Signs, signals and markings in Alabama

By the end of this topic you can

• You can tell regulatory, warning and guide signs apart by shape and color.
• You can respond correctly to steady and flashing signals and turn arrows.
• You can read center lines and lane lines to know when passing is allowed.
• You can understand lane use signals over freeway lanes.
• You can recognize railroad crossing warnings and know what each requires.

What you need to know and understand

• Regulatory signs are mostly black and white and must be obeyed.
• Warning signs are usually yellow and black diamonds. Construction signs are orange and black.
• Fluorescent yellow signs mark pedestrian crossings and school zones.
• Guide signs are green for directions, blue for services and brown for recreation and culture.
• A flashing red light means the same as a STOP sign.
• The round yellow railroad warning sign is placed about 750 feet before the tracks.

Reading a sign by its shape and color

• Red octagon: STOP. Come to a complete stop at the stop line, or before the crosswalk if there is no line.
• Red and white triangle: YIELD. Slow down and stop if needed for pedestrians and cross traffic.
• White on red WRONG WAY or DO NOT ENTER: you are about to enter a one-way road or ramp against traffic.
• Black and white rectangle: regulatory rules such as speed limits, NO TURN ON RED and lane-use arrows.
• Yellow diamond: hazards ahead such as curves, narrowing roads and merges.
• Round yellow sign with an X and RR: railroad crossing ahead.

Traffic signals and arrows

Steady red means stop and stay stopped, though right turns, and some left turns from one-way streets, are allowed after stopping. Steady yellow warns that red is next, so clear the intersection. Steady green means go, yielding to vehicles and pedestrians already in the intersection.

A green arrow lets you make the turn shown while opposing traffic is stopped. A yellow arrow means that protected turn is ending. Over some freeway lanes you will see lane use signals: a steady red X means do not use that lane, a steady yellow X means you may use the lane but with extra caution because of a possible hazard, and a green arrow means the lane is open.

Lines on the road

• Yellow center lines separate traffic moving in opposite directions on two-lane roads.
• Broken center line: you may pass when it is safe.
• Solid yellow line on your side: you may not pass.
• Double solid yellow lines: no passing for traffic in either direction.
• Broken white lines divide lanes going the same way and may be crossed to pass.
• Double solid white lines: same-direction lanes that you must not cross.
• Solid white edge line: marks the outside edge of the lane. Cross it only to move to or from the shoulder.

Railroad crossing warnings

Near a crossing you may see an X and RR painted on the road, a crossbuck sign, flashing red lights or gates. Stop when the lights flash and stay stopped until the gates are fully up and the lights stop. It is against the law to drive around lowered gates. Mileposts along Alabama's main highways count up from the south and west state lines, which helps you tell emergency services exactly where you are.

Common mistakes

• Treating a flashing red light like a flashing yellow. Flashing red means a full stop.
• Passing when the solid yellow line is on your side because the other side has a broken line.
• Turning on a yellow arrow after it has gone out. Once it ends, the protected turn is over.
• Confusing blue service signs with green direction signs when looking for an exit.

Test yourself: Signs, signals and markings in Alabama

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

Go deeper

• What to Expect at an Alabama Traffic Stop
• Alabama 50 Hours Driving
• Alabama GDL Law