Signs, signals and pavement markings
Ahead of you is a yellow, diamond-shaped sign with black symbols. What kind of sign is it?
- A warning sign: a hazardous spot or a place with a special rule is ahead. Correct answer
- A regulation sign: it states a traffic rule you must obey at that point.
- A service sign: it points to facilities such as rest areas or gas.
Why
In New York, the shape and color of a sign tell you what type of information it carries. A yellow diamond with black lettering is the normal look of a warning sign, and its job is to tell you that a hazardous location, or a place where a special rule applies, is coming up. Regulation signs are another family: they are normally white rectangles with black lettering, although some take other shapes and some use red, as the STOP sign does. Service signs are blue with white lettering and show where services are. The shape and color do most of the work, since a yellow diamond asks you to get ready for what is coming and a white rectangle tells you a rule is in force where you are.
Where this comes from
New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), April 2026 version. The correct answer is A warning sign: a hazardous spot or a place with a special rule is ahead.
More on signs, signals and pavement markings
- On a highway you notice a blue sign with white symbols. What is it most likely telling you?
- You want to know how far it is to the next town and which way to go. Which color of sign is meant to give you that information?
- A white sign shows a right-turn arrow with a red circle and a slash drawn over it. What does the sign mean?
- You reach a STOP sign at an intersection where neither a stop line nor a crosswalk is painted on the road. Where must you stop?