Sign shapes — Connecticut Permit Test

An eight-sided sign always means stop.

Shape carries the message when the face is covered with snow or seen from behind, which is why it is unique.

The octagon (eight-sided) shape always means stop.

A triangle marks a yield, which means slowing to a speed reasonable for the conditions, yielding the right-of-way, and stopping if necessary.

Yield is not a lesser stop sign. It is an instruction to fit into traffic that already has priority.

Triangle: Yield Slow down to a speed reasonable for the conditions and yield the right-of-way.

A diamond-shaped sign is a warning of a special condition or hazard ahead.

The shape alone tells you something is coming before you are close enough to read the words on it.

Diamond: Warning These signs warn you of special conditions or hazards ahead.

A vertical rectangle generally gives instructions or tells you the law, and a horizontal one may give directions or information.

Which way the rectangle stands is the clue to whether it is binding on you or merely helpful.

Vertical signs generally give instructions or tell you the law. Horizontal signs may give directions or information.

A five-sided sign marks a school zone and warns about school crossings.

It is the only shape reserved for children, which is why nothing else in the system uses it.

The pentagon (five-sided) shape marks school zones and warns you about school crossings.

A circular sign means you are approaching a railroad crossing, so slow down, look and listen for trains.

The round shape is used for nothing else, so it is recognizable before the letters on it are readable.

A circular sign indicates that you are approaching a railroad crossing. Slow down, look and listen for trains.

A three-sided sign shaped like a pennant is posted on the left side of a two-lane, two-way roadway at the beginning of a no-passing zone.

It is the only regular sign on the left, put there so it sits in the eyeline of a driver thinking about pulling out.

This three-sided sign is shaped like a pennant. When used, the sign is on the left side of a two-lane,

What does an eight-sided sign always mean?

Stop. Shape carries the message when the face is covered with snow or seen from behind, which is why it is unique. Connecticut Driver's Manual, p.46: “The octagon (eight-sided) shape always means stop.”