Regulatory signs

Key points

1. A sign's shape, color, symbols and words tell you what kind of information it gives.

   Source: Handbook p. 35

   “The shape, color, symbols, and words of these signs give clues to the type of information they provide.”
   Kentucky Driver Manual, Handbook p. 35

2. Regulatory signs are square, rectangular or specially shaped, white with black, red or green letters.

   Source: Handbook p. 38

   “These signs are square or rectangular or have a special shape and are white with black, red, or green letters or symbols.”
   Kentucky Driver Manual, Handbook p. 38

3. A red circle with a red slash over a symbol prohibits that action.

   Source: Handbook p. 38

   “Some regulatory signs have a red circle with a red slash over a symbol, which prohibits certain actions.”
   Kentucky Driver Manual, Handbook p. 38

4. A stop sign has eight sides and is red with white letters. Stop behind the stop line or crosswalk.

   Source: Handbook p. 38

   “A stop sign has eight sides and is red with white letters. You must stop behind the stop line or crosswalk if one is present.”
   Kentucky Driver Manual, Handbook p. 38

5. A yield sign is a red and white downward triangle. Slow down and let traffic with the right of way pass.

   Source: Handbook p. 38

   “A yield sign is a red and white downward-pointing triangle with red letters. It means you must slow down and allow traffic that has the right of way to cross before entering.”
   Kentucky Driver Manual, Handbook p. 38

6. Do Not Enter means you cannot enter that street. It is often at exit ramps and one way streets.

   Source: Handbook p. 38

   “This sign tells you that you cannot enter a street or roadway. It is often found at exit ramps and at the beginning of one-way streets.”
   Kentucky Driver Manual, Handbook p. 38

7. Wrong Way means you are going in the wrong direction.

   Source: Handbook p. 38

   “This sign tells that you are going in the wrong direction.”
   Kentucky Driver Manual, Handbook p. 38

8. One Way signs mean traffic flows only in the arrow's direction.

   Source: Handbook p. 38

   “These signs tell you that traffic flows only in the direction of the arrow. Do not turn in the opposite direction of the arrow.”
   Kentucky Driver Manual, Handbook p. 38

9. Speed limit signs show the maximum legal speed in ideal conditions.

   Source: Handbook p. 38

   “These black and white signs indicate the maximum legal speed allowed in ideal conditions.”
   Kentucky Driver Manual, Handbook p. 38

Numbers to know

Recognize these signs

3 questions from the Kentucky practice test

1. 1. At the pictured STOP sign, where must you stop when a stop line or crosswalk is present?

   
   1. Only at the edge of the roadway if another vehicle is visible
   2. After entering the intersection so the rear bumper clears traffic
   3. Behind the stop line or crosswalk, then yield to crossing traffic and pedestrians
   4. Before the sign, even when that blocks the crosswalk
   Show answer

   Behind the stop line or crosswalk, then yield to crossing traffic and pedestrians. The octagonal red sign requires a stop behind the stop line or crosswalk when one is present. After stopping, yield to crossing vehicles and pedestrians in every direction before proceeding. Stopping inside the intersection gives up the protected stopping position, and waiting for another vehicle is not a condition attached to the sign. Stopping before the sign can also place the vehicle where it blocks the crosswalk. Scan for the line first, then stop and check all directions.

2. 2. What action does the pictured downward-pointing YIELD sign require before entering?

   
   1. Enter without checking because the sign applies only to trucks
   2. Stop every time, even when no traffic is present
   3. Accelerate so crossing traffic must wait
   4. Slow down and allow right-of-way traffic to cross first
   Show answer

   Slow down and allow right-of-way traffic to cross first. A Kentucky yield sign tells the driver to slow down and allow traffic with the right of way to cross before entering. It does not impose an automatic stop in every empty-road situation, although stopping may be necessary when traffic or pedestrians require it. Accelerating reverses the intended priority and increases conflict. The sign applies to the approaching driver regardless of vehicle type. Reduce speed early, identify who has priority, and stop if that is needed to yield safely.

3. 3. What does the pictured DO NOT ENTER sign tell a driver?

   
   1. The driver may enter only after stopping for pedestrians
   2. The driver cannot enter that street or roadway
   3. The roadway permits travel in either direction
   4. The street is reserved for emergency vehicles only
   Show answer

   The driver cannot enter that street or roadway. DO NOT ENTER means the driver cannot enter the street or roadway facing the sign. The manual notes that this sign is often placed at exit ramps and at the beginning of one-way streets, so an apparently open pavement path can still be the wrong direction. A pedestrian stop does not cancel the prohibition, and the sign does not announce two-way travel or an emergency-only roadway. Treat the red message as an entry ban and find a lawful route.

Source: the Kentucky Driver Manual, Section Six: Rules of the Road. 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.