Regulatory signs are signs used to indicate or reinforce traffic laws, regulations, or requirements that apply either at all times, specified times, placed upon a street or highway.
It is also defined by FHWA (Federal Highway Administration – US) as “a sign that gives notice to road users of traffic laws or regulations”.
When these signs are disregarded, it constitutes a violation. Regulatory signs include Stop Signs, Yield Signs, Speed Limit Signs, Do Not Enter, Handicapped, One Way Signs, and HOV Signs.
Read Also: Stop Sign; Purpose, Placement & Its Origin
Regulatory Sign Color & Shape
This explains how to identify the regulatory sign.
Regulatory traffic signs follow international conventions, usually being:
- White circle or rectangle with red border and black pictogram and/or words
- Blue circle or rectangle with white border and white pictogram
- Red rectangle with white border and white writing
- Red octagon with white border and white writing
Purpose Of The Regulatory Sign
It helps indicate and reinforce traffic laws and regulations which apply either permanently or at specified times or places.
This sign tells you about specific laws that you must obey, such as rules for traffic direction, lane use, turning, speed, parking, and other special situations.
Read Also: Warning Sign Meaning, Importance & Examples
10 Examples Of Regulatory Signs with Images
1. STOP SIGN
2. NO LEFT TURN
3. NO “U” TURN
4. NO OVERTAKING
5. NO ENTRY FOR LORRIES
6. NO HORN
7. SPEED LIMIT
8. NO ENTRY FOR VEHICLES EXCEEDING 2 METRIC TONNES LADEN LOAD
9. NO ENTRY FOR ALL VEHICLES
10. PARKING PROHIBITED
Read Also: Yield Sign: What Does It Mean, Purpose & Placement
45 Most Common Regulatory Signs in the U.S.
1. Stop
This sign requires drivers to make a complete stop at an intersection or crossing. You must stop fully behind the line or before entering the intersection and proceed only when it is safe.
2. Yield
The yield sign instructs drivers to slow down and give the right-of-way to traffic on the intersecting road. Drivers must wait for a safe gap in traffic before proceeding without stopping if clear.
3. Do Not Enter
This sign prohibits vehicles from entering a restricted area, such as a one-way street or exit ramp. Ignoring it can lead to dangerous head-on collisions with oncoming traffic.
4. One Way
This sign indicates that traffic on a particular road is allowed to flow in only one direction. Drivers must not travel in the opposite direction, as it could lead to a serious accident.
5. Speed Limit
This sign informs drivers of the maximum legal speed they can travel on a road under ideal conditions. Driving above this limit is illegal and increases the risk of accidents or fines.
6. No U-Turn
This sign prohibits making a U-turn at an intersection or roadway. It is often used in areas with limited visibility or high-speed traffic where U-turns would be unsafe.
7. No Left Turn
The no left turn sign means that making a left turn at the intersection or junction is not allowed. It is usually installed where left turns would interrupt traffic flow or cause delays.
8. No Right Turn
This sign prohibits right turns at the specified location. It is typically posted where turning right could cause traffic congestion, interfere with pedestrians, or create unsafe conditions.
9. No Parking
This sign tells drivers that parking is not permitted at any time in the area. It helps ensure that traffic flows freely and emergency access is not blocked, especially in narrow or busy zones.
10. No Stopping
This means drivers may not stop their vehicles at any time for any reason except emergencies. It’s used in areas where stopping would obstruct traffic or pose safety hazards.
11. No Standing
This sign indicates that vehicles may not stop unless actively loading or unloading passengers. You cannot wait in the vehicle or leave it unattended, even for a short duration.
12. Reserved Parking
Indicates a parking space set aside for specific vehicles, such as government vehicles, employees, or permit holders. Unauthorized use may result in fines or the vehicle being towed.
13. Handicap Parking Only
Only vehicles with a valid handicap placard or license plate may park here. Designed to provide convenient access for disabled persons, violators are subject to fines or towing.
14. Tow Away Zone
Vehicles parked illegally in this area will be towed at the owner’s expense. It’s a strong enforcement tool to deter illegal parking in places that need to stay clear for safety reasons.
15. School Zone
This sign warns drivers they are entering a school zone, requiring reduced speed and extra caution. Children may be crossing, so obeying the sign helps prevent tragic accidents.
16. End School Zone
This sign marks the point where the school zone restrictions end, allowing you to resume the regular posted speed limit. It ensures drivers know when it’s safe to return to normal speed.
17. Minimum Speed Limit
Indicates the minimum legal speed you must drive under normal road conditions. Driving below this speed can be dangerous, especially on highways, as it disrupts the flow of traffic.
18. Keep Right
This sign tells drivers to stay to the right of an obstruction, divider, or roadway. It’s especially important near medians or construction zones to avoid confusion and head-on collisions.
19. Keep Left
Used to instruct traffic to pass to the left side of a median or obstacle. It ensures safe navigation around objects and helps maintain smooth, organized traffic flow on the roadway.
20. Truck Route
Designated for trucks or large vehicles, this route is planned to avoid narrow roads, low bridges, or heavy pedestrian traffic. Trucks must follow these routes to stay compliant with road laws.
21. No Trucks
This sign indicates that trucks or commercial vehicles are not permitted beyond the posted point. It helps reduce traffic congestion, road wear, and accidents in areas not suitable for large vehicles.
22. No Bicycles
This sign prohibits bicycles from using the road or pathway. It is often posted where bicycle travel may be dangerous due to high-speed traffic, narrow lanes, or hazardous conditions.
23. Bike Lane
Indicates a lane specifically reserved for bicycle use. Motor vehicles are not allowed to drive or park in this lane, helping to protect cyclists and ensure a safe, shared road environment.
24. Pedestrian Crossing
Warns drivers to watch for pedestrians crossing the street. These signs are placed near crosswalks, schools, and parks to improve pedestrian safety and reduce accident risks.
25. No Pedestrians
Pedestrians are not allowed beyond the sign’s location. It’s placed in areas like highways, bridges, or tunnels where foot traffic would be unsafe due to fast-moving vehicles or limited space.
26. Stop Here on Red
This sign shows drivers exactly where they must stop their vehicles at a red traffic light. Often used near intersections with advanced stop lines or sensors to manage traffic flow and safety.
27. Left Turn Only
Vehicles in the lane below this sign are required to make a left turn. It ensures smoother traffic movement and prevents accidents caused by unexpected lane changes or incorrect turns.
28. Right Turn Only
This sign mandates that vehicles in a particular lane must turn right. It’s used at intersections to guide traffic efficiently and prevent confusion or conflicts with other drivers.
29. Straight Only
This sign prohibits turning left or right from the lane and allows traffic to proceed straight only. It’s often seen at intersections where turning movements would disrupt traffic flow or safety.
30. Turn Only Lane
Indicates a dedicated lane that must be used only for turning in the specified direction. It helps prevent delays by keeping through-traffic separate from turning vehicles.
31. Two-Way Traffic
Warns drivers they are entering a roadway where vehicles travel in both directions. This is especially important when coming off one-way streets, construction areas, or divided highways.
32. Divided Highway Begins
This sign informs drivers that a divided highway is starting. Traffic moving in opposite directions will now be separated by a physical barrier or median, requiring added caution during merges.
33. Divided Highway Ends
The sign indicates that the road will no longer be separated by a physical divider, and opposing traffic will share the same roadway. Drivers should stay alert and prepared for oncoming traffic.
34. HOV Lane (High Occupancy Vehicle Lane)
This lane is restricted to vehicles with two or more occupants, carpools, or buses during certain hours. It helps reduce congestion by encouraging ride-sharing and efficient lane use.
35. Transit Only Lane
Indicates a lane reserved strictly for public transit vehicles, such as buses or trolleys. This improves public transportation efficiency and discourages private vehicles from blocking bus routes.
36. Yield to Pedestrians
Drivers must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians at crosswalks or intersections. It’s crucial for safety in urban areas, school zones, and places with high foot traffic.
37. Railroad Crossbuck
A white X-shaped sign that marks a railroad crossing. Drivers must look and listen for trains, yield the right of way, and proceed only when the track is clear and it is safe to cross.
38. Weight Limit
This sign restricts vehicles over a certain weight from using the road or bridge. It prevents structural damage and maintains the safety of infrastructure not designed for heavy loads.
39. Height Clearance
Warns drivers of overhead clearance restrictions, often under bridges or tunnels. Vehicles taller than the posted limit must find alternate routes to avoid serious damage or accidents.
40. No Turn on Red
This sign prohibits making a right (or left, where applicable) turn at a red light. It’s placed where visibility is limited or where turning on red may conflict with pedestrians or traffic.
41. Use Seat Belts
This sign reminds drivers and passengers that seat belt use is required by law. Wearing seat belts significantly reduces the risk of injury or death in the event of a crash.
42. No Engine Brakes
Prohibits the use of engine braking systems (often used by trucks) in specific areas. These systems create loud noise, and their restriction helps reduce noise pollution in residential or quiet zones.
43. Stop Ahead
Alerts drivers that a stop sign is coming up, often in areas with limited visibility or curves. It allows drivers to prepare to slow down and stop safely without sudden braking.
44. Yield Ahead
This sign warns that a yield sign is ahead, allowing drivers time to slow down and be prepared to give the right of way to other vehicles without abrupt stops or hesitation.
45. Wrong Way
This highly visible sign warns drivers that they are traveling against traffic. It’s critical for preventing head-on collisions, especially on highways or one-way streets where such mistakes can be fatal.
The list is not exhaustive, as other regulatory signs are not mentioned here. Follow the sign structure and colour to identify other similar signs.