Signs, signals and markings in North Carolina

By the end of this topic you can

• You can identify a sign's type from its shape and color.
• You can respond correctly to steady and flashing traffic signals.
• You can read yellow and white pavement lines to know when passing is allowed.
• You can pass the NCDMV road sign test.

What you need to know and understand

• Octagon: stop. Downward triangle: yield. Pentagon: school zone or crossing.
• Round yellow sign: railroad crossing ahead. White X-shaped crossbuck: the crossing itself.
• Yellow diamonds warn of hazards; orange signs mark work zones.
• White rectangles are regulatory; green signs give directions; blue signs show motorist services.
• A yellow pennant on the left side of the road marks the start of a no passing zone.
• Yellow lines separate traffic going in opposite directions; white lines separate lanes going the same way.
• On the sign test, Class C applicants must get 9 of 12 correct.

Reading a sign before you can read the words

• Red: stop, yield or prohibited (a red circle with a slash means the action shown is not allowed).
• Yellow: general warning, such as curves, merges or signals ahead.
• Fluorescent yellow-green: school, pedestrian and bicycle warnings.
• Orange: construction and work zones; slow down and watch for workers.
• Brown: recreation and cultural sites.

Traffic signals

• Steady red: stop behind the line. Right on red is allowed after a full stop unless a sign forbids it.
• Steady yellow: the light is about to turn red; stop if you safely can.
• Steady green: go if the way is clear, yielding to pedestrians and, when turning left, oncoming traffic.
• Green arrow: a protected turn in the arrow's direction.
• Flashing red: stop, then go when safe. Flashing yellow: slow down and proceed with care.
• Signal out of order: treat the intersection like an all-way stop.

Lines on the road

A broken yellow center line means you may pass when it is safe. A solid yellow line on your side means you must not pass. Double solid yellow lines mean no passing from either direction. Solid white lines mark lane edges and discourage lane changes, while broken white lines separate lanes you may change between with care.

Stop lines, crosswalk lines and arrows in turn lanes are all part of the instructions. On the road test, stopping behind the stop line counts.

Common mistakes

• Mixing up the pentagon (school) and the diamond (general warning).
• Thinking a steady yellow light means speed up to beat the red.
• Passing on a solid yellow line on your side because the road looks clear.
• Stopping past the stop line or on the crosswalk at a red light.

Test yourself: Signs, signals and markings in North Carolina

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• North Carolina Permit Practice Test
• Getting a North Carolina Driver’s License at 18 or Over
• How to Get a Driver’s License in NC