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Nebraska Road Signs (A Complete Guide)

Nebraska Road Signs (A Complete Guide)

Are you preparing for the Nebraska permit test?

Maybe you want to avoid getting an annoying ticket.

Or maybe you just want to be the safest driver you can be… 

Whatever the case, you need to know and obey the road signs. 

And we’re here to help. 

In this article, we’ll give you a complete guide to ALL the Nebraska road signs, including:

  • Traffic signals
  • Traffic signs
  • Pavement markings

We’ll even add a visual aid to help you. 

There’s a lot to cover, so let’s get started right away!

Nebraska Traffic Signals

We’re pretty sure that all drivers know about traffic signals. But just in case you don’t, let’s go over them quickly.

Color:Visual Aid:Meaning:
RedStop. Make a complete stop before going over the crosswalk or entering the intersection.
YellowSlow down. The light is about to turn red, so prepare to stop. 
GreenYou may proceed when it is safe. 
Flashing Red LightMake a complete stop or yield to pedestrians or oncoming traffic before proceeding. 

If the flashing red light is at a railroad crossing, make a complete stop and wait for the train to pass. 
Flashing Yellow LightBe alert. You may proceed with caution. 
Red ArrowStop. Come to a complete stop and don’t make a turn until the go sign is on. 
Yellow ArrowSlow down. The light is about to turn red, so prepare to stop. 
Flashing Yellow ArrowProceed in the direction of the arrow, but yield to pedestrians and oncoming traffic.
Green ArrowProceed in the direction of the arrow if the road is clear. 
(Lane Signal) Red XYou are not allowed on the lane under this light.
(Lane Signal) Yellow XMove out of the lane because it is about to turn into a red X.
(Lane Signal) Green Downward ArrowYou are allowed to drive in this lane. 

Pedestrian Signals

Besides signals for vehicles, there are also pedestrian signals. 

In Nebraska, there’s a special type of traffic light that helps pedestrians cross the road. This is called a hybrid beacon and is usually found in no-signal locations. 

Let’s detail these types of signals. 

The sign starts with no lights turned on. You can proceed with caution. 
The flashing yellow light at the bottom warns vehicles that the solid yellow light will turn on and they will soon need to stop. 
The solid yellow light signals that you are required to stop soon. 
The right and left red lights tell you that you have to make a complete stop. Remain stopped until the red light flashes. During this time, the pedestrian signal “WALK” will be turned on. 
The red flashing lights turn on when the “DON’T WALK” signal is turned on. Pedestrians are no longer allowed to cross. Drivers can proceed cautiously. 
The cycle ends when the beacon returns to black. 

Nebraska Traffic Signs 

Traffic signs are made up of colors, shapes, and text. The color and shape help you identify what the sign means (or give you an idea of what sign it is) even when you are still far off. 

Sign Colors

Here are the colors you will see on the Nebraska traffic signs. 

Color:Visual Aid:Meaning:
RedStop, yield, or do not enter.
YellowMostly used on warning signs to call attention
Yellow-GreenUsed for warning signs specific to pedestrians, bicyclists, school zones, school buses, and playgrounds
PinkIncident management signs
GreenUsed for guide, distance, and direction signs
BlueUsed for motorist services like lodging, restrooms, and hospitals
WhiteRegulatory signs such as speed limits
OrangeUsed as a warning for construction ahead
BrownFor recreational and cultural area signs

Sign Shapes

And here are the shapes that these traffic signs come in. 

Shape:Visual Aid:Meaning:
OctagonMake a complete stop. 
TriangleYield to pedestrians, bicyclists, or oncoming traffic.
DiamondWarning signs for hazards ahead
RectangleWhen vertical, it indicates regulatory signs. 

When horizontal, it gives directions or information.
PentagonMarks school zones
PennantMarks no passing zones
Crossbuck and CircleWarns of a railroad ahead. Slow down and prepare to stop if a train is approaching.

Regulatory Signs

Regulatory signs will often have text on them to specify the law in the area. These signs will be in red or white with a bit of black.

Sign:Visual Aid:Meaning:
StopMake a complete stop before going over the crosswalk or entering the intersection.
YieldSlow down or stop and give the right-of-way to crossing or merging vehicles.
Speed LimitThe maximum speed limit in the area is stated on the sign.
No Left TurnYou can’t make a left turn.
No Right TurnYou can’t make a right turn.
No U-TurnYou can’t make a U-turn.
Wrong WayYou are going the wrong way. Turn around and exit the road immediately. 
Do Not EnterYou are not allowed to enter the road ahead. 
One WayThe traffic direction follows the arrow. 
No ParkingYou are not allowed to park here.
Center Lane, Left Turn OnlyThe center lane is for left turns only. 
Keep RightKeep right off an island.
Slower Traffic Keep RightIf you are driving slower than the other vehicles, occupy the right lane to avoid lane changes from other vehicles. 

Warning Signs

Warning signs will usually be yellow and have a diamond shape. If you see a warning sign, slow down and be more alert to your surroundings. 

Warning Sign:Visual Aid:Meaning:
Signal AheadA traffic signal is ahead. Prepare to stop. 
Reduce Speed AheadThere is a reduced speed zone ahead.
Stop AheadYou are approaching a stop sign.
Yield AheadYou are approaching a yield sign.
Divided Highway BeginsThe traffic lanes ahead are divided by an island or a median. Keep to the right. 
Divided Highway EndsThe divided highway ends ahead.
Two Way TrafficYou are approaching a roadway that has traffic in opposite directions.
Added LaneThere is traffic joining the roadway from another road ahead. There is no need to merge because there is one lane added. 
Advisory Exit Speed SignThe advised exit speed is stated. 
Slippery When WetThe road may be slippery when wet. Slow down and proceed with caution.
Lane EndsThe lane ends ahead, so you might have to merge with traffic. 
Low ClearanceThe overpass ahead has a low clearance. Do not proceed if your vehicle does not fit within the height dimensions indicated.
HillThere is a steep downgrade ahead. Check your brakes and brake slowly.
Deer CrossingDeer may be passing ahead. Be alert and slow down so you can stop when an animal ends up crossing. 
Horse-Drawn VehicleHorse-drawn or slow-moving vehicles may be present. 
Pedestrian CrossingPedestrian crossing ahead. Yield to pedestrians.
School Advance CrossingYou are approaching a school crosswalk ahead. Start slowing down.
School CrossingSchool crossing at this point. Follow the directions given by the school crossing guards.
Bicycle WarningBe alert for bicyclists on the road.
Reverse TurnOn the road ahead, expect to make a sharp right and then a sharp left (can be shown as left or right). 
Reverse CurveThe road ahead curves right and then curves left (can be shown as left or right).
CurveThe road ahead has a gradual curve. Slow down and follow the speed indicated. The sign may show left or right.
Advisory Speed PlaqueFound as a supplement to a warning sign to indicate the advised speed under road conditions. 
Winding RoadThe road ahead is winding. Be alert. 
CrossroadThere is a four-way intersection ahead.
T IntersectionThe roadway you are on will be ending. Prepare to turn either left or right.
SideroadA roadway from the left/right will be joining the road you are on. Be alert for vehicles merging. 
RoundaboutThere is a roundabout intersection ahead. Slow down to the recommended speed and yield to vehicles that are approaching. 
Traffic Merging from RightThere is merging traffic coming from the right. Adjust speed or your lane position. 
Railroad CrossingThere is a railroad crossing ahead. If the red lights are flashing, slow down and make a stop. Do not pass the railroad. 
No Train HornFound under the railroad crossing warning sign, this sign tells you that trains won’t be blowing their horns in the area. Be alert for approaching trains. 

Special Signs

Special signs will have different colors and shapes, so make sure you are familiar with what they mean. 

Sign Name:Visual Aid:Meaning:
Guide SignsUsually, in green and white, these signs give directions for areas, exits, and entrances at interchanges. 
Slow-Moving Vehicles WarningPlaced on the rear of slow-moving vehicles such as animal-drawn and road construction vehicles. These vehicles run at 25 MPH or less. 
Service SignsThese signs are in blue and inform drivers of lodging, restrooms, gas, food, etc.
No Passing ZoneYou cannot pass other vehicles on the road. This sign can be found on the right or left side of the road. 
Reference Post MarkerFound on Nebraska highways in one-mile increments to indicate reference points for drivers when an emergency or assistance is needed. 
Handicapped ParkingThe parking space is dedicated to vehicles with handicapped parking privileges. 
Route MarkersThese signs vary in shape and color but all of them indicate the route number. 
Dynamic Message SignsThese signs provide information for travelers. Messages can change from time to time referring to current weather, traffic, or road conditions. 

Some of these signs are found on the highway or in construction zones. 

Work Zone Signs

Unlike warning signs that are always yellow, work zone signs will always be orange. And, as you might guess, these signs only appear when there is construction or maintenance ongoing. 

Here are some examples of work zone signs in Nebraska. 

Work Zone Device: Visual Aid:Meaning:
Flashing Arrow PanelsThese arrows are meant to guide drivers in which direction to go.
Work Zone SignsThese signs are to notify you of hazards ahead and where you can go. 
FlaggerSometimes, flaggers will be present to help manage traffic. Follow their directions instead of the road signs placed. 
Channeling DevicesChanneling devices help guide traffic and avoid any collisions in the work zone. 

Nebraska Pavement Markings

Pavement markings are different in that they are found painted on the road. These are there to guide traffic direction. 

Markings:Visual Aid:Meaning:
Yellow broken center linesYellow center lines are used to separate traffic flowing in opposite directions. 

A broken center line indicates that passing and overtaking are permitted when safe.
Yellow broken and solid center linesPassing is permitted on the side where there is a broken line, but not on the side of the solid yellow line. 
Double solid yellow linesPassing is prohibited from both directions. You can only make a left turn. 
Yellow solid and broken lines for shared left turn laneThe lane in between the yellow lines is only for making left turns. Passing is not allowed. 

Follow the painted arrows to know where you can make left turns. 
White broken center linesWhite lines separate traffic flowing in the same direction. 
A broken white lane allows passing. 
Solid white lines with turn lane arrowSolid white lines are for turn lanes only. No lane changes are allowed in these areas.

If the road has an “only” word, it means that if you are occupying the road, you are supposed to make a turn.  
Bike lanesBike lanes are usually found at the rightmost of the roadway. These lanes are for bicyclists only and passing and driving on them is not allowed. 

However, you can use this lane if you need to turn or go to private property. Just always follow the right-of-way.

Conclusion

And that ends your complete guide to Nebraska road signs. 

Wow, that was a lot! 

But now that you know all the traffic signals, road signs, and pavement markings, you can fulfill what you set out to do — whether that’s passing the permit test, avoiding tickets, or being the safest driver. 

Remember, all these are there for a reason, so you should always obey them. 

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