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. The maximum speed limit should be driven only in ideal conditions, and you must slow down when weather or traffic requires it.

   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. A NO TURN ON RED sign is posted at your Louisiana intersection. When may you turn right?

   1. After a complete stop, if the crosswalk is empty
   2. When the cross street's light turns yellow
   3. After the signal turns green and the turn is safe
   4. After the light has been red for one full minute
   Show answer

   After the signal turns green and the turn is safe. Louisiana allows a right turn on red after stopping at the stop line and checking for traffic and pedestrians only when no NO TURN ON RED sign is posted at the light. When the sign is posted, you may not turn right during the red light; wait for the signal to turn green before turning. An empty crosswalk, a long wait, or a change in the cross street's light does not cancel the sign. Once the light changes, still check that the turn can be completed safely.

2. 2. What information is commonly provided by a blue service sign?

   1. A prohibition against passing
   2. The location of services such as gas stations or hospitals
   3. A warning about a curve or slippery pavement
   4. The maximum speed allowed on the road
   Show answer

   The location of services such as gas stations or hospitals. Blue service signs direct travelers to useful facilities, including rest areas, gas stations, hotels, and hospitals. They are informational rather than warnings, prohibitions, or speed commands. No-passing rules belong to regulatory or warning signs, curves and slippery pavement are hazard messages, and maximum speed is posted on a regulatory sign. A simple roadside cue is color plus purpose: blue helps locate a service. Follow the symbol or wording and make any exit or turn safely.

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.