Tunnels have specific traffic control signs such as minimum and maximum speeds, prohibited cargo, and the appropriate use of headlights and sunglasses.

Toll plazas are preceded by signs that indicate distance to the plaza, what the safe approach speed is, which lanes are for cars and which lanes are for trucks, and other useful information.

Finally, many railway grade crossings have signs that warn of an approaching train. If a railroad crossing does not have flashing lights and barricades, slow and check for a train before crossing the tracks. Remember, it is difficult to accurately judge the speed of an oncoming train and trains cannot effectively slow down for you.

For your own safety and the safety of others, it is important that you observe, understand, and follow all cautionary signs when approaching a tunnel, toll plaza, or railway crossing. These situations are well marked because there is very little room for error.

Most signs that do not relate to vehicles relate instead to pedestrians and bicyclists. Knowing about their regulatory sign will help you avoid a life-threatening collision with them.

• Walk/Don’t Walk signals tell pedestrians when it is permissible to cross.  You must still yield to a pedestrian who is "jay-walking" or crossing against the light or in the middle of the block.
• If you are turning into their path, you must yield to all pedestrians.
• Pedestrian crosswalks do not have to be marked.
• Pedestrians have the right-of-way at all intersections.

Stop at the vehicle stop line painted on the roadway to stay out of the way of pedestrians and other traffic turning into your street. Be prepared to stop for any pedestrian entering a crosswalk.

In addition, learn to expect and stop for pedestrians who are not in crosswalks – it could easily save a life.

A warning sign is often placed ahead of the crosswalk, so you have adequate warning before the crossing zone. Another warning sign is placed at the crosswalk itself. The lines on the side indicate the location of the crosswalk markings. Whether you are in a residential neighborhood or a busy intersection, be alert for inattentive pedestrians.

Children are less predictable than adults. School zone signs tell you when to reduce your speed and when it is safe to increase it again. Wait to pass the END SCHOOL ZONE or SPEED LIMIT sign and then resume your speed. Accelerating before you see these signs is a violation and puts children and other pedestrians at risk.

If unmarked, school zones extend to 500 feet in both directions upon a highway from the end of the school grounds, whether a physical barrier is present or not. If you suspect that you are approaching a playground, lower your speed to 25 mph at least 500 feet in advance.

Finally, animal crossing signs tell you to slow down and look out. Animals behave unpredictably – for example, deer freeze when they see headlights. So, be extra cautious when you see an animal crossing sign. Especially at dawn or dusk when wild animals are more likely to be present.

Some of the most important information you see on the road is the flashiest. Traffic signals control the flow of traffic at intersections. In many states, including California, you may turn right at a red traffic signal after you have come to a complete stop, unless prohibited by a sign. When you turn right on red, watch out for pedestrians and oncoming traffic – they have the right-of-way. If a traffic signal turns yellow as you are approaching an intersection, stop before entering the intersection if you can do so safely without causing a rear-end collision. If you are already in the intersection when the light turns yellow, keep going: it is not safe to accelerate before the signal turns from yellow to red. Other traffic may not see you in time to avoid a collision.

If the light is flashing red on all sides, treat it as an all-way stop sign.

If two or more drivers arrive simultaneously at an all-way stop sign, the driver to your right has the right-of- way. If possible, maintain eye contact with the other driver, particularly when proceeding through the intersection.

If the intersection has no signs, or the traffic control signal is not working, treat it as an all-way stop.

Some traffic signals tell you when you may proceed in a specific direction. For example, if there is a red arrow or red light signal controlling your lane you must stop, even though traffic traveling in the next lane has the green signal. A green arrow signal indicates that you may go, but opposing traffic may not cross your path. If the arrow goes off and no red arrow or signal appears, you may still turn left, but you must now yield to opposing traffic. Look for a safe opening to make your turn. Make sure that the light is still green when you move into the intersection. If the light turns yellow while you are already in the intersection, you are allowed to finish making your turn. Finally, if a police officer or crossing guard is present, their directions overrule any traffic signal.

These general guidelines to traffic signals are always subject to local laws.

Route Signs

It is always nice to know where you are going. If you understand how routes are numbered and marked, you will always be in the right lane at the right time.

Route signs mark federal interstates and other roadways, state highways or county and municipal roadways. The interstate system uses a shield symbol that is blue on the bottom with a red band across the top, like this:

The primary route number is either a single or double digit number.

NorthSouth	routes have odd numbers
EastWest	routes have even numbers

Spurs and loops extend from a primary interstate:

A spur is a short route that extends to the primary route at only one end. It has a three-digit number that begins with an odd number. A loop is a route that meets the primary route at both ends. Its three-digit route number begins with an even number. Loops usually bypass cities or congested areas.

US routes that are not part of the US interstate system have signs like this:

The numbering system, however, is similar.

NorthSouth	routes have odd numbers
EastWest	routes have even numbers

State, county and municipal roadways use numbering systems similar to federal routes; however, the shape and color of route signs vary among states, counties, and municipalities.

On limited-access highways and some other roadways, exit signs are placed before the exit. On rural roads, these are at least one mile ahead. These signs give you plenty of warning so you know what is ahead.

Route signs are also placed just after the entrance to a roadway. They help you orient yourself and provide confirmation that you are on the right road. Mile post markers tell you your position on the route. They are located every mile among many major routes.

Mile markers indicate the beginning of the route starting from the south or west state line or from the junction from which the route begins. Use these mile markers if you need to call for help. Many police and emergency services monitor channel nine on the citizen’s band frequency and special cellular phone numbers.