Texas Driver Handbook 2017

Chapter 5: Signals, Signs, and Markers 

Texas Driver Handbook

The following table provides examples of common warning signs.

Table 20: Warning Signs

Sign

Description

Warns of a traffic control signal 

ahead.

Height of underpass from road 

surface is shown. Do not try to enter 

if your load is higher than the figure 

shown on the sign.

Advises you are approaching a sec-

tion of highway where the opposing 

flows of traffic are separated by a 

median island.

You are approaching a point where 

two roads come together and an 

additional lane begins. You are not 

required to merge. Watch for traffic 

in the new lane.

The road curves one way (right) 

and then the other way (left). Slow 

down, keep right, and do not pass.

Another road enters the road you 

are traveling on from the direction 

shown. Watch for traffic from that 

direction.

Slow down, the road surface ahead 

is in poor condition.

Cross traffic.

Sign

Description

Road ahead makes a sharp turn in 

the direction of the arrow (right). 

Slow down, keep right, and do not 

pass.

There is a winding road ahead. 

Drive slowly and carefully, and do 

not pass.

The divided highway you are travel-

ing ends ahead. Be careful as you 

approach the point where two-way 

traffic begins again.

Slow down on wet road. Do not 

suddenly turn, speed up, or stop.

You should drive in the right-hand 

lane and expect oncoming traffic in 

the left hand lane.

Road ahead makes a gradual curve 

in the direction of the arrow (right). 

Slow down, keep right, and do not 

pass.

Cross road ahead; slow down and 

watch for cross traffic. Look care-

fully in all directions for traffic.

Gives advance notice of a reduction 

in the number of lanes of pavement 

ahead.

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Chapter 5: Signals, Signs, and Markers 

Texas Driver Handbook

Table 20: Warning Signs (Continued)

Sign

Description

T-Intersection.

Y-Intersection or side road traffic to 

the right.

You are approaching a point where 

other traffic lanes come together 

with the one you are in. Watch for 

traffic from that direction.

You are near an area where a large 

number of pedestrians cross the 

street. Slow down and watch for 

pedestrians.

You are near a school. Slow down, 

watch for children, and prepare to 

stop suddenly if necessary. 

The surface of the road is covered 

with loose gravel. Go slow enough 

to keep complete control of your 

vehicle. Do not apply brakes sud-

denly or make sharp turns. 

Mounted in front of an obstruction 

which is close to the edge of the 

road, such as culverts, or center 

piers on divided highways.  

Mounted immediately in front of an 

obstruction or at short changes in 

road alignment.  

Sign

Description

You are approaching a “T” intersec-

tion and must turn left or right. Be 

prepared to yield the right-of-way at 

the intersection if necessary. 

There is a low place in the road. 

Slow down in order to avoid losing 

control of your vehicle or an uncom-

fortable jolt. 

Use extreme caution to avoid 

running off the paved portion of 

the highway, because the dirt on 

the side of the pavement is soft and 

may cause you to lose control of 

the car. 

The bridge ahead is not as wide 

as the road. Slow down and use 

caution. 

The road you are traveling on inter-

sects a highway ahead. Slow down, 

look to the right and to the left for 

other traffic, and be prepared to 

stop.

The road ahead makes a sharp turn 

to the right and then a sharp turn to 

the left. Slow down, keep right, and 

do not pass. 

Warns of hazardous condition on 

bridge caused by ice. This sign will 

be displayed continuously during 

winter time periods. Drivers should 

slow down, avoid applying brakes 

suddenly, or making sharp or sud-

den movements.

Used to indicate the alignment of 

the road as an aid to night driving. 

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Chapter 5: Signals, Signs, and Markers 

Texas Driver Handbook

Table 20: Warning Signs (Continued)

Sign

Description

Indicates traffic is permitted to pass 

on either side of a traffic island or 

an obstruction. 

Used to mark the ends of the side 

rails of narrow bridges and other 

obstructions.

Slow your speed and watch for 

trucks entering or crossing the road 

or highway.

The pavement narrows ahead. Slow 

down and proceed with caution.

The hard-surfaced pavement 

changes to an earth road or low-

type surface. Slow down. 

There is a significant drop from the 

pavement edge to the shoulder. If 

you must leave the pavement, slow 

down and steer firmly.

The pavement has been grooved 

to lessen the possibility of slippery 

pavement in wet weather. Motorcy-

clists should use caution. 

Slow down and watch for individu-

als who may be disabled or who 

may be crossing the road in a 

wheelchair.

Sign

Description

You are approaching a downgrade; 

all drivers approach with caution. 

It may be necessary to use a lower 

gear to slow your vehicle. 

The sign will have yellow lights 

flashing (top and bottom) when the 

freeway ramp ahead is metered. 

The ramp meter (red or green) 

directs motorists when to enter the 

freeway.

There is a sudden high place in the 

road ahead. Slow down in order to 

avoid losing control of your vehicle 

or an uncomfortable jolt. 

The road ahead curves sharply. Slow 

down, keep right, and do not pass. 

The lane ends ahead. If you are 

driving in the right lane, you should 

merge into the left. 

Be prepared for a stop sign ahead.

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