Wisconsin · Handbook chapter 4 · 6 min read

Chapter 4: Road signs

Wisconsin road signs for the highway signs test: sign colors and shapes, warning, regulatory and work zone signs, destination, service and mile marker signs, route markers and railroad crossing signs.

Why this chapter matters

The highway signs test is a separate test of 15 questions, and you need 12 correct to pass. You must recognize signs by shape and color as well as by their words or symbols, so study every family of signs, not just the common ones.

One rule first: police officers, school crossing guards and other authorized workers sometimes direct traffic. You must follow their directions even when they differ from a signal or sign.

Colors and shapes at a glance

Three special shapes always mean the same thing: the eight-sided octagon is only for STOP, the downward triangle only for YIELD, and the sideways pennant only for NO PASSING ZONE.

Warning signs

Warning signs tell you about a hazard or special situation ahead, so you can slow down and get ready. Common ones in the handbook:

• Crossroad (intersection): another road crosses yours ahead.
• Divided highway: the road ahead splits around a median or barrier.
• Slippery when wet: slow down in wet weather.
• Signal ahead: a traffic light is coming; be ready to stop.
• Deer crossing: deer are very likely to cross here.
• Sharp turn and curve: the road bends in the direction of the arrow; slow down.
• Lane ends and merge: move into the other lane when it is safe.
• Hill: a steep grade is ahead.
• Two-way traffic: you are leaving a one-way road and will meet oncoming traffic.
• Stop ahead: a STOP sign is ahead; be ready to stop.
• Roundabout ahead: a circular intersection is coming.
• Pedestrian crossing: an arrow plaque below shows where people cross; yield to them.
• School crossing and school zone: fluorescent yellow-green or yellow; yield to children crossing.

Regulatory signs

Regulatory signs state rules you must obey.

• STOP: red octagon with white letters. Come to a complete stop and wait until your path is clear.
• YIELD: red and white triangle pointing down. Slow down and give the right-of-way to other traffic.
• Speed limit: the maximum speed in good conditions. A school speed limit applies when children are present.
• Reduced speed ahead: a lower limit starts soon, so begin slowing.
• No turn signs show the movement that is banned with a red circle and slash; No U-turn bans U-turns.
• DO NOT ENTER: a red sign used on one-way streets and on exit ramps facing the wrong way. You may not enter.
• Keep right: an island or obstacle divides the road ahead; keep to the right of it.
• Lane-use signs: arrows over or beside each lane show which movements each lane allows, for example a left lane for left turns and U-turns and a right lane for straight and right.
• Reserved parking: only for vehicles with a valid disability parking permit or plates.
• No passing zone: a yellow pennant with black letters, on the left side of the road. You may not pass any vehicle in the zone.
• Slow-moving vehicle emblem: an orange triangle with reflective edges on the back of a vehicle that travels at 25 mph or less.

The handbook lists the last two with the rule signs because each one tells you what you must do.

Work zone signs

Orange signs mark construction, maintenance and emergency work: Road Work Ahead (often with a distance), Workers, and Flagger Ahead. Follow a flagger's directions.

• Traffic fines double in work zones.
• You may use a cell phone in a work zone only to report an emergency.
• Slow down, keep a safe distance and move over where you can. Tailgating is a leading cause of work zone crashes.

Guide signs: destination, service and mile markers

• Green destination signs show cities, routes, exits and distances. A street name sign stands on almost every corner.
• Brown signs point to parks, historical sites and other recreation areas.
• Blue service signs guide you to services such as hospitals, camping and access for people with disabilities.
• Mile markers (reference markers) are tall, thin blue or green signs showing the direction, route number and mile. They stand every one or two tenths of a mile, on the right side or in the median, and help emergency crews find you.

Route markers

Railroad crossing signs

Trains are big, heavy and faster than they look. Never race a train, never stop on the tracks, do not cross unless there is room on the other side, and do not shift gears while crossing. Look both ways even if the lights are not flashing.

• Advance warning: a round yellow sign with an X and RR. A crossing is ahead.
• Crossbuck: a white X-shaped sign reading RAILROAD CROSSING. Treat it as a yield sign: yield to trains. A plaque below may give the number of tracks; always check for more than one.
• Flashing lights: wait until they stop flashing and the track is clear.
• Gates: never drive around or under a gate that is down, lowering or rising. Do not cross until the bell or horn stops.
• Blue emergency notification sign: posted at every crossing with a phone number to report a problem, such as a stalled vehicle or broken signal.
• Tracks out of service means the line is no longer used; an EXEMPT plaque means certain vehicles that normally must stop do not have to.
• At a double track, wait until the train is far enough away that you can see both tracks are clear.