California Driver Handbook
Traffic Lights and Signs -
Pedestrian Signal Lights
Pedestrian signals show words or pictures as follows:
"Walk"
or " Walking Person"
lights mean it is legal to cross the street.
"Don’t Walk" or "Raised Hand" lights mean you may not start across the street.
Flashing "Don't Walk" or "Raised Hand" lights mean do not start across the street. The traffic signal is about to change. If the flashing starts after you have already started to cross, finish crossing the street as quickly as possible.
At many traffic signals, you need to push the
pedestrian push button to activate the "Walk" or
"Walking Person" signal. If there are
no pedestrian signals, obey the traffic signal
Traffic Signs.
The shape of a sign gives you a clue about the information contained on the sign. Here are the common shapes used.
Eight-sided
red STOP signs mean you must make a full stop
whenever you see a STOP sign. Stop before entering
a crosswalk or at a white "limit line" which is a wide white line painted on
the street. If a crosswalk or limit line is not painted on the street,
stop at the corner.
The three-sided red YIELD signs mean you must slow down
and be ready to stop, if necessary, to let any vehicle,
bicyclist, or pedestrian pass before you proceed.
Square red and white regulatory signs mean you must follow the
sign’s instruction. For example, the "DO
NOT ENTER" sign means do not enter a road or off ramp where the
sign is posted, usually on a freeway off ramp.
The "WRONG WAY" sign may or may not be posted with the "DO
NOT ENTER" sign. If you see one or both of these signs, drive to
the side of the road and stop. You are going against traffic. When safe,
back out or turn around and return to the road you were on. At night
if you are going the wrong way, the road
reflectors will shine red in your headlights.
If a sign has a red circle with a red line through it, it always
means NO. The picture inside the circle shows what you cannot do. The
sign may be shown with or without words.
Circular signs mean you are approaching
a railroad crossing.
Five-sided signs mean you are near a school. Stop if children are in
the crosswalk.
Four-sided, diamond shaped signs warn you of specific road conditions and dangers ahead. Many warning signs are diamond-shaped. Obey all warning signs regardless of their shape.
White rectangular signs mean you must obey important rules
Additional Examples of Signs
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