TRAFFIC CONTROLS 4

Pavement Markings
Lines, symbols, and words are painted on roadways to help
direct drivers and control traffic flow. You must know what the
different lines, colors, and symbols mean and obey them.

Unless you are turning, exiting a highway, or changing lanes,

always stay between the lines marking your lane.
Edge Lines

Edge Lines
Solid lines along the side of the road mark the right or left
edge of the roadway.
• Single solid white line. Marks the right edge of the
roadway.
• Single solid yellow line. Marks the left edge of the
roadway on divided highways and one-way streets. Broken White Line

White Lane Lines

White lane lines separate lanes of traffic moving in the same
direction.
• Single broken white line. You may cross this line to
change lanes when it is safe to do so.
• Single solid white line. You may travel in the same
direction on both sides of this line, but do not cross the Solid White Line
line unless you must do so to avoid a hazard. Also used to
discourage lane changes near intersections.
• Double solid white lines. Crossing a double solid line/
changing lanes is not allowed.

Double White Lines

Broken Yellow Line

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 Double White Lines

Yellow Lane Lines

Yellow lane lines separate lanes of traffic moving in opposite
directions.
• Single broken yellow line. Stay to the right of the line.
You may cross this line to pass a car ahead of you on the
Broken Yellow Line left only when it is safe to do so.
• Double solid yellow lines. Vehicles moving in either
direction must not pass/cross these lines (unless turning
left when it is safe to do so).
• Double yellow lines–solid on right (“your side” of line),
broken on left. Passing is not allowed in this lane. (May
Double Yellow Lines
turn left when safe to do so.)
• Double yellow lines–broken on right (“your side” of
line), solid on left. Passing is permitted in this lane when
safe to do so.

Turn Lanes
Arrows are often used with white lane lines to show which turn
Double Yellow Lines may be made from the lane.
(limited passing)
• Lane is marked with a curved arrow and the word “ONLY”:
you must turn in the direction of the arrow.
• Lane is marked with both a curved and straight arrow: you
may either turn or go straight.
• Two-way roadway with center lane: drivers from either
Turn Lanes direction may use the center lane for left turns; you must
not use for passing.

Reversible Lanes
Some highways have reversible traffic lanes to help handle
rush-hour traffic. The direction of traffic is normally reversed
Center Turn Lane at set times each day. These lanes are marked with special
pavement markings, lane signals, and signs.

Bicycle Lanes
Reversible Lane
Some roads have pavement markings that show lanes
specifically designated for the exclusive use of bicycles or for
shared use.
• Exclusive bike lane. Solid white lines separate these bike
lanes from motor vehicle travel lanes. Often marked with
Bicycle Lane
bike lane signs/symbols.
• Shared-use lane. Marked with “sharrows.” These
markings alert motorists that bicyclists may use the entire
lane, indicate to bicyclists where to ride, and discourage
bicycling in the wrong direction.
Sharrow

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Sharrow

White Stop Lines

Stop lines show where you must stop for a stop sign or red light.
You must stop your vehicle before any part of it crosses
the line before the crosswalk.

Crosswalks
Marked with solid white lines and sometimes filled with white
diagonal or perpendicular lines. Shows where pedestrians should Stop Line & Crosswalk
cross. Motorists must always yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in a crosswalk.

Other Markings
• Curbs are often marked yellow in no parking zones near fire hydrants or
intersections.
• Yellow or white diagonal stripes mark fixed obstructions (medians, no parking
zones, etc.).
• It is illegal to park in or drive through areas that have pavement markings
indicating fire lanes or safety zones.

Traffic Signs
TRAFFIC SIGN COLORS
Red Stop. Do not enter. Wrong way. Yield.

Orange Construction and maintenance warning.

Yellow General warning. Advisory of unexpected

roadway conditions.
Fluorescent High emphasis warning of school, pedestrian,
Yellow Green and bicycling activity.

White/Black Regulatory. Control traffic; set limits, or give

commands.
Green Guide, or directional information.

Blue Driver guidance. It is also used to identify

parking spaces for disabled drivers.
Brown Areas of public recreation, cultural, and
historical significance.

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Traffic Sign Shapes

Octagon Triangle Diamond Pennant

Stop Yield Warn of existing or No passing zones
possible hazards

Crossbuck Round Pentagon Rectangle (Vert) Rectangle

Railroad School advance/ Set rules (Horizontal)
Railroad crossing
advance warning school crossing on Road Guide

Regulatory Signs
Regulatory signs control traffic; they set limits or give commands
and are enforceable by law.
Stop sign. You must bring your vehicle to a complete halt at
the stop line. If there is no stop line, stop before entering the
crosswalk. If there is no marked crosswalk, stop before entering
the intersection at a point near the intersecting roadway where
you have a clear view of approaching traffic.

Four-way stop. Traffic from all four directions must stop.

Vehicles proceed through the intersection in the order that
they arrived at the intersection; the first vehicle to reach the
intersection should move forward first. If vehicles arrive at
approximately the same time, each driver must yield to the
drivers on their right.

Yield. You must slow down and give vehicles crossing your path
the right-of-way. If the way is clear, you may move forward slowly
without stopping.

Do Not Enter. On one-way streets and roadways that you

are not allowed to enter. You may see this sign if you enter an
expressway ramp in the wrong direction. Turn around!

Wrong Way. You are going the wrong way. Do not drive past
this sign! Turn around immediately.

No Passing. You are entering a no passing zone.

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Pass with Care. You are allowed to pass, but do so with caution.

NO symbol. Red circle with red slash. The sign shows what you
are not allowed to do.

No U-Turn. You must not make a complete turn to go in the

opposite direction where this sign is displayed.

No Right Turn. You must not make a right turn at this

intersection.

Speed Limit. Your speed must not exceed the posted speed in
this area.

Speeding Fines Doubled. Posted in active school and

work zones. Fines will be doubled if you are cited for speeding
in this area.

Must Turn. You cannot go straight ahead. You must turn either
to the right or left.

One Way. You must travel only in the direction of the arrow.

Keep Right. Stay to the right of the divider.

No Turn on Red. You must not turn right or left during the red
light. You must wait for the green signal.

Left Lane Must Turn. Traffic in the left lane must turn left at
the intersection ahead (also Right Lane Must Turn).

Turn Lanes. At the intersection ahead, traffic in the left lane

must turn left and traffic in the adjoining lane may turn left or
continue straight ahead.

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 No Turns. You must not turn either to the right or to the left at this
intersection.

Center Turn Lane. The center lane is shared for left turns in both
directions of travel.

BEGIN
RIGHT TURN LANE Begin Right Turn. When entering a right turn lane you may
encounter bicyclists traveling straight; you must yield to the bicyclists.
YIELD TO BIKES

Exit Speed. This sign lists the maximum safe speed for an exit ramp
on an expressway. Slow down to the posted speed.

Slower Traffic Keep Right. Slower driving traffic must stay in the
right lane unless passing. Slower traffic must move out of the left lane
when being overtaken by a faster vehicle.

Restricted Lane Ahead. A diamond-shaped marking shows that a

lane is reserved for certain purposes or certain vehicles, such as buses
or carpool vehicles during rush hour traffic. Also used in bike lanes.

Emergency Stopping Only. You must only stop for emergencies.

No Parking on Pavement. If you stop, you must always park off

the pavement of the roadway.

Parking by Disabled Permit Only. Parking in this space is

only for vehicles displaying an official disabled parking permit and
transporting a person with a disability.

Move Over. When approaching stopped emergency or service

vehicles with flashing lights, you must move over a lane. If you can’t
move over, reduce speed to 20 MPH below the posted limit.

Warning Signs
Reduction of Lanes. There will be fewer lanes ahead. The right
lane ends and traffic must merge left. Drivers in the left lane should
allow others to merge smoothly.

Divided Highway Ahead. The highway ahead is divided by a

median or physical barrier. Keep to the right.
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Divided Highway Ends. The divided highway on which you are

traveling ends 350 to 500 feet ahead. You will then be on a roadway with
two-way traffic. Keep to the right.

Merging Traffic. You are coming to a point where another traffic lane
joins the one you are on. Watch for other traffic and be ready to yield
the right-of-way when necessary.

Pavement Ends. The paved surface ahead changes to a gravel or

earth road.

Low Clearance. Do not enter if your vehicle is taller than the height
listed on the sign.

Slippery Surface. In wet weather, drive slowly. Do not speed up or

brake quickly. Make turns at a very slow speed.

Dip. There is a low place in the road. Go slowly and be ready to stop
and turn around if the dip is filled with water.

Bicycle Crossing. A bike-way crosses the roadway ahead. Watch for

bicyclists.

Pedestrian Crossing. Watch for people crossing the street. Slow

down or stop to yield for pedestrians.

Animal Crossing. The animal pictured on the sign is common in this

area; watch for animals crossing the road particularly during twilight
and nighttime hours.

Truck Crossing. Watch for trucks entering or crossing the roadway.

Narrow Bridge. The bridge is wide enough to accommodate two

lanes of traffic, but with very little clearance. Stay in your lane.

One Lane Bridge. The bridge is wide enough for only one vehicle at a
time. Make sure the bridge is clear of oncoming traffic before you cross.

Soft Shoulder. The ground on the side of the road is soft. Don’t leave
the pavement except in an emergency.

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 Right Curve. The road will curve to the right. Slow your speed and do
not pass other vehicles.

Double Curve. The road will curve to the right, then to the left. Slow
your speed and do not pass other vehicles.

Winding Road. There are several curves ahead. Drive slowly and
carefully and do not pass other vehicles.

Cross Road. A road crosses the main highway ahead. Look to the left
and right for other traffic.

Side Road. Another road enters the highway from the direction
shown. Watch for traffic from that direction.

Sharp Right Turn. The road will make a sharp turn to the right.
Slow your speed and do not pass other vehicles.

Hill/Downgrade. The road goes downhill ahead. Slow down and be

ready to shift to lower gear to control speed.

Advisory Speed Sign. The highest safe speed you should travel
around the curve ahead is the one posted. Advisory speed signs may be
used with any warning sign.

Speed Reduction Sign. Advance notice to upcoming speed limit

change.

Yield Ahead. Yield sign ahead. Slow down and be prepared to stop at
a yield sign or adjust speed to traffic.

Traffic Signal Ahead. A traffic signal is at the intersection ahead.

Slow down; poor visibility is likely.

Stop Sign Ahead. Slow down and be ready to stop at the stop sign.

Two-Way Traffic Ahead. The one-way street or roadway is about

to change to two-way traffic; there will be oncoming traffic.

Roundabout Circle. Provides advance notice of a roundabout.

Prepare to slow down and possibly yield to traffic in the roundabout.

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Informational Signs
Green Guide Signs give information about directions and
distances. East-West routes have even numbers and North-South
have odd numbers. In Florida, mile markers indicate your location
on an interstate and match with exit numbers.

Blue and White Service Signs direct you to services,

such as gas, food, motels, and hospitals.

Brown and White Signs point out scenic areas, parks,

and areas of cultural/historical significance.

The Florida Department of Transportation’s 511 Traffic

Information Service provides real-time traffic updates.

Traffic Signals
Traffic signals are placed at intersections to keep traffic moving
and to help prevent crashes. Drivers, pedestrians, and bicycle
riders must obey these signals except when an officer is directing
traffic. If a traffic signal is out of order and law enforcement is
not present, treat the light/intersection as a four-way stop sign
(p. 16).

Steady Signal Lights

Red Light
• Come to a complete stop at the stop line. Remain stopped
until the light turns green.
• Don’t stop too far away from the stop line. Some signals
change only when their sensors detect vehicles at the stop
line.
• After stopping, you may turn right if there is not a NO TURN ON
RED sign and the way is clear.
• You may turn left from a one-way street onto a one-way street
that has traffic moving to the left.
• Before turning, you must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians
in the crosswalk and oncoming traffic.
• Running (driving through) the red light is against the law
and is extremely dangerous!
Yellow Light
• Warning—the light is changing to red.
• Stop if you can safely do so. It is extremely dangerous to be in
an intersection when the light turns red.

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 Green Light
• Go, but only if the intersection is clear.
• Yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk and vehicles still in the intersection.
• Approach at a speed that will allow you to slow down if the light changes.
• When turning left, you must yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians.
Red Arrow
• Do not make the movement shown by the arrow until the green light
appears.
• After stopping, you may turn right if there is not a NO TURN ON RED sign
and the way is clear.
• You may turn left from a one-way street onto a one-way street that has
traffic moving to the left.
• You must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in the crosswalk and
oncoming traffic.
Yellow Arrow (steady)
• The green arrow is ending or the light is about to turn red.
• Stop if you can safely do so.
Yellow Arrow (flashing)
• Turns are allowed in the direction of the arrow.
• The oncoming traffic has a green light. Yield to oncoming traffic and
pedestrians.
Green Arrow
• You may make a turn in the direction of the arrow.
• If the red light is illuminated at the same time, you must be in the proper
lane for such a turn.
• You must yield the right-of-way to vehicles and pedestrians in the
intersection.

Flashing Signal Lights

Flashing Red Light. Used at dangerous intersections. Treat it like a stop
sign; stop and proceed when safe.
Flashing Yellow Light. Used at, or just before, dangerous intersections.
Also used to alert you to a warning sign such as a school crossing or sharp
curve. Proceed with caution.

Lane Signals
Lane signals are used:
• when the direction of the flow of traffic changes during the day;
• to show that a toll booth is open or closed; or
• to show which lanes are opened or closed.

Red X. Never drive in a lane under the red X.

Yellow X. The lane signal is about to turn red.
Green Arrow. You may use this lane and you must also obey all other
signs and signals.

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Ramp Signals
Ramp signals:
• control the rate of vehicles entering an expressway; and
• alternate between red and green; you must wait for the green
signal before entering the expressway.

Pedestrian Signals
Pedestrian signals show words or pictures to indicate when it is
safe—or not—to use the crosswalk.

WALK or walking person. You may begin to cross the street.

DON’T WALK or raised hand. Never enter the crosswalk or begin

crossing the street when the raised hand is flashing or solid. If
you are already in the crosswalk when this signal begins flashing,
quickly finish crossing the street.

Countdown Signal. The countdown starts at the beginning of the

DON’T START (flashing hand phase) and ends with a zero and a
DON’T WALK (solid hand) phase. Once the countdown starts and
the hand is flashing, it is no longer safe to enter the crosswalk.

Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon. Push the button to activate

the signal. Once the lights begin to flash and the approaching
traffic stops, use the crosswalk. Motorists must stop and yield to
pedestrians in the crosswalk.

High-Intensity Activated Crosswalk (HAWK).

When approaching a pedestrian signal with NO LIGHT, if the
intersection is clear, go.

If there is a YELLOW FLASHING LIGHT, slow down, because this

light indicates that a pedestrian has activated the push button.
Approach at a speed that will allow you to stop if the light changes.

If there is a YELLOW STEADY LIGHT, prepare to stop.

If there is a RED STEADY LIGHT, stop for pedestrian in crosswalk.

If there is a RED FLASHING LIGHT, proceed with caution. If no

pedestrian is present and the intersection is clear, go.

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Zones of Caution
School Zone Signs & Signals
School Sign. You are near a school. Watch for children at all
times, not just during school hours.

School Crossing. Slow down and watch for children crossing the
road. Stop if necessary. Obey signals from any crossing guards.

Begin School Zone. Do not exceed the school zone speed limit
during indicated times or when light is flashing.

End School Zone. Marks the end of a reduced speed school zone.

Railroad Crossing Signs & Signals

There are several signs, signals, and pavement markings that
indicate highway-railroad crossings. When you see any of these,
slow down and be ready to stop. Do not stop on the railroad
tracks or within 15 feet of the crossing.

Any driver, bicyclist or pedestrian approaching a railroad-

highway crossing must stop within 50 feet, but not less than 15
feet, from the nearest rail of the railroad when:
• the warning devices are flashing;
• the crossing gate is lowered;
• a human flagger is warning of an approaching train; and/or
• an approaching train is clearly visible.

Pavement Marking. Markings may be painted on the paved

approach to a crossing before the stop line.

Advance Warning Sign. This is usually the first sign you see
when approaching a highway-railroad crossing.

Crossbuck Sign. These are yield signs; you must yield the
right-of-way to trains. A sign below the crossbuck will show the
number of tracks if there is more than one track.

Flashing Red Light Signals. At many crossings, the crossbuck

sign has flashing red lights and bells. When the lights begin to
flash, stop immediately! A train
is approaching.

Gates. Many crossings have gates with flashing red lights and
bells. Stop when the lights begin to flash and before the gate
lowers across your road lane. It is against the law to drive
around or under a crossing gate—either down or while being
opened or closed—and it is extremely dangerous.

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Remember:
• Slow down when approaching railroad crossings.
• Be prepared to stop especially when following buses or
trucks; many are required to stop at railroad crossings even
when gates are up/lights are not flashing.
• If there is more than one track, make sure all tracks are clear
before crossing.
• In heavy traffic, make sure there is room for your vehicle on
the other side of the track before crossing.
• Trains often appear to be traveling at a slower speed than
they actually are, and they cannot stop quickly. Don’t try to
“beat the train;” the train always wins.

Drawbridge Signs & Signals

Drawbridges are mechanical bridges over navigable waters that
raise or turn to allow marine traffic to go under them.

Flashing Yellow Signal. When the yellow light is flashing, the

drawbridge is in operation. Slow down and prepare to stop.

Drawbridge Signal
• Red. Come to a complete stop at the marked stop line.
The bridge is in operation and the roadway is closed to all
pedestrian and motor vehicle traffic.
• Yellow. The light is about to turn red. Stop if you can safely
do so. The bridge is about to start operation.
• Green. Proceed with caution.

Gates. Many drawbridges have gates with flashing red lights

and bells. Stop when the lights begin to flash and before the
gate lowers across your road lane. It is against the law to drive
around or under a crossing gate—either down or while being
opened or closed—and it is extremely dangerous.

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 Construction/Maintenance Signs & Signals
Various traffic control devices are used in road construction
and maintenance work areas to direct drivers and pedestrians
safely through the work site. Be prepared to reduce your
speed and use caution when directed to do so by a sign,
flagger, or law enforcement officer. Failure to do so is illegal
and is dangerous to those working in the construction
zone. (Signs will indicate where speeding fines will be doubled
when workers are present).

Construction and Maintenance Signs. The signs—usually

diamond shaped and/or orange in color—notify drivers of
unusual or potentially dangerous conditions near work areas.

Channeling Devices include barricades, vertical panels,

drums and cones. Stripes on barricades and panel devices
slope downward in the direction traffic must travel. These
devices alert drivers of unusual or potentially dangerous
conditions in roadway and work zones. These devices may be
equipped with warning lights at night time to guide drivers
safely.

Flashing Arrow Panels. Used both during the day and at

night to give advance warning and directional information
when it is necessary to move to another lane.

Flaggers. People who work in roadway construction/

maintenance zones to stop, slow, or guide traffic safely
through the area. Flaggers wear bright colored/fluorescent
vests or jackets and use red flags or signs to direct traffic
through work zones.

26 ©2020 Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles