New to U.S. road signs? You’re not alone—many international visitors mix up a few symbols and words, especially right after a long flight. If you’re collecting a car rental at Los Angeles (LAX) or starting in a different city, this quick guide decodes the signs you’ll see most.
Common U.S. signs, decoded
- ALL‑WAY / 4‑WAY STOP: Every approach must stop. Order is first‑come, first‑served; ties yield to the vehicle on your right. Left turns yield to oncoming traffic.
- YIELD (inverted triangle): Slow and be prepared to stop; you must give way to traffic in the lane you’re entering.
- DO NOT ENTER / WRONG WAY: You’re heading toward oncoming traffic—turn around immediately.
- SPEED LIMIT 55: Limits are in miles per hour (mph), not km/h. Many urban areas post 25–35 mph.
- NO TURN ON RED: Even though right on red is usually allowed after a full stop, this sign forbids it at that intersection.
- FLASHING YELLOW ARROW: You may turn with caution after yielding to oncoming cars and pedestrians.
- MERGE / LANE ENDS: Look early, signal, and match speeds to blend smoothly.
- SCHOOL ZONE / 15–25 MPH: Slow down during posted hours; watch for crossing guards and children.
- HOV 2+ LANE: High‑occupancy‑vehicle lanes require 2 or more people unless signs say otherwise.
- CENTER LANE LEFT TURN ONLY: A shared middle lane is for entering/exiting traffic to make left turns, not for passing.
Color and shape shortcuts
- Red means stop or prohibition; yellow warns of hazards; white/black are regulatory; green gives direction; orange marks construction.
- Octagon = STOP, triangle (point down) = YIELD, diamond = warning, rectangle = information or rules.
Situations that confuse visitors
- Right on red: After a full stop, you may turn right unless a sign says you can’t. Signal, check for pedestrians, and go when clear.
- Roundabouts: Yield to traffic already in the circle; indicate your exit. Stay in your lane—no overtakes inside the circle.
- Work zones: Fines can double and lanes shift quickly. Expect flaggers and sudden stops.
Planning routes before you drive helps a ton. If your trip starts in South Florida, compare car hire at Miami International to choose the right size for city parking. Hill‑country visitors can skim our Austin airport guidance; Northeast arrivals can review JFK pickup notes. Family trips to theme parks? See tips for Orlando International (MCO).
Why choose Hola Car Rentals
- All‑Inclusive+ Rate with maximum coverage and up to $150,000 in free travel insurance.
- No additional fees—save up to 60% with member rates.
- Cashback on tolls on selected itineraries.
- Free cancellation up to 48 hours before pick‑up.
Learn the signs once and enjoy the drive. Book with Hola Car Rentals for clear pricing, friendly support, and great value wherever you land.
Mini glossary for U.S. signs
- Detour: Temporary route around roadworks or closures.
- Shoulder: The strip beside the travel lane; use only for emergencies.
- Ramp: The on‑ramp/off‑ramp that connects to a freeway.
- Advisory speed: A recommended speed on a curve or exit (yellow sign)—not a legal limit, but slow down.
- Ped Xing: Pedestrian crossing.
- Park & Ride: Lot where you park and switch to public transport or shuttles.
Practice checklist before you go
- Switch your speedometer to mph and set voice navigation to English.
- Review the difference between STOP, YIELD, and NO TURN ON RED in your maps app.
- Expect different limits for cars and trucks on freeways; keep right except to pass.
- Watch for lane arrows and word markings on the pavement—they carry the same weight as signs.
- In rain or fog, slow down and turn on headlights so others can see you.
When you’re ready, reserve early to lock the best fleet and price. Whether your route starts at LAX, in MIA, or at MCO, Hola Car Rentals pairs top suppliers with clear insurance and friendly support.
