Traffic Signs, Signs, Everywhere a Sign
Traffic signs are basically low-tech versions of traffic lights. Kind of like how everyone used to talk through aluminum cans in the 1980s before the phone was invented.
Keep in mind while reading the below definitions that you can often tell something about a sign based on its shape or color. For example, red signs generally mean that you should stop or that you may be going the wrong way. Yellow means that you should proceed with caution. White means that the sign is probably located directly beneath a bird’s nest.
Stop - You know this one. This is the sign you used to put on your bedroom door to keep your mom from coming in and going through all of your stuff. When you see this sign, bring your vehicle to a complete stop, usually at a painted white line called a “limit line”. If you don’t see such a line, stop at the corner.
Yield - This sign indicates that you must reduce speed and be prepared to stop completely if anyone else is passing in front of you. It also means that you should not immediately turn and follow anyone home. (Okay, you got us - it doesn’t mean that, but you really shouldn’t do that. It’s more than a little creepy.)
Do Not Enter - This sign is pretty hard to remember. Too bad they don’t WRITE WHAT IT MEANS ON THE SIGN ITSELF. Hopefully you’re picking up on our sarcasm here. If you see this sign, do not enter wherever it is telling you not to enter. There’s probably a good reason for it.
Wrong Way - Once again, there is no subtlety about what this sign means. Often appearing in conjunction with the Do Not Enter sign, it is telling you that you are going against traffic. While we here at Shmoop urge you to forge your own path in life and not be a follower, this isn’t a good time to be a trailblazer. Pull over, wait until it is safe, and turn your vehicle around so that you are once again going with the flow.
“NO” - Any time you see a sign that has a red circle with a diagonal line through it, it means “NO”. In the example at left, you should not make a U-turn. Other examples include No Left Turn: , No Right Turn: , and No Recycling: . We have yet to see No Country For Old Men, but we hear it’s good.
Ah, time for a little R & R. That’s right: Rest and Relaxation. Let’s just kick back, relax, and—whoa, was that a train?
Similar to the one above, this sign indicates that you are approaching a Railroad Crossing, and should slow down and be prepared to stop if necessary. Even if your particular vehicle is Built Ford Tough, it’s probably not a great idea to attempt to take on a diesel locomotive.
This sign means that children may be present. (See that slightly shorter person in the picture? That’s supposed to be the kid.) If you see anyone in or approaching the crosswalk, come to a stop and allow them to pass. As long as they know the secret password.
Remember that the shapes and colors of traffic signs are very telling. Four-sided diamond-shaped signs are warnings, generally telling you that there may be danger or unfavorable road conditions ahead. White rectangular signs contain a rule that you must follow. Red signs in the shape of a heart mean that Valentine’s Day is right around the corner; have you picked up a box of chocolates for that special someone yet?