Studying the Ohio road signs is not just for passing your permit test.
It’s also so that you will know and obey them — making you a safer driver.
Not only that, knowing and obeying avoids those annoying tickets, too.
So whatever it is you are here for — whether to study for your permit test, be a safer driver, or avoid violations — we’ll provide a refresher course on the Ohio road signs.
We’ll talk about the signals, signs, and pavement markings.
We’ll also make sure to provide a visual aid.
There’s a lot to cover, so let’s get started right away!
Ohio Traffic Signals
Most of us are familiar with traffic signals. These are lights that tell us when to go, slow down, or stop.
Usually, you’ll find a traffic signal at an intersection.
Now, let’s quickly go over the traffic signals and their meaning.
- RED – This means “stop”. When you see the traffic light turn red, make sure to stop your car behind the crosswalk or just before the intersection.
- YELLOW – This means to “slow down” or “prepare to stop”. Unfortunately, some drivers think this light means “speed up”. Don’t do that. You might end up getting into an accident. That said, if you are already at the intersection when the yellow light turns on, you should quickly exit it.
- GREEN – This means “go”. Once the light turns green, you can continue driving. However, you still need to be cautious and yield the right of way.
- RED ARROW – This means “do not make a turn” in whatever direction the arrow is pointing at.
- GREEN ARROW – This means that it’s alright to “make a turn” to whichever direction the arrow is pointed. But make sure to still look out for cars and pedestrians and yield the right of way.
- FLASHING RED – This means you first need to stop, check for vehicles, and proceed if it is safe to do so.
- FLASHING YELLOW – This means to “slow down” or “proceed with caution”. This may mean that there might be traffic flowing from the other lanes. So be prepared to stop.
- NO LIGHT – If none of the traffic lights are lit up, treat it as a “STOP” sign. Use caution before entering an intersection and yield the right-of-way.
Ohio Traffic Signs
Let’s move on to more unfamiliar territory.
There are LOTS of different traffic signs that you’ll meet on Ohio roadways.
Some signs indicate traffic rules in the area. Others warn you of hazards ahead. Still, others guide you to certain locations.
The shape, color, symbols, and writing in these signs indicate important information drivers must take note of.
Let’s talk about them.
Regulatory Signs
Regulatory signs are in place to help regulate traffic. They signify traffic laws and regulations that should be obeyed in the area.
- STOP sign – All traffic must pause/stop before proceeding.
- SPEED LIMIT sign – Typically found near school zones, these signs are used to indicate the maximum (or minimum) speed in the area.
- DO NOT ENTER sign – “No Entry” signs are usually placed on one-way roads and freeway ramps.
- ONE-WAY sign – This sign indicates a one-way road. Do not attempt to squeeze yourself in.
- YIELD sign – This sign indicates that drivers should yield to all incoming traffic.
Prohibitory Signs
Next, we have prohibitory signs. These are signs that indicate what actions are prohibited in the area.
If you don’t obey these, you might get into an accident. If not that, then you just might be stopped and given a ticket.
- NO LEFT TURN
- NO U-TURN
- NO RIGHT TURN
- NO BICYCLES
Warning Signs
While all road signs are important, warning signs are the ones driver should never ignore. These yellow signs are installed to warn drivers of potential dangers in the direction they are heading.
- ROUNDABOUT AHEAD
- ROAD CURVES AHEAD
- DOWNHILL GRADE AHEAD
- INTERSECTION AHEAD
- TRAFFIC TRAVELS IN OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS AHEAD
- ONE-LANE BRIDGE
- NO PASSING ZONE
- BICYCLE CROSSING
- LIMITED CLEARANCE AHEAD
- ROAD BRANCHES AHEAD
- SHARP RIGHT TURN AHEAD
- PEDESTRIAN CROSSING AHEAD
Work Zone Signs
Work zone signs are similar to warning signs. Only this time, it has a specific purpose — and also, their orange instead of yellow.
Besides posted signs, work zone areas are marked with barriers, flaggers, etc.
- Orange barriers – Orange barriers are placed to prevent vehicles from entering an area or to alert drivers to drive slowly and exercise caution.
- ROAD WORK AHEAD
- PERSON SHOVELING – If you see this sign held by a construction worker, or traffic enforcer, or posted close to bright orange barriers, it means to proceed with caution. You can also see these signs posted on road closures to inform drivers why an area is blocked.
Guide Signs
Signs that are brown, blue, or green are called “guide signs”. These are used to indicate services available along the highway or points of interest. These also direct drivers to cities and towns.
- CAMPING ZONES
- GAS STATION
- POINT OF INTEREST
- RESTAURANTS
- DIRECTIONS
Route Number Signs
Route number signs are used to inform drivers of their current location. The shape and color of these signs often indicate what type of roadway a traveler is in.
These are signs that you see in your maps and GPS applications that help you navigate your road trips across the country.
Railroad Crossing
Railroad crossings are typically found in areas where trains regularly pass by. These signs are usually round and yellow with a giant bold “X” in the middle.
Some railroad crossing signs even have red flashing lights built-in, with or without a gate. These are meant to inform drivers to slow down and get ready to stop as a train is approaching.
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DRIVE ACROSS THE TRACKS IF YOU SEE A TRAIN COMING, NO MATTER HOW FAR AWAY IT LOOKS.
Ohio Pavement Markings
Finally, let’s go over the pavement markings.
Unlike signs, these are lines, arrows, words, and symbols painted on the road. Most markings are used for lanes.
- WHITE LINES – These separate lanes traveling in the same direction. It can either be solid or broken lines. Broken means you are allowed to pass, while solid means passing is not allowed.
- YELLOW SOLID LINE – Solid yellow lines separate vehicles driving in opposite directions. Just like white solid lines, you are not allowed to pass.
- DOUBLE SOLID YELLOW LINE – If a yellow solid line means don’t pass, a double solid yellow means it is super dangerous to pass — therefore, it is never allowed.
- YELLOW SOLID LINE WITH YELLOW BROKEN LINES – A solid yellow line beside a broken yellow line means that motorists on the side of the broken lines are allowed to pass. The drivers on the side of the solid lines aren’t.
- YELLOW BROKEN LINES – Broken yellow lines mean vehicles can pass other vehicles traveling in the same direction.
- CROSSWALKS – Crosswalks are vertical lines drawn on the road that indicate where pedestrians are supposed to cross.
Motorists must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians crossing a crosswalk.
- STOP LINE – Stop lines are often drawn along with crosswalks or intersections. Vehicles must stop on the stop line before proceeding to drive or make a turn.
- TWO-WAY LEFT TURN-ONLY LANE – A two-way left turn-only lane is often marked with a solid yellow line and a broken yellow line. It can also be marked with two white two-way left-turn lane arrows.
Conclusion
Yes, that was a LOT.
But being familiar with all these Ohio road signs, signals, and markings comes in handy.
Especially if you are:
- Preparing for your permit test
- Trying to be the safest driver out there
- Avoiding tickets
So study it seriously.
More than that, obey it seriously.