Texas Driver Handbook 2017

Chapter 5: Signals, Signs, and Markers 

Texas Driver Handbook

Regulatory and Warning Signs

Regulatory traffic signs instruct drivers what they should, or should not do, in certain circumstances. Drivers must obey all regula-

tory signs in the same manner as traffic laws. These signs help protect the safety of all road users. The following table provides 

examples of common regulatory and warning signs.

Table 21: Regulatory and Warning Signs 

Sign

Description

If you wish to turn at an intersection where 

this sign is posted, do so only in the direc-

tion indicated by the arrow. 

High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Preferential 

Lane: Buses and vehicles used for carpools 

may use this lane only between the hours 

of 6 a.m. to 9 a.m., Monday through 

Friday. 

Do Not Cross Yellow Lines: The distance 

you can see ahead is so limited that pass-

ing another vehicle is hazardous and you 

may not pass. 

This sign indicates two lanes of traffic are 

permitted to turn left. The traffic in the left 

lane must turn left, traffic in the other lane 

has a choice. 

Do not park, stop, or allow your vehicle to 

stand idling in a parking space reserved 

for disabled individuals unless your vehicle 

has a disabled license plate or windshield 

identification card. 

Turning left at an intersection where this 

sign is posted is prohibited. 

Making a U-turn at an intersection where 

this sign is posted is prohibited. 

If you see this sign facing you, you are 

driving the wrong way on a one-way street 

and you are directly opposing the flow of 

traffic. 

Sign

Description

Stop: A red stop sign with white letters 

or a yellow sign with black letters. The 

stop sign means come to a complete stop, 

yield to pedestrians or other vehicles, and 

then proceed carefully. Stop before the 

crosswalk, intersection, or stop sign. This 

applies to each vehicle that comes to the 

sign. Slowing down is not adequate. 

Advisory Speed Sign: This sign gives the 

highest speed which you can safely travel 

around the curve ahead.

Do not pass other vehicles. 

Stay in the right-hand lane if you are driv-

ing slower than other vehicles on the road. 

Indicates the speed at which the exit ramp 

from a highway may be traveled safely. 

This sign tells you the maximum speed (in 

mph) you are permitted to travel. Sign also 

indicates the maximum speeds permitted 

on the road for day time and nighttime. 

Trucks are prohibited from using or 

entering the roadway where this sign is 

displayed.

Drive to the right of this sign. This sign is 

used in advance of islands and medians. 

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Chapter 5: Signals, Signs, and Markers 

Texas Driver Handbook

Table 21: Regulatory and Warning Signs (Continued) 

Sign

Description

The road or street ahead is for one-way 

traffic traveling in the opposite direction. 

You must not drive in that direction or else 

you will be driving into oncoming traffic.

This signs tells you the road you are on 

joins with another road ahead. You should 

slow down or stop if necessary so you can 

yield the right-of-way to vehicles, pedestri-

ans, or bicycles on the other road.

School Zone: The speed shown is in effect 

when the yellow light is flashing. Be 

extremely careful for school children. 

Red light photo enforced. 

Drivers should not change lanes or turn 

across the double white lines. 

Vehicles facing the signal with the green 

arrow may proceed safely into the intersec-

tion. While turning left, you are protected 

from oncoming traffic that must stop for 

vehicles at an intersection. Vehicles turning 

at a protected light should use caution.

This designates the shoulder of the road 

should only be used by vehicles required 

to stop because of mechanical break-

down, tire trouble, lack of fuel, or other 

emergencies.

The road ahead is not open to any traffic. 

Look for a detour or other route. 

Instructs drivers that all traffic on the same 

roadway must merge into one lane. 

Sign

Description

This sign marks a place where you may 

cross over to the other side of the divided 

highway.

The use of a wireless communication 

device is prohibited in the school zone. 

These signs are added to a stop sign 

advising that all approaching traffic to this 

intersection must stop before proceeding 

in the order you arrived. If two vehicles 

arrive at the same time, yield to the vehicle 

on your right.

On roadways with more than one lane 

with vehicles traveling in the same direc-

tion, slower traffic should travel in a lane 

other than the farthest left lane. The 

farthest left lane is for passing only.

The center lane is only used for vehicles 

turning left, and should never be used for 

passing or moving through traffic. The 

only time a vehicle should enter the center 

lane is at a point where the vehicle will 

have time to slow down or stop to make a 

safe left turn. 

A green signal will indicate when you may 

turn left. 

Vehicles driving in the right lane must turn 

right at the next intersection unless the 

sign indicates a different turning point.

Advisory Speed Sign: This sign gives the 

highest speed at which you can safely 

travel around the turn ahead.

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