Signs, signals and markings in Hawaii

By the end of this topic you can

• You can identify a sign's purpose from its color and shape.
• You can respond correctly to steady and flashing signals and to lighted arrows.
• You can read yellow and white pavement lines and know when you may cross them.
• You can follow lane control signals and two-way left turn lanes.
• You can drive safely through a work zone using cones, panels and flaggers.

What you need to know and understand

• Red means an action is prohibited. Yellow, usually on a diamond, warns of a hazard. Orange warns of road work.
• Black and white rectangular signs show a required action, such as a speed limit.
• Green, blue and brown signs give directions and information.
• A flashing red signal means the same as a stop sign. A flashing yellow means proceed with caution.
• Yellow center lines separate traffic going in opposite directions. White lines separate lanes going the same way.
• You must not cross a double solid white line.
• The pennant-shaped yellow No Passing Zone sign sits on the left side of the road.

Key regulatory signs

• Stop sign (eight-sided, red): stop completely at the stop line, or before the crosswalk, or before the intersection, then yield.
• Yield sign (red and white triangle): slow and be ready to stop if other traffic has the right of way.
• Speed limit signs (black and white rectangles): never faster than the maximum or slower than a posted minimum.
• Do Not Pass signs: no passing on two or three-lane roads where posted. Pass With Care marks the end of the zone.

Signals beyond red, yellow and green

A yellow light means red is about to show, so avoid entering the intersection. You must not enter once the light is red. A green arrow means you may go only in the arrow's direction. Over some lanes you will see lane control signals: a red X means do not use that lane, a green arrow means you may use it, and a steady yellow X means move out of it. A flashing yellow X means you may use the lane only to turn left.

Pedestrian signals show WALK or a walking person, and DON'T WALK or a raised hand. A flashing hand means people should not start to cross, but those already crossing may finish.

Reading the lines on the road

• Single broken yellow line: you may cross to pass when it is safe.
• Double solid yellow lines: no passing either way. Cross only to turn left into or out of an alley, private road or driveway.
• Single solid white line: changing lanes is hazardous. Cross only in unusual circumstances, with great care.
• Double solid white lines: lane changes are prohibited.
• Two-way left turn lane (solid and broken yellow lines): for left turns only from either direction, never for passing.
• Red markings: a lane or roadway you must not enter.
• Obstruction markings: pass either side of white ones, but only to the right of yellow ones.

Work zones

Orange is the color of road work. Diagonal stripes on barricades point the way: stripes sloping down to the right mean bear right. Flashing arrow panels guide you into open lanes, and flaggers in orange use stop or slow paddles. Slow down and follow their directions.

Common mistakes

• Treating a flashing red light like a yellow. Stop fully, as at a stop sign.
• Using a two-way left turn lane to pass slow traffic. It is for left turns only.
• Speeding up on yellow. Stop if you can do so safely.
• Driving over a painted traffic island. Never drive into or across one.

Test yourself: Signs, signals and markings in Hawaii

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

Go deeper

• Driving in Hawaii on an Out-of-State or Foreign License
• Hawaii Driver’s Ed Requirement for Under 18s
• Hawaii Permit Practice Test