Route markers and guide signs — North Carolina Permit Test

Odd-numbered highways generally run north and south, and even-numbered highways run east and west.

The number on a route sign tells you its direction before you have a map out. Odd goes up and down the map, even across it.

Odd-numbered highways generally run north and south. • Even-numbered highways generally run east and west.

U.S. highway route markers are shield-shaped, North Carolina route markers are diamond-shaped, N.C. secondary road signs are rectangular, and interstate highways are marked by a red, white and blue shield.

The shape of a route marker says which system the road belongs to. A diamond is a state road, a shield is a U.S. or interstate one.

North Carolina route markers are diamond shaped.

Do not endanger other drivers by stopping in the middle of the road to read a sign; when safe, move to the shoulder and work out where you are.

A car stopped in the lane to read a sign is a crash for the driver behind. The shoulder costs nothing.

Do not endanger other drivers by stopping in the middle of the road to read a sign. When safe to do so, move to the shoulder of the road and wait until you have figured out where you are and which route you should take.

Which direction does an odd-numbered highway generally run?

North and south. The number on a route sign tells you its direction before you have a map out. Odd goes up and down the map, even across it. North Carolina Driver Handbook, p.85: “Odd-numbered highways generally run north and south. • Even-numbered highways generally run east and west.”