Chapter 5

Traffic Control Devices

Miki Fifita, Kylie Findley, Kristine DeGuzman & Wendy Cadorna
Chapter Objectives
Understand the purpose and value of traffic control
devices.
Explain the role of the color in the use of traffic control
devices.
Identify and explain the meaning of the 3 basic types of
traffic signs.
Identify and explain the meaning of traffic control signal
lights.
Identify and explain the role and meaning of pavement
markings.
Traffic Control Devices
So the traffic control devices is consisted with traffic
lights , signs and pavement markings. The purpose of
these devices is to ensure safety on the highway by
making it orderly and predictable for all traffic.
Other purposes are to tell a driver where they are,
where they are going and how to get there. Provided
information about the laws, dangers and the
roadway.
Communication Modes
Traffic Control Devices (TCD) communicate
messages in several ways. These ways are by
using the color, shape, words and placement
to give information. Through they provide a
message they are also provide a framework
of guidance.
Color Communication Meanings
Colors of TCD
communicates
information,
regardless of the
shapes, graphics or
words. On the right
will tell you the
color meanings.
YELLOW: General warning/ caution
FLUORESCENT YELLOW-GREEN:Warning
ORANGE: Temporary work zone
GREEN: Directional guidance; indicates
movement is permitted.
BROWN: Recreational and cultural
interest guidance.
BLUE: Motorist services guidance
RED: Stop or prohibition
BLACK / WHITE: Regulatory information
FLUORESCENT PINK: Incident
management
Sign Types
There are 3 basic
types of signs:
regulatory, warning
and guide. Each
gives a different
type of
information.
Regulatory Signs: These signs tell the
driver what the regulations are. Other
regulatory signs inform drivers of the
laws that are indicated at the time or
place.
Some examples signs are: Stop signs,
yield signs and do not do not enter
signs.
Other regulatory signs are vertical
rectangles. Such signs show turning
restrictions, lane usage, speed limits ,
pedestrian or parking controls. A red
circle with a slash through it on any of
the signs are prohibited.
Regulatory Signs
Sign Types
Warning signs are yellow and
orange and they are non-
motorized. These signs warn
drivers of specific road,
environmental and traffic
conditions a short distance
ahead.
Most of the warning signs are
diamond shaped.


Examples:
Guide Signs
Guide signs come in several different shapes
and colors and provide drivers with
information about routes, exits and distances.
Also they indicate points of interest,
recreational and medical facilities, and lastly;
lodging and restaurants.
Guide Signs
Traffic Signals
Traffic signals are used
to control traffic. It
also indicates who gets
the right away. On the
highway its critical to
know the means of
these colors, symbols
and respond to in the
right manner.
Pedestrian Signals
Some pedestrian signal
systems are featured
with a countdown
timers, these timers
indicate how much
times are left for the
pedestrian to walk
across the street.
Examples:
If you see a red hand or a dont
walk sign on the left hand
side, it obviously means you
cant walk across the cross
walk.
If you see a white man on the
right hand side, it tells the
pedestrian that you may
proceed across.
Pedestrian Signals
Pavement Markings
Marking on pavements consist of lines,symbols and also lettering.
Also, they may be used along with the highway signs and signals to
guide drivers. These particular markings are usually white or
yellow, or also a reflective. Some examples include: traffic
markings, pedestrian crosswalks, vehicle stop lines, parking spaces
and directional arrow.
Yellow markings are used to separate traffic thats traveling in the
other direction, and also to indicate the left edge of multiple- lane
divided highways. Yellow center lines can be single, double,
dotted or dashed.
Pavement Markings
A single/broken yellow lane line to the right of a solid yellow lane line means
that drivers can pass, if its safe to do so. A solid yellow lane line to the right of
a broken yellow lane line means that passing is prohibited. The double solid
lane line means that passing is prohibited in both directions.
Reversible lanes are marked with double dashed yellow lines, reversible lanes
can improve the flow of traffic by changing direction of travel within lanes.
Shared left turn lanes are with solid and dashed yellow lane markings that
identify shared left lane turns look similar to those used to indicate a no
passing zone. However, white left lane turn arrows on the pavement between
the yellow markings tell drivers that the lane is to be used for making left
turns.
Pavement Markings
White dashed lines separate two lanes traveling in the same direction. Solid white lines are
used to mark the right edges of highways. They are also used between lanes to indicate
areas where lane changes are unlawful due to increased danger associated with such
movements. Solid white lines running perpendicular across traffic lanes identify stopping
points and pedestrian crosswalks. These white lines can also be used to guide traffic
around obstructions, mark curbs and control parking spaces.
White symbols and words on the pavement identify movements that may or must be made
from or within a lane. To be warned an upcoming stop sign, signal or school zone,
controls the travel direction or railroad crossings.
Restricted-lane markings or signs appear heavily traveled city streets and expressways.
During certain hours of the day the traffic in some lanes may be restricted to buses,
turning vehicles or high occupancy vehicles. Restricted lane pavement marking and signs
are designated by a diamond shape symbol.
Pavement Marking