Road Signs

Study questions with answers

12 sample Road Signs questions with the correct answer, a short explanation, and the official handbook reference. Read through them, then take the quiz above.

1. 1. On Washington traffic signs, an orange background is used to warn you about what?

   Correct answer: Roadwork, maintenance, or a construction zone

   Orange marks construction and maintenance situations. When you see it, expect workers, equipment, or changed conditions and be ready to slow down.

   Source: Washington Driver Guide — Signs (4.12)

2. 2. A traffic sign shaped like an eight-sided red octagon requires you to do what?

   Correct answer: Come to a complete halt and yield before proceeding

   The red octagon is used only for stop signs. You must come to a full stop at the line, crosswalk, or corner, check every direction, and yield before going.

   Source: Washington Driver Guide — Signs, Common Signs (4.12)

3. 3. What does a downward-pointing red-and-white triangular sign tell you to do?

   Correct answer: Reduce speed and give priority to traffic that has the right-of-way

   The inverted triangle is a yield sign. You must slow down and let vehicles or pedestrians that already have the right-of-way go ahead of you before you enter.

   Source: Washington Driver Guide — Signs, Common Signs (4.12)

4. 4. Seeing a "Wrong Way" sign while you are driving should prompt you to do what?

   Correct answer: Recognize you are going the wrong direction and turn around

   The Wrong Way sign warns that you are traveling against traffic and could cause a head-on crash. Stop and turn around as soon as you safely can.

   Source: Washington Driver Guide — Signs, Wrong Way (4.12)

5. 5. A slow-moving farm or agricultural vehicle displays what kind of emblem on its rear?

   Correct answer: A reflective triangle sign

   Vehicles built to travel 25 mph or less carry a reflective triangle emblem. Spotting it tells you to slow down, be patient, and pass only with care.

   Source: Washington Driver Guide — Sharing with Agricultural Vehicles (4.8)

6. 6. A sign marking a two-way left turn lane reserved for turning vehicles from either direction should not be used for what?

   Correct answer: Through travel or passing other vehicles

   The shared center lane is only for vehicles making left turns from or into the road. Using it to travel through or to pass other vehicles is not allowed.

   Source: Washington Driver Guide — Signs, Shared center lane (4.12)

7. 7. A blue highway sign is most likely pointing you toward what?

   Correct answer: Driver services like fuel or lodging

   Blue signs guide motorists to services such as gas, food, lodging, and charging stations. They help you find what you need without warning of a hazard.

   Source: Washington Driver Guide — Signs (4.12)

8. 8. What kind of activity is announced by signs with a bright fluorescent yellow-green background?

   Correct answer: School, pedestrian, and bicycling activity

   The fluorescent yellow-green color is reserved for warnings about school areas, people on foot, and bicycle traffic, so drivers give extra attention.

   Source: Washington Driver Guide — Signs (4.12)

9. 9. A symbol enclosed in a red circle with a red slash through it means what?

   Correct answer: The pictured action is not permitted there

   A red circle-and-slash marks a prohibited action. Whatever picture appears inside, such as a U-turn or left turn, is not allowed at that location.

   Source: Washington Driver Guide — Signs, Not allowed (4.12)

10. 10. A white rectangular traffic sign most often tells you what?

    Correct answer: A regulation or law you are required to obey

    White is the standard color for regulatory signs, which state laws you must follow, such as speed limits, keep right, and turn restrictions.

    Source: Washington Driver Guide — Signs (4.12)

11. 11. You approach a square sign showing a white horizontal bar inside a red circle. What does it mean?

    Correct answer: Entering the street from that direction is not allowed

    This is the Do Not Enter sign. It warns that you cannot enter the roadway from that direction, often at an exit ramp or one-way street.

    Source: Washington Driver Guide — Signs, Do Not Enter (4.12)

12. 12. A posted maximum speed limit sign indicates the fastest you may legally travel under what circumstances?

    Correct answer: Ideal road, weather, and traffic conditions

    The number is the legal maximum for ideal conditions. When it is wet, foggy, or crowded you must slow down, and you can be ticketed for going too fast for conditions even below the limit.

    Source: Washington Driver Guide — Signs, Speed Limit (4.12)