Signal ahead
What does it mean?
A traffic signal is ahead. The colored circles identify the upcoming control; they do not tell you which light is currently displayed there.
What to do when you see it
- Look ahead for the signal and any stopped traffic.
- Adjust speed so you can respond to the actual signal.
- Leave enough following space to stop safely if the queue grows.
How to recognize it
- Yellow diamond with a black signal housing.
- Red, yellow, and green circles are stacked vertically.
On the road
A curve prevents you from seeing a signalized intersection clearly. You ease off the accelerator and watch for the end of a queue before deciding how to respond to the actual light.
Don’t confuse it with
Stop ahead
Stop Ahead warns of a STOP sign rather than a traffic signal.
Yield ahead
Yield Ahead uses the red-and-white yield triangle.
Put the meaning into practice
The related quiz includes this sign and other study questions. State practice can also cover local rules; it is not an official DMV exam.
Common U.S. sign recognition, reviewed October 3, 2026. Actual sign values, additional plaques and local rules can change how you should respond.