Washington road signs and signals

Read the control before you reason through the road.

A sign or signal can change what a driver must do in the same roadway situation. Start by identifying the official traffic control that applies, then read the conditions around it.

A source-first study method

  1. Identify the device: traffic sign, vehicle signal, lane-control signal, or pedestrian signal.
  2. Notice who the device addresses and whether another control or officer changes the situation.
  3. Keep the signal's qualifying conditions with the rule before choosing an answer.

Check the current Washington source

Chapter 46.61 RCW addresses obedience to applicable official traffic-control devices and also contains provisions for pedestrian and lane-direction-control signals. Use the current official text when a signal, symbol, or exception matters.

RCW 46.61.050 · RCW 46.61.060 · RCW 46.61.070

Practice the explanation, too

The no-account preview helps you practice identifying the applicable rule and checking the source-linked explanation. This is independent preparation, not affiliated with or endorsed by Washington DOL.

Take the free 20-question preview