Warning, regulatory, guide and work zone signs

Key points

1. Warning signs are usually yellow with black lettering or symbols and diamond shaped.

   Source: Handbook p. 25

   “These signs are usually yellow with black lettering or symbols and are diamond shaped.”
   Louisiana Class D and E Driver's Guide, Handbook p. 25

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

   Source: Handbook p. 26

   “Some regulatory signs have a red circle with a red slash over a symbol. These signs prohibit certain actions.”
   Louisiana Class D and E Driver's Guide, Handbook p. 26

3. Speed limit signs show the maximum, which should be driven only in ideal conditions.

   Source: Handbook p. 27

   “The maximum limit should be driven only in ideal driving conditions and you must reduce your speed when weather or traffic conditions require it.”
   Louisiana Class D and E Driver's Guide, Handbook p. 27

4. A school speed limit When Flashing applies only while the sign is flashing.

   Source: Handbook p. 27

   “The speed limit is required only when flashing; otherwise obey the roadways speed limit.”
   Louisiana Class D and E Driver's Guide, Handbook p. 27

5. You may not drive more than 200 feet in a shared center left turn lane.

   Source: Handbook p. 27

   “You must not drive more than 200 feet in this lane when making a left turn from this lane.”
   Louisiana Class D and E Driver's Guide, Handbook p. 27

6. Do not enter an intersection if you cannot clear it completely.

   Source: Handbook p. 28

   “You must not enter an intersection if traffic conditions do not permit you to clear the intersection completely.”
   Louisiana Class D and E Driver's Guide, Handbook p. 28

7. Blue service signs show services such as rest areas, gas, hotels or hospitals.

   Source: Handbook p. 30

   “These blue signs are square or rectangular shaped with white lettering or symbols. They show the location of various services such as rest areas, gas stations, hotels or hospitals.”
   Louisiana Class D and E Driver's Guide, Handbook p. 30

8. In Louisiana, traffic fines are doubled in construction zones.

   Source: Handbook p. 31

   “In Louisiana, traffic fines are double for construction zones.”
   Louisiana Class D and E Driver's Guide, Handbook p. 31

Numbers to know

Recognize these signs

3 questions from the Louisiana practice test

1. 1. What shape and colors are typical of Louisiana warning signs?

   1. Blue with white lettering, usually rectangular
   2. White with green lettering, usually circular
   3. Yellow with black lettering or symbols, usually diamond-shaped
   4. Orange with black lettering, usually triangular
   Show answer

   Yellow with black lettering or symbols, usually diamond-shaped. Louisiana warning signs are usually yellow with black lettering or symbols and have a diamond shape. That combination alerts a driver to a possible hazard or special roadway condition ahead. Blue rectangular signs generally point to services, while white signs commonly communicate regulations. Orange backgrounds identify temporary traffic control areas, not the ordinary warning-sign category. When the diamond shape and yellow background appear together, scan ahead and be ready to slow or stop for the condition shown.

2. 2. What does orange usually mean on a roadway sign?

   1. A recreational or cultural destination
   2. A hospital or medical service
   3. A permanent speed restriction
   4. A construction zone or temporary traffic control
   Show answer

   A construction zone or temporary traffic control. Orange is the basic color for temporary traffic control and construction signs. It tells the driver to expect workers, machinery, barricades, lane changes, or unusual roadway conditions and to be ready to slow or stop. Blue service signs identify places such as hospitals, while green and brown guide signs point toward routes or recreational destinations. A permanent speed restriction is shown by a regulatory sign. When orange appears, look beyond the sign for work-zone devices and changing traffic patterns.

3. 3. What does a red circle with a red slash over a symbol mean?

   
   1. The action represented by the symbol is prohibited
   2. The action is recommended at that location
   3. The symbol identifies a nearby traveler service
   4. The sign gives an advisory curve speed
   Show answer

   The action represented by the symbol is prohibited. A red circle with a slash is a prohibition symbol. It tells the driver not to perform the action shown, such as turning left, turning right, or making a U-turn. It is not a recommendation, a service marker, or an advisory speed message. Look at the crossed-out symbol itself to identify the forbidden movement, then obey the restriction even if the roadway appears clear. The red slash is the quick visual cue that the pictured action is not allowed.

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.