Section 1.5

 1.5 – Signs, Signals and Road Markings

Georgia law requires that all drivers, including motorcyclists, obey official highway signs and traffic control signals unless otherwise directed by a police officer or emergency worker.

Road Signs

Shapes of Signs

The State of Georgia uses seven basic shapes of signs to convey traffic control instructions. Drivers should know signs by their shapes and colors so that they may recognize them from a distance and begin reacting.

Octagon signs

An Octagon (eight-sided shape) always means stop. When you come to it, you must make a complete stop at a marked stop line. If there is no stop line, stop before the crosswalk on your side of the intersection. If there is no crosswalk, stop at a point from which you can best see oncoming traffic. You must not start again until all pedestrians have finished crossing on the side of the roadway you are traveling on, and you have yielded the right-of-way to closely approaching traffic.

Triangle signs

Triangle signs mean yield. You must slow down to a speed that is reasonable for existing conditions and stop if necessary. If you must stop, do so at a marked stop line, if it exists. After slowing or stopping, you must yield the right-of-way to other vehicles in the intersection or approaching closely on another roadway or auxiliary road leading into a major highway.

Round signs

Round signs mean you are approaching a railroad crossing. This sign is posted a few hundred feet in front of the tracks and alerts you to slow down, look, listen and prepare to stop. Listen carefully for an approaching train. If the train is approaching, stop! Do not try to calculate whether you can “make it” across the track. Never try to beat a train through the intersection. Passing is prohibited at all railroad crossings.

Diamond signs

Diamond shaped signs warn of existing or possible hazards on roadways or adjacent areas. They are yellow with black words indicating the potential hazard, or black symbols visually describing the potential hazard.

Pentagon signs

Pentagon shaped signs mean you are approaching a school zone and/or school crossing. When used, they will be erected not less than 150 feet nor more than 700 feet in advance of the school grounds or school crossing. (Warning signs can sometimes be fluorescent green in color.)

Horizontal rectangle signs

Horizontal Rectangle signs are generally used as guide signs. They show locations, directions, or other special information.

Vertical rectangle signs

Vertical Rectangle signs are generally used for regulatory signs, which tell you what you must do. You must obey them in the same manner as traffic laws.

Regulatory Signs

Regulatory signs tell drivers what they may or may not do. Drivers, including bicyclists, must obey them in the same manner as traffic laws. Remember, a red circle with a red slash from upper left to lower right means “No.” The picture within the circle shows what is prohibited.

Do not enter sign

This marks a one-way road. If you are facing this sign traffic is coming toward you. You must not continue down the road.

Wrong way sign

Motorist is approaching a one-way highway or ramp.

One way sign

Motorist may travel only in the direction of the arrow.

Keep right sign

Traffic is required to keep to the right of medians or obstructions.

No U turn sign

Motorist cannot turn around to go in the opposite direction at this intersection.

No right turn sign

Motorist cannot make a right turn at this intersection.