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Tennessee road sign library

Every sign, signal and marking the Tennessee driver manual shows or names, with its meaning in the manual's words and its page.

Independent educational site · not affiliated with any government agency or DMV

Regulatory signs - Tennessee

  • REGULATORY (Vertical Rectangle)

    REGULATORY (Vertical Rectangle)

    BLACK-WHITE is used for regulatory signs. Regulatory signs are used to inform road users of selected traffic laws or regulations.

    Manual page 35 · Open this page in the manual

  • STOP

    STOP

    This sign is the only eight-sided sign on the roadway. It always means that there is danger. It will always be red with white lettering. It tells you that you are approaching an important street or highway and that you must bring your car to a complete stop

    Manual page 36 · Open this page in the manual

  • ALL WAY Plate under STOP

    ALL WAY Plate under STOP

    ALL WAY: Red Rectangle –Added below a stop sign. It means all traffic approaching this intersection must stop.

    Manual page 36 · Open this page in the manual

  • YIELD

    YIELD

    This three-sided sign means that you are approaching an intersection and must stop and wait when other vehicles are approaching from the right or left on the other roadway. If you are sure no other cars are coming you need not come to a complete stop but you must slow down and enter the intersection with caution. Always stop when traffic is heavy.

    Manual page 36 · Open this page in the manual

See them all (47) →

Warning signs - Tennessee

  • WARNING Hazard Ahead (Diamond)

    WARNING Hazard Ahead (Diamond)

    WARNING Hazard Ahead. Diamond Shape — Hazardous Or Unexpected Condition Ahead. These signs call for caution and usually for a slower speed. Some carry written information. Others are miniature symbolic road maps that warn of highway conditions ahead.

    Manual page 35 · Open this page in the manual

  • Cross Road Ahead

    Cross Road Ahead

    This sign tells you that you are approaching an intersection. The black lines show just what kind of intersection this is. This sign tells you it is a crossroad.

    Manual page 36 · Open this page in the manual

  • Sharp Turn Left

    Sharp Turn Left

    This sign tells you to be prepared for a rather sharp turn to the left. The turn sign is used to mark turns with a recommended speed of 30 m.p.h. or less.

    Manual page 38 · Open this page in the manual

  • Right Curve

    Right Curve

    Curve Sign: This sign tells you that you must be prepared for a curve to the right. The curve sign is used to mark curves with recommended speeds in the range between 30 and 55 m.p.h.

    Manual page 38 · Open this page in the manual

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Work zone signs - Tennessee

  • TYPE "B" FLASHERS: WORKERS PRESENT WHEN FLASHING

    TYPE "B" FLASHERS: WORKERS PRESENT WHEN FLASHING

    These construction, maintenance or emergency operations signs are generally diamond or rectangular shaped, orange with black letters or symbols and warn you that people are working on or near the roadway.

    Manual page 39 · Open this page in the manual

  • BARRICADE (Two Rails)

    BARRICADE (Two Rails)

    Channeling Devices Used to direct traffic flow. Barricades, vertical panels, concrete barriers, drums and cones are the most common devices used to guide drivers safely through work zones. When driving near these devices, keep your vehicle in the middle of the lane and obey the posted speed limit.

    Manual page 39 · Open this page in the manual

  • PANEL

    PANEL

    Channeling Devices Used to direct traffic flow. Barricades, vertical panels, concrete barriers, drums and cones are the most common devices used to guide drivers safely through work zones. When driving near these devices, keep your vehicle in the middle of the lane and obey the posted speed limit.

    Manual page 39 · Open this page in the manual

  • CONE

    CONE

    Channeling Devices Used to direct traffic flow. Barricades, vertical panels, concrete barriers, drums and cones are the most common devices used to guide drivers safely through work zones. When driving near these devices, keep your vehicle in the middle of the lane and obey the posted speed limit.

    Manual page 39 · Open this page in the manual

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Guide, railroad and other signs - Tennessee

  • Sign Colors Chart

    Sign Colors Chart

    The meanings of the nine basic background colors of signs should be memorized. RED: Stop, yield, do not enter or wrong way. YELLOW: General warning. ORANGE: Construction and maintenance warning. BLACK: Regulatory. Route markers. BROWN: Public recreation areas GREEN: Guidance WHITE: Regulatory and Route Markers BLUE: Motorist services and information FLUORESCENT YELLOW-GREEN: School zones

    Manual page 35 · Open this page in the manual

  • GUIDE (Shield)

    GUIDE (Shield)

    GUIDE

    Manual page 35 · Open this page in the manual

  • GUIDE (Horizontal Rectangle)

    GUIDE (Horizontal Rectangle)

    GUIDE. GREEN is used as a background color for guide signs (other than those using brown or white), mileposts and as a legend color with a white background for permissive parking regulations.

    Manual page 35 · Open this page in the manual

  • Railroad Crossing Advance Warning (RR)

    Railroad Crossing Advance Warning (RR)

    This circular sign always means that you are approaching a railroad grade crossing. You must slow down and be ready to stop. This sign tells you that it is up to you to stop if you see a train coming.

    Manual page 36 · Open this page in the manual

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Traffic signals - Tennessee

  • Five-Section Traffic Signal

    Five-Section Traffic Signal

    Traffic Signals are used to control vehicle drivers and pedestrians at some intersections and crosswalks. Signals promote better movement of traffic on busy roads by assigning right of way. A green light means you can go if it is safe. A yellow light means caution—prepare to stop for the red light. The red light always means stop. Standard traffic lights are red, yellow and green, from top to bottom respectively.

    Manual page 41 · Open this page in the manual

  • Steady Red Light

    Steady Red Light

    RED: Stop behind crosswalk or stop line.

    Manual page 41 · Open this page in the manual

  • Steady Yellow Light

    Steady Yellow Light

    YELLOW: Caution—prepare to stop. The red stop signal will be exhibited immediately after the yellow light appears. Adjust speed immediately to come to a smooth stop. You must stop if it is safe to do so. Do not speed up to beat the light. If you are already IN the intersection when the yellow light comes on, do not stop, but continue cautiously through the intersection. Tennessee law only requires the yellow light to be exhibited for a minimum of three seconds before the red light.

    Manual page 41 · Open this page in the manual

  • Steady Green Light

    Steady Green Light

    GREEN: Go IF the intersection is clear. You must yield to pedestrians and vehicles still in the intersection at light change. The green signal gives permission to proceed, BUT you must still observe the laws of the right-of-way. Yield to oncoming vehicles if you are turning left.

    Manual page 41 · Open this page in the manual

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Pavement markings - Tennessee

  • Solid White Edge Line

    Solid White Edge Line

    Lines along the side of the road show you where the edge of the road is located. A solid white line indicates the right edge of the traffic lane on a road. A solid or broken yellow line indicates the left edge of traffic lanes going in your direction.

    Manual page 42 · Open this page in the manual

  • Broken Yellow Center Line (Passing Permitted)

    Broken Yellow Center Line (Passing Permitted)

    Broken yellow lines mean that you MAY cross the line to pass if there is no oncoming traffic and it is safe to do so. (p59: Two-lane highways have a single broken yellow center line.)

    Manual page 42 · Open this page in the manual

  • Solid and Broken Yellow Lines

    Solid and Broken Yellow Lines

    One solid yellow line and one broken yellow: Where there is both a solid and a broken yellow line between opposing lanes of traffic, you may not pass if the solid yellow line is on your side. If the broken yellow line is on your side, you are in the “passing zone” and may pass if it is safe to do so.

    Manual page 42 · Open this page in the manual

  • Double Solid Yellow Line (No Passing)

    Double Solid Yellow Line (No Passing)

    Two solid yellow lines between lanes of traffic mean you MAY NOT cross the lines from either direction, even if no oncoming traffic is in view. You may cross a solid yellow line to turn into a driveway or side road if it is safe to do so.

    Manual page 42 · Open this page in the manual

See them all (18) →

More signs from our practice questions

  • A plain red sign panel with a white border.

    Red is used as a sign background color only for a few kinds of signs. Which of these is one of them?

    WRONG WAY signs

    Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 35 · Open this page in the manual

  • Eight blank rectangular sign panels with no symbols or words: red, green, brown, orange, yellow, blue, white and yellow-green.

    The manual says white is the background for regulatory signs except one kind. Which kind?

    STOP signs

    Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 35 · Open this page in the manual

    Which background color is used for mileposts?

    Green

    Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 35 · Open this page in the manual

    Which background color is used for signs about motorist services, such as police services and rest areas?

    Blue

    Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 35 · Open this page in the manual

  • A blank orange sign panel with a black border

    What is an orange sign background used for?

    Construction and maintenance signs

    Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 35 · Open this page in the manual

  • A plain yellow rectangular sign panel with a black border.

    Which kind of sign uses a yellow background?

    Warning signs

    Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 35 · Open this page in the manual

  • A blank brown sign panel with a white border

    A sign with a brown background points you to what?

    Places of recreational or cultural interest

    Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 35 · Open this page in the manual

  • A blank fluorescent yellow-green sign panel with a black border

    Besides school zones, where is fluorescent yellow-green signage used?

    Pedestrian areas such as crosswalks

    Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 36 · Open this page in the manual

    What is an advantage of fluorescent yellow-green signs?

    They are easier to see in low light, fog or rain

    Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 36 · Open this page in the manual

  • A wide rectangular sign panel with a bright fluorescent pink face and a thick black border line inside its edge, blank of words or symbols, on a gray post.

    What is fluorescent pink (coral) signage used for?

    Traffic control at incidents such as crashes or floods

    Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 36 · Open this page in the manual

  • Top view of a residential intersection. A blue car is stopped at the stop line beside a STOP sign. A tall hedge along the corner lot on its right hides the cross street from the driver.

    After stopping at a stop sign, you still cannot see the cross traffic. What should you do?

    Move ahead carefully until you can see, then go only if safe

    Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 36 · Open this page in the manual

  • Top view of a T-intersection where the blue car is on a side road, approaching a red-bordered white downward triangle reading YIELD, where the side road meets a two-lane main road.

    At a YIELD sign you are sure that no other cars are coming. What must you do?

    Slow down and enter the intersection with caution

    Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 36 · Open this page in the manual

    At a YIELD sign, when should you always stop?

    When traffic is heavy

    Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 36 · Open this page in the manual

  • A plain yellow four-sided sign standing on one corner like a diamond, with a black border and nothing printed on it.

    What do diamond-shaped signs call for?

    Caution and usually a slower speed

    Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 36 · Open this page in the manual

  • A yellow diamond warning sign with a plus-shaped cross symbol

    A yellow diamond sign shows a thick black plus-shaped cross. What does it tell you?

    A crossroad is ahead

    Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 36 · Open this page in the manual

  • A white sign with a black band showing a white diamond and the words LEFT LANE, then HOV 2+ ONLY and 6AM–9AM MON–FRI.

    A High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) sign marks lanes reserved for which vehicles?

    Buses and vehicles with at least the riders shown

    Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 37 · Open this page in the manual

  • Top view of a three-lane road with a solid yellow left edge line and dashed white lane lines. A red car is in the left lane, a white car in the middle lane, and the blue car in the right lane, farthest back.

    When you are moving more slowly than the traffic around you, what should you never do?

    Straddle lanes or drive in the center lane

    Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 37 · Open this page in the manual

  • A white square sign showing a red circle with a red diagonal line through it over a black arrow turning right.

    What does a white sign with a red circle and a diagonal line through a symbol mean?

    The thing shown is not allowed

    Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 37 · Open this page in the manual

  • A square white sign with a large red circle crossed by a wide horizontal white bar, with the words DO NOT above the bar and ENTER below it in white.

    What does a DO NOT ENTER sign tell you?

    A one-way street ahead may not be entered from your direction

    Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 37 · Open this page in the manual

  • A yellow diamond sign with an arrow that bends sharply to the left

    A yellow diamond sign shows an arrow bent sharply to the left. It marks turns with what recommended speed?

    30 m.p.h. or less

    Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 38 · Open this page in the manual

  • A yellow diamond sign with a black arrow that bends sharply one way and then the other.

    A yellow diamond sign shows an arrow that bends to the right and then to the left. What does it tell you?

    You must turn right, then left

    Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 38 · Open this page in the manual

    A reverse turn sign marks two turns in opposite directions that are less than how far apart?

    600 feet

    Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 38 · Open this page in the manual

  • A yellow diamond sign with a black arrow pointing up and a second curved line joining it from the lower right.

    A merge sign warns that traffic may blend into your road. After checking to your rear, what should you do if possible?

    Move to the other lane to give the merging driver room

    Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 38 · Open this page in the manual

    A yellow diamond sign shows one thick upward arrow with a second line joining it from the right. What does this sign mean?

    Traffic from the right must merge into the existing right lane

    Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 68 · Open this page in the manual

  • A fluorescent yellow-green pentagon sign showing two schoolchildren

    Near school grounds you see a five-sided sign showing two children walking. What does it warn you to do?

    Slow down, drive with caution and watch for children

    Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 38 · Open this page in the manual

    Where is the school sign showing two children walking placed?

    As you approach a school

    Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 38 · Open this page in the manual

  • A yellow diamond warning sign with two arrows pointing in opposite directions

    A yellow diamond warning sign shows two vertical arrows side by side, one pointing up and one pointing down. What does it mean?

    Two-way traffic

    Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 38 · Open this page in the manual

  • A plain orange diamond-shaped sign with a black border and no symbol or lettering on it.

    What do orange work area signs warn you about?

    People working on or near the roadway

    Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 39 · Open this page in the manual

  • An electronic message sign on two posts with its dot-matrix screen dark and blank.

    Electronic message or arrow signs on some roads give advance warning of what?

    Construction, road closures or weather hazards

    Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 39 · Open this page in the manual

    What do the Dynamic Message Signs along Tennessee interstates in urban areas provide?

    Real-time news of incidents, road conditions or construction

    Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 71 · Open this page in the manual

    Besides traffic information, which of these may Dynamic Message Signs also be used for?

    Missing child Amber Alerts

    Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 71 · Open this page in the manual

  • A fluorescent orange triangle with a red reflective border mounted on the rear of a farm tractor

    How does a slow-moving vehicle (SMV) emblem appear to drivers at night?

    It glows brilliantly in the path of approaching headlights

    Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 40 · Open this page in the manual

  • Two narrow upright panels with yellow and black diagonal stripes, each on its own post.

    What do object markers warn drivers about?

    Objects beside the road that are so close to its edge they need marking

    Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 40 · Open this page in the manual

    Which is a typical application of an object marker?

    Marking the end of a bridge

    Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 40 · Open this page in the manual

  • A blue shield-shaped route marker with a red band across the top and the white number 15.

    What does a blue and red route marker shaped like a shield indicate?

    The route is part of the national system of interstate and defense highways

    Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 40 · Open this page in the manual

  • A green overhead highway sign with an Interstate 40 shield, the words WEST and Nashville, and two white arrows pointing down.

    On guide signs on Tennessee’s Interstate Highways, what do the arrows point to?

    The lane you should be in to enter or leave the road

    Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 40 · Open this page in the manual

  • Overhead green guide signs above a three-lane freeway, with downward arrows over the lanes and a yellow EXIT ONLY panel over the right lane

    A yellow sign above the road reads EXIT ONLY with a downward arrow. Which traffic must exit?

    All traffic in the lane or lanes directly below the arrows

    Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 40 · Open this page in the manual

  • A blank blue sign panel with a white border

    On a roadside guide sign, what does a blue background direct motorists to?

    Service facilities

    Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 40 · Open this page in the manual

  • A green sign with a bicycle and the words BIKE ROUTE, above a green plate with an arrow pointing right.

    Green background directional signs showing a bicycle or hikers point drivers to what?

    Bike and hiking trails

    Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 41 · Open this page in the manual

  • A roadside mile marker post

    How do interstate reference markers help motorists who call emergency operators from mobile phones?

    They let callers give the exact location where help is needed

    Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 41 · Open this page in the manual

  • A traffic signal with four lenses that all show left-pointing arrows; only the bottom green arrow is lit.

    When a protected turn arrow is green, in which direction may you drive?

    Only in the direction of the arrow

    Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 41 · Open this page in the manual

  • Three overhead lane-control signals over a three-lane road: a red X over the left lane and green downward arrows over the middle and right lanes.

    Lane control signals are most often used when:

    The direction of traffic flow changes during the day

    Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 42 · Open this page in the manual

    Besides showing a change in the direction of traffic flow, what do lane control signals indicate?

    Whether toll plaza lanes are open or closed

    Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 42 · Open this page in the manual

    A green arrow pointing down is shown over a lane. What does it mean?

    Driving in that lane is permitted

    Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 42 · Open this page in the manual

    Above a reversible lane, what does a green arrow mean?

    You can drive in the lane beneath it

    Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 61 · Open this page in the manual

  • Three overhead lane-control signals over a three-lane road: a green downward arrow, a red X over the middle lane, and a green downward arrow.

    A red X is shown over a lane. What does it mean?

    Driving is not permitted in that lane

    Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 42 · Open this page in the manual

    Above a reversible lane, what does a red “X” mean?

    You cannot drive in the lane below it

    Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 61 · Open this page in the manual

  • Three overhead lane-control signals over a three-lane road: a flashing yellow X over the left lane and green downward arrows over the middle and right lanes.

    A yellow X over a lane is flashing. What does it mean?

    The lane is for turning only

    Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 42 · Open this page in the manual

  • Three overhead lane-control signals over a three-lane road: a green downward arrow, a yellow X over the middle lane, and a green downward arrow.

    A yellow X over a lane is solid, not flashing. What does it mean?

    The direction of the lane is changing

    Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 42 · Open this page in the manual

    Above a reversible lane, what does a steady yellow “X” mean?

    The lane use is changing, so move out of it when safe

    Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 61 · Open this page in the manual

  • A city street whose red-surfaced right lane is marked BUS ONLY, where a transit bus passes a bus shelter, while a blue car drives in the lane beside it.

    When may you drive in a reserved lane if you are not operating the type of vehicle indicated?

    When you must turn across it within the next half block

    Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 61 · Open this page in the manual

  • A three-lane highway with white diamond shapes painted in the left lane beside a solid white line, a broken white line between the right lanes, and several vehicles in them.

    What does “HOV 2” mean on a sign for a reserved lane?

    At least two people must be in the vehicle to use the lane

    Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 61 · Open this page in the manual

  • A blue sign with a wheelchair symbol above the word PARKING.

    What does the international symbol of access on reserved parking signs, placards and license plates stand for?

    A person with a physical disability

    Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 66 · Open this page in the manual

  • A pedestrian signal head showing an upraised hand with short motion lines around it indicating that it is blinking.

    A pedestrian is in the middle of the street when the DON’T WALK signal starts flashing. What should the pedestrian do?

    Continue walking; there is time to complete the crossing

    Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (March 2025 printing), page 104 · Open this page in the manual