WA DMV Traffic Signs and Signals 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does an octagonal (eight-sided) red sign always mean?
- Yield to traffic ahead
- Stop completely before proceeding (Correct answer)
- Speed limit reduction zone
- No entry for vehicles
Correct answer: Stop completely before proceeding
An octagonal red STOP sign requires a complete stop before the stop line or crosswalk.
Question 2: A flashing yellow traffic signal means you should:
- Stop and wait for green
- Proceed without slowing
- Slow down and proceed with caution (Correct answer)
- Yield and stop if traffic is present
Correct answer: Slow down and proceed with caution
A flashing yellow light warns drivers to slow down and proceed carefully through the intersection.
Question 3: What shape and color is a warning sign in Washington State?
- Red octagon
- Green rectangle
- Yellow diamond (Correct answer)
- White rectangle
Correct answer: Yellow diamond
Warning signs in the US, including Washington, are yellow diamonds that alert drivers to potential hazards ahead.
Question 4: A white rectangular sign with black text typically indicates:
- A warning about a road hazard
- A regulatory requirement drivers must obey (Correct answer)
- A guide to a nearby service or destination
- Construction zone speed limits only
Correct answer: A regulatory requirement drivers must obey
White rectangular signs are regulatory signs that communicate laws and rules drivers must follow.
Question 5: What does a pennant-shaped yellow sign indicate?
- School crossing ahead
- No passing zone begins (Correct answer)
- Divided highway ends
- Railroad crossing ahead
Correct answer: No passing zone begins
The pennant-shaped yellow sign marks the beginning of a no-passing zone on the left side of the road.
Question 6: When a traffic signal is not working at an intersection, drivers should treat it as:
- A yield sign for all directions
- A four-way stop (Correct answer)
- A green light for the main road
- A one-way stop for minor roads
Correct answer: A four-way stop
Washington law requires drivers to treat a non-functioning traffic signal as a four-way stop sign.
Question 7: A green arrow displayed with a red traffic light means:
- You may proceed only in the direction of the arrow (Correct answer)
- You may proceed in any direction if the path is clear
- You must stop and wait for a full green light
- You may make a U-turn from that lane
Correct answer: You may proceed only in the direction of the arrow
A green arrow indicates a protected movement; you may proceed only in the direction the arrow points.
WA DMV Traffic Signs and Signals 1
What does an octagonal (eight-sided) red sign always mean?