Texas Road Signs (A Complete Guide)

Road signs are there for one purpose — to keep everyone on the roadway safe.

This is why it’s crucial to KNOW and OBEY all the Texas road signs, traffic signals, and even pavement markings.

And this is why, here, we’re going to give you a complete guide to them all.

We’ll go over the common signs, signals, and markings that you surely know about, as well as the not-so-common ones that might get you confused.

There’s a lot to cover, so buckle up and enjoy the ride!

Texas Traffic Signals

Here’s something that all drivers (I hope) know about.

Traffic signals are lights you usually find near intersections. They tell you when you can go forward, turn, stop, or slow down.

Let’s go over the Texas traffic signals:

Pedestrian Hybrid Beacons

Did you know there are traffic signals for pedestrians, too?

If pedestrians want to cross, they can push a button to activate the Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (PHB)

As a driver, you need to pay attention to the PHB and obey it.

This is what the PHB will look like:

If there is no light, then you can proceed forward.

If there is a yellow flashing light, that means a pedestrian hit the activate button. You need to start slowing down.

If the yellow light becomes steady, that means the red light is about to come on. Prepare to stop.

A double red light means STOP. Let the pedestrians cross.

Two flashing red lights mean the PHB is about to go dark again. If there are still pedestrians crossing, remain stopped. But if there are no more, then you can proceed.

Texas Traffic Signs

When it comes to traffic signs, there are 5 kinds, namely:

Warning signs
Regulatory signs
Guide signs
Railroad warning signs
Construction and maintenance signs

You can identify which sign is which by the color and shape.

Let’s look at these first, then show you the different Texas traffic signs.

Standard Sign Colors

Did you know that traffic signs are color-coded?

This is so you already have an idea of what to do even if you haven’t read the text on the sign yet.

Color:	Visual:	Description:
Red		Stop, yield, or do what’s posted on the sign.
Green		You can do the indicated movements. Also used for directions/guidance.
Blue		Motorist services guidance.
Yellow		General warning or caution.
Black		Regulation.
White		Regulation.
Orange		Construction and maintenance warning.
Retroreflective Orange		This is used on various types of signs.
Brown		Public recreation and scenic guidance

Standard Shapes

As with colors, the shapes make it easier for drivers to know what to do even from afar.

Warning Signs

Warning signs are diamond shaped and yellow.

These warn you of hazards ahead.

So when you see these signs, you have to be more alert and reduce speed to avoid getting into accidents.

Regulatory Signs

These signs tell you more about what you can and cannot do.

Some of these are based on laws and regulations in the area.

Guide Signs

These signs help you go to your destination.

They’re very helpful when you’re in an unfamiliar place in the state.

Railroad Warning Signs

These signs warn you of a railroad crossing ahead and tell you what to do in this area.

Some railroad crossing areas will have gates and flashing lights. You are required to stop when you see these devices.

In Texas, you are required to stop within 15-50 feet from the nearest rail when you see a person flagging for an incoming train, red flashing lights are turned on, or warning devices tell you of an approaching train.

Construction and Maintenance Signs

These signs are often orange and diamond-shaped. They warn you of a work zone ahead that can pose hazards.

Always, always slow down and obey the signs.

The signs are also often accompanied by channelizing devices and flaggers. These help direct the flow of traffic and separate the vehicles from the work zones.

When you encounter these devices and people, slow down and prepare to change lanes. Keep a reduced speed until you exit the work zone.

The direction of devices with diagonal stripes also means something.

If the stripes are sloping downward to the right, then you have to pass to the right. If it’s sloping downward to the left, then you should pass to the left.

Pass to the right: Pass to the left:

Texas Pavement Markings

These markings help vehicles identify which lanes they have to be on and when they can park, enter, or pass.

Conclusion

And that was your complete guide to the Texas road signs!

Now that you know all the possible signals, signs, and markings you’ll encounter, you must make sure to OBEY every single one.

Remember, these are there to keep you and everyone on the roadway safe.

If you haven’t memorized all of them yet, don’t worry. You can start by memorizing the colors and shapes.

From there, you’ll have a very good idea of what the sign means.

Name:	Symbol:	Meaning:
Steady Red Light		Stop before entering the crosswalk or intersection. You can turn right unless otherwise stated.
Flashing Red Light		Make a full stop, look around, and proceed if it is safe to do so.
Steady Yellow Light		Warns drivers that the light is about to turn red. If you haven’t entered the crosswalk or intersection, prepare to stop.
Flashing Yellow Light		You can turn left but you must yield the right-of-way to oncoming traffic.
Steady Green Light		You can proceed if it’s safe to do so.
Green Arrow Displayed with Red Light		You can only proceed in the direction the green arrow is pointing to.
Left Turn on Green		While this isn’t a traffic light, this sign tells you that you can turn left on a green light. However, you need to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and oncoming traffic.

Shape:	Symbol:	Description:
Octagon		Exclusively for stop signs.
Horizontal Rectangle		For guide signs.
Equilateral Triangle		Exclusively for yield signs.
Pennant		Advance warning of no pass zones.
Diamond		Exclusively for warning signs.
Vertical Rectangle		For regulatory signs.
Pentagon		Warning for school and school crossing signs.
Round		Railroad advance warning signs.

Sign:	Meaning:
	Traffic signal ahead.
	Shows the height of the underpass from the road surface. Do not enter if your vehicle’s height is higher.
	There’s a median ahead separating the flow of traffic.
	Two roads come together and there’s an added lane ahead.
	The road curves one way to the right and then to the left. Slow down, keep right, and do not pass.
	Another road enters the road from the side.
	The road surface is rough.
	There’s a cross-traffic section ahead.
	The road ahead makes a sharp turn in the direction of the arrow. Slow down and keep right. Do not pass vehicles.
	Winding road ahead.
	The divided highway ends.
	The road become slippery when wet.
	Drive in the right-hand lane and expect traffic from the left-hand lane.
	There’s a gradual curve ahead in the direction of the arrow.
	Crossroad ahead.
	Warning sign of a reduction of the lanes.
	T-intersection ahead.
	Y-intersection ahead.
	Other traffic lanes are going to come together.
	Pedestrian crossing ahead.
	You are near a school. Slow down and watch for pedestrians.
	The road ahead has loose gravel.
	Mounted immediately in front of an obstruction that is close to the edge of the road or center piers on divided highways.
	Mounted immediately in front of an obstruction or short changes in road alignment.
	T intersection ahead and you must turn either right or left.
	Low dip in the road ahead.
	Use extreme caution to avoid running off the paved portion of the highway. The dirt on the side of the pavement is soft.
	The bridge ahead is not as wide as the road you’re on.
	Highway intersection ahead.
	The road ahead makes a sharp turn to the right and then a sharp turn to the left. Slow down and do not pass.
	Dangerous conditions on the bridge because of ice. Slow down but avoid slamming on the brakes and making sudden turns.
	Indicates alignment of the road.
	Traffic is permitted to pass on either side of the median.
	Marks the ends of the side rails of narrow bridges and obstructions.
	Watch for trucks entering the road.
	The road ahead narrows.
	The road changes to an earth road or low-type surface.
	There is a drop on the side of the pavement.
	The pavement ahead is grooved to lessen the slips caused during wet weather.
	Watch for individuals who may be disabled and are crossing the road.
	You are approaching a downgrade. Proceed with caution and shift to a lower gear if necessary.
	Used with yellow lights flashing and shows when you can enter the freeway.
	A sudden high place in the road ahead.
	Indicates a curve.
	Lane ends ahead, merge to the left.
	Stop sign ahead.

Symbol:	Meaning:
	The road ahead is a one-way street. You can only enter if you are entering in the same direction as the arrow.
	High Occupancy Level (HOV) Preferential Lane – buses and vehicles used for carpools may use the lane between the hours stated on the sign.
	Do not cross the yellow lines because the distance that you can see ahead is limited.
	Two lanes of traffic are used for turning left. The traffic on the leftmost lane should turn left while the traffic on its adjacent lane can turn left or go straight.
	Do not park, stop, or stay idle in the parking space reserved for disabled individuals. You can only occupy this space if you have a disabled license plate.
	Turning left is prohibited.
	Making a U-turn is prohibited.
	You are going the wrong way if you see this sign facing you.
	Make a complete stop before the stop line, crosswalk, or before the intersection. You can proceed when it’s clear.
	Advisory speed sign – this shows the highest speed you can travel on the curve ahead.
	Stay in the right-hand lane if you are driving slower than the other vehicles on the road.
	Indicates the speed you need to follow when exiting the ramp from a highway.
	Indicates the maximum speed on the road.
	Trucks are not allowed to enter the road.
	Drive to the right of the sign. This sign is found when you’re approaching a median or island.
	The road ahead is for one-way traffic traveling in the opposite direction.
	The road joins with another road ahead. Slow down and yield the right-of-way to vehicles, pedestrians, and bicycles.
	You are in a school zone; follow the speed limit when the lights are flashing.
	Red light photo enforced.
	Drivers should not change lanes or turn in the double white lines.
	Vehicles facing the signal with the green arrow can proceed into the intersection. Those turning left are protected from oncoming traffic.
	The shoulder of the road is only used for emergency stops.
	The road ahead is closed to traffic. Make a detour.
	All traffic on the same roadway must merge into one lane.
	Shows where you may cross over to the other side of the divided highway.
	The use of a wireless communication device is not allowed in the school zone.
	Found at a stop sign to tell you to stop before entering the intersection.
	The leftmost lane can only be used for passing. Do not occupy this lane to travel.
	The center lane can only be used for vehicles turning left. This lane should not be used for passing.
	A green signal will indicate when you can turn left.
	The vehicles on the right lane are required to make a right turn at the next intersection.
	Advisory speed sign – shows the highest speed you’re allowed to take when turning.

Symbol:	Meaning:
	Indicates litter barrels ahead. Litter barrels are when you are legally allowed to throw trash on the highway.
	Route marker signs tell you what road you are traveling on.
	Interstate route marker signs also tell you the road you’re on. You must use a map for this.
	These tell you which lanes to take to go to a certain route.
	This aids in identifying the area of crashes and emergencies.
	Directions to exit lanes.
	Tells you what road you’re on.
	For officially designated highways that branch off the regularly numbered highway.
	Travel information that tells you how many miles before you arrive at the stated destinations.
	Lane-use control is found overhead and tells motorists where they can drive. If there’s a Red X, this means that you cannot drive on that lane. If it’s a steady yellow, then prepare to vacate the lane. And if it’s a green arrow, then you can drive in that lane.

Name:	Markings:	Meaning:
Two-lane rural road with two-way traffic		Keep to the right of the yellow center line. You may cross a broken yellow line for passing. If it’s a solid yellow line, do not cross or pass.
Three-lane one-way roads		If it’s marked with a broken white line, you may pass or cross.
Left Turn Lane Only		The marked lanes are only for making left turns. Do not use this lane for passing.
Multi-lane Highway		Do not cross the double yellow lane.
Solid and Broken Lines		A solid yellow line means that it is a no-passing zone. If there are broken yellow lines, then you can cross or pass.
Crosswalks		This area is for pedestrians. You have to stop before the white lines and before the intersection.
White Stop Lines		These are painted across the pavement to tell you where you should stop before entering an intersection.
Solid Lines		These lines are for pavement edge lines, shoulder markings, and lane use control. If it’s a solid yellow line at the side of the road, then it means driving past it is prohibited. If they’re double solid white lines, you cannot cross or pass.