Motor Vehicle Commission

Traffic signs

Signs are divided into three basic categories:

Warning: Warn motorists of hazards ahead that are difficult to see.
Guidance: Guide motorists to a destination by clearly identifying the route.
Regulatory: Regulate traffic speed and movement.

The signs are manufactured in different shapes and colors to convey a particular message. Examples of the various sign types, shapes and colors are found in the diagram below.

Color	Shape	# of Sides	Message
White	Vertical rectangle	4	Regulation (such as speed signs)1
Blue	Rectangle, square	4	Motorists services and information
Brown	Rectangle	4	Public recreation and scenic guidance
Green	Rectangle	4	Direction guidance
Orange	Diamond	4	Construction and maintenance warning
Red	Octagon	8	STOP signs only
Red	Triangle	3	YIELD signs
Yellow	Pennant	3	No-passing warning signs
Yellow	Pentagon	5	School signs
Yellow	Round		Railroad warning signs
Yellow	Diamond	4	Roadway hazard signs

¹ When the maximum safe speed around a curve or turn is lower than the posted speed limit, an advisory speed sign is used with the proper warning sign.