete stop. Look both ways and yield the
right-of-way to pedestrians and other traffic. Be sure to check
for less visible vehicles such as motorcycles, bicycles, and
mopeds. You may not turn left on red if signs are posted at
the intersection that read No Turn on Red, or if a red arrow
pointing to the left is displayed.

Red arrow: A red arrow means you must stop if you intend to
move in the direction of the arrow. You may not
proceed in the direction of the arrow as long
as the red arrow is displayed, unless signs are
posted at the intersection that read Right on
Red Arrow After Stop or Left on Red Arrow
After Stop. Virginia law prohibits right and left
turns at red arrow lights.
Note: If you are traveling in another state, make sure you know
its laws for right and left turns at red and red arrow lights.

Flashing red light: At a flashing red light, come

to a complete stop and yield to oncoming
vehicles and pedestrians. You may go when the
way is clear. At a railroad crossing, you must
come to a complete stop even if you dont see a
train.
Flashing red arrow: At a flashing red arrow, come to a
complete stop, yield the right-of-way to vehicles coming from
the other direction and pedestrians in the intersection, and
proceed in the direction of the arrow when the way is clear.
Yellow light or arrow: A yellow light or arrow are cautions
warning that the light is about to change. If you have not
entered the intersection, stop;
or, if unsafe to stop, cautiously
go through it. If you are already
in the intersection, go through it
cautiously. Do not speed up to
beat the light.
Flashing yellow light: A flashing yellow light
means slow down and proceed with caution.
Flashing yellow lights are at locations with
higher-than-normal hazardous conditions.
Flashing yellow arrow: At a flashing yellow arrow, you may

turn in the direction of the arrow, if the way is clear. Yield

the right-of-way to vehicles coming from the other direction
and pedestrians in the intersection. Be sure to check for less
visible vehicles such as motorcycles, bicycles, and mopeds. If
a traffic light changes from red to flashing yellow arrow while a
pedestrian is in the intersection, allow the pedestrian to cross
the street before turning.
Green light or arrow: At a green light, you may go if the way
is clear. At a green arrow, you may go in the direction of the
arrow if the way is clear. If you are turning, you must yield the
right-of-way to vehicles coming from the other direction and
pedestrians in the intersection. Be sure to check for less visible
vehicles such as motorcycles,
bicycles, and mopeds. If a traffic
light changes from red to green
while a pedestrian is in the street,
allow the pedestrian to cross the
street before turning.
Out of service signals: When traffic signals are not working
because of a power outage or other problem and not displaying
any lights, you are required to stop, proceeding through the
intersection as though it were an all-way stop. This does not
apply if a law enforcement officer or other authorized person is
directing traffic at the intersection, or if portable stop signs are
in use.
Lane use signals indicate lanes where you can and
cannot drive during different hours of the day.

Red X: Never drive in a lane marked with a red

X signal.
Yellow X: A yellow X signal means that you
should move out of the lane as soon as safely
possible.
Green Arrow: You are permitted to drive in a

lane marked with a green arrow signal.

Left-turn Arrow: You are
permitted to enter in a lane
marked with a one-way or
two-way arrow only to turn in
the direction of the arrow.
Traffic Signs
The color and shape of a traffic sign communicates
important information about the signs message. In poor
visibility conditions, such as heavy fog, you may be able to
make out only the shape of a sign. As you approach a sign
and while still distant, you may see the color long before you
can read the message or see the symbol, giving you some
advance information.
Sign Colors
Sign colors help you know what the intention of the sign is.
Red used with white conveys stop, yield, do not, and no. Stop
signs, yield signs, do not enter or wrong way signs, the circle
and slash in a no turn sign, and the restrictions in a parking sign
are examples.
Black used with white conveys regulatory information. Speed
limit, do not pass, no turns are examples where the operation is
regulated by law and the black and white sign would be found.
Yellow used with black conveys a warning. Curve ahead,
stop ahead, overhead clearances, slippery when wet, are all
examples. A specialized class of warning signs uses a strong
yellow/green color with black to advise of school zone activities
and other pedestrian activities.VIRGINIA DRIVERS MANUAL | 7
Green and white, blue and white, and brown and white signs
are used to provide helpful information. The green sign is used
to provide destination types of information, while the blue sign
is used to inform regarding motorists services. The brown sign is
used to advise of historical or cultural interests that might exist
in the area.

Orange and black and pink and black signs are used to
advise and warn in construction (orange) and incident (pink)
areas. They are used with black and white signs that convey
regulations that might exist only because of the constru