Sign shapes and colors

Key points

1. You must obey directions from police, highway workers and school crossing guards.

   Source: Handbook p. 22

   “Traffic control also can be provided by law enforcement, highway personnel or school crossing guards. You must obey directions from these persons.”
   Louisiana Class D and E Driver's Guide, Handbook p. 22

2. The octagon is used only for stop signs. Come to a complete stop.

   Source: Handbook p. 23

   “The octagon shape sign is used exclusively for stop signs. Slow down and come to a complete stop.”
   Louisiana Class D and E Driver's Guide, Handbook p. 23

3. The diamond is for warnings. An orange diamond marks a construction zone.

   Source: Handbook p. 23

   “A diamond shaped sign that is orange in color is used in construction zones.”
   Louisiana Class D and E Driver's Guide, Handbook p. 23

4. The downward pointing triangle is used only for yield signs.

   Source: Handbook p. 23

   “The triangle shaped sign with the point down is used exclusively for yield signs.”
   Louisiana Class D and E Driver's Guide, Handbook p. 23

5. The sideways pointing triangle marks no passing zones.

   Source: Handbook p. 23

   “The triangle shaped sign with the point sideways is used to indicate no passing zones.”
   Louisiana Class D and E Driver's Guide, Handbook p. 23

6. The white crossbuck at a railroad crossing has the same meaning as a yield sign.

   Source: Handbook p. 23

   “The white cross buck is a regulatory sign has the same meaning as a yield sign.”
   Louisiana Class D and E Driver's Guide, Handbook p. 23

7. Red means stop or do not, and is used for stop, yield, do not enter and wrong way signs.

   Source: Handbook p. 24

   “Red Used for Stop and Yield signs, DO NOT ENTER and WRONG WAY signs Means "Stop" or "Do Not" anytime you see this color”
   Louisiana Class D and E Driver's Guide, Handbook p. 24

8. Fluorescent yellow green is the background for pedestrian, bicycle and school warning signs.

   Source: Handbook p. 24

   “Florescent Yellow-Green used as background color for pedestrian, bicycle and school warning signs.”
   Louisiana Class D and E Driver's Guide, Handbook p. 24

Recognize these signs

3 questions from the Louisiana practice test

1. 1. What does the octagon shape tell a driver about a traffic sign?

   
   1. It identifies a no-passing zone
   2. It marks a railroad advance warning
   3. It is used exclusively for stop signs
   4. It marks a guide sign to a service
   Show answer

   It is used exclusively for stop signs. The octagon is reserved for stop signs, making its shape useful before the lettering can be read. A railroad advance warning uses a round yellow sign or a white crossbuck, and the sideways triangle identifies a no-passing zone. Service information is commonly shown on blue square or rectangular signs. If an octagonal sign comes into view, begin slowing and prepare for a complete stop rather than treating it as a general warning.

2. 2. Which sign color means stop or do not?

   1. Fluorescent pink
   2. Amber
   3. Orange
   4. Red
   Show answer

   Red. Red carries a stop or prohibition message in the guide. It is used for stop and yield signs, along with DO NOT ENTER and WRONG WAY signs. Amber signals caution and preparation to slow, orange marks temporary traffic control, and fluorescent pink identifies incident management. A red sign therefore deserves an immediate check of the required action, not the assumption that it is merely a route or service marker.

3. 3. What shape is used exclusively for railroad advance warning signs?

   1. A circular sign
   2. An octagonal sign
   3. A yellow diamond sign
   4. A downward pointing triangle
   Show answer

   A circular sign. The Louisiana guide names two shapes that are used only for railroad advance warning: the round yellow advance warning (AWS) sign and the white X-shaped crossbuck. Of these choices, the circular sign is the one reserved for railroads. A yellow diamond is the general warning-sign shape used for curves, intersections and many other hazards, so it does not identify a railroad by itself. An octagon means stop and a downward triangle means yield. When you see the round yellow sign, slow down, look and listen, and be ready to stop before the tracks.

Source: the Louisiana Class D and E Driver's Guide, Chapter 3: Signs, Traffic Lights, and Pavement 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.