ECA Study Guide — Exam Prep

Sign Shapes and Colors

The shape and color of a traffic sign tells you what kind of information it carries, even before you read it.

REGULATION signs: normally white rectangles with black letters/symbols (some red letters/symbols; some non-rectangular, like the octagonal red STOP sign).

WARNING signs: normally yellow, diamond-shaped, black letters/symbols.

DESTINATION signs: green with white letters/symbols.

SERVICE signs: blue with white letters/symbols.

WORK AREA signs: orange, with black letters/symbols.

STOP sign: red with white letters (octagon). YIELD sign: red and white with red letters (triangle).

STOP and YIELD Signs

STOP sign: come to a full stop, yield the right-of-way to vehicles/pedestrians in or heading toward the intersection, then go when safe. Stop before the stop line if there is one; otherwise stop before entering the intersection at the point that gives you a view of cross traffic.

YIELD sign: decrease speed as you reach the intersection; prepare to stop and yield the right-of-way. You must come to a full stop at a YIELD sign if traffic conditions require it.

Traffic Lights

If a traffic light is out of service or malfunctioning, you must stop as you would for a STOP sign, then proceed according to right-of-way rules (unless directed otherwise by a traffic officer).

STEADY RED: Stop; do not go until green. You may turn right on red after a full stop and yielding, unless a sign prohibits it (turning right on red is never allowed in New York City unless specifically posted). You may turn left on red only when turning from a one-way road into another one-way road, after a full stop and yielding.

A school bus driver carrying students may NEVER turn right on a red light.

FLASHING RED: same as a STOP sign — stop, yield, go when safe.

RED ARROW: do not go in the arrow's direction until it turns off and a green light/arrow appears. No turn on a red arrow is ever permitted.

STEADY YELLOW: be prepared to stop — the light is about to turn red.

FLASHING YELLOW: drive with caution (no stop required).

YELLOW ARROW: the green-arrow protection is ending — be prepared to stop if turning that direction.

STEADY GREEN: go, but yield the right-of-way to other traffic in the intersection as required by law.

GREEN ARROW: go in the arrow's direction, but still yield the right-of-way to other traffic as required by law.

Pavement Markings — Edge & Lane Lines

Solid lines along the road edge mark where the shoulder begins — it is illegal to drive across them except when directed by an officer or an official sign. An edge line angling toward the center shows the road narrows ahead.

Lines separating traffic moving the same direction are white; lines separating opposing traffic are yellow.

One broken line: you may pass or change lanes if it can be done safely.

Solid line + broken line (you're on the broken side): you may pass if safe. (You're on the solid side): you cannot pass or cross, except to turn left into a driveway.

Double solid lines: you cannot pass or change lanes, except to turn left into/out of a driveway or to make a U-turn.

One solid line: you may pass or change lanes only when obstructions or traffic conditions make it necessary.

Diamond symbol: marks a reserved lane (bus, HOV, bicycles, or other special vehicles) — you may not enter unless your vehicle qualifies.

Stop Lines and Crosswalk Lines

At an intersection controlled by a STOP sign, YIELD sign, or traffic light, there may be a stop line and/or a crosswalk (two parallel lines). You must stop before the stop line if there is one, or before the crosswalk if there is no stop line. Arrows painted on the pavement show which lanes must be used for which movements — you must be in the correct lane before reaching the solid line separating lanes.

Traffic Officers

Directions from a traffic officer take precedence over signs, signals, and pavement markings. If an officer signals you to stop at a green light — you must stop. If an officer signals you through a red light or STOP sign — you must proceed. Persons authorized to direct traffic include police officers, fire police, highway work-area flag persons, school crossing guards, and school bus drivers.