What does a flashing yellow traffic signal mean in Mississippi? How far must you stop from a school bus? What does a round yellow railroad warning sign mean? The Mississippi Department of Public Safety (DPS) at dps.ms.gov administers a computerized knowledge exam based on the Mississippi Driver's Manual, with a headset option that reads questions and answers aloud for reading-impaired applicants. When a school bus displays flashing red lights and/or an extended stop sign, drivers required to stop must stop at least 10 feet away and remain stopped until the children have crossed, the bus resumes motion, the red lights stop flashing, and the stop sign retracts. The Mississippi school zone maximum is 15 mph.
1. Mississippi Roads From the Delta to the Gulf Coast: and the DPS Computerized Exam That Stands Between You and a License
Mississippi road network runs from Jackson urban grid down US-49 to Gulfport Gulf Coast causeway routes, across the Deltas ruler-straight US-61, and through the piney woods of Hattiesburg and Meridian. The Mississippi Department of Public Safety (DPS) at dps.ms.gov administers a Computerized Exam. multiple-choice, with a headset available so the machine reads every question and answer aloud if you are reading-impaired. The manual includes the traffic signs, signals, and road markings used to prepare for the computerized exam.
2. What Does a Round Yellow Sign Mean on a Mississippi Highway? Sign Shapes and Colors the DPS Tests
Before you can read a sign on the Natchez Trace Parkway or a Delta two-lane at dusk, you read its shape and color. The Mississippi DPS Computerized Exam tests exactly this. master every row in this table before you sit down at the kiosk.
Shape
Diagram
Meaning
Example Sign
Octagon (8-sided)
STOP. come to a complete stop, wheels fully stopped, check all directions, then proceed when clear
Triangle (inverted)
Yield slow down, check traffic; if clear proceed, if not stop and wait until safe to go
Diamond
Hazard ahead; slow down, stay alert, and be ready to stop or steer
Rectangle (vertical)
Usually regulatory; obey the posted requirement
Rectangle (horizontal)
Informational sign; read it and use it to navigate or plan your route
Pentagon (5-sided)
School zone ahead; reduce speed and watch for children crossing
Round (circle)
Railroad crossing ahead; slow down, look both ways, and prepare to stop
Pennant
No passing zone; do not attempt to overtake any vehicle ahead
Orange (any shape)
Construction or work zone ahead; slow down, stay alert, and obey all posted signs
Blue (any shape)
Motorist services nearby; exit if you need fuel, food, or medical care
Brown (any shape)
Park or scenic area ahead; follow directional signs to reach it
Mississippi road sign color meanings: Red means stop; green gives directional guidance or indicates permitted movement; yellow gives a general warning; blue identifies motorist services; black and white are used for regulation; orange warns of construction or maintenance; and brown guides drivers to public recreation or scenic areas.
Regulatory signs in Mississippi tell drivers what they must or must not do. The Mississippi Driver's Manual includes STOP, YIELD, speed-limit, turn-prohibition, lane-use, no-passing, and accessible-parking signs among the regulatory signs drivers should know for the computerized exam.
STOP Sign
Come to a full stop and yield before proceeding
YIELD Sign
Slow down and give right-of-way; stop if needed before proceeding
Speed Limit Sign
Do not exceed this speed; adjust for road and weather conditions
Do Not Enter Sign
Entry prohibited; turn around or find an alternate route
Wrong Way Sign
You have entered a one-way road against traffic
No U-Turn Sign
U-turns are prohibited at this location
No Left Turn Sign
Do not turn left here; continue straight or turn right
No Right Turn Sign
Do not turn right here; continue straight or turn left
One Way Sign
All traffic flows one direction; do not enter going the wrong way
Keep Right Sign
Move to the right side of the island or obstruction
No Passing Zone Sign
Do not pass here; wait until the no-passing zone ends
Do Not Pass Sign
Do not overtake any vehicle ahead until passing is permitted again
No Turn on Red Sign
Wait for a green signal before turning; do not turn on red
No Left Turn on Red Sign
Wait for green before turning left; no turn on red permitted
No Right Turn on Red Sign
Wait for green before turning right; no turn on red permitted
Turn Left Only Sign
You must turn left from this lane; going straight is not allowed
Turn Right Only Sign
You must turn right from this lane; going straight is not allowed
Straight or Turn Right Sign
From this lane you may only go straight or turn right
Minimum Speed Limit Sign
You must drive at least this speed; move right if driving slower
Slower Traffic Keep Right Sign
Move to the right lane if you are driving slower than traffic
No Parking Sign
Parking prohibited here; find a legal parking area nearby
No Trucks Sign
Trucks prohibited on this road; use an alternate truck route
No Bicycles Sign
Cyclists must not enter; use an alternate route
No Pedestrian Crossing Sign
Pedestrians must not cross here; use the nearest crosswalk
Reserved Parking Sign
Park here only if you qualify; others must find a different spot
Four Way Stop Sign
Stop completely, then take turns in order of arrival
Stop Except Right Turn Sign
Traffic must stop except for the permitted right-turn movement; right-turning traffic must still yield as required
Left Turn Yield on Green Sign
Yield to all oncoming traffic before completing your left turn
Lane Use Control Sign
Follow the sign; only the shown movement is permitted from this lane
Restricted Lane Ahead Sign
Check eligibility before entering; unauthorized use is a violation
4. Yellow Diamond Signs on Mississippi Roads: Delta Crossings, Natchez Trace Curves and Gulf Coast Hazards
Diamond-shaped warning signs flag what is coming before you can see it. on Mississippi roads that means cattle crossings near the Natchez Trace, curve warnings on the hilly northeast corridor, railroad crossing approaches on Delta branch lines, and school zone signs preceding a 15 mph drop. Orange marks work zones on every Mississippi interstate and state highway.
Left Curve
A curve to the left is ahead; reduce speed
Right Curve
A curve to the right is ahead; reduce speed
Sharp Left Turn
A very sharp left turn is ahead; slow down
Sharp Right Turn
A very sharp right turn is ahead; slow down
Winding Road
Multiple curves ahead; reduce speed and stay in your lane throughout
Set of Curves (Left-Right)
Multiple curves ahead curving left then right; reduce speed
Set of Curves (Right-Left)
Multiple curves ahead curving right then left; reduce speed
Sharp Turns (Left-Right)
Successive sharp turns ahead; slow down significantly
Slippery When Wet
Wet road is slippery; reduce speed and increase following distance
Deer Crossing
Animals frequently cross here; slow down and scan both sides of the road
Pedestrian Crossing
Crosswalk ahead; yield to any pedestrian in or entering the crosswalk
Bicycle Crossing
Cyclists cross here; slow down and yield before proceeding
School Zone / Crossing
Children may be present; slow to posted speed
School Crossing Ahead
School crosswalk ahead; yield to crossing guard and children
Divided Highway Begins
Road splits ahead; keep right and stay in your lane
Divided Highway Ends
Two-way traffic resumes ahead; stay right and watch oncoming traffic
Merging Traffic
Traffic is merging from another lane; adjust speed to allow safe entry
Added Lane
A new lane enters the roadway ahead; no merging is necessary
Lane Ends Ahead
Your lane ends soon; check mirrors, signal, and merge now
Lane Ends Merge Left
Your lane ends; signal and move left before the lane disappears
Left Lane Ends
Left lane ends ahead; signal and move right before it closes
Road Narrows
Road gets narrower ahead; stay centered and reduce speed
Narrow Bridge Ahead
Bridge is narrower than the road; slow down and stay centered
Low Clearance
Overhead clearance is restricted; do not proceed if your vehicle is too tall
Railroad Crossing (RR)
Tracks ahead; slow down, look both ways, and stop if a train is coming
Hill / Steep Grade (Downgrade)
Steep hill ahead; reduce speed now and use a lower gear if needed
Bump
A bump is ahead; slow down before reaching it
Dip
Dip in the road ahead; reduce speed to avoid bottoming out
Loose Gravel
Loose gravel on road; reduce speed and increase following distance
Pavement Ends
Paved surface ends ahead; slow down before the surface changes
Shoulder Drop Off
Edge of road drops steeply; stay away from the shoulder
Watch for Ice on Bridges
Bridge may be icy; reduce speed and avoid sudden braking or steering
Two Way Traffic Ahead
Divided road ends; move to the right and watch for oncoming traffic
Cross Road
Intersection ahead; slow down and scan left and right before crossing
Cross Traffic
Traffic crosses from both sides; slow down and be ready to yield or stop
T Intersection
Your road ends ahead; slow down and prepare to turn left or right
Side Road
A side road joins ahead; watch for vehicles entering from the right or left
Highway Intersection Ahead
A major intersection is approaching; reduce speed and be ready to yield
Road Entering Curve
A road merges on a curve ahead; watch for vehicles entering
Roundabout
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout, then enter and travel counterclockwise
Truck Rollover
Trucks must slow significantly; high rollover risk on this curve
Weave Area
Lanes are entering and exiting; stay alert, check mirrors, and adjust speed
Advisory Speed
Safe speed for this curve; slow to the posted advisory speed
Traffic Signal Ahead
A traffic light is ahead; reduce speed and be ready to stop
5. Green, Blue, and Brown: Mississippi Guide Signs on I-20, I-55, US-49 and the Natchez Trace Parkway
Guide signs do not regulate driving. they show destinations, distances, and services. Green = highway navigation. Blue = motorist services. Brown = parks and recreation.
Interstate Route Marker
You are on this interstate highway; note the number for navigation
US Route Marker
You are on this US highway; note the number for navigation
State Route Marker
You are on this state route; note the number for navigation
Exit Sign (Exit Only)
This lane must continue onto the exit; move out of it if you are continuing on the main roadway
Mile Marker
Marks your location on the route; note it for emergency or navigation use
Services Sign
Services available at next exit; move right if you need to stop
Hospital Sign (H)
Hospital is nearby; follow signs if you need emergency care
Diesel
Diesel fuel available ahead; exit if your vehicle needs it
Park / Recreation Sign
Park or recreation area nearby; exit and follow directional signs
6. Flashing Red Means Stop: What Mississippi DPS Computerized Exam Tests About Traffic Signals
Flashing red means stop completely, then proceed with caution after yielding the right of way. Flashing yellow means slow down and exercise caution. If a Mississippi traffic signal has no functioning lights, come to a complete stop and proceed cautiously under normal right-of-way rules. A traffic officer's directions override traffic signs and signals.
Mississippi lane-direction control signals: Travel only in a lane marked by a green signal and never enter a lane marked by a red signal.
Standard Traffic Lights
Steady Red
Stop completely; after stopping, a right turn on red is allowed unless a sign prohibits it, after yielding to pedestrians and traffic
Steady Yellow
Slow down and prepare to stop; do not speed up to beat the light
Steady Green
Proceed if the intersection is clear; yield to pedestrians and traffic already in the intersection, and yield to oncoming traffic before turning left
Green Arrow (left)
Proceed only in the arrow direction; yield to pedestrians
Steady Yellow Arrow
The arrow movement is ending and the signal is about to turn red; slow down and prepare to stop
Red Light + Green Left Arrow
The green arrow gives a protected left turn in the arrow direction while the circular signal is red
Circular Green (no arrow)
Proceed if safe; a left turn is allowed after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians
Opposing Traffic Extended Green
Oncoming traffic still has green; wait and do not turn left yet
Flashing Signals
Flashing Red
Treat as a stop sign; stop fully, then proceed when safe and clear
Flashing Yellow
Slow down, check for hazards, and proceed with caution
Flashing Red Beacon
Treat the overhead beacon as a stop sign
Flashing Yellow Arrow
Turn in the arrow direction from the proper lane after yielding to oncoming traffic; the turn is unprotected
Pedestrian Signals
WALK / White Walking Figure & DONT WALK / Orange Hand
White figure = cross now; orange hand = do not start crossing
Flashing Orange Hand + Countdown
Crossing phase ending; finish if started, do not begin
Key test point: Flashing red requires a complete stop. Flashing yellow means slow down and exercise caution. A flashing yellow arrow permits the arrow movement only after yielding to oncoming traffic.
7. Mississippi Pavement Markings: Lane Lines, Railroad X-Markings and the 3-Foot Bicycle Passing Rule
Yellow center lines separate traffic moving in opposite directions, while white lane lines separate traffic moving in the same direction. The Mississippi Driver's Manual covers broken and solid lines, lane arrows, crosswalks, center turn lanes, and railroad-crossing pavement markings.
Line Colors
Yellow lines
Yellow center lines separate opposing traffic; a solid yellow line prohibits passing from that side
White lines
White lane lines separate traffic moving in the same direction
Line Types
Broken yellow line (Single)
You may pass on your side if it is safe and clear ahead
Solid yellow + broken yellow
Pass only from the broken-line side when it is safe; do not pass from the solid side
Double solid yellow lines
Passing is not allowed in either direction; stay in your lane
Broken white line
You may change lanes if it is safe; always check mirrors and signal first
Solid white line
Separates same-direction traffic; crossing the line is discouraged
Double solid white lines
Do not change lanes here; stay in your current lane
Center Turn Lane
For left turns only; signal, enter the lane, and turn; do not use it to travel
Center Turning Lane (sign)
For left turns only; signal, enter, and turn; do not drive through it
Pavement Symbols & Special Markings
Arrows in lane
You must follow the arrow direction from this lane
Stop line (wide white bar)
Stop completely behind this line; do not roll past it
Stop Here on Red
Stop at this painted line; do not inch forward past it
Crosswalk lines
Do not stop in a crosswalk; yield to pedestrians in marked or unmarked crosswalks
Broken white line (pavement)
You may change lanes if it is safe; check mirrors and signal first
Solid white line (pavement)
Separates same-direction traffic; crossing the line is discouraged
Double solid white lines (pavement)
Do not change lanes here; stay in your current lane
Railroad crossing markings (X + RR)
Tracks ahead; slow down, look both ways, and be ready to stop
Diagonal yellow lines (gore area)
Do not enter or drive through this area; it is off-limits to traffic
Bicycle lane marking
Reserved for cyclists only; do not drive or park in this lane
HOV / Carpool lane diamond
Use this lane only if you have the required number of occupants
Key test point: Yellow center lines separate opposing traffic, while white lane lines separate traffic moving in the same direction. A single solid white lane line discourages crossing; double solid white lines prohibit crossing.
8. Mississippi Work Zone Signs: Slow Down, Do not Tailgate, and Obey Every Flagger on Every Construction Site
Orange diamond and rectangular warning signs are used in Mississippi construction and maintenance areas. The manual directs drivers to give construction workers a "brake," reduce speed, be prepared to stop suddenly, avoid tailgating, and obey flag persons and temporary traffic-control devices.
Road Work Ahead
Construction zone begins ahead; reduce speed and stay alert
Flagger Ahead
A person is directing traffic; obey their signals
Workers Ahead
Road workers are present; slow down and be ready to stop
Active Work Zone
You are in an active work zone; drive with extra caution
End of Active Work Zone
Work zone ends; resume normal speed and check posted limit
Work Zone Headlights
Turn on headlights when directed by the posted sign; MDOT also recommends using headlights in work zones for visibility
Lane Closed Ahead
A travel lane ends ahead; merge early
Road Closed
Road is completely closed; follow detour signs
Orange barrels / cones
Active work zone boundaries; stay within marked lanes
Channelizing devices (barricades)
Follow the barricades; do not drive through or around them
You must obey a flag persons directions even if they conflict with existing signs or signals.
Give construction workers a "brake", reduce speed in work zones and be prepared to stop suddenly. Do not tailgate.
Mississippi work-zone speeding fine: MDOT states that speeding in a work zone with workers and required signs present may be fined up to $250; a subsequent offense may carry double the original fine.
Barricade diagonal stripes tell you which side to pass: stripes sloping down to the right = pass right; down to the left = pass left.
Never drive through or around a closed lane barrier. wait for the flagger or follow detour signs.
Key test point: Orange signs warn of construction or maintenance conditions. Reduce speed, increase following distance, and obey flaggers and temporary traffic-control devices.
9. Mississippi Railroad Crossings: Stop Between 10 and 50 Feet From the Outer Rail: Never Try to Beat a Train
When a Mississippi railroad stop is required because a gate is lowered, an electric signal is flashing, a STOP sign is posted, a flag person directs traffic, or a train is rapidly approaching, stop 10-50 feet from the outer rail. If one of those controls requires a stop, the duty applies even when no train is visible. A school bus carrying even one child, a vehicle for hire carrying passengers, and a vehicle carrying explosives or flammable liquids must stop at railroad crossings regardless of signs or flashing signals.
Stop Line
Stop here completely when required before proceeding
RR Crossbuck Sign (X-shaped)
Located at the crossing; yield to trains
Railroad Crossing (at crossing)
You are at the crossing; stop if lights flash or gate lowers
Crossing Gates
Lower when a train is coming; never drive around a lowered gate
Pavement markings (X + RR)
Tracks ahead marked on pavement; slow down and prepare to stop
Flashing Red Lights
A train is approaching; stop and wait until fully clear
The round yellow advance warning sign means a railroad crossing is ahead. In rural areas, it is normally posted 500-900 feet before the tracks.
Stop within 10-50 feet of the outer rail when any of these require a stop: lowered gate, flashing electric signal, posted STOP sign, flag person, or rapidly approaching train.
If a gate, signal, STOP sign, flag person, or approaching train requires a stop, remain stopped as required even if a train is not yet visible.
Never try to "beat" a train. stay alert at all times. If a traffic officer directs you to proceed, follow the order immediately.
A school bus carrying even one child, a vehicle for hire carrying passengers, and a vehicle carrying explosives or flammable liquids must stop at railroad crossings regardless of signs or flashing signals.
After one train passes, check every track for a second train before proceeding.
The blue Emergency Notification System (ENS) sign at a highway-rail crossing gives the railroad dispatcher phone number and crossing ID for reporting an emergency or stalled vehicle.
Do not pass within 100 feet of a railroad crossing on a two-lane highway.
Key test point: When a railroad stop is required in Mississippi, stop 10-50 feet from the outer rail. A round yellow railroad warning sign in a rural area is normally 500-900 feet before the tracks.
10. Mississippi School Zone Speed (15 mph Max) and the 10-Foot School Bus Stop Rule
Pentagon-shaped signs warn of a school zone or school crossing in Mississippi. The maximum speed in a Mississippi school zone is 15 mph. When a school bus has red lights flashing and/or its stop sign extended, drivers who are required to stop must come to a complete stop at least 10 feet away; the opposite-direction exception applies on qualifying divided highways with four or more lanes and at least two lanes in each direction.
School Zone
School ahead; reduce speed and watch for children
School Speed Limit
Obey the reduced speed limit posted in school zones
Speed Limit Lights Flashing
Follow the posted reduced speed while the school-zone signal lights are flashing
School Crossing Ahead
School crosswalk ahead; yield to crossing guard and children
Mississippi school-zone speed maximum is 15 mph. School buses transporting children are limited to 45 mph on regular routes and 65 mph on interstates.
Unless an exception below applies, when a school bus has red lights flashing and/or its stop sign extended, you must come to a complete stop at least 10 feet from the bus from either direction of travel.
Remain stopped until children have crossed the roadway AND the bus has resumed motion AND red lights no longer flash AND the stop sign is retracted.
Exception on divided 4+ lane highways: If you are traveling in the OPPOSITE direction on a highway with 4 or more lanes with at least 2 lanes in each direction, you may continue without stopping.
You also do not have to stop if the bus is in a loading zone where pedestrians are not permitted to cross the roadway.
Key test point: The pentagon shape is used exclusively for school signs. No other sign category uses this shape. making it one of the easiest shapes to identify on the exam.
11. Sharing Mississippi Roads: What Drivers Owe Cyclists, Pedestrians and Blind Walkers Under State Law
In Mississippi, pedestrians have the right of way in crosswalks, whether marked or unmarked. Drivers must leave at least 3 feet when passing a bicycle. The Mississippi Driver's Manual also treats bicycles as vehicles with the same rights and responsibilities as motorists, and directs drivers to take every precaution and courtesy for visually impaired pedestrians using a white cane or guide dog, stopping if necessary.
Pedestrian Crossing Sign
Crosswalk ahead; yield to any pedestrian in or entering the crosswalk
Bicycle Crossing Sign
Cyclists cross here; slow down and yield before proceeding
No Bicycles
Cyclists must not enter; use an alternate route
No Pedestrian Crossing
Pedestrians must not cross here; use the nearest crosswalk
A person walking in a crosswalk. marked or unmarked. ALWAYS has the right of way in Mississippi. You must be extremely careful.
Mississippi requires at least 3 feet between your vehicle and a bicycle when passing. You may only pass a bicycle in a no-passing zone when it is safe to do so.
Bicycles are vehicles under Mississippi rules and have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists. Yield to oncoming bicyclists as you would to oncoming motor vehicles.
For a visually impaired pedestrian using a guide dog or white cane, take every precaution and courtesy and come to a complete stop if necessary.
Key test point: In Mississippi crosswalks, pedestrians have the right of way whether the crosswalk is marked or unmarked. Leave at least 3 feet when passing a bicycle.
12. How to Prepare for the Mississippi DPS Computerized Exam: School Bus, Railroad and Signal Questions
Headset option for reading-impaired applicants. The Mississippi computerized exam can read the questions and answer choices aloud through a headset.
Mississippi school-zone maximum = 15 mph. The Mississippi Driver's Manual lists 15 mph as the maximum speed in a school zone.
School bus = 10 feet minimum, all directions. Stop at least 10 feet from a bus with red lights flashing. from any direction of travel. The 4-lane divided highway exception only applies when you are heading in the opposite direction on a highway with 4+ lanes and at least 2 lanes each way.
Railroad: stop 10-50 feet from the outer rail when required. A lowered gate, flashing signal, posted STOP sign, flag person, or rapidly approaching train can require the stop.
3 feet for cyclists. Mississippi requires 3 feet of clearance when passing a bicycle. You may pass in a no-passing zone only when it is safe to do so.
Flashing signals. Flashing red = full stop, then proceed cautiously after yielding. Flashing yellow = slow down and exercise caution. A flashing yellow arrow permits the turn only after yielding to oncoming traffic.
Round railroad warning sign. A round yellow sign warns that a railroad crossing is ahead; in rural areas it is normally posted 500-900 feet before the tracks.
Visit dps.ms.gov. The official DPS website has study resources and information on Computerized Exam locations across Mississippi.
Looking for a quick reference to study Mississippi road signs? This guide covers everything included in the Mississippi DMV road signs PDF -- from Mississippi regulatory signs and warning signs to pavement markings and traffic signals. Use it as your Mississippi road signs summary, Mississippi printable road signs chart, or complete Mississippi road sign list with meanings for your driver knowledge test prep.
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