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Colorado Road Signs

Colorado Road Signs: myDMV Exam, Mountain Signs & Work Zone Fines

Does Colorado double fines in school zones, work zones, or both? What is the school bus stop distance in Colorado? What clearance does Colorado law require when passing a bicyclist? The Colorado DMV at myDMV.Colorado.gov tests these rules. Moving traffic violations in posted school zones carry doubled penalties and surcharges, while certain violations in properly designated work zones carry increased penalties under a separate statute. For a school bus displaying flashing red lights, stop no closer than 20 feet from the bus. Motorists passing a bicyclist must allow at least 3 feet of clearance under Colorado law.


Table of Contents

Download Colorado Road Sign List PDF 2026 - Free
= TABLE OF CONTENTS
  • 1. Why Road Signs Matter in Colorado
  • 2. Road Sign Shapes and Colors in Colorado
  • 3. Colorado Regulatory Signs
  • 4. Colorado Warning Signs
  • 5. Guide Signs and Highways in Colorado
  • 6. Traffic Signals in Colorado
  • 7. Colorado Pavement Markings
  • 8. Colorado Work Zone Signs
  • 9. Railroad Crossing Signs in Colorado
  • 10. Colorado School Zone Signs
  • 11. Pedestrian and Bike Signs in Colorado
  • 12. How to Pass the Colorado Road Sign Test

1. High Altitude, High Stakes: Why Colorado DMV Knowledge Test Puts Signs Front and Center

Colorado roads run from Denver urban interstate grid to narrow mountain highways through the Rockies, open plains on the Eastern Slope, and ski resort corridors with blind curves and steep grades. The Colorado DMV knowledge test covers road signs, driving rules, DUI laws, and safety rules. all drawn from the official Colorado Driver Handbook. Practice quizzes are available at myDMV.Colorado.gov and through the myColorado app. Written tests are not given within 30 minutes of closing time at DMV offices.


2. Read Any Colorado Road Sign Before the Text: Shape and Color on the DMV Exam

On Colorado mountain roads where visibility can vanish in a snowstorm or around a blind curve, you need to read a signs shape and color before you can read the words. The Colorado DMV knowledge test expects instant recognition of both. master this table before your test day.

Shape Diagram Meaning Example Sign
Octagon (8-sided) Colorado octagon road sign shape diagram STOP. come to a complete stop, wheels fully stopped, check all directions, then proceed when clear Colorado stop sign octagon red regulatory
Triangle (inverted) Colorado triangle road sign shape diagram Yield slow down, check traffic; if clear proceed, if not stop and wait until safe to go Colorado yield sign triangle give way
Diamond Colorado diamond road sign shape diagram Hazard ahead; slow down, stay alert, and be ready to stop or steer Colorado deer crossing warning sign diamond
Rectangle (vertical) Colorado rectangle vertical road sign shape diagram Regulatory instruction; obey the posted requirement. Penalties depend on the specific violation Colorado speed limit sign white rectangular regulatory
Rectangle (horizontal) Colorado rectangle horizontal road sign shape diagram Informational sign; read it and use it to navigate or plan your route Colorado highway route marker guide sign green
Pentagon (5-sided) Colorado pentagon road sign shape diagram School zone ahead; reduce speed and watch for children crossing Colorado school zone sign pentagon fluorescent yellow green
Round (circle) Colorado circle road sign shape diagram Railroad crossing ahead; slow down, look both ways, and prepare to stop Colorado railroad crossing ahead round yellow warning sign
Pennant Colorado pennant road sign shape diagram No passing zone; do not attempt to overtake any vehicle ahead Colorado no passing zone pennant sign yellow
Orange (any shape) Colorado orange road sign shape diagram Construction or work zone ahead; slow down, stay alert, and obey all posted signs Colorado road work ahead orange warning sign construction
Blue (any shape) Colorado blue road sign shape diagram Motorist services nearby; exit if you need fuel, food, or medical care Colorado motorist services blue sign hospital
Brown (any shape) Colorado brown road sign shape diagram Park or scenic area ahead; follow directional signs to reach it Colorado park recreation brown guide sign

3. Colorado Regulatory Signs: Moving Violations That Affect Your Driving Privilege

Regulatory signs in Colorado are legally binding. Failure to obey them is a traffic violation, and penalties depend on the specific offense. White rectangular signs, prohibitory signs, and lane-control signs are all covered on the Colorado DMV knowledge test.

Colorado stop sign octagon red regulatory
STOP Sign
Come to a full stop and yield before proceeding
Colorado yield sign triangle give way
YIELD Sign
Slow down and give right-of-way; stop if needed before proceeding
Colorado speed limit sign white rectangular regulatory
Speed Limit Sign
Do not exceed this speed; adjust for road and weather conditions
Colorado do not enter sign red white regulatory
Do Not Enter Sign
Entry prohibited; turn around or find an alternate route
Colorado wrong way sign red white one way road
Wrong Way Sign
You have entered a one-way road against traffic
Colorado no u-turn sign red circle slash
No U-Turn Sign
U-turns are prohibited at this location
Colorado no left turn sign red circle slash
No Left Turn Sign
Do not turn left here; continue straight or turn right
Colorado no right turn sign red circle slash
No Right Turn Sign
Do not turn right here; continue straight or turn left
Colorado one way sign black white rectangular
One Way Sign
All traffic flows one direction; do not enter going the wrong way
Colorado keep right sign white regulatory arrow
Keep Right Sign
Move to the right side of the island or obstruction
Colorado no passing zone pennant yellow sign
No Passing Zone Sign
Do not pass here; wait until the no-passing zone ends
Colorado do not pass regulatory sign white
Do Not Pass Sign
Do not overtake any vehicle ahead until passing is permitted again
Colorado no turn on red sign regulatory
No Turn on Red Sign
Wait for a green signal before turning; do not turn on red
Colorado no left turn on red sign regulatory
No Left Turn on Red Sign
Wait for green before turning left; no turn on red permitted
Colorado no right turn on red sign regulatory
No Right Turn on Red Sign
Wait for green before turning right; no turn on red permitted
Colorado turn left only sign blue white lane control
Turn Left Only Sign
You must turn left from this lane; going straight is not allowed
Colorado turn right only sign blue white lane control
Turn Right Only Sign
You must turn right from this lane; going straight is not allowed
Colorado straight or turn right lane use control sign
Straight or Turn Right Sign
From this lane you may only go straight or turn right
Colorado minimum speed limit sign white rectangular
Minimum Speed Limit Sign
You must drive at least this speed; move right if driving slower
Colorado slower traffic keep right sign highway regulatory
Slower Traffic Keep Right Sign
Move to the right lane if you are driving slower than traffic
Colorado no parking sign red white
No Parking Sign
Parking prohibited here; find a legal parking area nearby
Colorado no trucks sign regulatory
No Trucks Sign
Trucks prohibited on this road; use an alternate truck route
Colorado no bicycles sign regulatory
No Bicycles Sign
Cyclists must not enter; use an alternate route
Colorado no pedestrian crossing sign regulatory
No Pedestrian Crossing Sign
Pedestrians must not cross here; use the nearest crosswalk
Colorado reserved parking accessibility handicap sign
Reserved Parking Sign
Park here only if you qualify; others must find a different spot
Colorado four way stop sign all way intersection
Four Way Stop Sign
Stop completely, then take turns in order of arrival
Colorado stop except right turn sign regulatory
Stop Except Right Turn Sign
Traffic must stop except for the permitted right-turn movement; right-turning traffic must still yield as required
Colorado left turn yield on green sign regulatory
Left Turn Yield on Green Sign
Yield to all oncoming traffic before completing your left turn
Colorado lane use control sign directional arrow
Lane Use Control Sign
Follow the sign; only the shown movement is permitted from this lane
Colorado restricted lane ahead sign
Restricted Lane Ahead Sign
Check eligibility before entering; unauthorized use is a violation

4. Colorado Warning Signs: Mountain Curves, Narrow Highways & Wildlife Crossings

Diamond-shaped warning signs alert you to road hazards before you reach them. critical on Colorado steep mountain grades, hairpin turns, narrow winding highways, and wildlife corridors on the Eastern Plains. Orange signs mark temporary work-zone conditions; increased penalties apply in properly designated zones with required notice. Never dismiss a warning sign at altitude. road conditions can change without notice.

Colorado left curve ahead warning sign yellow diamond
Left Curve
A curve to the left is ahead; reduce speed
Colorado right curve ahead warning sign yellow diamond
Right Curve
A curve to the right is ahead; reduce speed
Colorado sharp left turn warning sign yellow
Sharp Left Turn
A very sharp left turn is ahead; slow down
Colorado sharp right turn warning sign yellow
Sharp Right Turn
A very sharp right turn is ahead; slow down
Colorado winding road ahead warning sign yellow diamond
Winding Road
Multiple curves ahead; reduce speed and stay in your lane throughout
Colorado series of curves left right warning sign yellow
Set of Curves (Left-Right)
Multiple curves ahead curving left then right; reduce speed
Colorado series of curves right left warning sign yellow
Set of Curves (Right-Left)
Multiple curves ahead curving right then left; reduce speed
Colorado winding road sharp turns left right warning
Sharp Turns (Left-Right)
Successive sharp turns ahead; slow down significantly
Colorado slippery when wet warning sign yellow
Slippery When Wet
Wet road is slippery; reduce speed and increase following distance
Colorado deer crossing warning sign diamond yellow
Deer Crossing
Animals frequently cross here; slow down and scan both sides of the road
Colorado pedestrian crossing warning sign yellow
Pedestrian Crossing
Crosswalk ahead; yield to any pedestrian in or entering the crosswalk
Colorado bicycle crossing warning sign yellow
Bicycle Crossing
Cyclists cross here; slow down and yield before proceeding
Colorado school zone sign pentagon fluorescent yellow green
School Zone / Crossing
Children may be present; slow to posted speed
Colorado school crossing ahead warning sign pedestrian children
School Crossing Ahead
School crosswalk ahead; yield to crossing guard and children
Colorado divided highway begins warning sign
Divided Highway Begins
Road splits ahead; keep right and stay in your lane
Colorado divided highway ends warning sign
Divided Highway Ends
Two-way traffic resumes ahead; stay right and watch oncoming traffic
Colorado merging traffic ahead warning sign
Merging Traffic
Traffic is merging from another lane; adjust speed to allow safe entry
Colorado added lane ahead no yield required sign
Added Lane
An additional lane begins ahead; entering traffic has its own lane
Colorado lane ends ahead warning sign taper
Lane Ends Ahead
Your lane ends soon; check mirrors, signal, and merge now
Colorado lane ends merge left warning sign
Lane Ends Merge Left
Your lane ends; signal and move left before the lane disappears
Colorado left lane ends warning sign
Left Lane Ends
Left lane ends ahead; signal and move right before it closes
Colorado road narrows warning sign yellow diamond
Road Narrows
Road gets narrower ahead; stay centered and reduce speed
Colorado narrow bridge ahead warning sign yellow
Narrow Bridge Ahead
Bridge is narrower than the road; slow down and stay centered
Colorado low clearance warning sign yellow
Low Clearance
Overhead clearance is restricted; do not proceed if your vehicle is too tall
Colorado railroad crossing sign
Railroad Crossing (RR)
Tracks ahead; slow down, look both ways, and stop if a train is coming
Colorado hill downgrade warning sign steep grade ahead
Hill / Steep Grade (Downgrade)
Steep hill ahead; reduce speed now and use a lower gear if needed
Colorado bump ahead warning sign yellow
Bump
Speed bump ahead; slow down before reaching it
Colorado dip ahead warning sign yellow
Dip
Dip in the road ahead; reduce speed to avoid bottoming out
Colorado loose gravel warning sign reduce speed
Loose Gravel
Loose gravel on road; reduce speed and increase following distance
Colorado pavement ends warning sign
Pavement Ends
Paved surface ends ahead; slow down before the surface changes
Colorado shoulder drop off warning sign
Shoulder Drop Off
Edge of road drops steeply; stay away from the shoulder
Colorado watch for ice on bridges warning sign
Watch for Ice on Bridges
Bridge may be icy; reduce speed and avoid sudden braking or steering
Colorado two way traffic ahead warning sign divided ends
Two Way Traffic Ahead
Divided road ends; move to the right and watch for oncoming traffic
Colorado crossroad intersection ahead warning sign
Cross Road
Intersection ahead; slow down and scan left and right before crossing
Colorado cross traffic warning sign yellow
Cross Traffic
Traffic crosses from both sides; slow down and be ready to yield or stop
Colorado T intersection ahead warning sign
T Intersection
Your road ends ahead; slow down and prepare to turn left or right
Colorado side road intersection warning sign
Side Road
A side road joins ahead; watch for vehicles entering from the right or left
Colorado highway intersection ahead warning sign
Highway Intersection Ahead
A major intersection is approaching; reduce speed and be ready to yield
Colorado road entering curve warning sign
Road Entering Curve
A road merges on a curve ahead; watch for vehicles entering
Colorado roundabout intersection circle yield sign
Roundabout
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout; then enter and keep right
Colorado truck rollover warning sign steep grade
Truck Rollover
Trucks must slow significantly; high rollover risk on this curve
Colorado weave area sign highway on off ramp
Weave Area
Lanes are entering and exiting; stay alert, check mirrors, and adjust speed
Colorado advisory speed sign yellow curve warning
Advisory Speed
Safe speed for this curve; slow to the posted advisory speed
Colorado traffic signal ahead warning sign
Traffic Signal Ahead
A traffic light is ahead; reduce speed and be ready to stop

What does a Colorado Wildlife Zones Fines Double sign mean? In a designated wildlife crossing zone, moving traffic violations carry doubled penalties and surcharges during the posted times when the sign states that increased penalties are in effect.

What does Chain Law in Effect When Flashing mean in Colorado? When the beacons are flashing, the chain-law requirements shown by CDOT are in effect. CDOT also uses static signs and variable message signs to notify motorists when passenger-vehicle traction or chain requirements are active.

5. Colorado Guide & Informational Signs: Navigating I-70, I-25 & the Mountain Corridor

Guide signs do not regulate driving. they show destinations, distances, and services. Green = highway navigation. Blue = motorist services. Brown = parks and recreation.

Colorado highway route marker guide sign green
Interstate Route Marker
You are on this interstate highway; note the number for navigation
Colorado US route marker highway sign black white shield
US Route Marker
You are on this US highway; note the number for navigation
Colorado state route marker highway sign
State Route Marker
You are on this state route; note the number for navigation
Colorado exit only highway guide sign
Exit Sign (Exit Only)
This lane leads to an exit only; move out of it if you are not exiting
Colorado mile marker highway sign distance
Mile Marker
Marks your location on the route; note it for emergency or navigation use
Colorado motorist services sign blue
Services Sign
Services available at next exit; move right if you need to stop
Colorado hospital blue guide sign H
Hospital Sign (H)
Hospital is nearby; follow signs if you need emergency care
Colorado diesel fuel service guide sign blue
Diesel
Diesel fuel available ahead; exit if your vehicle needs it
Colorado park recreation brown guide sign
Park / Recreation Sign
Park or recreation area nearby; exit and follow directional signs

6. Colorado Traffic Signals: Flashing Lights, Arrow Phases & What the DMV Knowledge Test Expects

Flashing red = stop sign. Flashing yellow = slow down and proceed with caution. What does a flashing yellow arrow mean in Colorado? A flashing yellow arrow allows a left turn with caution only after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians. Colorado also uses HAWK/pedestrian hybrid beacon signals, which use a yellow-and-red sequence to stop traffic for pedestrians. If a traffic signal is not operating or is malfunctioning, treat the intersection as a four-way stop.

Colorado lane-control signals: a steady downward green arrow means the lane may be used; a steady yellow X means leave the lane safely before the red X appears; a flashing yellow X means the lane may be used only for a left turn or passing maneuver with proper caution; and a steady red X means do not use the lane.

Standard Traffic Lights

Colorado red traffic light stop signal
Steady Red
Stop at the stop line; after stopping and yielding, you may turn right on red unless prohibited, and may turn left from a one-way street onto another one-way street unless prohibited
Colorado yellow traffic light caution slow signal
Steady Yellow
Slow down and prepare to stop; do not speed up to beat the light
Colorado green traffic light go signal
Steady Green
Proceed through the intersection; yield to pedestrians and cross traffic
Colorado green traffic light green arrow left protected turn
Green Arrow (left)
Proceed only in the arrow direction; yield to pedestrians
Colorado red traffic light yellow no arrow left caution
Yellow Arrow
A red arrow is about to appear; stop if you are not already in the intersection
Colorado red light green arrow left protected left turn
Red Arrow
Stop and do not turn in the arrow direction until an indication permitting that movement is shown
Colorado green traffic light no arrow left yield on green
Circular Green (no arrow)
Proceed straight or turn right or left unless prohibited; yield to vehicles and pedestrians lawfully in the intersection or crosswalk
Colorado opposing traffic extended green signal sign
Opposing Traffic Extended Green
Oncoming traffic still has green; wait and do not turn left yet

Flashing Signals

Colorado flashing red traffic light stop sign equivalent
Flashing Red
Treat as a stop sign; stop fully, then proceed when safe and clear
Colorado flashing yellow traffic light caution yield
Flashing Yellow
Slow down, check for hazards, and proceed with caution
Colorado flashing red beacon stop sign railroad crossing
Flashing Red Beacon
Treat the overhead beacon as a stop sign

Pedestrian Signals

Colorado pedestrian walk don not walk signal
WALK / White Walking Figure & DONT WALK / Orange Hand
White figure = cross now; orange hand = do not start crossing
Colorado pedestrian walk don not walk signal
Flashing Orange Hand + Countdown
Crossing phase ending; finish if started, do not begin

Key test point: Flashing red = full stop, then proceed when safe after yielding. Flashing yellow = slow down and proceed with caution. A flashing yellow arrow allows a left turn only after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians.


7. Colorado Pavement Markings: Yellow Lines, Bike Lanes & the 3-Foot Passing Rule

Yellow lines separate opposing traffic. White lines separate same-direction traffic. The Colorado DMV knowledge test covers lane lines, road arrows, bike lane markings, and pavement symbols. including the state 3-foot bicycle passing requirement.

Line Colors

Colorado solid and broken yellow centerline no passing
Yellow lines
Separate opposing traffic; a solid yellow line generally prohibits passing, but Colorado allows crossing it to pass a bicyclist with at least 3 feet of clearance when the movement can be made safely and the oncoming lane is clear
Colorado solid white line edge lane boundary pavement marking
White lines
Mark your lane boundaries; stay within the white lines

Line Types

Colorado single broken yellow center line passing allowed
Broken yellow line (Single)
You may pass on your side if it is safe and clear ahead
Colorado solid and broken yellow centerline no passing
Solid yellow + broken yellow
Pass only from the broken-line side when it is safe; do not pass from the solid side
Colorado double solid yellow line no passing both directions
Double solid yellow lines
Passing is not allowed in either direction except Colorado permits crossing to pass a bicyclist with at least 3 feet of clearance when safe and the oncoming lane is clear
Colorado solid white line edge lane boundary pavement marking
Broken white line
You may change lanes if it is safe; always check mirrors and signal first
Colorado solid white line edge lane boundary pavement marking
Solid white line
Requires you to stay within the lane and also marks the shoulder of the roadway
Colorado solid double yellow broken white line center
Double solid white lines
Do not change lanes here; stay in your current lane
Colorado center turn lane two way left turn marking
Center Turn Lane
For left turns only; signal, enter the lane, and turn; do not use it to travel
Colorado center turning lane shared left turn pavement
Center Turning Lane (sign)
For left turns only; signal, enter, and turn; do not drive through it

Pavement Symbols & Special Markings

Colorado lane arrows pavement marking direction
Arrows in lane
You must follow the arrow direction from this lane
Colorado stop line white pavement marking railroad crossing
Stop line (wide white bar)
Stop completely behind this line; do not roll past it
Colorado stop here on red pavement marking white line
Stop Here on Red
Stop at this painted line; do not inch forward past it
Colorado crosswalk white lines pedestrian crossing pavement
Crosswalk lines
Pedestrian crossing zone; slow or stop as needed to yield to pedestrians crossing within the crosswalk
Colorado solid white line edge lane boundary pavement marking
Broken white line (pavement)
You may change lanes if it is safe; check mirrors and signal first
Colorado solid white line edge lane boundary pavement marking
Solid white line (pavement)
Requires you to stay within the lane and also marks the shoulder of the roadway
Colorado solid double yellow broken white line center
Double solid white lines (pavement)
Do not change lanes here; stay in your current lane
Colorado railroad crossing pavement markings RXR stop line
Railroad crossing markings (X + RR)
Tracks ahead; slow down, look both ways, and be ready to stop
Colorado diagonal yellow lines no driving area pavement
Diagonal yellow lines (gore area)
Do not enter or drive through this area; it is off-limits to traffic
Colorado bicycle lane pavement marking white bike symbol
Bicycle lane marking
Reserved for cyclists only; do not drive or park in this lane
Colorado carpool HOV lane diamond pavement marking
HOV / Carpool lane diamond
A diamond marks a restricted lane; follow the posted HOV/HOT eligibility, occupancy, or toll rules

Colorado bike-lane markings and shared-lane symbols: Green pavement highlights roadway space designated for bicyclists. Shared-lane markings, or sharrows, warn that a lane may be too narrow for a driver and bicyclist to travel side-by-side; a bicyclist may ride in the center when needed for safety.

Key test point: Yellow center lines separate opposing traffic and white lane lines separate same-direction traffic. Colorado also permits a motorist to cross a solid yellow line to pass a bicyclist when the move can be made safely and at least 3 feet of clearance is maintained.


8. Colorado Work Zone Signs: Doubled Fines, Increased Enforcement & Flagger Authority

Orange signs with black lettering mark active construction and maintenance zones. In Colorado, increased penalties apply to certain traffic violations in properly designated work zones; posted signs provide notice of the increased-penalty zone. Increased police enforcement is routinely added to construction projects statewide. Most work zone crashes are rear-end collisions caused by inattentive drivers.

Colorado road work ahead orange warning sign construction zone
Road Work Ahead
Construction zone begins ahead; reduce speed and stay alert
Colorado flagger ahead sign orange construction worker
Flagger Ahead
A person is directing traffic; obey their signals
Colorado workers ahead orange construction zone warning
Workers Ahead
Road workers are present; slow down and be ready to stop
Colorado active work zone sign orange construction
Active Work Zone
You are in an active work zone; drive with extra caution
Colorado end of active work zone sign orange
End of Active Work Zone
Work zone ends; resume normal speed and check posted limit
Colorado work zone headlights required sign
Work Zone Headlights
Turn on headlights so workers and other drivers can see you; obey any posted headlight requirement
Colorado lane ends ahead warning sign taper
Lane Closed Ahead
A travel lane ends ahead; merge early
Colorado road closed sign red regulatory
Road Closed
Road is completely closed; follow detour signs
Colorado orange traffic barrel cone work zone sign
Orange barrels / cones
Active work zone boundaries; stay within marked lanes
Colorado channelizing device barricade work zone
Channelizing devices (barricades)
Follow the barricades; do not drive through or around them
  • You must obey a flaggers directions even if they conflict with existing signs or signals.
  • Reduced speed limits in work zones are clearly marked; violating a posted work-zone speed limit can result in increased penalties.
  • Colorado law applies increased penalties to certain work-zone violations and doubles penalties for moving traffic violations in posted school zones; the two rules are separate.
  • BEGIN DOUBLE FINES ZONE and END DOUBLE FINES ZONE signs identify where a posted increased-penalty zone begins and ends.
  • Increased police enforcement is routinely added to Colorado construction projects. expect active patrols.
  • Never drive through or around a closed lane barrier. merge early, watch for sudden stops, and stay focused on the driving task.

Key test point: Orange is used for temporary traffic control and work-zone signs. If you see orange, slow down and follow the posted instructions.


9. Railroad Crossings in Colorado: Stop Lines, the 15-50-Foot Rule & Blue Emergency Signs

Colorado uses a round yellow advance warning sign to alert drivers that a railroad crossing is ahead. How far from railroad tracks must you stop in Colorado? When a stop is required and no painted stop line is visible, Colorado law requires stopping not less than 15 feet nor more than 50 feet from the nearest rail; if that position does not provide a reasonable view of approaching trains or on-track equipment, stop at the nearest point with a reasonable view before crossing. A blue Emergency Notification Sign near the crossbuck provides railroad contact and crossing-identification information to use if a vehicle stalls on the tracks.

Colorado stop line white pavement marking railroad crossing
Stop Line
Stop here completely when required before proceeding
Colorado railroad crossbuck sign X yield to trains
RR Crossbuck Sign (X-shaped)
Located at the crossing; yield to trains
Colorado railroad crossing sign
Railroad Crossing (at crossing)
You are at the crossing; stop if lights flash or gate lowers
Colorado railroad crossing gate flashing lights stop
Crossing Gates
Lower when a train is coming; never drive around a lowered gate
Colorado railroad crossing pavement markings RXR stop line
Pavement markings (X + RR)
Tracks ahead marked on pavement; slow down and prepare to stop
Colorado flashing red traffic light stop sign equivalent
Flashing Red Lights
A train is approaching; stop and wait until fully clear
  • The round yellow advance warning sign tells you a railroad crossing is ahead and is the circular railroad advance-warning sign shown in the Colorado Driver Handbook.
  • When a stop is required, stop at the marked stop line. If no line is visible, stop 15-50 feet from the nearest rail; if you cannot reasonably see approaching trains or on-track equipment from there, stop at the nearest point where you have a reasonable view.
  • Never stop on the tracks. stopping on tracks is illegal and extremely dangerous.
  • If your vehicle stalls on a crossing, get everyone out immediately and move as far away as possible. Call the number on the blue Emergency Notification Sign near the crossbuck, or contact law enforcement.
  • A freight train traveling at 55 mph requires about one mile to stop. never try to race or beat a train.
  • A No Train Horn sign below the advance warning sign identifies a designated quiet zone. Do not assume no train is coming; continue to watch the lights, gates, and tracks.
  • School buses carrying schoolchildren, placarded hazardous-material vehicles, and commercial vehicles transporting passengers must stop 15-50 feet from the nearest rail at railroad grade crossings unless a statutory exception applies.

Key test point: When a railroad stop is required and no painted stop line is present, stop 15-50 feet from the nearest rail, or at the nearest point with a reasonable view if the 15-50-foot position does not provide one.


10. Colorado School Zone Rules: Doubled Fines, 20-Foot Bus Stop Distance & When Oncoming Traffic Must Stop

Pentagon-shaped, fluorescent yellow-green signs identify school areas and crossings. Colorado doubles penalties and surcharges for moving traffic violations in school zones posted with the required doubled-penalty signs. You must stop no closer than 20 feet from a stopped school bus displaying flashing red lights and remain stopped until the lights stop flashing.

Colorado school zone sign pentagon fluorescent yellow green
School Zone
School ahead; reduce speed and watch for children
Colorado school zone speed limit sign children present
School Speed Limit
Obey the reduced speed limit posted in school zones
Colorado speed limit sign flashing lights school zone
Speed Limit Lights Flashing
Obey the posted speed limit only when the lights are flashing
Colorado school crossing ahead warning sign pedestrian children
School Crossing Ahead
School crosswalk ahead; yield to crossing guard and children
  • Effective August 12, 2026: Colorado law generally defines a school zone to include roadways within at least 1,000 feet of a school property boundary, subject to exceptions for state highways, certain preexisting zones, and locally reduced zones. Required signs mark the school-zone boundaries and doubled penalties.
  • Colorado doubles penalties and surcharges for moving traffic violations in signed school zones.
  • When amber warning lights activate, the school bus is about to stop. The yellow lights stay on until the bus door opens. slow down and prepare to stop.
  • You must stop at least 20 feet from the front or rear bumper of a stopped school bus with flashing red lights and its stop arm extended. Remain stopped until the red lights stop flashing.
  • On a two-lane road, traffic in both directions must stop.
  • On a four-lane road without a median, traffic in both directions must stop.
  • On a highway with four or more lanes and a median, only the lanes behind the bus must stop. oncoming traffic may proceed.
  • On a highway with five or more lanes and a shared center turn lane, only the lanes behind the bus must stop. opposite direction traffic is not required to stop.
  • You are not required to stop if a physical median or barrier separates your vehicle from the bus.
  • A local government may designate a roadway immediately adjacent to a school as a school street and post signs marking it. If traffic is allowed on the school street, the maximum speed is 10 mph and vehicles must yield to pedestrians, bicyclists, and micromobility users.

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. Pedestrian & Bike Signs in Colorado: 3-Foot Passing, Crosswalks & Shared Roadways

At marked crosswalks and unmarked crosswalks at intersections, Colorado drivers must obey traffic controls and yield as required by law. When traffic-control signals are not in place or not operating, a driver must yield, slowing or stopping if needed, when a pedestrian is on the driver's half of the roadway or approaching so closely from the opposite half as to be in danger. Under C.R.S. 42-4-1002 and 42-4-1003, motorists passing or overtaking a bicyclist must allow at least 3 feet of clearance. People riding bicycles have the rights and duties applicable to drivers of other vehicles under C.R.S. 42-4-1412, subject to bicycle-specific rules.

Colorado pedestrian crossing warning sign yellow
Pedestrian Crossing Sign
Crosswalk ahead; yield to any pedestrian in or entering the crosswalk
Colorado bicycle crossing warning sign yellow
Bicycle Crossing Sign
Cyclists cross here; slow down and yield before proceeding
Colorado no bicycles sign regulatory
No Bicycles
Cyclists must not enter; use an alternate route
Colorado no pedestrian crossing sign regulatory
No Pedestrian Crossing
Pedestrians must not cross here; use the nearest crosswalk
  • When traffic-control signals are not in place or not operating, drivers must yield, slowing or stopping if needed, when a pedestrian is on the driver's half of the roadway or approaching so closely from the opposite half as to be in danger.
  • Colorado law (C.R.S. 42-4-1002 and 42-4-1003) requires at least 3 feet of clearance when passing or overtaking a bicyclist.
  • A person riding a bicycle has the rights and duties applicable to a driver of another vehicle under C.R.S. 42-4-1412, subject to bicycle-specific rules; bicyclists may ride in the center of a lane when needed to avoid hazards or maintain a reasonable safety margin.
  • You may cross a solid yellow center line to pass a bicyclist when you maintain at least 3 feet of clearance, the movement can be made safely, and the oncoming lane is clear.
  • What does a Colorado PASS 3 FT MIN sign mean? It reminds motorists of the statewide three-foot passing requirement. A Bicycle May Use Full Lane sign warns drivers that a bicyclist may ride in the center of the lane when safety conditions require it.
  • Fluorescent yellow-green is used for both school and pedestrian/bike signs. the shape distinguishes between them.

Key test point: At a crosswalk without an operating traffic-control signal, yield when the pedestrian is on your half of the roadway or approaching so closely from the opposite half as to be in danger.


12. How to Pass the Colorado DMV Knowledge Test on the First Try

  • Use the official resources. Practice quizzes are available at myDMV.Colorado.gov and through the myColorado app, use both before your test day.
  • Do not arrive late. Written tests are not given within 30 minutes of closing time at Colorado DMV offices. Check hours before you go.
  • Know Colorado unposted speed limits. Narrow winding mountain roads: 20 mph. Business district: 25 mph. Residential district: 30 mph. Open mountain highways: 40 mph. Urban interstate: 55 mph. Rural interstate: 65-75 mph.
  • Know the two increased-penalty rules. Colorado doubles penalties and surcharges for moving traffic violations in posted school zones; certain violations in properly designated work zones carry increased penalties under a separate rule.
  • School bus stop distance is 20 feet. Stop at least 20 feet from the front or rear bumper. Rules differ by road type. two-lane, four-lane without median, four-lane with median, and five-lane with shared center turn lane each have different requirements.
  • Railroad crossing: 15-50 feet when a stop is required and no line is painted. Stop at the marked line; if none exists, stop 15-50 feet from the nearest rail, or at the nearest point with a reasonable view when necessary.
  • Know the blue Emergency Notification Sign. If your vehicle stalls on the tracks, get everyone out and use the railroad contact and crossing-identification information on the blue ENS sign near the crossbuck, or contact law enforcement.
  • Know the 3-foot bicycle passing rule. Colorado requires at least 3 feet of clearance when passing a bicyclist; you may cross a solid yellow center line when the movement is safe and the oncoming lane is clear.
  • Flashing signals. Flashing red = full stop, then proceed when safe after yielding. Flashing yellow = slow down and proceed with caution. Flashing yellow arrow = left turn only after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians.
  • Yellow vs white lines. Yellow center lines separate opposing traffic. White lane lines separate traffic moving in the same direction.
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LAST MODIFIED: JUN 14, 2026
SOURCE:COLORADO DMV DRIVER LICENSE & INSTRUCTION PERMIT
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