Understanding the Nevada road signs is very important.
It could mean acing your permit test on the first try, avoiding annoying tickets, and/or ensuring safety for everyone.
This is why, here, we’re going to give you a complete guide to the road signs, traffic signals, and highway pavements in the state.
So without further ado, let’s get started!
Nevada Traffic Signs
Traffic signs help regulate traffic, inform drivers of nearby locations, and warn drivers of hazards.
Let’s take a look at the traffic signs in Nevada.
Sign Colors
Color: | Visual Aid: | Meaning: |
Red | Stop, yield, or do not enter | |
Green | For directions and guides | |
Yellow | Warnings | |
White | Regulatory, law, or rule | |
Orange | Road construction, repair, or maintenance | |
Blue | To indicate driver services such as restrooms, gas stations, lodgings, etc. | |
Brown | To indicate recreational, cultural, and scenic areas |
Sign Shapes
Shape: | Visual Aid: | Meaning: |
Octagon | Come to a full stop behind a crosswalk Slow down and stop before entering an intersection Give right of way to pedestrians | |
Diamond | Warning Slow down | |
Rectangle | Traffic regulations or directions; always obey these signs | |
Inverted Triangle | Yield the right-of-way Slow down when approaching an intersection Yield to vehicles making a U-turn or those already on the highway Give way to pedestrians | |
Pennant | No passing | |
Pentagon | School zone and school crossing Slow down and be alert for children | |
Circle | Railroad crossing ahead Slow down and listen for a train approaching Look both ways when crossing a railroad | |
Crossbuck | Actual railroad crossing Stop right at the gates and wait for the gates to open before passing | |
Shield | Route marker |
Regulatory Signs
These signs are black-and-white with a rectangular shape. They tell you the laws and rules of the lanes you are on.
An example of a regulatory sign is a speed limit:
Warning Signs
These signs are often yellow and diamond-shaped. If you see this, it means it is warning you of a potential hazard ahead.
Whenever you see a warning sign, always slow down and be more alert. Be prepared to stop or change lanes.
An example of a warning sign is one that tells you that there is a traffic signal ahead:
Railroad Crossing Signs
Just as the name suggests, these signs tell you of a railroad crossing ahead. Some are placed before railroads to tell you when to stop and go.
Here are examples of railroad signs:
When you see these signs, here’s what you need to do:
- Look both ways and listen if a train is coming.
- If there is a stop sign, stop before it or at least 15 feet from the tracks.
- Do not shift gears when crossing the tracks.
- Trains cannot stop for cars ahead, so always stop if a train is approaching. Wait for the signal that the coast is clear before proceeding.
- If the signal has flashing lights, it means that a train is approaching. Stop behind the stop sign.
- Never park within 50 feet of a railroad.
Route Signs and Markers
These signs and markers indicate where you are using interstate and state route numbers.
Here is an example:
Construction and Maintenance Signs
These signs tell you of possible danger ahead due to a construction or repair ongoing. Look out for signs or flaggers suggesting a detour.
Here are a few examples of work zone signs:
Nevada Traffic Signals
Traffic signals help control the flow of traffic. Most of them are found at intersections and they give instructions to vehicles and pedestrians alike.
Traffic Lights
Name: | Symbol: | Meaning: |
Steady red signal | Make a full stop before reaching the intersection. If there is a crosswalk, stop behind the line. Remain stopped until the light changes. | |
Steady yellow signal | Take caution, the light will turn red soon. If you have not entered the intersection, stop. But if you are already at the intersection, go straight ahead. | |
Steady green signal | You may drive ahead or make a turn unless there is a sign that forbids it. | |
Flashing red signal | Drivers should make a full stop. They can proceed only if the road is clear and they follow the right of way. | |
Flashing yellow signal | You may go ahead but proceed with caution. | |
Steady red arrow | You cannot go in the direction of the arrow. Stop and wait for the light to turn green. | |
Steady yellow arrow | The signal is going to change to red. Clear the intersection. | |
Flashing yellow arrow | You may make a turn but yield to traffic and pedestrians. | |
Steady green arrow | You can make a turn, but you must still yield to pedestrians. |
Pedestrian Signals
Name: | Meaning: |
Red light | Do not cross until the light turns green or when a traffic enforcer says so. |
Yellow light | Take caution. The light is about to turn red. Proceed to the side of the road safely. If you are just starting to cross, do not proceed. |
Green light | You may cross the intersection unless a traffic enforcer says otherwise. |
Green turn arrow | Pedestrians facing a green turn arrow are not allowed to cross unless a traffic enforcer allows them. |
Other symbols will include a hand or a walking person.
Name: | Symbol: | Meaning: |
Don’t Walk | You are not allowed to cross. Wait for the white/green walking sign before proceeding. If there is a countdown timer, continue crossing but make sure to arrive at the sidewalk before the countdown ends. | |
Walk | You’re allowed to cross the street, but always check if there are oncoming vehicles. |
Lane Use Control Signals
Symbol: | Meaning: |
Drivers are allowed to drive under the lane with the green arrow. | |
Drivers under this lane can use the lane but should take caution because of slow traffic or potential debris. | |
The lane is ending, so drivers should merge with another open lane going in the same direction. | |
The lane underneath is not for passing because of a lane closure. Merge to another open lane. | |
Overhead freeway signals – display the speed, direction, and availability of the lanes. If your lane is closed, move to an open lane. Merge carefully. If it shows a yellow “merge” sign, merge with another open lane because there may be debris ahead. |
Nevada Highway Markings
Finally, we have the highway markings. These marks on the road tell you about lane direction, turning lanes, or no passing zones.
Marking: | Meaning: |
Broken or dashed white lines | To mark lanes going in the same direction. You cannot stay on the lines, but passing is permitted. |
Solid white lines | When placed between traffic moving in the same direction, this means you cannot change lanes. If it’s by the side, it indicates the side of the road. |
Yellow lines | Separate lanes going in different directions |
Broken or dashed yellow lines | Separate lanes going in different directions. You are allowed to pass cautiously. |
Solid yellow lines | You are not allowed to cross over or pass. If found at the side of the road, it indicates the edge of a multi-lane highway. |
Double, solid yellow lines | You cannot pass on either side of the line |
Crosswalk lines | Marked with solid white lines across the road and is used for pedestrians only |
Stop lines | Solid white lines across a traffic lane – make a stop before passing |
Dotted white lines | Indicate an extension of a lane or an exit-only lane |
Center lanes with an arrow and solid yellow and broken yellow lines | For left turns. Drivers near the broken yellow lines can pass. |
High-Occupancy Vehicle Lanes
These can be one or more lanes on a roadway and are used for people who are ridesharing.
There are designated lanes for carpool vehicles and locations for entering or exiting the lane. If there is a double solid white line, you cannot enter or exit the lane.
Conclusion
And that was your complete guide to Nevada road signs!
We can’t list ALL the signs you will see, but if you get the colors and shapes right, then you’ll have an idea of what the sign means.
From there, you must obey them at all costs.
It’s always best to be a safe driver!