Stop
Come to a complete stop at the stop line (or before the crosswalk / intersection). Yield to traffic and pedestrians, then go when it is safe.
MDOT code R1-1
Road signs & signals library
Signs, signals and pavement markings with their meaning, each shown next to the official sign.
Test sign These signs are in the official manual, What Every Driver Must Know, so study them first. The State does not publish the exact signs on the test.
Regulatory
Yield
Slow down and be ready to stop. Let traffic and pedestrians that have the right-of-way go first.
MDOT code R1-2
Do Not Enter
You may not enter this road or ramp from your direction — usually the wrong end of a one-way road or exit ramp.
MDOT code R5-1
Wrong Way
You are driving against traffic. Pull over safely, turn around and go back.
MDOT code R5-1a
Speed Limit 55
The maximum legal speed under ideal conditions is 55 mph. Drive slower when conditions require it.
MDOT code R2-1
No Right Turn
Right turns are not allowed here.
MDOT code R3-1
No U-Turn
You may not make a U-turn here.
MDOT code R3-4
No Turn on Red
You may not turn while the signal is red; wait for the green light.
MDOT code R10-11
One Way
Traffic on this road moves only in the direction of the arrow.
MDOT code R6-1R
Do Not Pass
Passing other vehicles is not allowed on this stretch of road.
MDOT code R4-1
Pass With Care
The no-passing zone has ended; you may pass when it is safe and legal.
MDOT code R4-2
Center Lane Left Turn Only
The center lane is shared by both directions for left turns only — never for passing or travel.
MDOT code R3-9b
No Trucks
Trucks are not allowed to drive where this sign is posted.
MDOT code R5-2
Keep Left
Traffic should pass only to the left side of a roadway feature or obstruction.
MDOT code R4-8
Left Turn Lanes
Shows which lanes allow left turns. Here the left lane must turn left and the other lane may go straight or turn left.
MDOT code R3-8
Authorized Vehicles Only
Only law enforcement, emergency or maintenance vehicles may use this emergency crossover. Never drive across a freeway median. To change direction, go to the next exit, get off and re-enter the freeway.
MDOT code R5-11
Reserved Parking (Wheelchair Symbol)
Parking is reserved for people with disabilities.
MDOT code R7-8
Parking Permitted
Parking is allowed for the time shown. This example allows two-hour parking between 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
Minimum Speed 45
Under normal conditions you must not drive slower than 45 mph on this road (common on freeways).
MDOT code R2-4
No Left Turn
Left turns are not allowed here.
MDOT code R3-2
Keep Right
Keep to the right of the island, median or obstruction ahead.
MDOT code R4-7
Slower Traffic Keep Right
If you are driving slower than other traffic, use the right lane. The left lane is for passing.
MDOT code R4-3
No Parking Any Time
You may not park here at any time.
MDOT code R7-1a
Road Closed
The road is closed to through traffic. Follow the detour.
MDOT code R11-2
Warning
Sharp Turn to the Right
The road makes a sharp right turn ahead. Slow down considerably.
MDOT code W1-1R
Winding Road
There are several curves ahead. Slow down and stay in your lane.
MDOT code W1-5R
Merging Traffic
Traffic from another lane or road will join your lane ahead. Be ready to adjust your speed and position.
MDOT code W4-1R
Lane Ends (Right Lane)
The right lane ends ahead. Drivers in that lane must merge left when safe.
MDOT code W4-2R
Divided Highway Ends
The median ends ahead; traffic will travel in both directions on the same road. Keep right.
MDOT code W6-2
Two-Way Traffic
You are leaving a one-way road; traffic ahead travels in both directions.
MDOT code W6-3
Crossroad Ahead
Another road crosses yours ahead. Watch for cross traffic.
MDOT code W2-1
Side Road
A side road joins from the right ahead. Watch for vehicles entering.
MDOT code W2-2R
Stop Ahead
There is a stop sign ahead. Slow down and prepare to stop.
MDOT code W3-1
Yield Ahead
There is a yield sign ahead. Slow down and be ready to yield.
MDOT code W3-2
Roundabout Ahead
A roundabout is ahead. Slow down; traffic circulates counterclockwise and entering drivers yield to traffic already in it.
MDOT code W2-6
Slippery When Wet
The road is slippery when wet. Slow down, increase following distance and avoid sudden braking or steering.
MDOT code W8-5
Steep Hill / Downgrade
A steep downgrade is ahead. Slow down and use a lower gear if needed; check your brakes.
MDOT code W7-1
Pedestrian Crossing
Watch for people crossing. Yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk.
MDOT code W11-2
Bicycle Crossing
Bicyclists may cross or share the road ahead. Give them room — at least 3 feet when passing.
MDOT code W11-1
No Passing Zone (pennant)
Placed on the LEFT side of the road; marks the start of a no-passing zone.
MDOT code W14-3
Road Curves Ahead
The road curves sharply one way and then the other. In this example it goes left and then right.
MDOT code W1-3R
Right Lane Ends
The right lane is ending ahead (here in 500 feet). Prepare to merge left.
MDOT code W9-1
Bridge Ices Before Road
A bridge can be icy even when the road is clear.
MDOT code W8-13
Obstacle in Roadway
A traffic island or obstruction is ahead. Drive to either side.
MDOT code W12-1
Maximum Height Allowed
The maximum clearance under a bridge or other structure. In this example it is 12 feet, 6 inches.
MDOT code W12-2
Exit 25 MPH
Your speed on the exit should not exceed the speed shown, here 25 mph.
MDOT code W13-2
Bicyclists and Pedestrians
A bicycle and pedestrian crossing is near. Drive carefully.
MDOT code W11-15
Slow-Moving Vehicle
This orange triangle is mounted on the back of vehicles that do not move faster than 25 mph, such as Amish buggies and large farm or industrial vehicles. Drive with caution around them.
Incident Ahead
An emergency or other unplanned event has disrupted traffic. These pink signs help you drive around or through the affected area.
Curve to the Right
The road ahead curves to the right. Slow down before entering the curve.
MDOT code W1-2
Divided Highway Begins
The road ahead is divided by a median. Keep to the right.
MDOT code W6-1
T-Intersection
The road you are on ends ahead. You must turn left or right.
MDOT code W2-4
Y-Intersection
The road splits into two directions ahead.
MDOT code W2-5
Traffic Signal Ahead
There is a traffic signal ahead. Be prepared to stop.
MDOT code W3-3
Narrow Bridge
The bridge ahead is narrower than the road. Slow down and watch for oncoming traffic.
MDOT code W5-2
Deer Crossing
Deer often cross here, especially at dawn and dusk. Slow down and watch the roadsides.
MDOT code W11-3
Farm Machinery
Slow-moving farm vehicles may be on the road. Be ready to slow down.
MDOT code W11-5
School
School Zone / School Crossing
You are near a school or school crossing. Slow down and watch for children.
MDOT code S1-1
School Crossing
A school crossing for children is ahead. Drive carefully and obey directions given by a school crossing guard.
School Speed Limit 25 When Flashing
The speed limit is 25 mph when the lights are flashing (during school hours).
MDOT code S5-1
Railroad
Railroad Crossing Ahead (advance warning)
A railroad crossing is ahead. Slow down, look and listen, and be prepared to stop.
MDOT code W10-1
Railroad Crossbuck
Marks the railroad crossing itself. Treat it like a yield sign: slow down, look both ways and stop if a train is coming.
MDOT code R15-1
Work zones
Road Work Ahead
Construction or maintenance is ahead. Slow down, obey work-zone speed limits and watch for workers.
MDOT code W20-1
Flagger Ahead
A flag person is directing traffic ahead. Obey the flagger's signals.
MDOT code W20-7a
Workers Ahead
People are working on or near the road. Slow down and be alert.
MDOT code W21-1
Detour
The regular route is closed. Follow the detour signs.
MDOT code M4-8
Guide & services
Gas Station
Fuel is available at the next exit or nearby.
MDOT code D9-7
Rest Area
A rest area is ahead.
MDOT code D5-2
Recreation Area
Brown signs guide you to parks, recreation and cultural sites.
Destination / Distance Guide
Green signs give directions and distances (in miles) to places.
MDOT code D1-2
Exit
Shows where the exit from the freeway is located.
MDOT code E5-1
State Route Marker
Identifies a state highway. This example marks M-32.
Hospital
Blue signs show motorist services. This one points to a hospital.
MDOT code D9-2
Traffic signals
Steady Red Light
Stop. After a full stop you may turn right (or left from a one-way onto a one-way) unless a sign prohibits it, yielding to all traffic and pedestrians.
Steady Yellow Light
The light is about to turn red. Stop if you can do so safely; if you are already in the intersection, continue through.
Steady Green Light
Go if the way is clear, but yield to pedestrians and vehicles still in the intersection. Left turns must yield to oncoming traffic.
Flashing Red Light
Treat it like a stop sign: stop completely, then go when it is safe.
Flashing Yellow Light
Slow down and proceed with caution.
Green Arrow
Protected turn: you may turn in the direction of the arrow; oncoming traffic is stopped.
Flashing Yellow Arrow
Left turns are allowed, but you must yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians first.
Red Arrow
Stop. Do not turn in the direction of the arrow until it changes.
Pedestrian "Walk" Signal
Pedestrians may start crossing. Drivers turning must yield to them.
Pedestrian "Don't Walk" (flashing hand)
Pedestrians must not start crossing; those already crossing should finish.
Lane-Use Signal: Red X
Do not drive in this lane.
Lane-Use Signal: Yellow X
Move out of this lane safely — it is about to close to your direction.
Lane-Use Signal: Green Arrow
You may drive in this lane.
Pavement markings
Double Solid Yellow Lines
No passing in either direction. Separates traffic moving in opposite directions.
Solid and Broken Yellow Lines
You may pass only if the broken line is on your side; no passing from the side with the solid line.
Single Broken Yellow Line
Two-way road; passing is allowed in either direction when safe.
Broken White Line
Separates lanes going the SAME direction; you may change lanes when safe.
Solid White Line
Lane changes are discouraged; also marks the right edge of the road.
Two-Way Left-Turn Lane
Center lane bordered by solid and broken yellow lines, used by both directions for left turns only.
Crosswalk Markings
Marks where pedestrians cross. Stop before the crosswalk and yield to people in it.
Official images: Michigan Department of Transportation, Standard Highway Signs, and Michigan Secretary of State, What Every Driver Must Know (October 2025). Sign numbers on the images are examples. Not affiliated with the State of Michigan.