Texas Road Signs and Signals: A Driver's Guide
Road signs and signals are one of the most tested topics on the Texas DPS written exam. They're also something you use every time you drive. Here's a quick guide to the signs and signals every Texas driver should know.
Quick Summary
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Red means stop or prohibition
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Yellow means warning
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Orange means construction or work zone
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Green means guide or directional information
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Blue means motorist services
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Brown means recreational or cultural interest
- Shapes matter too — octagon for stop, triangle for yield, diamond for warning
Signs by Color
Red: Stop, yield, do not enter, wrong way. Red always means stop or don't do something.
Yellow: Warning signs. Curve ahead, intersection ahead, pedestrian crossing, school zone. Yellow means caution.
Orange: Construction and work zone signs. These are temporary and warn of workers, lane shifts, or detours.
Green: Guide signs. Destination, distance, exit information.
Blue: Motorist services. Gas, food, lodging, hospital.
Brown: Recreational and cultural areas. Parks, historic sites, campgrounds.
Signs by Shape
Octagon: Stop sign. The only octagonal sign on the road.
Triangle: Yield sign. Slow down and give the right of way.
Diamond: Warning signs. Curve, intersection, pedestrian, deer crossing.
Rectangle: Regulatory signs (speed limit, no parking) and guide signs.
Pennant: No passing zone.
Circle: Railroad crossing ahead.
Traffic Signals
Solid red: Stop. Wait behind the line.
Flashing red: Treat as a stop sign. Stop, then proceed when safe.
Solid yellow: The light is about to turn red. Stop if you can do so safely.
Flashing yellow: Proceed with caution. Yield to pedestrians and other traffic.
Solid green: Go, if the intersection is clear.
Green arrow: Protected turn. You have the right of way to turn in that direction.
Pavement Markings
- Solid yellow line: No passing. Do not cross.
- Broken yellow line: Passing allowed when safe.
- Solid white line: Lane line. Stay in your lane.
- Broken white line: Lane change allowed when safe.
- Crosswalk lines: Pedestrians have the right of way.
Railroad Crossings
Crossbuck sign (X-shaped): Railroad crossing. Yield to trains.
Flashing red lights and gate: Stop. Do not proceed until the gate rises and lights stop flashing.
White line on pavement: Stop behind this line.
The Bottom Line
Knowing your signs and signals isn't just about passing the written test. It's about driving safely every day. If you're studying for the Texas DPS exam, focus on the color and shape patterns — they'll help you answer most sign questions correctly.
Time2Renew offers TDLR-approved driver education courses for teens and adults — including practice tests that cover road signs and signals. Online and self-paced.