Sign meanings and driver awareness

What it means: Come to a complete stop before the limit line, crosswalk, or intersection.

Be aware: Look left, right, and ahead after stopping. Rolling through a stop is still a violation, even when the road looks empty.

Common mistake: Treating it like a yield sign and slowing without fully stopping.

What it means: Slow down and give right-of-way. Stop only if traffic, pedestrians, or cyclists require it.

Be aware: Check the lane you are entering, not just the lane directly in front of you. Be ready to stop before the conflict point.

Common mistake: Stopping every time when the way is already clear, or entering without checking cross traffic.

What it means: This is the maximum legal speed under ideal conditions.

Be aware: The Basic Speed Law can still require you to drive slower in rain, fog, traffic, construction, or poor visibility.

Common mistake: Treating the posted number as always safe instead of a maximum for good conditions.

What it means: Right turns are not allowed at this location.

Be aware: Look for an alternate legal route before the intersection. The restriction may exist because of pedestrians, one-way traffic, or limited visibility.

Common mistake: Turning right after stopping because the way looks clear.

What it means: Left turns are not allowed at this location.

Be aware: Plan to continue straight or make a legal turn later. Do not block traffic while trying to force a turn.

Common mistake: Assuming the sign only applies during rush hour when no time plate is posted.

What it means: U-turns are not allowed at this location.

Be aware: Continue to a place where a U-turn is legal and safe. Watch for one-way streets, traffic signals, and limited sight distance.

Common mistake: Making a quick U-turn because no car is immediately nearby.

What it means: Traffic in this lane must turn left.

Be aware: Get into the correct lane early. If you are in this lane by mistake, do not suddenly cut into another lane.

Common mistake: Continuing straight from a turn-only lane.

What it means: Vehicles in the right lane must turn right.

Be aware: Watch for cyclists and pedestrians before turning. Do not use the lane to pass straight-through traffic.

Common mistake: Entering the lane to skip traffic, then trying to continue straight.

What it means: This lane is reserved for vehicles meeting the posted carpool or HOV requirement.

Be aware: Check the occupancy requirement and posted hours before entering. Enter and exit only where lane markings allow it.

Common mistake: Using the lane alone because traffic is moving slowly in regular lanes.

What it means: This lane is designated for bicycle travel.

Be aware: Check for cyclists before turning across the lane. You may enter a bike lane only when the law allows, such as before a turn.

Common mistake: Driving in the bike lane as if it were a shoulder or extra traffic lane.

What it means: Passing other vehicles is not allowed here.

Be aware: There may be limited sight distance, curves, hills, intersections, or oncoming traffic risk.

Common mistake: Starting a pass because the center line looks briefly clear.

What it means: Bicyclists may legally use the full travel lane where posted.

Be aware: Slow down and wait for a safe, legal passing opportunity with enough clearance.

Common mistake: Crowding a cyclist because there is no painted bike lane.