A1. Traffic signs, introduction.
Traffic signs are devices placed along, beside, or above a highway, roadway, pathway, or other routes to guide, warn, and regulate the flow of traffic, including motor vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians, equestrians, and other travelers.
Traffic signs are used for three different purposes: (a) to regulate traffic, movement, or parking, (b) to warn of potential dangers or changes in road conditions, and (c) to provide information and guidance.
A2. Traffic signs, shapes, introduction.
Traffic signs have shapes that denote specific meaning. The shape of the traffic sign allows you to quickly determine whether you are being presented with (a) a regulation, (b) a warning, or (c) information or guidance, and sometimes the specific meaning of the sign.
A3. Traffic signs, shapes, octagon.
This shape is used exclusively for stop signs. A driver should be able to immediately recognize that an octagon-shaped sign means Stop.
A4. Traffic signs, shapes, equilateral triangle, point down.
This shape is used exclusively for yield signs. A driver should be able to immediately recognize that an equilateral triangle shaped sign pointed down means YIELD to other vehicles and pedestrians.
A5. Traffic signs, shapes, circle.
This shape is used exclusively for railroad advance warnings and civil defense evacuation route markers. The most common use in California is for railroad advance warning. A driver should be able to immediately recognize that a sign in the shape of a circle is means there is a railroad crossing ahead.
A6. Traffic signs, shapes, cross buck.
This shape is used exclusively to warn of a railroad crossing. A driver should be able to immediately recognize that a sign in the shape of a cross buck means that there is a railroad crossing ahead.
