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Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) arrows logo
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The Shape - and Color - Give Us a Sign

REGULATORY signs instruct drivers to do - or not do - something.
A crossbuck indicates the railroad crossing.
Black and white rectangular regulatory signs control lane use. For example, the turn-ONLY turn lane or when you must keep right or left of a median. They also assign truck weight limits for certain roadways and tell drivers the direction of traffic.
A rectangular white sign with green letters indicates that parking is permitted with restrictions.
We all know that the octagon shape means STOP.
A rectangular white sign with red letters indicates that parking is restricted or prohibited.
The red triangle means YIELD, because someone other than you has the right-of-way.
A red circle with a slash often communicates the do not's - enter, turn, U-turn, pedestrians, or parking.