Signs, signals and markings in California

By the end of this topic you can

• You can identify signs by shape and color.
• You can explain each traffic signal, including flashing lights and arrows.
• You can read yellow and white lane lines and know when you may cross them.
• You can explain the meaning of each colored curb.
• You can respond correctly to a wrong-way warning.

What you need to know and understand

• An eight-sided sign is always STOP; a five-sided sign marks a school zone; a diamond warns of hazards ahead.
• A round yellow sign or an X-shaped sign warns of a railroad crossing.
• A flashing red light means stop, then go when safe; a flashing yellow light means slow down and take care.
• A flashing yellow arrow means you may turn left but must yield to oncoming traffic.
• Never cross double solid yellow lines to pass; two sets of double yellow lines two feet or more apart are a barrier.
• Never cross double solid white lines, which often separate carpool lanes.
• Red curb: no stopping or parking. White: passenger loading. Green: limited time. Yellow: loading. Blue: disabled parking.

Reading signals and arrows

• Solid red: stop. You may turn right after a full stop unless a sign says no.
• Red arrow: stop and do not turn until the green light or arrow.
• Solid yellow: stop if you safely can; the light is about to turn red.
• Yellow arrow: the protected turn is ending.
• Solid green: go, but yield to anyone still in the intersection.
• Green arrow: a protected turn; oncoming traffic has a red light.
• Pedestrian countdown: shows seconds left; a flashing hand means do not start crossing, but drivers must still yield to people already crossing.

Shapes and colors that warn you

Red and white signs such as YIELD, DO NOT ENTER and WRONG WAY are orders. If you see WRONG WAY, or red reflectors shining back at you at night, you are against traffic: pull over, turn around or back out when safe. A red circle with a red slash means an action is not allowed. White rectangles state rules, such as speed limits. Yellow diamonds warn of curves, merges and other hazards, and you must obey warning signs whatever their shape.

Lane lines, carpool lanes and curbs

Yellow lines separate traffic going in opposite directions. You may pass across a broken yellow line on your side when it is safe. White lines separate lanes going the same way. Large broken lines mean your lane is ending. A row of white triangles is a yield line.

Carpool (HOV) lanes carry a diamond symbol. Use them only if your vehicle carries at least the number of people shown on the signs, during the hours posted. Motorcycles may usually use them unless signs say otherwise. The old clean-air vehicle decals no longer let solo drivers use carpool lanes: that program ended on September 30, 2025. Enter and leave only where the lines are broken.

California curb colors are tested often. Red means no stopping, standing or parking. White means stop only to pick up or drop off passengers. Green means limited-time parking. Yellow means loading for the posted time. Blue is for people with a disabled placard or plates. Our guide to curb colors and hill parking goes deeper.

Common mistakes

• Treating a flashing yellow arrow as a protected turn. You must yield to oncoming traffic.
• Crossing a double white line to enter or leave a carpool lane.
• Stopping briefly at a red curb to drop someone off. Use a white curb instead.
• Ignoring a diamond warning sign because it is not a regulatory sign.

Test yourself: Signs, signals and markings in California

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

Go deeper

• California DMV Points, Traffic Violator School and Suspension
• California 50 Hours Driving Log
• California AB 60 Driver’s License