Sign shapes colors — Mississippi Permit Test

Red on a traffic device means stop.

Red is kept for stop so that you can act on it at a glance, before you read a word.

RED: Stop. If you see red on a traffic device, STOP.

The octagon shape is used exclusively for STOP signs.

Even when snow or dirt hides the word, the eight sides still tell you to stop.

OCTAGON: Exclusively for STOP signs.

Green on a sign gives directional guidance and shows permitted movement.

Telling a guide sign from a warning sign by color lets you sort them fast at speed.

GREEN: Directional guidance and permitted movement.

A horizontal rectangle is usually used for guide signs.

Knowing the shape tells you whether a sign is telling you where to go or warning you of danger.

HORIZONTAL RECTANGLE: Usually for guide signs.

Yellow on a sign means a general warning.

Yellow tells you to look for trouble ahead, so you can slow down before you reach it.

YELLOW: General warning.

The equilateral triangle shape is used exclusively for YIELD signs.

The point-down triangle means yield even when you cannot read the word on it.

EQUILATERAL TRIANGLE: Exclusively for YIELD signs.

Blue on a sign gives guidance to motorist services.

Blue signs point you to help like gas, food and rest, so you can plan a stop.

BLUE: Motorist services guidance.

Black and white on a sign stand for regulation.

A black and white sign states a rule, not a hint, and breaking it can earn a ticket.

BLACK: Regulation.

The diamond shape is used exclusively to warn of an existing or possible hazard on or next to the roadway.

A diamond means slow down and look; the danger it marks may be just out of sight.

DIAMOND: Exclusively to warn of existing or possible hazard on or adjacent to roadway.

A vertical rectangle is usually used for regulatory signs, such as speed limits.

A tall white sign sets a rule you must follow, not a choice you may make.

VERTICAL RECTANGLE: Usually used for regulatory signs (such as speed limits).

Orange on a sign warns of construction or maintenance.

Orange means people and machines may be on the road, so you must be ready to slow or stop.

ORANGE: Construction or maintenance warning.

Brown on a sign gives guidance to public recreation and scenic places.

Brown signs point to parks and sights, so you do not mistake them for a warning.

BROWN: Public recreation and scenic guidance.

A round sign warns of a railroad crossing ahead.

The round shape gives you early notice of tracks, while there is still time to slow down.

ROUND: Warning of railroad crossing ahead.

What does red on a traffic device mean?

You must stop. Red is kept for stop so that you can act on it at a glance, before you read a word. Mississippi Driver's License Manual, p.27: “RED: Stop. If you see red on a traffic device, STOP.”