Signs, signals and pavement markings
A sign shows a picture inside a red circle with a red line through it. What does it mean?
- The action shown in the picture is not allowed. Correct answer
- The action shown in the picture is allowed, with caution.
- The picture shows a hazard on the road ahead.
Why
A red circle crossed by a red line is a prohibition: whatever the picture inside shows is something you may not do, and the sign may add words to say so. Reading it as permission with caution turns the meaning upside down. Warning of road conditions and dangers ahead is the job of diamond-shaped signs, not of the red circle. Red and white regulatory signs in general give you an instruction to follow; DO NOT ENTER, for instance, means you may not enter the road or ramp where it is posted.
Where this comes from
California Driver's Handbook, June 2025 edition. The correct answer is The action shown in the picture is not allowed.
- Section 7. Laws and Rules of the Road › Traffic Control › Signs › Red Circle with a Red Line Through It, page 38
- Section 7. Laws and Rules of the Road › Traffic Control › Signs › Diamond-shaped Sign, page 38
- Section 7. Laws and Rules of the Road › Traffic Control › Signs › Red and White Regulatory Sign, page 38
The rule behind this one
California road signs, signals and pavement markings goes through the whole topic, with the page of the California Driver's Handbook behind every rule.
More on signs, signals and pavement markings
- Up ahead you see a round yellow-and-black sign. What is it warning you about?
- What kind of message does a white rectangular sign usually give?
- You are approaching an intersection and the traffic signal turns solid yellow. What should you do?
- You are stopped at a signal showing a red arrow and want to turn in the direction the arrow points. What must you do?