Traffic device types, warning, guide and work zone signs

Key points

1. Regulatory devices tell you to stop, go a certain way or limit speed, and failing to obey can bring a penalty.

   Source: Handbook p. 33

   “All regulatory devices indicate action required by you. Failure to comply is subject to penalty.”
   Hawaii Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 33

2. Warning devices advise you of hazardous or possibly hazardous conditions.

   Source: Handbook p. 33

   “Warning Devices advise you of hazardous conditions or the possibility of hazardous conditions.”
   Hawaii Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 33

3. Guide and information signs help you find your way or make your trip more comfortable.

   Source: Handbook p. 33

   “Guide and Information Signs assist you in finding your way safely or provide information to make your trip more comfortable.”
   Hawaii Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 33

4. A reduced speed ahead sign warns that a lower limit begins at the next speed limit sign.

   Source: Handbook p. 45

   “These signs inform you that you should begin to reduce your speed. The new speed limit begins at the next speed limit sign.”
   Hawaii Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 45

5. The yellow pennant no passing zone sign is on the left side and points to where the zone begins.

   Source: Handbook p. 45

   “The pennant is located at the left side of the road and points to the beginning of the no-passing zone.”
   Hawaii Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 45

6. A Pass With Care sign marks the end of a no passing zone.

   Source: Handbook p. 46

   “PASS WITH CARE SIGNS are rectangular, black and white signs indicating the end of a no-passing zone.”
   Hawaii Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 46

7. Warning signs are usually diamond shaped with a black legend on a yellow background.

   Source: Handbook p. 47

   “Warning signs are usually diamond-shaped with a black legend and border on a yellow background.”
   Hawaii Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 47

8. Orange is the basic color for construction and maintenance devices.

   Source: Handbook p. 49

   “Orange is the basic color for these devices.”
   Hawaii Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 49

9. The slow moving vehicle emblem is an 18 inch reflective triangle on vehicles designed for 25 mph or less.

   Source: Handbook p. 30

   “This highly reflective 18 inch (46cm) triangular emblem is required to be displayed on the rear of vehicles designed to operate at speeds of 25 mph (40 km/h) or less.”
   Hawaii Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 30

Numbers to know

Recognize these signs

3 questions from the Hawaii practice test

1. 1. What does the yellow pennant-shaped sign identify?

   
   1. The end of a no-passing zone
   2. The beginning of a no-passing zone
   3. A place where passing is required
   4. A roadside recreation area
   Show answer

   The beginning of a no-passing zone. The pennant is placed on the left side of the road and points to the beginning of a no-passing zone. The driver should stay behind the vehicle ahead and obey the restriction rather than treating the sign as an invitation to overtake. The end of a zone uses different information, and neither passing nor recreation is required by this warning. Even after the restriction ends, visibility and traffic conditions still determine whether a pass is safe.

2. 2. Which category of traffic device tells a driver that an action is required and failure may bring a penalty?

   1. Decorative roadside markers
   2. Warning devices
   3. Guide and information signs
   4. Regulatory devices
   Show answer

   Regulatory devices. Regulatory devices establish commands or restrictions, such as stopping, traveling in a direction, or limiting speed. Ignoring one can bring a penalty because the device requires action. Warning devices describe hazards, while guide and information signs help with navigation or trip information. Decorative markers have no role in the manual's three categories. On a test question, look for the phrase action required: that points to the regulatory category rather than a caution or destination message.

3. 3. What does Hawaii's slow moving vehicle emblem look like, and which vehicles must display it?

   1. A round red sign on all trucks
   2. A reflective 18 inch triangular emblem on vehicles designed for 25 mph or less
   3. A blue triangle on tractors only
   4. A square yellow sign on buses
   Show answer

   A reflective 18 inch triangular emblem on vehicles designed for 25 mph or less. The slow moving vehicle emblem is a highly reflective 18 inch, or 46 centimeter, triangular emblem required on the rear of vehicles designed to operate at speeds of 25 mph or less, such as farm equipment. When you see it, reduce speed and be prepared to follow or pass with care. Never drive between the vehicles of a funeral procession, which are marked front and rear.

Source: the Hawaii Driver's Manual, Chapter VI: Traffic Signs, Signals and Markings. This lesson is a plain English summary, not the law itself; where it differs, the manual and the statute govern. Last checked 2026-09-27.