Washington Road Signs Guide
Learn the road signs you'll be tested on. Click any sign to learn more.
π΄ Regulatory Signs
Red, white, and black signs that tell you what you must or must not do.
Stop
Come to a complete stop. Yield to pedestrians and cross traffic before proceeding.
Yield
Slow down and give the right-of-way to traffic and pedestrians. Stop if necessary.
Speed Limit
Maximum legal speed in ideal conditions. Go slower in bad weather or heavy traffic.
Do Not Enter
Do not drive into the roadway in this direction. Usually at exit ramps or one-way streets.
Wrong Way
You are going the wrong direction. Turn around immediately if you see this sign.
One Way
Traffic flows only in the direction of the arrow.
No U-Turn
You may not make a U-turn at this intersection or location.
No Right Turn
Right turns are prohibited at this intersection.
No Left Turn
Left turns are prohibited at this intersection.
Keep Right
Stay to the right of the divider or obstruction.
Do Not Pass
You may not pass other vehicles in this zone (regulatory rectangle, black on white).
No Pedestrians
Pedestrians are not allowed on this roadway (e.g., freeways).
Railroad Crossbuck
Marks the location of a railroad crossing. Yield to trains.
No Parking
Parking is not allowed in this area at any time.
No Turn on Red
You may not turn on a red signal at this intersection.
All-Way (plaque)
Plaque used below a stop sign to indicate every approach to the intersection has a stop sign.
Yield Here to Pedestrians
Yield to pedestrians at this point β typically 20β50 feet ahead of an unsignalized crosswalk.
No Turns
Neither right nor left turns are allowed β must continue straight.
Right Turn Only
Vehicles in this lane must turn right.
Right Lane Must Turn Right
The right lane is a mandatory right-turn lane.
Two-Way Left Turn Only
Center lane is for left turns from either direction. Do not use as a through-travel or passing lane.
Bike Lane
Designated bike lane β drivers may not drive in it except within 200 feet of a right turn.
No U-Turn or Left Turn
Neither U-turns nor left turns are allowed at this intersection.
No Straight Through
You may not continue straight ahead at this intersection β must turn.
Slower Traffic Keep Right
If you are driving slower than the flow of traffic, stay in the right lane.
Trucks Use Right Lane
Trucks must travel in the right lane (typically on multi-lane highways).
Keep Right of Obstacle
Pass to the right of the obstruction or median ahead.
Slow Vehicles Use Turnouts
Slow vehicles with 5+ vehicles following must use the next turn-out to let traffic pass.
Keep Right Except to Pass
Drive in the right lane except when passing slower traffic.
No Trucks (Older)
Trucks (typically over a stated weight) are prohibited on this road.
No Motor Vehicles
Motor vehicles are not permitted (often used at trails or pedestrian areas).
No Bicycles
Bicycles are not permitted on this roadway (typically freeways).
One Way (Left)
Traffic flows only in the direction of the arrow (to the left).
Reserved Parking β Disabled
Parking reserved for vehicles displaying a valid disabled person placard or plate.
No Parking Loading Zone
Parking is prohibited β this is a loading/unloading zone.
Do Not Block Intersection
Do not enter the intersection unless you can completely cross it.
No Pedestrian Crossing (Use Crosswalk)
Pedestrians may not cross here. Use the marked crosswalk.
Right on Red Arrow After Stop
A right turn on a red arrow is permitted after coming to a complete stop (where this sign is posted).
Stop Here on Red
Stop here when the light is red β typically where the stop line is set back from the crosswalk.
Left on Green Arrow Only
A left turn is permitted only when the green arrow is displayed (R10-5).
Left Turn Yield on Green
On a circular green, left-turning drivers must yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians before turning (R10-12).
Turning Vehicles Yield to Pedestrians
When turning, yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in the crosswalk.
Photo Enforced
Traffic signal violations at this intersection are enforced by automated cameras.
Road Closed
The road ahead is closed. Do not enter β use an alternate route.
Weight Limit
Maximum vehicle weight (in tons) allowed on this road or bridge.
Look Both Ways (Track)
Posted at rail/transit crossings reminding drivers and pedestrians to look both ways for approaching trains.
School Speed Limit When Flashing
Reduced school-zone speed limit that is in effect whenever the yellow beacons are flashing.
School Speed Limit Ahead
Advance warning that a reduced school-zone speed limit is coming up. Begin to slow down.
End School Zone
Marks the end of the school zone β the school-zone speed limit no longer applies.
End School Speed Limit
The reduced school-zone speed limit ends here β you may resume the regular posted limit.
β οΈ Warning Signs
Yellow diamond-shaped signs that alert you to hazards or changes in road conditions ahead.
Curve Ahead
Road curves ahead. Slow down before entering the curve.
Merge
Traffic merging from the right. Be prepared to share the lane.
Lane Ends
The right lane ends ahead. Merge left safely.
School Zone
School area ahead. Watch for children. Speed limit 20 mph when flashing.
Pedestrian Crossing
Watch for pedestrians. Yield to those in the crosswalk.
Slippery When Wet
Road may be slippery in rain or snow. Reduce speed.
Railroad Crossing
Railroad crossing ahead. Slow down, look, and listen. Be prepared to stop.
Steep Hill
Steep downgrade ahead. Check brakes. Use lower gear.
Road Narrows
The road ahead is narrower than the current road.
Two-Way Traffic
Two-way traffic ahead. Stay in your lane.
Deer Crossing
Deer frequently cross this area. Watch for animals, especially at dawn and dusk.
Signal Ahead
Traffic signal ahead. Be prepared to stop.
Stop Ahead
Stop sign ahead. Begin slowing down and prepare to stop.
Divided Highway Begins
Highway ahead is divided by a median. Keep right.
Roundabout Ahead
Roundabout ahead. Slow down and yield to traffic in the circle.
Trail Crossing
A multi-use trail (pedestrians, bicyclists, and others) crosses the road here. Watch for trail users and yield.
Sharp Turn
Sharp turn ahead. Slow down significantly before the turn.
Winding Road
Series of curves ahead. Reduce speed and stay alert.
Hairpin Curve
Extremely tight turn ahead. Slow to advisory speed.
Cross Road
Intersection ahead. Watch for cross traffic.
Side Road
Side road enters from the right ahead. Watch for traffic.
Added Lane
New lane is being added. No merging is required.
Bicycle Warning
Bicycles regularly use this road. Share the road with cyclists.
Fire Station
Fire station ahead. Watch for emergency vehicles entering the road.
Low Clearance
Overhead clearance is limited. Check your vehicle height.
Dead End
The road ahead ends with no outlet. You will need to turn around.
Yield Ahead
Yield sign ahead. Prepare to slow or stop.
Divided Highway Ends
Divided highway ends ahead. Prepare for two-way traffic.
Curve Ahead (Left)
Road curves left ahead. Slow down before the curve.
Reverse Curve
Road curves one way, then back. Reduce speed and stay in lane.
One-Direction Large Arrow
A sharp curve ahead β the arrow shows which way the road bends.
Chevron Alignment
Chevron signs delineate the curve. Stay in your lane and reduce speed.
Y-Intersection
The road forks ahead in a Y-shape. Choose the correct fork.
T-Intersection
Road ahead ends at a T-intersection. Be prepared to turn left or right.
Y-Intersection with Through Road
Y-intersection with one through road. Yield as required.
Be Prepared to Stop
Be prepared to stop ahead β typically warns of a queue or traffic control.
Reduced Speed Limit Ahead
The speed limit is reduced ahead. Begin to slow down now.
Ramp Speed
Recommended safe speed for the upcoming exit ramp.
Lane Ends (Left)
Left lane ends ahead β merge right safely.
Added Lane (Entering Roadway)
Traffic is entering from a ramp on a new lane being added β no merging is required.
Narrow Bridge
Bridge ahead is narrower than the road. Slow down and use caution.
One-Lane Bridge
Bridge has only one lane β yield to oncoming traffic if needed.
Hill (with % Grade)
Steep downhill grade ahead β the posted percentage indicates how steep the grade is. Check brakes and downshift.
Next (Distance) Plaque
Supplemental plaque used with a hill or warning sign showing how far ahead the condition continues.
Runaway Truck Ramp
Emergency escape ramp ahead for trucks that have lost braking ability.
Bump
A bump or rough section of pavement is ahead. Slow down.
Dip
Dip in the road ahead β slow down to avoid bottoming out.
Pavement Ends
Paved road ends ahead. Surface becomes gravel or dirt.
Truck Crossing
Trucks crossing or entering the roadway here.
Loose Gravel
Loose gravel on the road. Slow down to maintain control.
Rough Road
The pavement ahead is rough β uneven or broken surface.
Low Shoulder
The shoulder is lower than the pavement. Avoid driving on the edge.
No Shoulder
The road ahead has no shoulder. Stay alert and avoid driving on the edge of the pavement.
Bridge Ices Before Road
Bridges and overpasses freeze before regular roads. Slow down in cold weather.
Grooved Pavement
Pavement is grooved (e.g., highway construction). Motorcycles use caution.
Lane Ends Merge Right (symbol)
Lane ends ahead. Symbolic version showing arrows merging right.
Railroad Crossing (Highway)
Railroad-highway crossing where the road and railroad cross. Approach with caution.
Farm Equipment
Farm vehicles regularly use this road. Slow down and be patient.
Snowmobile Crossing
Watch for snowmobiles crossing the road. Common in mountain areas.
Equestrian Crossing
Watch for horseback riders crossing or sharing the road.
Cow Crossing
Cattle may cross this road in rural or open-range areas.
Advisory Speed
Recommended safe speed for the upcoming road feature (curve, ramp, etc.) under good conditions.
Combination Curve and Advisory Speed
Curve warning combined with recommended speed for the curve.
No Outlet
Streets ahead form a network with no through connection. You will need to return.
No Passing Zone (Pennant)
Pennant-shaped sign on the left side marks the start of a no-passing zone.
Speed Hump
A speed hump is on the road ahead. Slow down to avoid jolting.
Slow Traffic Ahead
Slow-moving or stopped traffic is ahead β be prepared to stop.
π’ Guide & Information Signs
Green, blue, and brown signs that provide directions, services, and points of interest.
Interstate Route
Shows interstate highway number. Red, white, and blue shield shape.
Hospital
Hospital or emergency medical care available nearby.
Telephone
Public telephone available ahead.
Food
Food services available at the next exit or ahead.
Lodging
Lodging or hotel services available nearby.
Rest Area
Rest area ahead with restrooms and parking.
Tourist Information
Tourist information center available nearby.
Camping
Camping facilities available ahead.
Gas Station
Gasoline/fuel services available at the next exit.
Emergency Medical
Emergency medical services (EMS) available nearby.
Handicap Accessible
Facilities are accessible for persons with disabilities.
Interstate Shield
Marks an Interstate Highway. Numbered route on red, white, and blue shield.
US Route Shield
Marks a US (numbered) Highway. Black-and-white shield.
County Route
County highway route marker β usually pentagon-shaped.
Interstate 5 (WA)
I-5 runs north-south through Washington from Oregon to Canada β the state's main north-south corridor.
Interstate 90
I-90 runs east-west across Washington (Seattle to Spokane and beyond) β and is also a major route in California.
Interstate 405 (WA)
I-405 is the eastside bypass of Seattle, running through Bellevue and Renton.
Washington State Route 99
SR-99 (Aurora Avenue) is a major surface route through Seattle.
Washington State Route 167
SR-167 connects Auburn to Renton with HOV lanes (the Valley Freeway).
Washington State Route 520
SR-520 is the floating bridge across Lake Washington (toll bridge).
US Route 101
US-101 runs along the Pacific Coast from Los Angeles through Oregon to Washington.
Diesel Fuel Available
Diesel fuel is available at this exit (in addition to gasoline).
Drinking Water
Drinking water is available at this exit or facility.
EV Charging
Electric vehicle charging station available at this location.
Bike Route
Designated bicycle route. Cyclists may use this road.
π Construction Signs
Orange signs that warn of road work and construction zones. Fines are often doubled.
Road Work Ahead
Construction zone ahead. Slow down and watch for workers and equipment.
Detour
Follow the detour route to go around the construction area.
Lane Closed
Right lane is closed ahead. Merge left when safe.
Workers Present
Workers on or near the road. Slow down and use caution.
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Road Closed Ahead
The road ahead is closed. Follow detour signs or turn back.
Flagger Symbol
A flagger ahead will direct traffic. Obey their instructions.
Shoulder Closed
The shoulder is closed ahead. Do not drive or stop on the shoulder.