Regulatory and guide signs

Key points

1. Regulatory signs are square, rectangular or special shapes, and white with black, red or green letters.

   Source: Handbook p. 6-9

   “These signs are square or rectangular or have a special shape and are white with black, red, or green letters or symbols.”
   South Carolina Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 6-9

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

   Source: Handbook p. 6-9

   “Some regulatory signs have a red circle with a red slash over a symbol, which prohibit certain actions.”
   South Carolina Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 6-9

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

   Source: Handbook p. 6-10

   “These black and white signs indicate the maximum legal speed allowed in ideal conditions.”
   South Carolina Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 6-10

4. The stop sign has 8 sides and is red with white letters. Stop behind the stop line or crosswalk.

   Source: Handbook p. 6-10

   “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.”
   South Carolina Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 6-10

5. Yield means slow down and let traffic with the right of way cross before entering.

   Source: Handbook p. 6-10

   “It means you must slow down and allow traffic that has the right-of-way to cross before entering.”
   South Carolina Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 6-10

6. Never drive the wrong way on a one way street.

   Source: Handbook p. 6-10

   “Do not turn in the opposite direction of the arrow. Never drive the wrong way on a oneway street.”
   South Carolina Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 6-10

7. Guide signs are square or rectangular and green, brown or blue.

   Source: Handbook p. 6-11

   “Guide Signs These signs are square or rectangular and are green, brown, or blue.”
   South Carolina Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 6-11

Numbers to know

Recognize these signs

3 questions from the South Carolina practice test

1. 1. What colors and shapes may regulatory signs use?

   1. White with black, red, or green letters or symbols, often square or rectangular
   2. Yellow with black symbols, always diamond shaped
   3. Green with white letters, always circular
   4. Blue with orange symbols, usually triangular
   Show answer

   White with black, red, or green letters or symbols, often square or rectangular. Regulatory signs may be square, rectangular, or a special shape, and they are white with black, red, or green letters or symbols. Their appearance helps distinguish enforceable traffic instructions from yellow warning signs and green guide signs. The yellow diamond choice describes a common warning-sign pattern, while green and blue choices belong to other sign purposes. Read the symbol or wording after identifying the category, because the sign's shape and color provide a first clue but the specific command controls the maneuver.

2. 2. What shape and color identify a South Carolina stop sign?

   1. Eight-sided and red with white letters
   2. Round and yellow with black letters
   3. Diamond-shaped and orange with black symbols
   4. Rectangular and green with white letters
   Show answer

   Eight-sided and red with white letters. A stop sign is an eight-sided red sign with white letters. Its unusual shape lets drivers recognize the required stop even when the face is partly hidden or seen from the back. A round yellow sign is associated with railroad warnings, while orange diamond signs warn about work zones and green signs generally guide roadway destinations. After identifying the stop sign, stop behind the stop line or crosswalk when one is present. The shape is the quick recognition cue, but the required action is a complete stop before entering.

3. 3. What colors do South Carolina guide signs use, and what do they help you do?

   
   1. Green, brown, or blue; they give information on intersecting roads and direct you to cities
   2. Red and white; they order you to stop or yield
   3. Yellow with black symbols; they warn of hazards ahead
   4. Orange; they mark construction zones
   Show answer

   Green, brown, or blue; they give information on intersecting roads and direct you to cities. Guide signs are the square or rectangular signs in green, brown, or blue that tell you where roads lead. Green signs carry route and destination information at intersections and interchanges, brown signs point to parks and points of interest, and blue signs lead to services such as hospitals, service stations, restaurants, and hotels. Red and white signs are regulatory, yellow signs warn of hazards, and orange marks work zones. When you are unsure of your route, read the guide signs early so you can choose your lane well before the turn or exit rather than changing lanes at the last moment.

Source: the South Carolina Driver's Manual, Section 6: 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.