California · Study cards
Explore original study illustrations and their meanings.
Signal rays indicate flashing; steady lights have no rays. Illustrations are simplified and not to scale.
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What it looks like: Red eight-sided sign with white STOP lettering.
Make a full stop at the limit line or before the crosswalk; if neither exists, stop before the intersection. Check traffic before proceeding.
California DMV handbook · Signs: STOP Sign
What it looks like: Downward-pointing triangular sign with a red border and white center.
Slow down and be ready to stop for vehicles, bicyclists, or pedestrians before proceeding.
California DMV handbook · Signs: Red YIELD Sign
What it looks like: Square white sign with a red circle, horizontal white bar, and DO NOT ENTER lettering.
Do not enter the road or ramp where this sign is posted.
California DMV handbook · Signs: Red and White Regulatory Sign
What it looks like: Red rectangular sign with white WRONG WAY lettering.
You are traveling against traffic. When safe, back out or turn around.
California DMV handbook · Signs: WRONG WAY Sign
What it looks like: Round yellow sign with a black X and letters R and R.
A railroad crossing is ahead. Look, listen, slow down, and prepare to stop; let trains pass.
California DMV handbook · Signs: Yellow and Black Circular Sign or X-shaped Sign
What it looks like: Steady red circular traffic light.
Stop. A right turn may be permitted after stopping, yielding and checking for a no-turn-on-red sign.
California DMV handbook · Traffic Signals: Solid Red Light
What it looks like: Steady yellow circular traffic light.
The light is about to turn red. Stop if you can do so safely; otherwise cross cautiously.
California DMV handbook · Traffic Signals: Solid Yellow Light
What it looks like: Steady green circular traffic light.
Proceed only when the intersection is clear and you have enough room to cross safely.
California DMV handbook · Traffic Signals: Solid Green Light
What it looks like: Steady red traffic signal arrow pointing left.
Stop and do not turn at a red arrow. Wait for a green light or green arrow.
California DMV handbook · Traffic Signals: Red Arrow
What it looks like: Steady yellow traffic signal arrow pointing left.
The protected turn is ending. Stop if safe; otherwise cautiously complete the turn.
California DMV handbook · Traffic Signals: Yellow Arrow
What it looks like: Steady green traffic signal arrow pointing left.
You may make a protected turn in the arrow’s direction.
California DMV handbook · Traffic Signals: Green Arrow
What it looks like: Yellow circular traffic light with rays indicating it is flashing.
Slow down, stay alert, and proceed with caution; the signal itself does not require a stop.
California DMV handbook · Traffic Signals: Flashing Yellow Light