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California DMV Permit Test (Class C)

Practice bank
217 Qs
Real exam
46 Qs
Time limit
60 min
Passing
You must answer 38 questions correctly to pass the test.

Exam blueprint

Traffic Signs and Signals
25%
Rules of the Road and Right-of-Way
30%
Safe Driving Practices
25%
Alcohol and Drugs
10%
Vehicle Operation and Maintenance
10%

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California DMV Permit Test (Class C) practice test questions

Sample questions from the 217-question bank, with answers and explanations.

All questions
  1. 1. You are driving on a two-lane road and approach an intersection with a traffic light that is not working. What should you do?

    Traffic Signs and Signals

    • A. Treat the intersection as if it were controlled by a STOP sign in all directions.
    • B. Flash your headlights to alert other drivers and then proceed.
    • C. Yield to traffic on your right and then proceed with caution.
    • D. Proceed through the intersection without stopping, as long as there is no cross-traffic.
    Show answer

    A. Treat the intersection as if it were controlled by a STOP sign in all directions.

    When a traffic light is not working, it should be treated as an all-way stop. All drivers must stop and then proceed only when it is safe to do so, following right-of-way rules for an all-way stop.

  2. 2. You are driving on a street and approach a traffic light that has a steady red light over your lane. Next to it, there is a steady green arrow pointing to the right. What does this combination of signals mean?

    Traffic Signs and Signals

    • A. You may turn right without stopping, but yield to pedestrians and traffic.
    • B. You must proceed straight through the intersection, ignoring the red light.
    • C. You may turn right after stopping and yielding to pedestrians and traffic.
    • D. You must stop and cannot turn right.
    Show answer

    A. You may turn right without stopping, but yield to pedestrians and traffic.

    A steady red light means stop, but a steady green arrow allows the movement indicated by the arrow. In this case, you have a protected right turn. You may turn right without stopping, provided there are no pedestrians in the crosswalk or other vehicles violating the signal.

  3. 3. You see a yellow, diamond-shaped sign with a black arrow curving to the right. What does this sign indicate?

    Traffic Signs and Signals

    • A. Traffic merging from the right.
    • B. A right lane ends ahead.
    • C. A sharp turn to the right is immediately ahead.
    • D. A curve to the right is ahead, requiring reduced speed.
    Show answer

    D. A curve to the right is ahead, requiring reduced speed.

    Diamond-shaped yellow signs are warning signs. A curving arrow indicates a curve in the road ahead, and a right-curving arrow specifically warns of a curve to the right, advising drivers to slow down.

  4. 4. You are driving on a road and see a yellow, diamond-shaped sign with a black symbol of a truck going downhill. What does this sign warn you about?

    Traffic Signs and Signals

    • A. A steep downgrade ahead, which may require lower gear.
    • B. A steep uphill grade ahead.
    • C. A truck stop or weigh station is approaching.
    • D. Trucks are prohibited from using this road.
    Show answer

    A. A steep downgrade ahead, which may require lower gear.

    This warning sign indicates a steep downgrade ahead. Drivers should be prepared to shift to a lower gear to control their speed and prevent brake overheating, especially if driving a heavy vehicle.

  5. 5. You are driving on a road and see a traffic signal that is a steady yellow 'X' above your lane. What does this signal mean?

    Traffic Signs and Signals

    • A. The lane is closed to all traffic in your direction.
    • B. The lane is open for traffic, but proceed with caution.
    • C. You must exit this lane as soon as it is safe to do so.
    • D. You may proceed in this lane only if you are turning left.
    Show answer

    C. You must exit this lane as soon as it is safe to do so.

    A steady yellow 'X' indicates that the use of the lane is changing, and you must safely move out of the lane as soon as possible. It is a warning that the lane will soon be closed or its direction reversed.

  6. 6. You are driving on a street and see a white rectangular sign with a black symbol of a car and a motorcycle, and the words 'ONLY' below them. What does this sign indicate?

    Traffic Signs and Signals

    • A. A shared lane where cars and motorcycles must yield to each other.
    • B. A parking area exclusively for cars and motorcycles.
    • C. A warning for increased car and motorcycle traffic ahead.
    • D. A lane restricted to cars and motorcycles only.
    Show answer

    D. A lane restricted to cars and motorcycles only.

    White rectangular signs are regulatory signs. The symbols and the word 'ONLY' indicate that the lane or area is restricted to the depicted vehicles.

  7. 7. You are driving on a multi-lane highway and observe a series of small, raised reflective markers embedded in the pavement. These markers are white. What do white pavement reflectors indicate?

    Traffic Signs and Signals

    • A. The right edge of the roadway.
    • B. The left edge of the roadway.
    • C. Lane lines or the right edge of the roadway.
    • D. You are approaching a railroad crossing.
    Show answer

    C. Lane lines or the right edge of the roadway.

    White pavement reflectors are used to mark lane lines or the right edge of the roadway, helping drivers stay within their lanes, especially at night or in low visibility conditions.

  8. 8. You are making a right turn at an intersection. The traffic light for your lane is green, but there is a pedestrian in the crosswalk you intend to turn into. What is the correct action you should take?

    Traffic Signs and Signals

    • A. Yield to the pedestrian and wait until they have cleared the crosswalk.
    • B. Honk your horn to alert the pedestrian to hurry.
    • C. Drive slowly around the pedestrian, maintaining a safe distance.
    • D. Proceed with the turn, as you have a green light.
    Show answer

    A. Yield to the pedestrian and wait until they have cleared the crosswalk.

    In California, drivers must always yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk, even if the traffic light is green for vehicles. Pedestrian safety is paramount.

  9. 9. You are driving on a road with multiple lanes in your direction. You see a traffic signal specifically for your lane, displaying a steady yellow 'X' symbol. What does this lane use signal indicate?

    Traffic Signs and Signals

    • A. This lane is open for through traffic only, no turns allowed.
    • B. You should prepare to leave the lane, as its use is about to be restricted or closed.
    • C. You must immediately move out of this lane as it is closing.
    • D. This lane is open for your direction, but traffic is heavy.
    Show answer

    B. You should prepare to leave the lane, as its use is about to be restricted or closed.

    A steady yellow 'X' in a lane-use signal means that the lane is about to be closed or its use is changing. Drivers should prepare to leave the lane safely.

  10. 10. You see a white rectangular sign with a black symbol of a truck with a diagonal line through it. What does this sign indicate?

    Traffic Signs and Signals

    • A. Truck weighing station ahead.
    • B. Trucks must use the right lane.
    • C. Truck parking area ahead.
    • D. No trucks allowed on this road.
    Show answer

    D. No trucks allowed on this road.

    A red circle with a diagonal line (or a diagonal line through a symbol on a white sign) always indicates 'No' or 'Do Not'. Therefore, a truck symbol with a diagonal line means 'No Trucks'.

  11. 11. You approach an intersection with a flashing yellow light. What does this signal mean?

    Traffic Signs and Signals

    • A. Stop before entering the intersection if safe to do so.
    • B. Proceed with caution, yielding to other vehicles and pedestrians.
    • C. The traffic light is out of order; treat as an all-way stop.
    • D. You have the right-of-way; proceed without slowing down.
    Show answer

    B. Proceed with caution, yielding to other vehicles and pedestrians.

    A flashing yellow light means you should slow down and proceed with caution. You must be prepared to stop if necessary and yield to any vehicles or pedestrians already in the intersection or approaching from other directions.

  12. 12. You are approaching an intersection with a traffic light that is showing a flashing red signal. What action must you take?

    Traffic Signs and Signals

    • A. Proceed through the intersection without stopping if no traffic is present.
    • B. Treat it as a yield sign, slowing down but not necessarily stopping.
    • C. Stop completely before the intersection and yield to cross traffic and pedestrians.
    • D. Slow down and proceed with caution if the way is clear.
    Show answer

    C. Stop completely before the intersection and yield to cross traffic and pedestrians.

    A flashing red light must be treated exactly like a STOP sign. You must come to a complete stop, and then proceed only when it is safe and you have yielded to all crossing traffic and pedestrians.

  13. 13. You are driving on a multi-lane road and see a solid white line separating your lane from the lane next to it. What does a solid white line indicate?

    Traffic Signs and Signals

    • A. Lane changes are prohibited in this area.
    • B. You may change lanes if the way is clear.
    • C. This lane is for exiting traffic only.
    • D. Lane changes are discouraged but permitted with extreme caution.
    Show answer

    A. Lane changes are prohibited in this area.

    A solid white line indicates that lane changes are discouraged or prohibited. It is used to separate lanes of traffic moving in the same direction where lane changes are potentially dangerous or to delineate the edge of a travel lane.

  14. 14. You are driving at night and notice a series of small, raised reflective markers embedded in the pavement that appear red when viewed from your direction. What does this typically mean?

    Traffic Signs and Signals

    • A. You are driving in the wrong direction against traffic.
    • B. You are approaching a railroad crossing.
    • C. You should prepare to exit the freeway.
    • D. You are in a construction zone and should slow down.
    Show answer

    A. You are driving in the wrong direction against traffic.

    Red reflectors on the pavement, when visible from your direction of travel, are typically used to warn drivers that they are going the wrong way on a ramp or roadway.

  15. 15. You are driving on a rural road and see a square, white regulatory sign with a black symbol of a car and a motorcycle, with a diagonal line through the motorcycle. What does this sign indicate?

    Traffic Signs and Signals

    • A. Motorcycles are allowed in this lane.
    • B. Motorcycles are prohibited from using this road or lane.
    • C. Share the road with motorcycles.
    • D. Motorcycle parking is available ahead.
    Show answer

    B. Motorcycles are prohibited from using this road or lane.

    This is a regulatory sign indicating a prohibition. The diagonal line through a symbol generally means 'no' or 'not allowed'. Therefore, this sign means that motorcycles are prohibited from using the designated road or lane.

  16. 16. You are driving on a two-lane road and approach an intersection. You see a white rectangular sign with the words 'DO NOT PASS' and a symbol of two cars side-by-side, with the car on the left crossing a diagonal line. What does this sign indicate?

    Traffic Signs and Signals

    • A. Passing is allowed only on the right side of the road.
    • B. Passing is permitted for emergency vehicles only.
    • C. Passing is prohibited in this area.
    • D. You should prepare to pass slower vehicles.
    Show answer

    C. Passing is prohibited in this area.

    This sign is a regulatory sign indicating that passing other vehicles is not allowed in the designated area. Ignoring this sign can lead to dangerous situations and traffic violations.

  17. 17. You are driving on a multi-lane road. You notice a solid yellow line immediately next to a broken yellow line on your left. What does this pavement marking indicate?

    Traffic Signs and Signals

    • A. Passing is permitted for traffic on both sides of the lines.
    • B. Passing is permitted only for traffic on the side of the broken line, but not for traffic on the side of the solid line.
    • C. Passing is prohibited for traffic on both sides of the lines.
    • D. You are in a dedicated turn lane and must prepare to turn.
    Show answer

    B. Passing is permitted only for traffic on the side of the broken line, but not for traffic on the side of the solid line.

    A combination of solid and broken yellow lines means that passing is allowed for traffic on the side of the broken line, but not for traffic on the side of the solid line. In this scenario, since the solid line is on your side, you cannot pass.

  18. 18. You are driving on a road and notice a sign with a black arrow pointing right, encircled by a red circle with a diagonal line through it. What does this regulatory sign mean?

    Traffic Signs and Signals

    • A. Right turn is allowed only during specific hours.
    • B. Right turn is prohibited at all times.
    • C. Right turn is optional, but caution is advised.
    • D. Right turn is mandatory, follow the arrow.
    Show answer

    B. Right turn is prohibited at all times.

    A red circle with a diagonal line (a prohibitory symbol) always means 'NO' or 'PROHIBITED' for the action depicted inside. Therefore, a right arrow within this symbol means no right turn.

  19. 19. You are driving on a road with multiple lanes in your direction. You see a white rectangular sign with the words 'THRU TRAFFIC MUST EXIT' and an arrow pointing diagonally down and to the right. What action should you take?

    Traffic Signs and Signals

    • A. Prepare to exit the main roadway if you intend to continue straight.
    • B. Continue straight, as this sign applies to commercial vehicles only.
    • C. Slow down and prepare for a merge from the right.
    • D. Change lanes to the left to avoid merging traffic.
    Show answer

    A. Prepare to exit the main roadway if you intend to continue straight.

    This sign is a regulatory guide sign indicating that the through lanes are about to become exit-only. If you want to continue on the main route, you must prepare to exit and re-enter, or change lanes if possible before the exit-only lane begins.

  20. 20. You are approaching an intersection with a traffic light that has a steady green arrow pointing left. What does this signal mean?

    Traffic Signs and Signals

    • A. You must yield to oncoming traffic before turning left.
    • B. You may proceed straight through the intersection only.
    • C. You may turn left, provided the intersection is clear.
    • D. You must stop and wait for a green light.
    Show answer

    C. You may turn left, provided the intersection is clear.

    A steady green arrow means you have a protected turn in the direction of the arrow. You may proceed in that direction without yielding, provided the intersection is clear of other vehicles or pedestrians.

  21. 21. You are driving on a road with multiple lanes in the same direction. You see a white rectangular sign with a black arrow pointing straight ahead and the words 'THRU TRAFFIC ONLY' below it. What does this sign indicate?

    Traffic Signs and Signals

    • A. This lane allows all types of turns, but not straight-through movement.
    • B. This lane is designated for vehicles that are continuing straight through the intersection.
    • C. This lane is for vehicles making a U-turn.
    • D. This lane is reserved for high-occupancy vehicles.
    Show answer

    B. This lane is designated for vehicles that are continuing straight through the intersection.

    This is a regulatory sign that designates a specific lane for vehicles intending to proceed straight through an intersection. Drivers wishing to turn must use a different lane.

  22. 22. You are driving on a multi-lane road and observe a solid yellow line immediately next to a broken yellow line on your side of the road. What does this pavement marking indicate?

    Traffic Signs and Signals

    • A. You are in a dedicated turn lane and must turn.
    • B. You may pass if the way is clear, but oncoming traffic cannot.
    • C. Passing is prohibited for both directions of traffic.
    • D. You may not pass, but oncoming traffic may pass.
    Show answer

    D. You may not pass, but oncoming traffic may pass.

    When a solid yellow line is on your side of the broken yellow line, it means you cannot pass. However, if the broken line is on the other side, oncoming traffic may pass when safe.

  23. 23. You are driving on a rural road and see a yellow, diamond-shaped sign with a black symbol of a tractor or farm machinery. What does this sign indicate?

    Traffic Signs and Signals

    • A. Farm vehicles may be entering or crossing the roadway.
    • B. This road is restricted to farm vehicles only.
    • C. A farming museum or historical site is nearby.
    • D. A farm stand selling local produce is ahead.
    Show answer

    A. Farm vehicles may be entering or crossing the roadway.

    Yellow, diamond-shaped signs are warning signs. A symbol of a tractor or farm machinery indicates that farm vehicles are likely to be present on or near the roadway, requiring drivers to be cautious and prepared for slow-moving vehicles.

  24. 24. You are driving in the left-most lane of a freeway and see a white diamond symbol painted on the pavement in your lane. What does this marking indicate?

    Traffic Signs and Signals

    • A. This lane is reserved for high-occupancy vehicles (HOV) or specific vehicles.
    • B. This lane is a dedicated exit lane and you must exit.
    • C. This lane is for emergency vehicles only.
    • D. This lane is a temporary lane for construction traffic.
    Show answer

    A. This lane is reserved for high-occupancy vehicles (HOV) or specific vehicles.

    A white diamond symbol on the pavement indicates a preferential lane for specific vehicles, most commonly High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes, also known as carpool lanes.

  25. 25. You are driving on a freeway and observe a large brown rectangular sign with white lettering. What type of information do these signs typically provide?

    Traffic Signs and Signals

    • A. Direction to hospitals or gas stations.
    • B. Guidance to public recreation areas or scenic points of interest.
    • C. Regulatory information like speed limits.
    • D. Warnings about upcoming road hazards.
    Show answer

    B. Guidance to public recreation areas or scenic points of interest.

    Brown rectangular signs with white lettering are guide signs specifically used to direct drivers to public recreation areas, state and national parks, historic sites, and other scenic or cultural points of interest. They are distinct from other guide signs (green or blue).

California DMV Permit Test (Class C) flashcards

Tap a card to flip it. 173 flashcards in the full deck.

  • Non-Working Traffic Light

    Flip card

    A traffic signal that is not illuminated or is flashing irregularly, indicating a malfunction.

    • Treat as all-way stop.
    • Stop before entering intersection.
    • Proceed when safe, following right-of-way rules.
    Study this card →
  • Red Light with Green Turn Arrow

    Flip card

    A traffic signal combination where a steady red light prohibits straight-through movement, but a steady green arrow permits a protected turn in the indicated direction.

    • Red light applies to straight-through movement.
    • Green arrow grants protected right-of-way for the turn.
    • No need to stop before turning on a protected green arrow (unless yielding to pedestrians/illegal traffic).
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  • Curve Ahead Sign

    Flip card

    A yellow, diamond-shaped warning sign with a black arrow indicating a curve in the road ahead.

    • Warns of upcoming curve.
    • Driver should reduce speed.
    • Direction of arrow indicates curve direction.
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  • Steep Downgrade Sign

    Flip card

    A yellow, diamond-shaped warning sign indicating a steep downhill section of road ahead.

    • Warning sign (yellow, diamond-shaped).
    • Indicates a steep downhill grade.
    • Drivers may need to use a lower gear for control.
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  • Steady Yellow 'X' Lane Use Signal

    Flip card

    A traffic signal displaying a steady yellow 'X' above a lane, indicating that the lane is about to be closed or its direction reversed, and drivers must prepare to safely vacate the lane.

    • Warning signal of an impending change in lane availability.
    • Requires immediate action to move to an open lane.
    • Precedes a steady red 'X' or a change in lane direction.
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  • Lane Use Regulatory Sign

    Flip card

    A white rectangular sign with black symbols and/or text, indicating specific rules or restrictions for a particular lane of traffic.

    • White background, black text/symbols.
    • Regulatory sign (tells you what to do).
    • Often includes words like 'ONLY' or 'EXIT ONLY'.
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  • White Pavement Reflectors

    Flip card

    Small, raised reflective markers embedded in the road surface that glow white when illuminated by headlights, indicating lane lines or the right edge of the roadway.

    • Used to separate lanes of traffic traveling in the same direction.
    • Also mark the right edge of the roadway.
    • Enhance visibility of pavement markings, especially at night.
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  • Yield to Pedestrians

    Flip card

    Drivers must always yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in a crosswalk, regardless of traffic signals.

    • Pedestrians always have the right-of-way in crosswalks.
    • Applies even with a green light for vehicles.
    • Failure to yield is a traffic violation and dangerous.
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  • Prohibitory Symbol (General)

    Flip card

    A red circle with a diagonal line through it, or a diagonal line through a symbol on a white sign, indicating that an action or vehicle type is forbidden.

    • Always means 'No' or 'Do Not'.
    • Appears on regulatory signs (white background).
    • The symbol inside indicates what is prohibited.
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  • Flashing Yellow Light

    Flip card

    A traffic signal that flashes yellow, indicating a need for caution.

    • Slow down.
    • Proceed with caution.
    • Yield to other vehicles and pedestrians.
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  • Flashing Red Light

    Flip card

    A traffic signal indicating that drivers must come to a complete stop before the intersection, just as they would at a STOP sign, and proceed only when it is safe.

    • Requires a complete stop.
    • Yield to all cross traffic and pedestrians.
    • Proceed only when safe.
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  • Solid White Line

    Flip card

    A pavement marking separating lanes of traffic moving in the same direction.

    • Discourages or prohibits lane changes.
    • Used where changing lanes is dangerous.
    • Also marks edge of roadway.
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  • Red Pavement Reflectors

    Flip card

    Small, raised reflective markers embedded in the pavement that appear red when viewed from a specific direction, used to warn drivers they are traveling against the flow of traffic (wrong way).

    • Called 'Botts' dots' or 'raised pavement markers'.
    • Red color facing you means 'Wrong Way'.
    • Critical safety warning, especially at night.
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  • Prohibitory Symbol (Motorcycle)

    Flip card

    A white regulatory sign with a black symbol (e.g., motorcycle) and a red diagonal line through it, indicating that the pictured item/action is prohibited.

    • Regulatory sign (white square/rectangular).
    • Diagonal line means 'no' or 'prohibited'.
    • Specific to the item/action shown (e.g., no motorcycles).
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  • No Passing Sign

    Flip card

    A white rectangular regulatory sign indicating that passing other vehicles is forbidden.

    • Regulatory sign
    • Prohibits passing
    • Often accompanied by a symbol of two cars with a diagonal line through one
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  • Solid Yellow Next to Broken Yellow Line

    Flip card

    A pavement marking consisting of a solid yellow line paired with a broken yellow line, indicating that passing is permitted only for traffic on the side of the broken line.

    • Solid line side: No passing.
    • Broken line side: Passing allowed when safe.
    • Common on two-lane roads where passing is restricted in one direction.
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  • Prohibitory Turn Sign

    Flip card

    A regulatory sign featuring a red circle with a diagonal line through it, superimposed over a symbol (e.g., an arrow), indicating that the depicted action is prohibited.

    • Red circle with diagonal line means 'NO' or 'PROHIBITED'.
    • Symbol inside indicates the action being prohibited.
    • Commonly used for turns (no right turn, no left turn, no U-turn).
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  • Thru Traffic Must Exit Sign

    Flip card

    A white rectangular regulatory sign indicating that the current through lane will become an exit lane, requiring drivers to exit or change lanes to continue on the main route.

    • Appears on multi-lane highways or freeways.
    • Warns drivers that their current lane will lead to an exit.
    • Requires drivers desiring to continue straight to change lanes or follow the exit and re-entry path.
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  • Steady Green Arrow

    Flip card

    A traffic signal indicating a protected turn in the direction of the arrow.

    • Allows you to turn in the direction of the arrow.
    • You have the right-of-way over other traffic and pedestrians.
    • Ensure the path is clear before proceeding.
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  • Thru Traffic Only Sign

    Flip card

    A white regulatory sign indicating that a specific lane is for vehicles proceeding straight through an intersection or area.

    • Regulatory sign (white rectangular).
    • Designates a lane for straight-through traffic.
    • Drivers wishing to turn must use other lanes.
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  • Farm Machinery Warning Sign

    Flip card

    A yellow, diamond-shaped sign with a black symbol of farm equipment, warning drivers of potential slow-moving farm vehicles on the road.

    • Alerts drivers to the presence of agricultural equipment.
    • Requires drivers to be prepared for slower speeds and wider turns.
    • Common in agricultural areas.
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  • Diamond Lane Marking

    Flip card

    A white diamond symbol painted on the road surface, indicating a preferential lane reserved for specific types of vehicles, such as high-occupancy vehicles (HOV), buses, or motorcycles.

    • White diamond symbol on the pavement.
    • Designates a preferential or restricted lane.
    • Most commonly for HOV (carpool) lanes.
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  • Brown Guide Signs

    Flip card

    Rectangular guide signs with brown backgrounds and white lettering, used to indicate public recreation areas and points of interest.

    • Guide sign category.
    • Brown background, white lettering.
    • Directs to recreational, historical, or cultural sites.
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  • Red Pavement Reflectors (Wrong Way)

    Flip card

    Small, raised red reflective markers embedded in the pavement, indicating that a driver is traveling in the wrong direction.

    • Provide a critical warning to drivers.
    • Primarily used on freeways and ramps.
    • Requires immediate and safe correction of driving direction.
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