Signs, signals and markings in Louisiana
Signs, signals and pavement markings tell you the rules, warn of hazards and guide you to where you are going. In Louisiana, as across the US, the shape and color of a sign tell you its type before you can read it.
The knowledge test leans heavily on this topic, so learn the shapes, the colors and what each light and line means.
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, flashing and arrow signals.
- You can read yellow and white pavement lines.
- You can recognize work zone and incident signs and react safely.
- You can explain what a railroad crossbuck means.
What you need to know and understand
- The octagon is used only for stop signs, and the downward-pointing triangle only for yield signs.
- A sideways-pointing triangle (pennant) marks a no passing zone.
- Yellow diamonds warn of hazards ahead; orange diamonds warn of construction.
- Fluorescent pink signs mark incidents such as hurricanes, crashes or road closures.
- Fluorescent yellow-green is used for pedestrian, bicycle and school warning signs.
- A flashing red light means stop fully, then go when safe, as at a stop sign.
- A white crossbuck at a railroad crossing has the same meaning as a yield sign.
- Red raised pavement markers mean you are facing the wrong way and must not enter.
Colors that tell a story
- Red: stop, yield, do not enter or wrong way.
- Yellow: general warning.
- Orange: temporary traffic control and work zones.
- White: regulatory signs such as speed limits.
- Green: guide and direction signs.
- Blue: traveler services and evacuation routes.
- Brown: recreation and cultural sites.
- Pink: incident management, such as hurricane detours.
Lights and arrows
A steady yellow light warns the signal is about to turn red: stop if you safely can before the stop bar. A flashing yellow means slow down and proceed with care. A green arrow lets you turn in that direction, but still watch for drivers turning right on red from the other side. A red arrow means you may not go that way until the green arrow returns. In some cities signals are mounted horizontally, with red on the left.
Reading the lines
Our separate article on staged crash warning signs in Louisiana covers a different kind of warning sign: the tricks used in insurance fraud.
- Broken yellow center line: you may cross to pass when safe.
- Solid yellow line on your side: no passing.
- Double solid yellow: no passing in either direction, though you may cross to turn.
- Solid and broken yellow lines around a center lane: two-way left-turn lane, for turning only.
- Double solid white: crossing is prohibited, often on interstates.
- An X with two Rs painted in the lane: railroad crossing ahead, and a no passing zone.
Common mistakes
- Treating a steady yellow as a signal to speed up.
- Crossing a double solid white line to change lanes on the interstate.
- Ignoring pink incident signs. Louisiana's move over law applies near roadside incidents.
- Stopping in the middle of a crosswalk at a red light. Stop at the stop line.
Test yourself: Signs, signals and markings in Louisiana
Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.
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Sources: Class D and E Driver's Guide, DPSMV2052 (R08/25) (Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles). Independent guide, not affiliated with any licensing agency. Always check the latest official rules with the Louisiana licensing agency.