California road signs
California road signs & signals
What every sign shape, color, signal and pavement marking means — straight from the official California DMV handbook.
Sign shapes & colors
- A 5-sided (pentagon-shaped) sign means you are:A 5-sided sign means you are near a school. Drive slowly and stop for children in the crosswalk.California Driver's Handbook — Section 7: Laws and Rules of the Road — Signs: 5-sided Sign
- Driving at night, how can you tell you have entered a road going the wrong way?If you are driving the wrong way at night, the road reflectors will shine red in your headlights. DO NOT ENTER and WRONG WAY signs may also be posted.California Driver's Handbook — Section 7: Laws and Rules of the Road — Signs: WRONG WAY Sign
- A round yellow-and-black sign or an X-shaped sign warns that you are approaching:A yellow and black circular sign or an X-shaped sign means you are approaching a railroad crossing. Look, listen, slow down, and prepare to stop.California Driver's Handbook — Section 7: Laws and Rules of the Road — Signs: Yellow and Black Circular Sign or X-shaped Sign
- What does a red circle with a red line through it mean?The picture inside a red circle with a red line through it shows what you cannot do, and may be shown with words.California Driver's Handbook — Section 7: Laws and Rules of the Road — Signs: Red Circle with a Red Line Through It
- Diamond-shaped signs:Diamond-shaped signs warn you of specific road conditions and dangers ahead.California Driver's Handbook — Section 7: Laws and Rules of the Road — Signs: Diamond-shaped Sign
Signals & pavement markings
- In California, when may you turn right at a solid red traffic light?A red light means stop, but you may turn right after stopping at the stop or limit line, yielding to pedestrians, and turning when safe — unless a NO TURN ON RED sign is posted.California Driver's Handbook — Section 7: Laws and Rules of the Road — Traffic Signals: Solid Red Light
- What does a red arrow signal mean?A red arrow means STOP. Do not turn at a red arrow; remain stopped until a green traffic signal light or green arrow appears.California Driver's Handbook — Section 7: Laws and Rules of the Road — Traffic Signals: Red Arrow
- What must you do at a flashing red signal light?A flashing red signal light means STOP. After stopping, you may go when it is safe.California Driver's Handbook — Section 7: Laws and Rules of the Road — Traffic Signals: Flashing Red Light
- A flashing yellow traffic signal light means:A flashing yellow light is a warning to proceed with caution. Slow down and be alert; you do not need to stop.California Driver's Handbook — Section 7: Laws and Rules of the Road — Traffic Signals: Flashing Yellow Light
- You approach an intersection where the traffic light is not working. What should you do?When a traffic light is not working, stop as if the intersection is controlled by STOP signs in all directions, then proceed cautiously when safe.California Driver's Handbook — Section 7: Laws and Rules of the Road — Traffic Signals: Traffic Light Not Working
Practice questions based on the official driver handbook. These are not official DMV test questions. DriveReady is an independent platform, not affiliated with or endorsed by any DMV or government agency.