Traffic Signal Ahead Sign

The traffic signal ahead sign is a diamond-shaped yellow warning sign with a symbol showing a traffic light (three circles arranged vertically — red, yellow, and green). This sign warns you that a traffic signal is ahead that may not be visible from a distance. You'll see this sign where a traffic signal might be unexpected or where it's hidden by a hill, curve, trees, or other obstruction until you're close. The sign gives you advance notice so you can prepare to stop. When you see this sign, start reducing your speed and be ready for the light to be red or to turn yellow as you approach. This is especially important on roads where you've been traveling at higher speeds without any stops — drivers can become lulled into a sense of continuous travel and may not react quickly enough to a traffic signal they didn't expect. The sign is also posted where a new traffic signal has recently been installed to alert regular drivers who aren't expecting it. Always approach the traffic signal prepared to stop, and remember that a yellow light means the light is about to turn red — it's not an instruction to speed up.