Guide, railroad and other signs in Tennessee
The Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual shows or names everything on this page: 28 in all, on pages 35–36, 40–41, 43, 114.
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Guide and service signs
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 (Manual page 35)
JCT Plate
A sign, such as the one to the right, (shown as State 44 and US 41) will indicate two highways are coming together or separating.
Manual page 40 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 40)
Tennessee Secondary Route Marker
The sign (marked as 44) is a state secondary route.
Manual page 40 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 40)
U.S. Route 41
The sign to the right (marked as Highway 41) indicates a U.S. highway route that will reach into another state. U.S. Route signs consists of black numerals on a white shield surrounded by a black background without a border.
Manual page 40 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 40)
PRIMARY ROUTE 44 (Tennessee)
PRIMARY ROUTE (Primarily Connects Cities). The sign in lower left is a state primary route.
Manual page 40 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 40)
Interstate 65
Blue and red signs, like the one on the right, indicate that the route is part of the national system of interstate and defense highways. These highways join centers of population and defense establishments. They also join with the major international highways at the Mexican and Canadian borders.
Manual page 40 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 40)
EXIT 4 Guide Sign (Chestnut Street)
These are signs to help you while driving on Tennessee’s Interstate Highways. The signs are above or to the right of the highway with the arrows pointing to the lane you should be in if you intend to enter or leave the road. (p69: Exit signs are usually placed at least one mile ahead of the exit turn-off.)
Manual page 40 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 40)
Interstate 40 WEST Memphis
This sign is seen on Interstates and Expressways. The background is green with white letters and/or numbers visible at some distance. Such signs give information vital to selection of lane, proper exits, etc.
Manual page 40 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 40)
EXIT ONLY Panel
If an interstate guide sign is marked with the above sign, all traffic in the lane(s) directly below the arrows MUST exit.
Manual page 40 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 40)
Picnic Area (Picnic Table and Tree)
The blue color of these signs directs motorists to service facilities. Word message signs will also be used to direct motorists to areas where service stations, restaurants and motels are available.
Manual page 40 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 40)
HOSPITAL
The blue color of these signs directs motorists to service facilities. Word message signs will also be used to direct motorists to areas where service stations, restaurants and motels are available.
Manual page 40 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 40)
Lodging
The blue color of these signs directs motorists to service facilities. Word message signs will also be used to direct motorists to areas where service stations, restaurants and motels are available.
Manual page 40 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 40)
Food
The blue color of these signs directs motorists to service facilities. Word message signs will also be used to direct motorists to areas where service stations, restaurants and motels are available.
Manual page 40 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 40)
Gas
The blue color of these signs directs motorists to service facilities. Word message signs will also be used to direct motorists to areas where service stations, restaurants and motels are available.
Manual page 40 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 40)
International Symbol of Access
The use of reserved handicapped spaces by others is prohibited by law. (p66: The handicap parking symbol, which appears on reserved parking signs, placards and license plates, is the international symbol of access for persons with a physical disability.)
Manual page 40 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 40)
BIKE ROUTE
Directional Signs: The green background signs indicate that the message is providing directional information. Directional signs point to bike and hiking trails.
Manual page 41 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 41)
TRAIL
Directional Signs: The green background signs indicate that the message is providing directional information. Directional signs point to bike and hiking trails.
Manual page 41 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 41)
Emergency Reference Marker (MAIN LINE SIGN)
In order to help motorists better identify their location on urban interstates, the state has installed interstate reference markers every 1,000 feet along heavily traveled sections. The signs display information about the route number, direction of travel and the “log mile” in tenths of a mile.
Manual page 41 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 41)
Railroad crossings
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 (Manual page 36)
Railroad Crossbuck (RAILROAD CROSSING)
This is known as a crossbuck sign. It is placed at all railroad grade crossings and shows exactly where the tracks are located.
Manual page 36 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 36)
3 TRACKS Plate
Notice the smaller signs placed on the post directly below the crossbuck. They show the number of tracks at a particular crossing. This is very important because, when there are two or more tracks, one train passing might hide the approach of a train from the other direction.
Manual page 36 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 36)
Crossbuck with Flashing Red Lights
Some crossbucks are equipped with two lights underneath the “X.” Flashing lights on a crossbuck mean that a train is coming. Always stop when the lights are flashing. Remain stopped until the train has passed. If there is more than one track, be sure all tracks are clear before crossing.
Manual page 36 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 36)
Railroad Crossing Pavement Markings (X and R R)
A white crossbuck and the letters RR are painted on the pavement as a warning marker for many railroad/highway grade crossings. (p50: Railroad crossings have pavement markings that include a large crossbuck (“X”), the letters “RR”, a no-passing zone stripe and a stop line.)
Manual page 43 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 43)
Railroad Crossing Gate (Lowered)
Some crossbucks are equipped with both flashing lights and a gate. Stop when the lights begin flashing and before the gate comes down. Remain stopped until the gates are raised and the lights stop flashing.
Manual page 36 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 36)
REPORT PROBLEM OR EMERGENCY (Railroad ENS Sign)
The Emergency Notification System (ENS) sign, normally blue in color and may be located on the crossbuck post or signal post. Locate the Emergency Notification System (ENS) sign and call the emergency number provided telling them about the stalled vehicle and give them the DOT crossing number found on the sign.
Manual page 114 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 114)
Railroad Crossing on Side Road Ahead
Some variation of the sign shown on the right will be posted prior to intersections or crossroads where railroad tracks cross one of the roadways. Always be alert and pay attention to these signs as they give you advance warning that you may encounter a train if turning onto the road indicated in the sign.
Manual page 114 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 114)
Other signs and symbols
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 (Manual page 35)