Road signs

Key points

1. You can tell a sign's general meaning by its shape and color, even if it is covered by dirt or snow.

   Source: Handbook p. 32

   “You can tell what road signs mean by the shape and color as well as the wording. If the sign is covered by dirt, snow, or anything else, you should know the general meaning (regulatory, warning, information) of the sign by its shape.”
   Vermont Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 32

2. A stop sign has 8 sides: stop, scan and yield, then go.

   Source: Handbook p. 32

   “A stop sign has 8 sides. It means you must stop scan the intersection, honor the right of way, and then proceed.”
   Vermont Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 32

3. Stop before the stop line, the crosswalk (marked or unmarked) or the intersecting road, whichever comes first.

   Source: Handbook p. 32

   “You are required to stop before the stop line, crosswalk (marked or unmarked) or the intersecting road, whichever comes first.”
   Vermont Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 32

4. Yield signs are upside down triangles: slow down, search, and enter only if clear.

   Source: Handbook p. 32

   “Yield right-of-way signs are the shape of an upside down triangle, and they mean you should slow down, search and enter only if the way is clear of pedestrians, bicyclists and vehicles.”
   Vermont Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 32

5. A circular sign with an X and RR means a railroad crossing ahead.

   Source: Handbook p. 32

   “Circular signs with a large X and the letters RR indicate there is a railroad crossing ahead.”
   Vermont Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 32

6. Crossbuck signs at railroad crossings show where the tracks are, and smaller signs below show how many tracks there are.

   Source: Handbook p. 33

   “Crossbuck signs are at all railroad crossings. They indicate where the tracks are. Slow down, look both ways, and listen for trains before crossing. The smaller signs below the crossbuck indicate how many tracks there are at the crossing.”
   Vermont Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 33

7. Warning signs are usually diamond shaped and yellow or green.

   Source: Handbook p. 33

   “Warning signs are placed where there is danger at all times, and a driver needs to slow down. They are usually diamond-shaped and yellow or green.”
   Vermont Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 33

8. A downward arrow under a school or pedestrian sign marks a crosswalk.

   Source: Handbook p. 33

   “A downward arrow under a school or pedestrian sign indicates a crosswalk or crossing area.”
   Vermont Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 33

9. Rectangular white regulatory signs tell you what you must or must not do.

   Source: Handbook p. 34

   “Rectangular signs with white backgrounds indicate what things a driver must or must not do.”
   Vermont Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 34

10. A flagger has legal authority to control traffic and must be obeyed.

    Source: Handbook p. 36

    “A flagger has the legal authority to control traffic and must be obeyed.”
    Vermont Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 36

Numbers to know

Recognize these signs

3 questions from the Vermont practice test

1. 1. How many sides does a Vermont stop sign have?

   1. Eight
   2. Six
   3. Four
   4. Twelve
   Show answer

   Eight. The stop sign is an eight-sided shape. Its outline helps communicate the required action even if dirt, snow, or another obstruction makes the lettering hard to read. A six-sided sign, a rectangle, or a twelve-sided sign does not match the manual’s description. Shape recognition should lead to the full stop procedure: stop before the stop line, crosswalk, or intersecting road, whichever comes first, then scan and honor the right of way before moving.

2. 2. What shape and colors are Vermont warning signs usually?

   1. Triangular and orange or purple
   2. Circular and blue or white
   3. Rectangular and red or black
   4. Diamond-shaped and yellow or green
   Show answer

   Diamond-shaped and yellow or green. Vermont warning signs are usually diamond-shaped and yellow or green. Their appearance helps a driver recognize a warning even when the wording is difficult to read. The other combinations describe shapes and colors that are not the manual’s usual warning-sign pattern. Do not treat the color and shape as permission to stop, pass, or turn by themselves. Use them as an early recognition cue, then read the message or symbol and slow down for the hazard ahead. This visual habit is especially useful when weather, dirt, or distance makes the lettering hard to see.

3. 3. Where are Vermont crossbuck signs located, and what do they identify?

   
   1. At intersections, where they replace every stop sign
   2. Before school zones, where they identify a reduced speed
   3. At work zones, where they mark a lane merge
   4. At railroad crossings, where they indicate the location of the tracks
   Show answer

   At railroad crossings, where they indicate the location of the tracks. Crossbuck signs stand at railroad crossings and indicate where the tracks are. They are not school, work-zone, or general intersection signs. The sign does not replace every stop sign, because railroad crossings also use gates, flashing lights, and other controls. After locating the crossbuck, slow down, look both ways, and listen for trains. Smaller signs below it can tell you how many tracks cross the road, which affects the search.

Source: the Vermont Driver's Manual, Chapter 7: Driving Safely and Studying for Your Permit. 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.