Common California Traffics Signs and Zones
The proper observance of traffic signs and special traffic zones is important for road safety.
- Solid Red – A red signal light means “STOP.” Stop and yield to pedestrians, bicyclists, and vehicles that are close enough to be a hazard. Make the right turn only when it is safe.
- Solid Yellow – A yellow signal light means “CAUTION.” When you see the yellow light, stop if you can do so safely. If you can’t stop safely, enter the intersection cautiously.
- Solid Green – A green light means “GO”. Do not enter the intersec¬tion if you cannot get completely across before the light turns red. If you block the intersection, you can be cited.
- Carpool/ HOV Lanes – This is a special freeway lane only for motorcycles, buses, and/or carpools. Signs at the on-ramp or along the freeway tell you the minimum number of people required for the carpool and the hours the carpool requirement applies. The pavement in this lane is marked with a diamond symbol and the words “Carpool Lane.”
- When the bus flashes red lights - Stop from either direction until the children are safely across the street and the lights stop flashing. California Vehicle Code Section 22454 requires you to remain stopped as long as the red lights are flashing. If you fail to stop, you may be fined up to $1,000 and your driving privilege could be suspended for one year.
- Flashing red lights – Before train tracks, this means stop at least 15 feet but not more than 50 feet from the nearest track when the crossing devices are active or a person warns you a train is coming.
- Bike Lane - A bicycle lane is shown by a solid white line along either side of the street, four or more feet from the curb. The white line will usually be broken near the corner and the words “BIKE LANE” will be painted in the lane.
- Cone Zone - Signs and mes¬sage boards warn you of workers, slow moving equipment, and closed lanes ahead. Cones and/or drums will guide you through the work zone. Traffic vi¬olations in the “Cone Zone” come with fines up to $1,000.
- Safety Enhanced-Double Fine Zones - Due to increased accidents, injuries, and fatalities, certain roads are des¬ignated as such. Fines are doubled in these areas and also in highway construction or maintenance zones when workers are present.