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TRAFFIC SIGNS
Traffic signs control the flow of traffic, warn you of hazards ahead, guide you to your destination, and inform you of roadway services. As indicated below, traffic signs are intentionally color coded to assist the operator.
RED - stop
GREEN - direction
YELLOW - general warning
BLACK/WHITE - regulation
BLUE - motorist service (e.g., gas, food, hotels)
BROWN - recreational, historic, or scenic site
ORANGE - construction or maintenance warning
STOP AND YIELD SIGNS
The STOP sign always means come to a complete halt and applies to each vehicle that comes to the sign. You must stop before any crosswalk or stop line painted on the pavement. Come to a complete stop, yield to pedestrians or other vehicles, and proceed carefully. Simply slowing down is not enough. If a 4-WAY or ALL WAY sign is added to a STOP sign at an intersection, all traffic approaching the intersection must stop. The first vehicle in the intersection of a four-way stop has the right of way.
When you see a YIELD sign, slow down and be prepared to stop. Let traffic, pedestrians, or bicycles pass before you enter the intersection or join another roadway. You must come to a complete stop if traffic conditions require it.
REGULATORY SIGNS
The United States is now using an international system of traffic control signs that feature pictures and symbols rather than words. The red-and-white YIELD and DO NOT ENTER signs prohibit access or movement.
WARNING SIGNS Yellow warning signs alert you to hazards or changes in conditions ahead. Changes in road layout, proximity to a school zone, or some special situation are examples of warning signs. Slow down and obey the sign. Disregarding a warning sign is not only dangerous, it is against the law.
GUIDE SIGNS In the guide signs category you will find route markers, distance- and-destination signs, and informational signs.
Green signs give highway directions and guide you through highway interchanges.
Blue signs list motorist services, like gas, food, and lodging. Brown signs direct you to public recreational areas, state and national parks, historical points of interest, and scenic sites.
In Massachusetts, numbered state highway routes are posted on white, rectangular signs with black letters and borders. Interstate highway signs are blue, red, and white shields.
CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE ROAD WORK WARNINGS When people are repairing or constructing roadways, their work areas are protected from traffic by orange warning signs and other devices. These signs and devices may be mounted with warning flags or yellow flashing lights. These warnings help to guide pedestrians and vehicle traffic safely through a work zone and past any hazards.
Drum
Barricade
Traffic signal ahead (^) Lane merging from right, watch for other traffic
School zone
Stop ahead
Road narrows or right lane ends
School crossing
Road curves left
Road slippery when wet
Maximum height allowed
Divided highway begins
Winding road, do not pass
Area off paved road is soft dirt and could be hazardous (^) Divided highway ends
Crossroad ahead
Pedestrian crossing
You may not cross the yellow line to pass
Road entering from the right Deer crossing^ Playground
Traffic may flow on both sides of sign
Road ends at Two-way traffic junction
No right turn
WARNING
No left turn
No U turn
All traffic must go left
Keep to the right of the upcoming median or lane divider
No bicycles
Traffic moves only in one direction
You may not overtake another vehicle
You may not turn right after stopping at a red light
No pedestrians
No parking allowed between posted hours
No trucks
REGULATORY
Massachusetts state highway route marker
Notice of highway exits, in miles
GUIDES & DIRECTIONS ROAD WORK
Interstate highway route marker
Junction with a numbered route ahead
Destination directions
Destination distances, in miles
Information Gas
Hospital Lodging
Telephone Food
Access for those with disabilities (^) Picnic area
Highway rest area
Motorist services
Highway mile markers
Parking facilities
Point of interest
Freeway interchange sign
Roadway detour directions
Detour
Road crew flag person ahead
Work in progress on the side of the road
Maintenance or public utility crew ahead
Notice
Road work
Lane closing
Notice of destination - Exit
Scenic overlook
U.S. highway route marker
