Know the Road
Reading the Road
Pavement Markings
Lines and symbols on the roadway divide lanes, tell you when you may pass other vehicles or change lanes, which lanes to use for turns, where you must stop for signs or traffic signals, and define pedestrian walkways. These provide lane control.
Edge Lines
Edge lines are solid lines along the side of the road that show you where the edge of the road is located.
- Solid White Lines are used on the right of the roadway edge.
- Solid Yellow Lines are used on the left of the roadway edge of divided streets or roadways.
Lane Lines
Lane lines are white lines that separate multiple lanes traveling in the same direction.
- Dashed White Lines are between lanes of traffic moving in the same direction that indicate you may cross to change lanes if it is safe to do so.
- Solid White Lines are between lanes of traffic that indicate you should stay in your lane unless a special situation requires you to change lanes.
Center Lines
Center lines are yellow lines that separate lanes of traffic moving in opposite directions.
- Dashed Yellow Lines separate single lanes of traffic moving in opposite directions. Passing is allowed.
- Yield Lines are used at locations where drivers are required to yield, such as a mid-block crosswalk.
- Dashed Yellow Line Alongside a Solid Yellow Line indicates that passing is permitted on the side of the broken line, but not on the side of the solid line.
- Solid Double Yellow Lines are used where there are lanes with traffic moving in opposite directions. Two solid lines mark the center of the roadway. Solid yellow lines may be crossed to make a left turn to or from an alley, private road, driveway, or street.
Crosswalks and Stop Lines. When required to stop because of a sign or signal, you must stop before your vehicle reaches the stop line. Crosswalks define the area where pedestrians may cross the roadway. You must yield to pedestrians in or about to enter a crosswalk. Not all crosswalks are marked. Be alert for pedestrians when crossing intersections.
Reserved Lanes. On various roadways, one or more lanes may be reserved for special vehicles. Reserved lanes are marked by signs stating that the lane is reserved for special use and often have a white diamond posted at the side of the road or painted on the road surface. The following apply:
- “Transit” or “bus” means the lane is for bus use only.
- “Bicycle” means the lane is reserved for bicycles.
- “HOV” stands for “High Occupancy Vehicles;” a diamond-shaped marker indicates lanes reserved for vehicles with more than one person in them. Signs are posted that say how many people must be in the vehicle.
Shared Center Lane
These center lanes are reserved for making left turns (or U-turns when they are permitted), but can be used by vehicles traveling in both directions. On the pavement, left-turn arrows for traffic in one direction alternate with left-turn arrows for traffic coming from the other direction. These lanes are marked on each side by solid yellow and dashed yellow lines. In some areas, the shared center lane becomes a “reversible lane” during rush hours. Be sure you can enter the lane and that it is safe before you do so.
Reversible Lanes
Some travel lanes are designed to carry traffic in one direction at certain times and in the opposite direction at other times. These lanes are usually marked by double-dashed yellow lines. Before you start driving in them, check to see which lanes you can use at that time. There may be signs posted by the side of the road or overhead. Special lights are often used. A green arrow means you can use the lane beneath it; a red “X” means you cannot. A flashing yellow “X” means the lane is only for turning. A steady yellow “X” means that the use of the lane is changing and you should move out of it as soon as it is safe to do so.
Other Markings
A driver must be aware of the following additional pavement markings:
- Yellow or white diagonal stripes are used to mark fixed obstructions.
- Solid white or yellow lines are sometimes used to channel traffic around a hazard. A double solid white line prohibits lane changing.
- Curb markings, fire lanes and pavement markings may be designated as “No Parking” areas by local authorities. A bicycle sharrow, two chevrons painted above a bicycle symbol on the road, indicates the lane is shared.
- Vehicle or bicycle traffic may be in the lane. Although you should always keep on the lookout for bicyclists, this serves as an additional warning to watch for bicycles in the lane.
Traffic Signals
Traffic signals are lights that tell you when or where to stop and go. A green light means you can go if it is safe. A yellow light means caution, and a red light means stop. Traffic lights are usually at intersections and are green, yellow, and red (bottom to top) when together. There are some intersections and other locations where there are single green, yellow, or red lights.
Traffic Lights and Signals
Red traffic lights mean stop. You must wait until the traffic light turns green and there is no crossing traffic before you may move ahead. If you are turning right on red, you may turn after coming to a full stop and checking to make sure that there is no oncoming traffic and no sign prohibiting the turn on a red light. Watch out for pedestrians crossing in front of your vehicle.
Yellow traffic lights mean the traffic light is about to change to red. You must stop if it is safe to do so. If you are in the intersection when the yellow light comes on, do not stop-continue through the intersection.
Green traffic lights mean you can go through the intersection. You must yield to emergency vehicles and others as required by law. If you are stopped and then the light turns green, you must allow crossing traffic to clear the intersection before you go ahead. If you are turning left, a steady green traffic light means you may turn but only when safe to do so. If you are turning right, yield to pedestrians crossing the street.
Flashing Lights
A flashing red traffic light means the same as a stop sign. You must come to a full stop and you may proceed when it is safe to do so.
A flashing yellow traffic light means slow down and proceed with caution.
Arrows
A red arrow means you must stop and you cannot go in the direction of the arrow. You may proceed when the red arrow goes out and a green arrow or light goes on.
A yellow arrow means that the protection of a green arrow is ending; if you are turning in the direction of the arrow, you should prepare to stop.
A green arrow means you can safely turn in the direction of the arrow. There should be no on-coming or crossing traffic while the arrow is green.
High-Intensity Activated CrossWalK (HAWK) Signals
A pedestrian signal activated by a push button. The HAWK is composed of a circular yellow signal centered under two horizontally-aligned circular red signals. When activated, vehicles must come to a complete stop as the pedestrian crosses. Then vehicles may move once the pedestrians have finished crossing.
Dark — HAWK signal has not been activated. Vehicles proceed through pedestrian crossing.
Flashing Yellow — Pedestrian has activated the HAWK signal.
Solid Yellow — Pedestrian signal is about to change. Motorists are notified their movement is ending and a red signal will be displayed.
Solid Red — Pedestrians in crosswalk. Motorists must stop.
Flashing Red — The HAWK signal is about to deactivate. Drivers must stop but may proceed when pedestrians have cleared the crosswalk.
Traffic Signs
Traffic signs tell you about traffic rules, hazards, where you are, how to get where you are going, and where certain services are located. The shapes and colors of these signs give clues about the types of information they provide.
Shapes
Octagon: Stop
The octagon (eight-sided) shape always means stop. You must come to a complete stop at the sign, stop line, pedestrian crosswalk or curb. Then, yield the right-of-way to any vehicle or pedestrian approaching from either direction.
Triangle: Yield
Slow down to a speed reasonable for the conditions and yield the right-of-way. Stop if necessary.
Diamond: Warning
These signs warn you of special conditions or hazards ahead. Drive with caution and be ready to slow down or stop.
Rectangle/square: Regulatory, Warning, and Guide Vertical signs generally give instructions or tell you the law. Horizontal signs may give directions or information.
Rectangle/square: Regulatory, Warning, and Guide
Vertical signs generally give instructions or tell you the law. Horizontal signs may give directions or information.
Pentagon: School Zone and School Crossing
The pentagon (five-sided) shape marks school zones and warns you about school crossings. Signs may have a separate downward-pointing arrow plaque, which indicates the actual location of the crosswalk.
Circle: Railroad Crossing
A circular sign indicates that you are approaching a railroad crossing. Slow down, look and listen for trains.
Pennant: No Passing Zone
This three-sided sign is shaped like a pennant. When used, the sign is on the left side of a two-lane, two-way roadway. It is posted at the beginning of a NO-PASSING ZONE where “no-passing” pavement markings are also used.
Colors
All red signs are regulatory signs and must be obeyed.
They include STOP, YIELD, DO NOT ENTER or WRONG WAY.
Some black and white signs are regulatory signs and must be obeyed. Other black and white signs are used as route markers and are illustrated in the “Guide Signs” section.
Yellow is used for warning signs. These signs tell you of road conditions and dangers ahead.
Orange is also used for warning signs . They alert you to possible dangers ahead due to construction and maintenance projects.
Green is used for guide signs . They tell you where you are, which way to go and the distance.
Fluorescent yellow- green may be used for pedestrian, bicycle, and school warning signs.
Blue is also used for guide signs . They tell you about services along the roadway.
Brown is used for parks and recreation signs.
Regulatory Signs
These signs are square, rectangular, or have a special shape and are usually white, red, or black with black, red, white, or green letters or symbols. They give you information about rules for traffic direction, lane use, turning, speed, parking, and other special situations. Some regulatory signs have a red circle with a red slash over a symbol. These signs prohibit certain actions, i.e., “no left turn,” “no right turn,” “no U-turn,” etc.
Common types of regulatory signs are:
Stop Sign
A stop sign has eight sides and is red with white letters. You must come to a full and complete stop at a stop sign or stop line, if one is present. You must wait until crossing vehicles and pedestrians have cleared. You may pull forward only when it is safe to do so.
Yield Sign
A yield sign is a downward pointing triangle. It is red and white with red letters. It means you must slow down and yield the right-of-way to traffic in the intersection you are crossing or roadway you are entering.
Do Not Enter Sign
A square sign with a white horizontal line inside a red ball means you cannot enter. You will see this sign at road way openings that you should not enter, such as exit ramps where you would be going in the wrong direction, crossovers on divided roadways, and at numerous locations on one-way streets.
Wrong Way
This sign is used to identify a one-way street, expressway ramp or the wrong direction or wrong side of a divided highway. Do not drive past this sign — turn around.
No U-Turn
U-turns prohibited. Special mention should be made of “NO U-TURN” signs that are posted on divided highways or expressways. You may see one where there is an opening in the divided highway that leads to the other side.
Movement Prohibition
These signs indicate movements that are prohibited from a lane or approach. These signs can be located on the side of the road or hanging over the lane of travel. Sometimes arrows are painted on the road as a supplement to the sign.
One Way
These signs are used on one-way streets or driveways. You must always go only in the direction of the arrow.
Lane Use Control
This sign indicates permitted movement from a lane.
Keep Right
This sign tells you where to drive when you approach traffic islands, medians or other obstructions in the middle of the roadway. You must drive to the side indicated by the arrow.
No Passing Signs
These signs tell you where passing is not permitted. Passing areas are based on how far you can see ahead. They consider unseen hazards such as hills and curves, intersections, driveways, and other places where a vehicle may enter the roadway. These signs, along with pavement markings, indicate where you can pass another vehicle, the beginning and ending of a passing zone, or where you may not pass. Where it is permitted to pass, you may do so only if it is safe. Be aware of road conditions and other vehicles.
Disabled Parking
Parking spaces marked with these signs are reserved for individuals with disabled parking privileges.
Speed Limit
The sign indicates the maximum speed that should be driven on the roadway.
Warning Signs
These signs are usually yellow with black lettering or symbols; most are diamond-shaped. These signs warn you to slow down and be prepared to stop if necessary. They warn you that a special situation or a hazard is ahead. Some common warning signs are shown.
Signal Ahead
Traffic signals are ahead. Slow down and prepare to stop.
Stop Ahead
A stop sign is ahead. Slow down and prepare to stop.
Reduction in Lanes
This sign is used on multi-lane highways to warn you of a reduction in the number of traffic lanes in the direction you are traveling. Be prepared to change lanes or to allow other vehicles to merge into your lane.
No Passing
This sign marks the beginning of a no passing zone. You may not pass cars ahead of you in your lane.
Merge
Two lanes of traffic are about to become one. Drivers in both lanes are responsible for merging smoothly.
Pedestrian Crossing
Watch for people crossing your path. Be prepared to slow down and stop. Signs may have a separate downward-pointing arrow plaque, which indicates the actual location of the crosswalk.
School Zone
Slow down – School grounds nearby. Watch out for children crossing the street or playing. Be ready to stop. Obey signals from any crossing guards.
Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB)
Designed to allow pedestrians to safely cross streets with high volumes of traffic at uncontrolled approached to unsignalized intersections or mid-block pedestrian crossings.
Slippery when Wet
When pavement is wet, reduce your speed. Do not brake hard or change direction suddenly. Increase the distance between your car and the one ahead. These actions are needed on all wet roads and especially on roads where this sign is posted.
Two-Way Road Way
This sign tells you that you are leaving a divided roadway and will be driving on a two-way highway.
Advisory Speed Plaque
Usually installed below another warning sign. This sign is used to indicate the advisory speed for a condition.
These signs are usually yellow with black lettering or symbols; most are diamond-shaped. These signs warn you to slow down and be prepared to stop if necessary. They warn you that a special situation or a hazard is ahead. Some common warning signs are shown.
Divided Highway Begins
The highway ahead is split into two separate roadways by a median or divider and each roadway is one-way. Keep right.
Change in Direction
This sign warns you of a change in direction or narrowing of the road. You may find several of these signs on the outside of a sharp curve or on approaches to a narrow bridge.
Intersections Ahead
Four signs warn you of intersections ahead where traffic may exist or where a right or left turn may be required. A sign naming the intersecting road may also be posted.
Crossroad
|
Side Road
|
“T” Intersection
|
“Y” Intersection
|
Turns and Curves
Certain signs are posted before turns and curves. The shape of the arrow tells you what to expect. A small sign showing the maximum safe speed may also be posted below the arrow.
Right and Left Turns Coming
|
Road Curves to Right and Left
|
Road Curves to Right
|
Right Turn Ahead
|
Winding Road Ahead
|
Guide Signs
These are signs that direct a motorist to certain places. They tell you where you are, what road you are on and how to get where you want to go. Most guide signs are rectangular. Listed below are some that you will find frequently along the road.
Route Number Signs
The shape and color of a route number sign indicate the type of roadway: interstate, U.S., state, city, or county road. When planning a trip, use a road map to determine your route. During the trip, follow the route signs to keep from getting lost.
US Route Marker Signs
The shape and color of a route number sign indicate the type of roadway: interstate, U.S., state, city, or county road.
Parks and Recreation
These signs are brown. They guide you to recreational areas and parks.
Service Signs
These signs are square or rectangle shaped and are blue with white letters or symbols. They show the locations of various services, such as rest areas, gas stations, campgrounds, or hospitals.
Destination and Distance Signs
These signs are always green. They direct you to bike routes, parking areas, mileposts and specific exits. Mileposts are placed every mile along the freeway from one end of the state to the other. Zero usually starts at the south and west borders of the state. Mileposts can be used to determine the distance to exits, cities or state lines. By using the milepost number and the exit number, you may compute how far you are from the exit you want to use.
Information Signs
These signs are always green. They include items such as state lines, city limits and other boundaries. You may also find names of streams, elevations, landmarks and other items of geographical interest.
Work Area Signs
These construction, maintenance, or emergency operations signs are generally diamond or rectangle-shaped and orange with black letters or symbols. These warn you that people are working on or near the roadway. These warnings include reduced speed, detours, slow moving construction equipment, and poor or suddenly changing road surfaces. In work areas, a person with a sign or a flag may control traffic. You must obey these persons.
Detour
This sign is used at the beginning of an alternate route that has been established because a road has been closed.
Flag Person
This sign warns that there is a flag person ahead. Always follow his or her directions. Flaggers normally wear orange or yellow vests, yellow-green shirts or jackets. They use STOP/SLOW paddles and red flags to direct traffic through the work zone and to let workers or construction vehicles cross the road.
Railroad Crossing Signs
Many railroad crossings have signs or signals to warn drivers. Never try to beat a train across the tracks. Never start to cross if there is not room for your vehicle on the far side and if you will have to stop on the tracks; wait until there is room for your vehicle on the far side. It is wise not to shift gears when crossing railroad tracks; you might stall. Remember that trains are large and may be moving faster than they seem to be. A blue colored Emergency Notification System sign can be found at highway-rail grade crossings, and provides the public with a 24/7/365 telephone number to call to report problems or emergencies at these railroad locations. Some common railroad crossing warning signs and signals are shown in the following illustrations.
Railroad Crossing Sign
A round yellow warning sign with an “X” symbol and black “RR” letters is placed along the road before you get to a railroad crossing.
Railroad Crossbuck
A white, X-shaped sign or “crossbuck” with “Railroad Crossing” printed on it is located at the railroad crossing. This sign has the same meaning as a “Yield” sign. You must yield to crossing trains.
Railroad Crossbuck, Flashing Lights and Gate
Gates are used with flashing light signals at some crossings. Stop when the lights begin to flash and before the gate lowers. Remain stopped until the gates are raised and the lights stop flashing. Do not attempt to drive around the lowered gate. Also, pedestrians may not cross railroad tracks when warned of a train by an automatic signal, crossing gates, flagman or law enforcement officer.
Message Boards
You may see portable or permanent message boards along the highway. They may provide information about traffic, road, weather or other hazardous conditions. Always obey any directions posted on these message boards. For information about road conditions or road construction, visit the Connecticut Department of Transportation Web site at www.ct.gov/dot.
Study Questions
(Answers can be found at the end of the manual)
8 . A Pentagon shaped sign means
a) There is a railroad crossing
b) There is a No Passing Zone
c) There is a school zone
d) You must yield
9 . Green road signs are
a) Regulatory signs
b) Guide signs
c) Warning signs
d) Used for parks and recreation
10 . Solid yellow lines between lanes indicates
a) Only cars on one side of the lane may pass
b) You may change lanes if you choose to do so
c) Passing is not allowed
d) None of the above