Warning signs
Traffic Signal Ahead sign
There is a traffic signal ahead. Be ready to stop.
What it looks like
Yellow diamond with a traffic light showing red, yellow and green.
- Type
- Warning
- Federal design code
- MUTCD W3-3
From real handbooks
How permit tests ask about it
26 of our verified questions in 26 states show this sign. A few of them, each from a different handbook where we can:
1.Which of these should you expect after passing this yellow warning sign?
- AA traffic signal ahead
- BA stop sign ahead
- CA school crossing ahead
- DA railroad crossing ahead
Show the answer
✓ A. A traffic signal ahead
This sign warns of a traffic control signal ahead.
Source: Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7) (Revised January 2026), page 33
2.What does this sign mean?
- ATurn on your headlights for a tunnel
- BTraffic lights are ahead; be ready to stop
- CA fire station driveway is ahead
- DA railroad crossing is just ahead
Show the answer
✓ B. Traffic lights are ahead; be ready to stop
This sign warns that stop lights are ahead, so be ready to slow down and stop.
Source: Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook (BDS126) (2026), page 26
3.What does this sign mean?
- AA stop sign is ahead
- BA fire station is ahead
- CA railroad crossing is ahead
- DA traffic signal is ahead
Show the answer
✓ D. A traffic signal is ahead
This warning sign tells you a traffic signal is ahead, so be ready to stop.
Source: 2025-2027 Noncommercial Driver License Manual, Class D (2025-2027), page 16