Regulatory, stop, yield and guide signs

Key points

1. Regulatory signs are white with black, red or green letters or symbols and state laws you must obey.

   Source: Handbook p. 35

   “These signs are square, rectangular, or have a special shape and are white with black, red, or green letters and/or symbols.”
   South Dakota Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 35

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

   Source: Handbook p. 35

   “Some regulatory signs have a red circle with a red slash over a symbol, which prohibits certain actions.”
   South Dakota Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 35

3. The stop sign has 8 sides. Stop behind the stop line or crosswalk, or before the sign.

   Source: Handbook p. 35

   “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, or before the stop sign itself.”
   South Dakota Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 35

4. A yield sign is a red and white downward triangle: slow down and yield.

   Source: Handbook p. 35

   “A yield sign is a red and white downward-pointing triangle with red letters. It means you must slow down and yield the right-of-way”
   South Dakota Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 35

5. Speed limit signs are black and white and show the maximum or minimum speed.

   Source: Handbook p. 35

   “These signs are black and white, and they indicate the maximum safe speed allowed or the minimum safe speed required.”
   South Dakota Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 35

6. If a posted minimum speed is too fast for you, use another road.

   Source: Handbook p. 35

   “If the minimum posted speed is too fast for you, you should use another road.”
   South Dakota Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 35

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

   Source: Handbook p. 35

   “Never drive the wrong way on a one-way street.”
   South Dakota Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 35

8. Service signs are blue with white letters or symbols.

   Source: Handbook p. 36

   “These signs are square or rectangular shaped and are blue with white letters or symbols.”
   South Dakota Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 36

Numbers to know

Recognize these signs

3 questions from the South Dakota practice test

1. 1. What is the purpose of regulatory signs such as stop, yield, and turn-control signs?

   1. They point out scenic and service destinations
   2. They warn only of temporary work zones
   3. They state traffic laws drivers must obey
   4. They mark pavement edges during fog
   Show answer

   They state traffic laws drivers must obey. Regulatory signs tell drivers about specific laws, including traffic direction, lane use, turning, speed, parking, and other special situations. A service-destination answer belongs to guide or service signs, not regulatory signs. The cue is a white, red, black, or special-shaped command sign; read it as an enforceable instruction and adjust before reaching the intersection or lane control. Ignoring a regulatory sign is a traffic violation that can bring a fine and points on your South Dakota record.

2. 2. What does a yield sign tell a South Dakota driver to do?

   1. Slow down and give right of way to traffic in or entering the conflict area
   2. Stop every time before the sign
   3. Proceed first if driving on the wider street
   4. Turn only in the direction shown by an arrow
   Show answer

   Slow down and give right of way to traffic in or entering the conflict area. A yield sign means slow down and be ready to let other traffic go first in the intersection or roadway you are entering. It differs from a stop sign because a complete stop is required only when traffic or pedestrians make it necessary. The stop every time choice changes the control from yield to stop. The visual cue is the red and white downward triangle, which warns you to check gaps before entering.

3. 3. What do blue service signs show?

   1. Places where passing is prohibited
   2. The maximum safe speed for ideal conditions
   3. Locations of services such as rest areas, gas stations, campgrounds, or hospitals
   4. A railroad crossing with more than one track
   Show answer

   Locations of services such as rest areas, gas stations, campgrounds, or hospitals. Blue service signs point drivers toward services such as rest areas, gas, camping, or hospitals. A maximum safe speed is posted on a speed limit sign, which is black and white. The cue is a blue square or rectangle with white letters or symbols for traveler services near an exit or roadway. These signs help with trip decisions, but they do not change right-of-way or speed obligations by themselves.

Source: the South Dakota Driver License Manual, 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.