Signs, signals and markings in Nevada

By the end of this topic you can

• You can identify a sign's meaning from its shape and color.
• You can respond correctly to every type of traffic light and arrow.
• You can read lane lines and know when you may pass or change lanes.
• You can follow Nevada's curb color code when parking.
• You can use ramp meters, HOV lanes and overhead lane signals.

What you need to know and understand

• Octagon means stop, an inverted triangle means yield, a diamond means warning and a pentagon means school zone or crossing.
• A round sign warns of a railroad crossing ahead; the crossbuck marks the tracks themselves.
• Orange signs mean road work; brown signs mean recreation; blue signs mean driver services.
• A flashing red light means stop, like a stop sign; a flashing yellow light means go on with caution.
• If traffic lights are not working, come to a full stop before going through the intersection.
• Yellow lines separate traffic going in opposite directions; white lines separate lanes going the same way.
• Red curbs mean no stopping, standing or parking; blue curbs are for disabled parking.

Colors and shapes at a glance

• Red: stop, no or do not. White: regulatory rules you must obey.
• Yellow or yellow-green: general warning. Orange: construction and maintenance.
• Green: direction and guidance. Blue: services such as food and lodging. Brown: parks and scenic areas.
• Pennant shape: no passing zone. Shield: route marker for US, interstate and state routes.

Lights and arrows

Stop behind the stop line or crosswalk at a red light. On a steady yellow, stop if you can do so safely; if you are already in the intersection, clear it. Never speed up to beat the light.

A red arrow forbids that movement. A yellow arrow warns the arrow is about to turn red. A green arrow gives a protected turn, but you still yield to pedestrians and anyone already in the intersection. A flashing yellow arrow lets you turn after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians.

Lines on the road and colors on the curb

• Broken white: lane lines, and you may change lanes when safe. Solid white: do not change lanes; it also marks the road edge.
• Broken yellow on your side: passing allowed when safe. Solid yellow on your side or double solid yellow: do not pass.
• Center turn lane: solid and broken yellow lines on each side. Use it only for left turns.
• Dotted white lines can extend lanes through an intersection or mark exit-only lanes on freeways.
• Curbs: white for a brief passenger or mail stop, green for limited-time parking, yellow for loading, red for no stopping, standing or parking, and blue for disabled parking.

Nevada freeway features

Ramp meters: when they are on, stop at the line on red and go on green. They change faster than normal signals. Carpools of two or more may use a marked HOV bypass lane without stopping.

HOV lanes need two or more people per vehicle during posted hours. Motorcycles qualify, but vehicles with more than two axles or towing trailers do not. A double solid white line means you cannot cross into or out of the HOV lane; enter or exit only where the line is broken.

Overhead lane-control signals show a green down arrow with OPEN for a lane you may use, a yellow X with CAUTION or MERGE for a lane with a hazard or ending, and a red X with CLOSED for a lane you must leave.

Common mistakes

• Treating a flashing red light like a yield. It means a full stop, like a stop sign.
• Crossing a double solid white line to dive into or out of a carpool lane.
• Staying in a lane under a red X because traffic looks clear. You must merge out safely.
• Parking briefly at a red curb to run an errand. Red means no stopping, standing or parking.

Test yourself: Signs, signals and markings in Nevada

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

Go deeper

• Learning to Drive in Nevada
• Moving to Nevada
• Nevada Demerit Points and License Suspensions for New Drivers