Signs, signals and markings in Washington
Washington uses the national system of road signs, signals and markings, so shapes and colors tell you a lot before you can read the words. The knowledge test includes sign questions, and you need to read them quickly on the road.
This page covers the meaning of shapes, colors, lights and pavement lines, and the Washington laws that go with them.
By the end of this topic you can
- You can identify stop, yield, warning and regulatory signs by shape and color.
- You can say what to do at each traffic light, including a steady yellow.
- You can explain the meaning of yellow and white pavement lines.
- You can describe where you may not stop or park near signs and crossings.
What you need to know and understand
- An eight-sided red sign means stop. A downward triangle means yield.
- Yellow diamond signs warn of hazards. White rectangles state rules. Orange signs mark work zones.
- A steady red light means stop at the stop line, or before the crosswalk or intersection if there is no line.
- A steady yellow light warns that red is coming. Stop if you can do so safely.
- Yellow center lines separate traffic going in opposite directions. White lines separate lanes going the same way.
- Do not park within 30 feet of a stop sign, yield sign or signal on the approach, or within 20 feet of a crosswalk.
Reading signs by shape and color
Rules on regulatory signs are the law. Warning signs tell you to slow down and get ready.
- Octagon (red): stop completely.
- Triangle pointing down (red and white): yield to traffic and pedestrians.
- Diamond (yellow): warning, such as curves, merges or a signal ahead.
- Pentagon (yellow-green or yellow): school zone or school crossing.
- Round (yellow): railroad crossing ahead.
- Rectangle (white): regulatory rules, such as speed limits.
- Orange: construction and work zones, where fines are doubled.
- Green, blue and brown: directions, services and recreation areas.
Traffic lights and arrows
At a steady red, stop at the marked stop line. With no line, stop before the crosswalk, and with no crosswalk, before the intersection. A steady yellow warns that the green is ending and red will follow. Stop if you can do so safely; only continue with care if you are too close to stop safely.
A green arrow lets you make only the movement it points to, while still yielding to vehicles and pedestrians already in the intersection. A flashing red works like a stop sign, and a flashing yellow means go ahead with caution.
Lines on the road
Yellow lines divide opposite directions. A broken yellow line means you may pass when it is safe. A solid yellow line on your side means do not pass. White lines divide lanes going the same way, and a solid white line means stay in your lane.
A diamond symbol marks a high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane, reserved for vehicles with the number of people shown on the signs. Stop lines and crosswalks are white. Our Washington knowledge test guide has more sign practice.
Common mistakes
- Treating a yellow light as a signal to speed up. Stop for it if you can do so safely.
- Stopping past the stop line. Stop at the line, or before the crosswalk if there is no line.
- Using an HOV lane alone. Check the sign for how many people the lane needs.
- Parking too close to a stop sign. Keep at least 30 feet back on the approach.
Test yourself: Signs, signals and markings in Washington
Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.
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Sources: Washington Driver Guide (Washington State Department of Licensing); RCW 46.61.055 Traffic control signal legend (Washington State Legislature, app.leg.wa.gov); RCW 46.61.570 Stopping, standing, or parking prohibited in specified places (Washington State Legislature, app.leg.wa.gov); Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (Federal Highway Administration), as adopted in Washington. Independent guide, not affiliated with any licensing agency. Always check the latest official rules with the Washington licensing agency.