Regulatory signs in Massachusetts
The Massachusetts Driver's Manual shows or names everything on this page: 44 in all, on pages 49, 80, 82, 84–86, 94, 98, 103, 110–112, 115.
Independent educational site · not affiliated with any government agency or DMV
Regulatory signs
SPEED LIMIT 50
Never drive faster than the posted speed limit.
Manual page 80 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 80)
30 M.P.H.
Never drive faster than the posted speed limit.
Manual page 80 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 80)
THICKLY SETTLED SPEED LIMIT 25 CITYWIDE
Some communities have a thickly settled speed limit of 25 mph unless posted otherwise (per M.G.L. c90, Section 17c). Signs are posted at all entrances to these cities and towns.
Manual page 80 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 80)
THICKLY SETTLED SPEED LIMIT 25 TOWNWIDE
Some communities have a thickly settled speed limit of 25 mph unless posted otherwise (per M.G.L. c90, Section 17c). Signs are posted at all entrances to these cities and towns.
Manual page 80 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 80)
THICKLY SETTLED DISTRICT 25 MPH
A “thickly settled district” is an area where buildings are fewer than 200 feet apart for a distance of 1/4 mile or more.
Manual page 80 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 80)
SAFETY ZONE SPEED LIMIT 20
Never drive faster than the posted speed limit.
Manual page 80 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 80)
SCHOOL SPEED LIMIT 20 WHEN CHILDREN ARE PRESENT
The speed limit on roads near schools is 20 mph. This can be posted in various ways. Speed limit signs may have flashing yellow lights or be posted for certain hours of the day. Look closely for signs saying you are approaching or entering a school zone.
Manual page 80 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 80)
LEFT TURN SIGNAL
The manual does not state it
Manual page 82 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 82)
STOP ALL WAY
A STOP sign always means “come to a complete halt” and applies to each vehicle that comes to the sign. When approaching a stop sign, you must stop before any crosswalk or stop line painted on the pavement. Come to a complete stop, yield to pedestrians or other vehicles, and go carefully. Just slowing down is not enough. If a 4-WAY or ALL WAY sign is added to a STOP sign at an intersection, all traffic coming to the intersection must stop. The first vehicle in the intersection or four-way stop has the right of way.
Manual page 84 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 84)
4-WAY
If a 4-WAY or ALL WAY sign is added to a STOP sign at an intersection, all traffic coming to the intersection must stop.
Manual page 86 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 86)
YIELD
When you see a YIELD sign, slow down and be prepared to stop. Let vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians go before you proceed. You must come to a complete stop if traffic conditions require it.
Manual page 84 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 84)
DO NOT ENTER
Regulatory signs have a red or white background and inform drivers of traffic laws or regulations. Some, such as SPEED LIMIT signs, may only include words. Others, such as NO U-TURN signs, use only images. Some are a combination of words and images. Signs that use a red circle with a diagonal slash mean that something is prohibited.
Manual page 84 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 84)
No Right Turn
Regulatory signs have a red or white background and inform drivers of traffic laws or regulations. Some, such as SPEED LIMIT signs, may only include words. Others, such as NO U-TURN signs, use only images. Some are a combination of words and images. Signs that use a red circle with a diagonal slash mean that something is prohibited.
Manual page 84 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 84)
No Left Turn
Regulatory signs have a red or white background and inform drivers of traffic laws or regulations. Some, such as SPEED LIMIT signs, may only include words. Others, such as NO U-TURN signs, use only images. Some are a combination of words and images. Signs that use a red circle with a diagonal slash mean that something is prohibited.
Manual page 84 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 84)
No U-Turn
You cannot make a U-turn if a NO U-TURN sign is posted.
Manual page 84 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 84)
ROAD CLOSED
Regulatory signs have a red or white background and inform drivers of traffic laws or regulations. Some, such as SPEED LIMIT signs, may only include words. Others, such as NO U-TURN signs, use only images. Some are a combination of words and images. Signs that use a red circle with a diagonal slash mean that something is prohibited.
Manual page 84 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 84)
No Trucks
Regulatory signs have a red or white background and inform drivers of traffic laws or regulations. Some, such as SPEED LIMIT signs, may only include words. Others, such as NO U-TURN signs, use only images. Some are a combination of words and images. Signs that use a red circle with a diagonal slash mean that something is prohibited.
Manual page 84 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 84)
No Pedestrians
Regulatory signs have a red or white background and inform drivers of traffic laws or regulations. Some, such as SPEED LIMIT signs, may only include words. Others, such as NO U-TURN signs, use only images. Some are a combination of words and images. Signs that use a red circle with a diagonal slash mean that something is prohibited.
Manual page 84 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 84)
No Bicycles
Regulatory signs have a red or white background and inform drivers of traffic laws or regulations. Some, such as SPEED LIMIT signs, may only include words. Others, such as NO U-TURN signs, use only images. Some are a combination of words and images. Signs that use a red circle with a diagonal slash mean that something is prohibited.
Manual page 84 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 84)
No Parking 8:30 AM TO 5:30 PM
No parking allowed between posted hours
Manual page 84 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 84)
ONE WAY
Traffic moves only in direction of arrow
Manual page 84 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 84)
DO NOT PASS
You may not overtake another vehicle
Manual page 84 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 84)
NO TURN ON RED
You may not turn right after stopping at a red light
Manual page 84 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 84)
Keep Right (Median or Divider)
Keep to the right of the upcoming median or lane divider
Manual page 84 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 84)
Rectangle: Regulation Shape
The manual does not state it
Manual page 85 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 85)
TO REQUEST GREEN WAIT ON (Bicycle)
The manual does not state it
Manual page 115 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 115)
MOTORISTS GIVE 4 FT TO PASS
When you pass a vulnerable road user, you must leave a safe passing distance of at least four feet between your vehicle and the road user. The sign to the right will be posted on roads that do not have designated bike lanes or separated paths.
Manual page 49 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 49)
PASS WITH CARE
The manual does not state it
Manual page 103 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 103)
PUSH BUTTON FOR (Walking Person)
If an intersection has a traffic signal, press the button and wait for the WALK signal.
Manual page 112 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 112)
WALK ON LEFT FACING TRAFFIC
When no sidewalk is available, you should walk on the shoulder facing traffic.
Manual page 112 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 112)
ONE HOUR PARKING 9AM-7PM
Parking regulations are generally determined by state law and enforced by local cities and towns.
Manual page 111 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 111)
NO PARKING ANY TIME
In Massachusetts, you may not park your vehicle in certain places: In a zone posted with a NO PARKING, NO STANDING, or NO STOPPING sign
Manual page 111 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 111)
NO PARKING BUS STOP
In Massachusetts, you may not park your vehicle in certain places: In a bus stop
Manual page 111 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 111)
No Parking 8:30 AM TO 5:30 PM (EMERGENCY STOPPING ONLY)
Parking regulations are generally determined by state law and enforced by local cities and towns.
Manual page 111 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 111)
NO STANDING ANY TIME
In Massachusetts, you may not park your vehicle in certain places: In a zone posted with a NO PARKING, NO STANDING, or NO STOPPING sign
Manual page 111 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 111)
HANDICAPPED PARKING
In Massachusetts, you may not park your vehicle in certain places: in a zone posted for HP-DV parking only (unless you have disabled person plates or placards, or disabled veteran plates).
Manual page 111 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 111)
No Parking ON BRIDGE
Parking regulations are generally determined by state law and enforced by local cities and towns.
Manual page 111 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 111)
RESIDENT PERMIT PARKING ONLY
Certain streets have RESIDENT PERMIT PARKING ONLY signs. If you do not have a permit or a special visitor’s placard, you may not park there.
Manual page 111 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 111)
NO STOPPING
In Massachusetts, you may not park your vehicle in certain places: In a zone posted with a NO PARKING, NO STANDING, or NO STOPPING sign
Manual page 110 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 110)
Lane-use control signals
ONLY (All Traffic Must Go Left)
Look for signs saying the lane is only for turns in the direction of the arrow.
Manual page 82 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 82)
LEFT LANE MUST TURN LEFT
Regulatory signs have a red or white background and inform drivers of traffic laws or regulations. Some, such as SPEED LIMIT signs, may only include words. Others, such as NO U-TURN signs, use only images. Some are a combination of words and images. Signs that use a red circle with a diagonal slash mean that something is prohibited.
Manual page 84 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 84)
CENTER LANE ONLY
On some two-way roads, a center lane may be marked as a common left-turn lane to be used by vehicles in both directions. You may not travel in a center turning lane.
Manual page 98 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 98)
BIKE LANE
You must not drive in lanes posted as restricted, except when preparing for a turn. Look for signs like the ones to the right.
Manual page 94 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 94)
RIGHT LANE ONLY (Diamond, Bicycle)
You must not drive in lanes posted as restricted, except when preparing for a turn. Look for signs like the ones to the right.
Manual page 94 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 94)