Traffic sign types — Alabama Permit Test

The three types of traffic signs, classified by function, are regulatory, warning, and information or guide signs, and you should know them by their shapes and colors.

Shape and color tell you what kind of message a sign carries before you can read a word of it.

They are regulatory, warning, and information or guide signs.

Regulatory signs regulate the movement of traffic; they are black and white, except those shown in actual color, and they MUST be obeyed.

A regulatory sign is the law posted at that spot, not advice.

Regulatory signs regulate the movement of traffic.

Warning signs are black and yellow, except those used in construction areas, which are black and orange, and they warn of hazardous conditions ahead.

Orange tells you the hazard is a work zone, where lanes shift and workers may be close by.

Warning signs are black and yellow, except those used in construction areas which are black and orange.

Fluorescent yellow on a warning sign indicates pedestrian crossings and school zones.

The brighter color marks places where children and people on foot may step into the road.

Fluorescent yellow indicates pedestrian crossings and school zones.

Warning signs are usually diamond shaped, but there are some exceptions.

A diamond is the shape drivers learn to read as a hazard ahead.

Warning signs are usually diamond shaped, but there are some exceptions.

Guide signs are green and white for motorist directions, blue and white for services, and brown and white for points of public recreational or cultural interest.

The color tells you at a glance whether a sign is about where to go, where to stop, or something to see.

Guide or informational signs inform and direct motorists, and are green and white for motorist directions; blue and white for services; and brown and white for points of public recreational or cultural interest.

A brown and white guide sign points the way to a place of public recreational or cultural interest, such as a state park.

Brown signs lead to parks and landmarks rather than to cities or services.

Recreational – Cultural Marker

Mileposts are erected along most main state highways to pinpoint locations and identify where emergencies are, and zero mileage begins at the south and west state lines or where a route begins.

Knowing which way the numbers run lets you tell responders exactly where you are.

Zero mileage should begin at the south and west state lines or at junctions where routes begin.

What are the three types of traffic signs?

Regulatory, warning, and guide signs. Shape and color tell you what kind of message a sign carries before you can read a word of it. Alabama Driver Manual, p.41: “They are regulatory, warning, and information or guide signs.”