Comparing the 3 Primary Types of Traffic Signs

Traffic signs—also called roadway signs, community traffic signs, or regulatory signage—are essential tools used to communicate critical information to both motorists and pedestrians. From residential neighborhoods and private subdivisions to master-planned developments, these signs ensure traffic flows smoothly, safely, and in accordance with local and federal regulations.

While traffic signs have been around in various forms for thousands of years (think stone milestone markers), the modern roadway sign system in the United States is governed by the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHA). Today, nearly all traffic signs fall into one of three primary categories: regulatory signs, warning signs, and guide signs.

#1) Regulatory Signs

Constructed with a white background, as per the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), regulatory signs are used to regulate the flow of traffic in a given area. They provide motorists and pedestrians with instructions on how to move -- or not move -- through the area.

Regulatory signs are the backbone of traffic control. They are typically designed with a white background and black or red text or symbols. These signs instruct drivers on legal traffic behaviors—what they must or must not do. In an HOA community, these are the signs that enforce speed limits, indicate stop or yield requirements, restrict parking, and designate lane usage.

Examples of regulatory signs include stop, yield, do not enter, no turn on left, no turn on right, no parking, weight limit, speed limit, one way and HOV lane ahead. Because they are used to regulate the flow of traffic, regulatory signs are arguably the most important type of traffic signs.

🛑 Examples include:

• Stop signs

• Yield signs

• No parking zones

• Speed limit signs

• One way

• Do not enter

• Weight limits

• HOV lane signs

Regulatory signs are essential for mailbox clusters, neighborhood entryways, and community intersections where traffic patterns must be clearly controlled to avoid accidents and maintain flow.

#2) Warning Signs

Where regulatory signs dictate what drivers must do, warning signs prepare them for what’s ahead. These signs are usually yellow with black graphics or text, and they are used to alert drivers about upcoming changes in road conditions or driving patterns.

Warning signs differ from regulatory signs in the sense that they inform rather than instruct. Warning signs are used to warn motorists and pedestrians about a given area. Examples of warning signs include left turn ahead, led reverse turn ahead, right curve ahead, winding road left ahead, hairpin curve ahead, side road at angle, sharp to the right, sharp curve to the left, intersection and hill with grade.

⚠️ Examples include:

• Sharp curve ahead

• Side road at angle

• Winding road

• Intersection signs

• Hill with grade

• Left or right turn ahead

In residential neighborhoods, especially private communities or HOA-managed roads, warning signs are crucial for preventing accidents near hills, bends, and high pedestrian activity areas.

#3) Guide Signs

Finally, guide signs live up to their namesake by guiding motorists (not pedestrians) through a given area. They contain essential information about an area, such as location markers. Examples of guide signs include interstate route markers, country route markers, U.S. route markers, state route markers, interchange exit sign, hurricane evacuation route, exit only and roadway junction.

As their name suggests, guide signs provide directional and location-based information. They help drivers identify routes, exits, and destinations. In planned developments, private communities, or resort-style neighborhoods, these signs often include custom street name signs, neighborhood maps, or directional arrows to key amenities.

🧭 Examples include:

• State and U.S. route markers

• Exit only signs

• Interchange signs

• Street name signage

• Evacuation route signs

Many developers also opt for custom decorative guide signs that blend with the architectural style of the community.

Other Sign Types You Should Know

While regulatory, warning and guide signs are the three primary types of traffic signs used in the United States, there are other types approved by the Federal Highway Administration (FWA). Motorist services and recreation signs, for example, include signs for tent camping, food, lodging, telephone, hospital, emergency services, information, gas, rest area, picnic area, litter barrel, bathrooms and auto mechanic.

While the three categories above are the most commonly used, there are additional signage types approved by the MUTCD and FHA, including:

• Recreational and motorist service signs (hospital, gas, rest area, camping)

• Pedestrian and bicycle signage (bike lanes, crossings, pedestrian yield)

• Community-specific custom signs (wayfinding, monument signage, branded street signs)

These sign types help create a complete signage solution that improves navigation, enhances safety, and elevates the aesthetic value of your neighborhood or HOA.

There are also pedestrian and bicycle signs that provide information or instructions to pedestrians and cyclists. Commonly used pedestrian and bicycle signs include no pedestrians, bicycle parking, bicycles yield to pedestrians, hill ahead (with bicycle), slippery when wet (with bicycle), pedestrian crossing and bicycle crossing.

About Forsite

Welcome to Forsite! You’ve found your best source custom street signs and community wayfinding signs. We manufacture and install upscale site amenities throughout the United States.

At Forsite, we specialize in custom community signage designed to elevate the appearance and function of your residential development, HOA, or master-planned community. From decorative stop signs and ornamental street sign posts to custom wayfinding systems, we manufacture, supply, and install everything you need for a uniform, upscale, and fully compliant traffic signage package.

Forsite can provide all of your signage needs for your Master Planned Community or  Residential Development. We help our customers to create a uniform, upscale appearance and increase property values by "bundling" themed packages of decorative street signage, mailboxes, post and wall mounted lighting, and wayfinding signage. You can count on the experts at Forsite to help improve the quality of your community today.

📞 Ready to upgrade your community signage? Contact us today at 855-537-0200 or visit mailboxesandsigns.com to request a quote.

💬 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are regulatory traffic signs?
A: Regulatory traffic signs are designed to control traffic flow by informing road users of specific laws and regulations in a given area. Examples include stop signs, yield signs, speed limit signs, and no parking signs.

Q: What is the purpose of warning traffic signs?
A: Warning traffic signs alert motorists and pedestrians to potential hazards or changes in road conditions ahead. Common examples include curve ahead signs, pedestrian crossing signs, and slippery when wet signs.

Q: How do guide signs assist drivers?
A: Guide signs provide directional and mileage information to help drivers navigate to their destinations. They include interstate route markers, exit signs, and signs indicating amenities like gas stations or rest areas.

Q: Why is it important to understand the different types of traffic signs?
A: Understanding the different types of traffic signs—regulatory, warning, and guide signs—is crucial for road safety, as it enables drivers to comply with laws, anticipate road conditions, and navigate effectively.

📘 Glossary of Terms

• Regulatory Signs
  Traffic signs that inform road users of traffic laws and regulations which must be obeyed. Examples include stop signs, speed limit signs, and no parking signs.

• Warning Signs
  Signs that alert road users to potential hazards or changes in road conditions ahead, such as sharp turns, pedestrian crossings, or animal crossing areas.

• Guide Signs
  Signs that provide navigational information to assist drivers in reaching their destinations, including route markers, exit signs, and signs indicating nearby services.

• Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD)
  A document issued by the Federal Highway Administration that defines the standards for traffic control devices, including road markings, highway signs, and traffic signals in the United States.

• Traffic Control Devices
  Signs, signals, markings, and other devices used to regulate, warn, or guide traffic, placed on or adjacent to streets and highways.