PennDOT - Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Signs, Signals, and Markings Questions and Answers 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: While driving on a multi-lane highway in Pennsylvania, you notice the lane lines are broken white lines. What does this indicate?
- Lanes are moving in opposite directions, and passing is permitted.
- Lanes are moving in the same direction, and you may cross the lines to pass or change lanes. (Correct answer)
- This marks the right edge of the roadway and should not be crossed.
- A special-use lane, such as a reversible lane, is beginning.
Correct answer: Lanes are moving in the same direction, and you may cross the lines to pass or change lanes.
In Pennsylvania, broken white lines are used to separate lanes of traffic moving in the same direction. Drivers are permitted to cross these lines to change lanes or to pass other vehicles when it is safe to do so.
Question 2: You are approaching an intersection with a traffic signal displaying a steady green arrow. Which of the following is true?
- You may turn cautiously in the direction of the arrow after yielding to oncoming traffic.
- You must stop and wait for a circular green light before turning.
- You have a "protected" turn and may proceed in the direction of the arrow without yielding. (Correct answer)
- The green arrow indicates a warning that the signal is about to change to red.
Correct answer: You have a "protected" turn and may proceed in the direction of the arrow without yielding.
A steady green arrow indicates a "protected" turning movement. This means oncoming traffic is stopped by a red light, and you have the right-of-way to turn in the direction the arrow is pointing.
Question 3: In Pennsylvania, what is the meaning of a single, solid yellow line as a pavement marking?
- It marks the center of a two-way road where passing is permitted.
- It marks the right edge of the roadway on limited-access highways.
- It is used for lanes moving in the same direction to discourage lane changes.
- It marks the left edge of the roadway on divided highways and one-way streets. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: It marks the left edge of the roadway on divided highways and one-way streets.
According to the PennDOT Driver's Manual, solid yellow lines are used to mark the center of two-lane roads with opposing traffic and also to mark the left edge of divided highways, one-way streets, and ramps.
Question 4: A driver in Pennsylvania encounters a pennant-shaped sign on the left side of the road. What does this unique sign shape indicate?
- A railroad crossing is ahead.
- The beginning of a no-passing zone. (Correct answer)
- A yield sign is approaching.
- A school zone is ahead.
Correct answer: The beginning of a no-passing zone.
The pennant-shaped sign is unique and is placed on the left side of the road to mark the beginning of a no-passing zone. It is a warning sign that supplements the solid yellow line indicating that passing is prohibited.
Question 5: When approaching a steady red light at an intersection in Pennsylvania, a driver in the left lane of a one-way street intends to turn left onto another one-way street. What is the correct procedure?
- The driver must wait for a green light before making the turn.
- The driver may turn left after stopping, if there is no sign prohibiting the turn and it is safe to proceed. (Correct answer)
- The driver may turn left without stopping if the way is clear.
- This maneuver is never permitted in Pennsylvania.
Correct answer: The driver may turn left after stopping, if there is no sign prohibiting the turn and it is safe to proceed.
Pennsylvania law permits a left turn on a red light from a one-way street onto another one-way street. The driver must first come to a complete stop, yield to all pedestrians and cross-traffic, and proceed only when it is safe to do so, provided no sign prohibits the turn.
Question 6: Which of the following is a regulatory sign?
- A diamond-shaped sign indicating a sharp curve ahead.
- A rectangular, blue sign showing the location of a hospital.
- An octagonal sign that reads "STOP". (Correct answer)
- A pentagon-shaped sign indicating a school crossing.
Correct answer: An octagonal sign that reads "STOP".
Regulatory signs inform road users of traffic laws or regulations. The STOP sign is an octagonal regulatory sign that legally requires a driver to come to a complete stop. Warning signs (like the curve sign) are typically diamond-shaped, and guide signs (like the hospital sign) are often blue or green.
While driving on a multi-lane highway in Pennsylvania, you notice the lane lines are broken white lines.
What does this indicate?