MD DMV Traffic Signs and Signals 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does a red octagonal sign always mean in Maryland?
- Slow down and proceed with caution
- Stop completely before proceeding (Correct answer)
- Yield to oncoming traffic
- No entry for all vehicles
Correct answer: Stop completely before proceeding
A red octagon is the STOP sign — drivers must come to a complete stop before the stop line or crosswalk.
Question 2: What does a yellow diamond-shaped sign indicate?
- A regulatory requirement you must obey
- A warning of a potential hazard ahead (Correct answer)
- A guide to services nearby
- A construction zone speed limit
Correct answer: A warning of a potential hazard ahead
Yellow diamond signs are warning signs that alert drivers to potential hazards or changing road conditions ahead.
Question 3: What should a driver do when approaching a flashing red traffic light?
- Slow down and proceed if clear
- Treat it as a yield sign
- Stop completely, then proceed when safe (Correct answer)
- Stop and wait for a green light
Correct answer: Stop completely, then proceed when safe
A flashing red light must be treated the same as a STOP sign — come to a full stop, then proceed when safe.
Question 4: What does a flashing yellow traffic light indicate?
- Stop and wait for green
- Proceed with caution at reduced speed (Correct answer)
- The light is about to turn red
- The intersection is closed
Correct answer: Proceed with caution at reduced speed
A flashing yellow light warns drivers to slow down and proceed through the intersection with caution.
Question 5: What does a green rectangular sign primarily provide?
- Warnings about road hazards
- Regulatory speed limit information
- Guide and directional information (Correct answer)
- Construction zone alerts
Correct answer: Guide and directional information
Green rectangular signs are guide signs that provide directional information such as highway destinations and distances.
Question 6: A white rectangular sign with black lettering in Maryland is used for what purpose?
- Warning of hazards ahead
- Providing regulatory information drivers must follow (Correct answer)
- Indicating nearby services
- Marking pedestrian zones
Correct answer: Providing regulatory information drivers must follow
White rectangular signs with black lettering are regulatory signs that convey laws and rules drivers are required to obey.
Question 7: What does a pennant-shaped sign (triangular, pointing right) indicate in Maryland?
- A railroad crossing is ahead
- No passing zone begins here (Correct answer)
- A divided highway ends ahead
- A sharp curve is ahead
Correct answer: No passing zone begins here
The pennant-shaped yellow sign marks the beginning of a no-passing zone and is placed on the left side of the road.
MD DMV Traffic Signs and Signals 1
What does a red octagonal sign always mean in Maryland?