Road Sign Encyclopedia

One way sign: what does it mean?

Discover the One way sign.

Meaning, definition, shape, location, color, and more.

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The one way traffic sign is a regulatory sign.

Drivers encountering a one way sign must travel in the direction that the sign is pointing. One way signs designate the direction in which traffic is traveling. Drivers must not travel in the opposite direction of the one way sign due to the risk of a head-on collision.

Shape: rectangular
Rectangular with a black background and white arrow designating the direction of travel for traffic.
Location: intersections and T-intersections
Posted at intersections and T-intersections where two roads meet. At T-intersections the one way sign will be posted on the far side of the intersection.
Color: black and white
Black background and white arrow.
Real-life examples

The one way traffic signs in the wild

Things To Remember

  • One way signs are regulatory signs and must be obeyed.
  • These signs are meant to prevent collisions as they indicate the direction that traffic is traveling down the street.
  • You will find one way signs at intersections and T-intersections where two roads meet and the signs will be located either near the intersection or on the far side of the intersection.
  • Lane markings on a one way street will always be white and are white only in the US.

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