Alabama Driver Manual Chapter 5 Signs, Signals and Pavement Markings

SIGNS, SIGNALS & PAVEMENT MARKINGS A thorough knowledge of traffic signs, signals and road markings is a must for all drivers. You must know them well enough to recognize them immediately and, in the case of regulatory signs, obey them without hesitation. The greater use of symbols and pictures provides for quicker recognition at higher speeds and at greater distances. It is important for the driver to recognize the shapes and colors of signs, because both are coded to the sign’s message.

The three types of traffic signs are classified according to function The three types of traffic signs are classified according to function. They are regulatory, warning, and informational or guide signs. These signs are known by their shapes and colors.

This eight-sided octagon-shape is used exclusively for stop signs REGULATORY SIGNS Regulatory signs regulate the movement of traffic. They are black and white with some exceptions. They must be obeyed. The STOP is the only 8-sided traffic sign. It means that you must come to a complete stop before entering the intersection ahead and yield to traffic close enough to be an immediate hazard. If there is a crosswalk, stop before entering the crosswalk. This eight-sided octagon-shape is used exclusively for stop signs The driver should immediately recognize that it means stop. STOP Some may have this small supplemental plate which indicates whether other traffic must also stop. 4 - W A Y

This shape is used exclusively for yield signs REGULATORY SIGNS This shape is used exclusively for yield signs The driver should immediately recognize that they are to yield the right of way to other drivers or pedestrians. This may require slowing down and being ready to stop for other traffic including bicycles and pedestrians…as they have the right of way.

Regulatory Sign W R O N G W A Y WRONG WAY White on red background. Motorist is approaching one-way highway or ramp from the wrong direction.

DO NOT ENTER Regulatory Sign Do Not Enter This marks a one-way roadway with traffic coming against you. You must not enter the one-way at this point. DO NOT ENTER

This shape is used exclusively for Railroad Crossings REGULATORY SIGNS This shape is used exclusively for Railroad Crossings The driver should immediately recognize that a railroad crossing is ahead and be prepared to stop if necessary. Approach with caution and be sure all tracks are clear before you cross. This cross buck warns that the crossing is imminent.

REGULATORY SIGNS NO LEFT TURN You must not make a left turn at this intersection

REGULATORY SIGNS NO PARKING ALLOWED You may not park your car in this area even if you stay in the car. HANDICAPPED PARKING You must not park in a space designated for the physically handicapped on either public or private property unless: -the vehicle being parked is operated by a physically handicapped person or under the direction of a physically handicapped person and, -the vehicle visibly displays the handicapped sticker. Handicapped parking is designated with blue writing and a wheelchair.

REGULATORY SIGNS You must not drive to the left of this sign Posted speed limit under normal conditions. There may be maximum and minimum limits posted. You may travel only in the direction indicated by the arrow. At intersections controlled by traffic signals, you MAY NOT make a right or left turn on red if this sign is posted.

These shapes are used exclusively for Warning Signs WARNING SIGNS are black and yellow, except those in construction areas, which are black and orange. These signs are used to warn you of hazardous conditions ahead requiring you to drive with extra caution. Fluorescent yellow indicates pedestrian crossings and school zones. Warning signs are usually diamond shaped, but there are some exceptions. These shapes are used exclusively for Warning Signs SHARP TURN TO THE LEFT CURVE TO THE RIGHT SCHOOL ZONE –Slow down and watch for children. School signs are pentagon shaped.

This shape is used exclusively for No Passing Zone This sign is placed on the left side of a two-lane road to warn of the beginning of a NO PASSING ZONE NO PASSING ZONE

WARNING SIGNS WINDING ROAD AHEAD SIDE ROAD ENTERS HIGHWAY AHEAD FROM THE RIGHT

WARNING SIGNS DIVIDED HIGHWAY AHEAD YOU WILL BE MERGING WITH OTHER TRAFFIC TRAVELING IN THE SAME DIRECTION. DRIVERS ENTERING FROM THE RIGHT MUST YIELD TO TRAFFIC ON THE MAIN ROUTE, AND MUST MAKE USE OF SPEED CHANGE LANES TO MERGE SMOOTHLY AND SAFELY WITH THE MAIN TRAFFIC FLOW.

YELLOW COLOR SIGNS OR THE ROAD AHEAD GOES DOWNHILL YELLOW COLOR SIGNS NUMBER OF HIGHWAY LANES CHANGE AHEAD. RAILROAD CROSSING AHEAD. YOU MUST SLOW DOWN, LOOK CAREFULLY IN BOTH DIRECTIONS AND BE PREPARED TO STOP YOU MUST YIELD TO PEDESTRIANS IN THE CROSSWALK SCHOOL ZONE SLOW DOWN AND WATCH FOR CHILDREN CROSSING WORKERS IN OR NEAR THE ROADWAY. SLIPPERY WHEN WET CONSTRUCTION

WARNING SIGNS THERE IS A STOP SIGN’ AHEAD THERE IS A BUMP AHEAD. SLOW DOWN!! WATCH FOR DEER CROSSING THE ROAD

ORANGE COLOR SIGNS FLAGMAN AHEAD Orange color warning signs are used as a background color for construction and maintenance.

This shape is used exclusively for slow-moving vehicles. Traffic signs have shapes that denote specific meaning. This shape is found on slow-moving vehicles. Examples would be farm tractors, road maintenance vehicles and street sweepers. This shape is used exclusively for slow-moving vehicles. Extra caution must be exercised as these vehicles can unexpectedly stop or turn into quickly into your pathway without warning.

INFORMATIONAL OR GUIDE SIGNS inform and direct motorists, and are green and white for motorist directions; blue and white for services; and brown and white for points of public recreational or cultural interest.

INFORMATIONAL AND GUIDE SIGNS. These shapes are used for various route signs Their colors and shapes denote specific meanings COUNTY ROAD STATE ROUTES INTERSTATE ROUTES U.S ROUTES

INFORMATIONAL AND GUIDE SIGNS M I L E 4 2 3 MILEPOSTS To assist drivers in pinpointing locations and to provide a means for indentifying the location of emergency incidents, and to aid in highway maintenance and servicing. Mileposts are erected along most sections of the state’s highways. Zero mileage should begin at the south and the west state lines or at junctions where routes begin.

PAVEMENT MARKINGS Generally, there are 4 types of payment markings: Centerline striping, edge striping, crosswalks, pavement messages Centerlines: The centerline is the painted stripe in the center of the road, which separates traffic proceeding in opposite directions. Centerlines are to be painted yellow on two lane highways and white on multi-lane highways and one way streets.

PAVEMENT MARKINGS - - - - - - - - - - - CENTERLINES Broken lines are used in areas where there are no restrictions on passing when safe to do so. In areas where passing is not allowed, a SOLID yellow line is painted alongside the broken line. If passing is not allowed for traffic in both directions, the broken line will be replaced by TWO solid yellow lines. you - - - - - - - - - - - If the line closest to you lane is solid, you may not cross over it except to turn left into a driveway or alley.

PAVEMENT MARKINGS Lane Dividers – when a roadway consist of two or more lanes of traffic for vehicles moving in the same direction, the lanes are broken white lines. Passing is permitted Edge Stripping – White edge stripping = marks outer edge of the roadway and it may be crossed by drivers moving to and from the shoulder Yellow Edge Stripping = Used to mark the left side of the highway where vehicles can’t pull entirely off the roadway

PAVEMENT MARKINGS White solid line: A normal solid white line is used to delineate the edge of a travel lane where travel in the same direction is permitted on both sides of the line but crossing the line is discouraged. A white solid line is used for emphasis where crossing requires unusual care. Double solid white lines: A double solid white line is used to delineate a travel lane where travel is the same direction and is permitted on both sides of the line, but CROSSING the double lines is PROHIBITED.

PAVEMENT MARKINGS Crosswalks – White solid lines are used to denote pedestrian crosswalks at intersections and, in some situations, between intersections. Drivers MUST stop at all crosswalks occupied by pedestrians, if not controlled by signals.

PAVEMENT MARKINGS Pavement messages: In some areas, pavement messages are used to warn of conditions ahead, such as SCHOOL ZONE, RR CROSSING, etc. Such messages are lettered on the road surface in white paint.

PAVEMENT MARKINGS Multi-lane, two-way roadway, with two way left turn lane reserved exclusively for left turning vehicles in either direction. A center traffic lane enclosed by double yellow lines on each side with inner lines broken may be used to start and complete left turns and start U turns from either direction of traffic, but cannot be used for passing. you You must signal and completely enter the lane before making your left hand turn. You may not drive in this lane. Don’t stop partway into the lane, with your vehicle blocking traffic. Watch out for vehicles coming from the opposite direction that are pulling into a center turn lane.

Four-Lane Highway Roadway A: Roadway B: Multi-lane, two-way roadway, crossing the centerline permitted only as part of a left turn maneuver. Roadway B: Multi-lane, two-way roadway, with two left turn lane reserved exclusively for left turning vehicles in either direction

Four-Lane Highway Roadway C: Divided roadways, multi-lane with divider (non-traversable) and no clearance for inner vehicle inner edge of the through lane

TRAFFIC SIGNALS Traffic lights: position of lights and sequence The most common type of traffic light has three lenses. Red is on the top, yellow in the middle, and green on the bottom. The lighting sequence is: green to yellow, yellow to red and red to green. The duration of each will depend upon the intersection.

If it is not allowed you must wait for the light to turn green. TRAFFIC SIGNALS Traffic lights: solid or circular red A solid, steady red light means to stop completely behind the limit line, crosswalk, or before entering the intersection. You must wait for the green light to proceed. If there is no prohibiting sign, a right turn on red, and in certain instances, left turns are allowed. You must make a complete stop before turning. If it is allowed, you must yield to all traffic and pedestrians. NO TURN ON RED If it is not allowed you must wait for the light to turn green.

Traffic lights: solid or circular yellow A solid, steady yellow traffic light means to clear the intersection. If follows a green signal. You must not enter the intersection when the red signal comes on.

Traffic lights: solid or circular green A solid green traffic light means that you may proceed straight through or make a turn after the intersection is cleared of vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians. A sign may prohibit a turn or turns. You may make a right, left turn, or U turn on a green light, unless it is prohibited by a sign. However, you must yield the right of way to on-coming vehicles and bicycles, and pedestrians.

You vs. The Train You Lose! Railroad Crossings Railroad Crossing without an Arm ALWAYS STOP WHEN LIGHTS ARE FLASHING BECAUSE A TRAIN IS NEAR Railroad Crossing with an Arm Stop when the lights begin to flash Remained Stopped until the gates are raised Things to Remember: Always approach RR crossings with caution Always check ALL sets of tracks You vs. The Train You Lose!

TRAFFIC SIGNALS Traffic lights: green arrow A green arrow means that you may proceed in the direction that the arrow points after you yield the right of way to any vehicle, bicycle, or pedestrian still in the intersection. Horizontal green arrows are used to control traffic in a left or right turn lane. Vertical green arrows control straight through traffic in a specified lane. A horizontal green arrow pointing to the left or right means that you may make a protected turn, meaning that all other traffic is stopped with red lights. Be ready to obey the red, yellow and green arrows in the same way as you would obey in the standard traffic signal.

Arrows are used to Control Specific Turning Movements

Lane Use Control Signals A driver facing this indication shall not drive in the lane over which the signal is located. May also be indicated with a red light. A driver facing this indication is permitted to drive in the lane over which the arrow signal is located. May also be a green light. A driver facing this indication should move to a lane with a green light. May also be a yellow light.