Sign shapes — Tennessee Permit Test

A regulatory sign, which tells you about laws such as speed limits or lane uses, is always a rectangle.

Knowing the shape lets you tell a law from a warning even before you can read the words.

For example, a regulatory sign is always a rectangle, telling you about laws and regulations or giving you instructions such as speed limits or lane uses.

The stop sign is the only eight-sided sign on the roadway.

No other sign shares that shape, so you can spot a stop from far off, even at night when color is hard to see.

This sign is the only eight-sided sign on the roadway.

A round sign always means that you are approaching a railroad grade crossing.

A round yellow sign gives you time to slow before the tracks. Seeing it late leaves you little room to stop for a train.

This circular sign always means that you are approaching a railroad grade crossing.

Diamond-shaped signs call for caution and usually for a slower speed.

A diamond warns of something ahead you cannot yet see, such as a sharp curve. Keeping your speed can carry you off the road.

These signs call for caution and usually for a slower speed.

What shape is a regulatory sign, such as a speed limit sign?

A rectangle. Knowing the shape lets you tell a law from a warning even before you can read the words. Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual, p.35: “For example, a regulatory sign is always a rectangle, telling you about laws and regulations or giving you instructions such as speed limits or lane uses.”