U.S. Road Signs – More Colors and Shapes

Four-sided diamond-shaped signs are used exclusively to warn of existing or possible hazards on roads or adjacent areas.

The five-sided (pentagon) shape is used for school advance and school crossing signs.

White is used for regulatory signs such as speed limit, keep right, and some guide signs like route markers. Black is used for certain regulatory signs, such as One Way signs, and changeable message signs.

The eight-sided shape is exclusively used for stop signs.

Instead of yellow, fluorescent yellow-green may be used for school zone, bicycle, and pedestrian warnings.

Orange is used as a background color for construction and maintenance warning signs. They alert you to possible dangers ahead due to construction and maintenance projects.

A sign showing information about amenities at an upcoming exit is an example of a traffic sign with a blue background.

The pennant shape is used for advance warning of No Passing Zones.

Motorist services signs are white on blue. They direct you to services, such as rest areas, tourist sites, hospitals and hotels, gas stations, eating places, campgrounds or picnic areas. Blue is also used to identify parking spaces for disabled drivers.

Yellow is used for general warnings of specific road conditions and dangers ahead.

Brown is used for recreation and cultural interest areas.

Vertical rectangles and square signs are generally used for regulatory signs. Some warning signs may also have this shape.

Brown is used for recreation and cultural interest areas. A sign showing a nearby state park is an example of a traffic sign with a brown background.

The upside down triangle shape is exclusively used for yield signs.

Destination and distance signs are always green. They direct you to destinations, bike routes, parking areas, and specific exits.

Fluorescent pink is used for emergency traffic incidents.

Green signs indicate exits, distance to cities, interstate interchanges, street or route names, and bicycle routes.

All red signs are regulatory signs and must be obeyed. They indicate stop or prohibition and include signs like: stop, yield, do not enter and wrong way.

The round or circular shape is used for railroad advance warning signs.

Horizontal rectangles are generally used to give directions or information. When vertical, signs are generally used to give instructions or tell you the law.