Road signs.
You meet a lot of them along the way.
And as a driver, you need to know and obey each one.
This is because they are there to prevent accidents, tell you what you can and cannot do, warn you of hazards ahead, and so much more.
This is also why, today, we’re going to focus our attention on the Maryland road signs. With this, you know what it means and can follow its instructions.
So let’s begin your complete guide to road signs in Maryland.
Maryland Traffic Signals
Let’s start with the most basic — traffic signals.
Now, in Maryland, there are 2 types of traffic signals — vehicle signals and pedestrian signals.
Let’s look at them one by one.
Vehicle Signals
When we hear of vehicle traffic signals, we think of the usual red, yellow, and green lights. And that’s the most basic of them. But there are more than just the steady colored lights on the roadways.
Lane Use Signals
Lane use signals indicate changes in traffic movement throughout the day.
Pedestrian Signals
Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (PHB) signals are placed to keep pedestrians safe on busy roads.
How it works is that, when a pedestrian wants to cross, they will hit a push-button found near a crosswalk. In turn, this will alert drivers to stop and give way.
Let’s look at the PHB signals for pedestrians and motorists.
For Pedestrians
For Motorists
Maryland Traffic Signs
Now that we’ve covered the traffic signals, let’s look at the traffic signs.
Here, you will find regulatory signs, warning signs, and directional signs. But before we go there, let’s look at the sign colors and shapes.
Colors
The colors on traffic signs suggest specific actions, activities, or destinations.
Shapes
Just like colors, shapes signify certain messages.
When it’s heavily raining or foggy, sometimes, all you can see are shapes and you can already tell what they could mean.
Regulatory Signs
As the name suggests, you need to obey these signs. If not, you can get a ticket, as well as pose risks to other motorists’ safety.
Stop Sign
When you see this sign, it means you have to make a complete stop before the crossing line. If there’s no line, stop before you enter a crosswalk. You can only proceed if there are no other motorists and pedestrians.
Yield Sign
This means you must yield the right of way before you can proceed.
Rectangular Signs with Black Text
These are regulation signs, most commonly used for speed limits and direction of traffic.
Here are other regulatory signs:
Warning Signs
Again, the name is pretty self-explanatory. These signs indicate hazards and road conditions ahead.
Other Traffic Signs
Let’s look at a few more signs you’ll meet on the Maryland roadways.
Overhead Lane Use
These signs indicate directions you need to take so you will arrive at your desired destination.
Service and Guide Signs
These signs share the different establishments available at your desired highway exit.
Route Marker Signs
These signs indicate the type of roadway you are on and the route number.
Mile Marker Signs
Mile markers are placed every mile on interstate roads to remind drivers of their locations.
Maryland Pavement Markings
Pavement markings give additional guidance to drivers without taking their eyes off the road. Usually, these lines indicate whether or not vehicles should stay in or move out of their current lanes.
White Double-Solid Lines
This marks the separation of two lanes in the same direction. Double lines mean vehicles are prohibited from changing lanes.
Yellow Double-Solid Lines
This marks the separation of two lanes going in the opposite direction. Double lines mean vehicles are prohibited from passing. Vehicles that wish to turn left are allowed.
Yellow Solid Plus Broken Lines
This line separates lanes of travel in opposite directions. For the lane with the broken line, cars are allowed to pass cautiously. The lanes with the solid line are prohibited from passing.
Yellow or White Single-Dotted Lines
These are the line extensions in front of intersections. Vehicles that need to turn or exit and enter lanes can occupy this space.
Other Pavement Markings
- Stop Line: These are white solid lines that are found in front of traffic signals. This is where vehicles need to stop before crossing.
- Yield Lines: This is a row of small triangles that indicate where a vehicle needs to yield or pause to give way to pedestrians and other motorists.
- Word and Symbol Markings: These include straightforward messages and warnings such as “SCHOOL” and “RR” for a railroad. Other markings will include arrows that suggest you can turn to the right or left if you are on its lane.
Bicycle Pavement Markings
Now that more and more are biking, Maryland has markings that signify where bicycles are allowed to ride and which direction they should be heading.
Some lanes show that they are designated only for bikes. These protect bikers from other vehicles and motorists.
Conclusion
And that concludes your complete guide to the Maryland road signs.
Being a driver is a huge responsibility. So make sure you know and obey all the signals, signs, and markings you see along the way.
Remember, these are put there for your and others’ safety.