Preparing for your Delaware permit test?
Don’t want to get in trouble disobeying road signs?
Not sure what different road signs mean?
This article is for you.
This is because, today, we’re going to give you a complete guide to the Delaware road signs. We’ll look at:
- Delaware traffic signals
- Delaware highway signs
- Delaware pavement markings
To do this, we will give you a brief explanation of the sign, as well as show a picture of what it looks like.
With this, you’ll be able to tell a road sign from afar and obey it to avoid accidents and/or tickets.
Are you ready to begin? Here we go!
Delaware Traffic Signals
Delaware’s traffic signals are put in place to prevent accidents. It aims to keep drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists safe.
Let’s begin with the traffic light, the most common traffic signal. At its core, there are only 4 rules to remember. These are:
- STOP when you see a RED light.
- PREPARE TO STOP when you see a YELLOW light.
- PROCEED WITH CAUTION when you see a GREEN light.
- ARROWS in traffic signals only apply to the direction they indicate.
However, you may notice that sometimes traffic signals are steady, while other times it’s blinking. These mean different things.
Here’s a quick summary of their purposes:
Pedestrian Signals
Traffic signals aren’t limited to drivers. There are signals for pedestrians, too.
The Walk / Don’t Walk Signals
First is the WALK signal. If you see this, you can cross, but always be mindful of vehicles that may be turning into the crosswalk. In these instances, motor vehicles must yield to you.
Next, there is the DON’T WALK signal.
A steady signal means you shouldn’t attempt to cross the street. A flashing one means that you should hurry and finish crossing as fast as possible.
Delaware is in the process of installing a new system that shows a timer. This way, pedestrians will know how much time they have left to get to the other side of the street.
Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS)
Individuals with visual impairments may face challenges with standard Walk / Don’t Walk signals.
This is why there are accessible pedestrian signals that use other means to alert pedestrians about whether they can cross or not. They often utilize audible tones or verbal messages. Sometimes, the segment of the sidewalk vibrates.
Delaware also uses APS to give directional guidance, making it easier for blind or visually impaired pedestrians to cross non-perpendicular intersections or wide multi-lane crossings.
High-Intensity Activated Crosswalk (HAWK)
Typical crosswalk signals only go back and forth between Walk and Don’t Walk. HAWK is a more advanced version of that.
You activate the HAWK signal when you press the crosswalk button. It then goes through a series of states, causing traffic to stop. It gives pedestrians enough time to get to the other side safely.
Once it completes its cycle, traffic begins to flow normally again until the next time the HAWK signal is activated.
Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon
Sometimes, you’ll notice a rectangular beacon mounted above or below bicycle or pedestrian warning signs. When activated, these flash rapidly in a stuttering pattern.
Motorists need to slow down, try to spot pedestrians (it only activates after you press a button), and yield if necessary.
Bicycle Signals
Lastly, there are signals specifically for people who ride bicycles.
These can be identical to traffic signals used for motor vehicles. Only, these have an adjacent sign indicating they’re for cyclists.
Sometimes some signals have the shape of a bicycle on them. They have the same purpose as regular traffic signals but are only for those using designated bike lanes or paths.
If there are no bicycle signals in a particular area, cyclists must follow the regular traffic signals mentioned in the earlier section.
Delaware Highway Signs
The purpose of highway signs is to educate motorists on the following:
- Traffic rules and regulations in specific areas in Delaware
- Your location
- Potential hazards drivers may encounter
- Provide directions
- Location of services
You can categorize Delaware’s highway signs into 3 groups: Regulatory, Warnings, and Guides.
Regulatory Signs
When you see signs that are usually red, white, or black, these are regulatory signs. They provide information about rules and regulations on lane use, speed, traffic direction, and parking, among other things.
Here are some examples:
 Stop |  Yield |  Speed Limit |
 No Left Turn, No Right Turn, and No U-Turn |  Keep to the right of the divider or island |  Left Lane Must Turn Left |
 One Way |  No Entry |  No Turning on Red Signal |
 No Parking |  Do Not Pass |  Reserved Parking for Handicapped |
Warning Signs
As the name implies, warning signs alert you to hazards on the road. You should prepare to reduce your speed (and even stop if necessary) if you see one of these.
You can typically identify a warning sign by its shape and color. It’s usually yellow with black writing. Most, but not all, are shaped like a diamond.
Here are examples of warning signs in Delaware:
 Added Lane, Merging Not Required |  Advisory Speed Sign |  Another Road Crosses Highway Ahead |  Bicycle Warning |
 Bridge Ahead Only has One Lane |  Bump in the Road Ahead |  Children Ahead |  Curve to the Right |
 Deer Crossing |  Divided Highway Ahead. Keep Right. |  Divided Highway Ends Ahead |  Farm Machinery |
 Horse-Drawn Vehicles |  Playground Area |  Railroad Crossing |  Reduced Speed Ahead |
 Road Slippery When Wet |  Roadways Narrow |  Roundabout |  School Crossing |
 Sharp Turn to Right Then Left |  Sharp Turn to the Right |  Side Road Enters Highway from The Right |  Steep Hill Ahead |
 Stop Before Turning |  Stop Sign Ahead |  Traffic Merging From the Right Ahead |  Traffic Signals at Intersection Ahead |
 Two Roads of Traffic, but Potentially Dangerous |  Two Way Traffic |  Unpaved Road Ahead |  Winding Road Ahead |
 Yield Right of Way or Stop Before Turning at an Intersection |  Yield Sign Ahead |  Zipper Merge |
Guide Signs
Most guide signs tell you which direction to take to reach a specific location. These are commonly rectangular, green signs with white lettering.
Signs with numbered routes are also considered guide signs. These typically show black numbers against a white background and have the shape of a US shield.
Similarly, state routes follow the same color pattern. The difference is these have black letters on a white circular background.
Another type of guide sign that uses the shape of a shield is interstate route markers. The route number is in white lettering against a blue background and makes up three-quarters of the sign. The upper fourth is red, while the word INTERSTATE is white.
Delaware Pavement Markings
Besides the traffic signals and signs, you must also mind the markings on Delaware roads.
These do more than divide a road into lanes. It also tells you when you can switch lanes, where you must stop for specific signs, and highlight pedestrian crosswalks.
Let’s go through the common ones:
- Edge Lines: These are solid white lines you can find along the side of the road. It symbolizes the outside edge of a travel lane.
- White Lane Marking: These show how many lanes a road has. A broken white line means you can switch lanes, a single white line means you’re discouraged, and double white lines indicate switching lanes isn’t allowed.
- Crosswalk and Stop Lines: Pedestrians must cross the street using crosswalk markings. In turn, drivers must yield to pedestrians at a crosswalk.
Remember that your vehicle must be before these markings if there is a stop sign. It’s also crucial to note that not all crosswalks are marked. Even without the pavement markings, it is always best to be cautious at intersections and watch out for people crossing.
- Yellow Lane Markings: Lanes on either side of a yellow line move in opposite directions. A broken line means you can cross it when it’s safe to pass, making it the appropriate place to do a U-turn. A double yellow line means vehicles from both sides cannot cross.
Sometimes you’ll see that the broken yellow line has a solid one in the same color beside it. You cannot cross it if the solid line is on your side.
You can pass a solid yellow line only if it’s to enter a driveway. You must also ensure that it is safe to do this before proceeding.
The Wrap Up
Delaware road signs are there for a reason.
This is why it’s so important to know what these signs indicate and to make sure you follow them properly.
And now that you know the Delaware traffic signals, highway signs, and pavement markings, you’re sure to be a better and safer driver.
Not to mention, following these signs prevents you from getting annoying tickets.
So, watch out for these different road signs and keep safe on the road!