California DMV Traffic Signs and Signals 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does a red octagonal sign always mean in California?
- Stop completely (Correct answer)
- Yield to traffic
- Slow down
- No entry
Correct answer: Stop completely
A red octagon is exclusively used for STOP signs, requiring a complete stop before proceeding.
Question 2: A yellow diamond-shaped sign is used to indicate what?
- Construction zones
- Warning or hazard ahead (Correct answer)
- School zones
- Speed limit change
Correct answer: Warning or hazard ahead
Yellow diamond signs are warning signs alerting drivers to potential hazards or changing road conditions ahead.
Question 3: What does a white rectangular sign with black text typically convey in California?
- Guidance information
- Regulatory rules you must follow (Correct answer)
- Warning of a hazard
- Distance to a destination
Correct answer: Regulatory rules you must follow
White rectangular signs are regulatory signs that communicate laws and rules drivers must obey.
Question 4: A flashing yellow traffic light means you should:
- Stop and wait for green
- Proceed with caution (Correct answer)
- Yield and then stop
- Come to a complete stop
Correct answer: Proceed with caution
A flashing yellow light is a warning signal instructing drivers to slow down and proceed carefully.
Question 5: What shape is a California pennant-shaped sign, and what does it indicate?
- Triangle — yield
- Pentagon — school zone
- Horizontal triangle — no passing zone (Correct answer)
- Circle — railroad crossing
Correct answer: Horizontal triangle — no passing zone
The horizontal triangle (pennant shape) is used exclusively for No Passing Zone signs in California.
Question 6: A green traffic light means:
- Proceed at full speed with no checks
- You may go if the way is clear (Correct answer)
- Pedestrians have the right-of-way only
- You must accelerate immediately
Correct answer: You may go if the way is clear
A green light permits you to proceed but you must still yield to pedestrians and any remaining cross traffic.
What does a red octagonal sign always mean in California?