Mississippi Road Signs: DPS Computerized Exam & 10-Foot Bus Stop Rule
What is the school bus stop distance in Mississippi. 10 feet or 15 feet? When can you proceed after a school bus stop in Mississippi? Does the Mississippi DPS computerized exam read questions aloud? The Mississippi Department of Public Safety (DPS) at dps.ms.gov administers a computerized exam with a headset option for reading-impaired applicants. School bus stop distance is 10 feet. one of the closest in the country. You must stay stopped until children have crossed, the bus resumes, AND the stop sign retracts. School zones cap at 15 mph.
Table of Contents
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. Every sign type tested is in this manual.
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. always and only |
 |
| Triangle (inverted) |
 |
Yield to other traffic |
 |
| Diamond |
 |
Warning - hazard ahead |
 |
| Rectangle (vertical) |
 |
Regulatory - rules of the road |
 |
| Rectangle (horizontal) |
 |
Guide or informational |
 |
| Pentagon (5-sided) |
 |
School zone or crossing - exclusively |
 |
| Round (circle) |
 |
Railroad crossing advance warning - exclusively |
 |
| Pennant |
 |
No passing zone - exclusively |
 |
| Orange (any shape) |
 |
Construction and work zone warnings |
 |
| Blue (any shape) |
 |
Motorist services - gas, food, lodging, hospitals |
 |
| Brown (any shape) |
 |
Recreation areas, parks, and scenic routes |
 |
3. Mississippi Regulatory Signs: Disobeying Right-of-Way Signs Carries a Fine Under State Law
Regulatory signs in Mississippi carry legal force. the manual specifically notes that drivers who disregard right-of-way signs shall be fined. White rectangular signs, prohibitory signs, and lane-control signs are all tested on the Mississippi DPS Computerized Exam.
STOP Sign
Come to a full stop; yield to all traffic and pedestrians before proceeding
YIELD Sign
Slow down and give right-of-way to cross traffic or pedestrians
Speed Limit Sign
Maximum legal speed under ideal conditions
Do Not Enter Sign
You are going the wrong way; do not proceed
Wrong Way Sign
You have entered a one-way road going against traffic
No U-Turn Sign
U-turns are prohibited at this location
No Left Turn Sign
Left turns are not allowed
No Right Turn Sign
Right turns are not allowed
One Way Sign
Traffic moves in one direction only
Keep Right Sign
Stay to the right of an island or obstruction
No Passing Zone Sign
Passing is forbidden in this stretch. pennant-shaped sign
Do Not Pass Sign
Passing prohibited. do not overtake vehicles ahead
No Turn on Red Sign
No turns permitted on a red light at this intersection
No Left Turn on Red Sign
Left turn on red is prohibited here
No Right Turn on Red Sign
Right turn on red is prohibited here
Turn Left Only Sign
You must turn left from this lane
Turn Right Only Sign
You must turn right from this lane
Straight or Turn Right Sign
You may go straight or turn right from this lane
Minimum Speed Limit Sign
You must drive at least this speed on this road
Slower Traffic Keep Right Sign
Slower vehicles must use the right lane
No Parking Sign
Parking is prohibited in this area
No Trucks Sign
Commercial trucks are prohibited on this road
No Bicycles Sign
Bicycles are not permitted on this road
No Pedestrian Crossing Sign
Pedestrians must not cross here
Reserved Parking Sign
Parking reserved for designated users (e.g., accessible parking)
Four Way Stop Sign
All four directions must stop at this intersection
Stop Except Right Turn Sign
All traffic must stop except those turning right
Left Turn Yield on Green Sign
Left-turning vehicles must yield to oncoming traffic on green
Lane Use Control Sign
Indicates which movements are permitted or prohibited from a specific lane
Restricted Lane Ahead Sign
An upcoming lane has restrictions on who may use it
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 coming; slow down significantly
Sharp Right Turn
A very sharp right turn is coming; slow down significantly
Winding Road
Series of curves ahead
Set of Curves (Left-Right)
Multiple curves ahead, first curving left then right
Set of Curves (Right-Left)
Multiple curves ahead, first curving right then left
Sharp Turns (Left-Right)
Successive sharp turns ahead. left then right
Slippery When Wet
Road surface becomes slick in rain; reduce speed
Deer Crossing
Wildlife frequently cross here. white-tailed deer and wild hogs are common road hazards on Mississippi rural highways through the Piney Woods, Delta, and National Forest corridors
Pedestrian Crossing
Crosswalk ahead; watch for foot traffic
Bicycle Crossing
Cyclists frequently cross here; slow down and yield to bikes
School Zone / Crossing
Children may be present. Mississippi maximum school zone speed is 15 mph; school bus stop requires a complete stop at least 10 feet from the bus
School Crossing Ahead
A school crosswalk is approaching; watch for children and crossing guards
Divided Highway Begins
Road splits into two one-way sections; keep right
Divided Highway Ends
Two-way traffic resumes
Merging Traffic
Another lane of traffic is joining yours
Added Lane
A new lane is being added ahead. merging traffic does not need to yield
Lane Ends Ahead
Your lane ends ahead. merge safely into the adjacent lane
Lane Ends Merge Left
Your lane ends. move to the left lane
Left Lane Ends
The left lane ends ahead. merge right
Road Narrows
The road becomes narrower ahead; stay alert
Narrow Bridge Ahead
Bridge ahead is narrower than the road. proceed carefully
Low Clearance
Bridge or overhead obstruction with limited height clearance
Railroad Crossing (RR)
Tracks ahead; look and listen for trains
Hill / Steep Grade (Downgrade)
Downgrade ahead; trucks should check brakes
Bump
A raised bump or speed hump is ahead; slow down
Dip
A dip in the road is ahead; reduce speed
Loose Gravel
Road surface has loose gravel. reduce speed and increase following distance
Pavement Ends
Paved road ends ahead; expect gravel or dirt surface
Shoulder Drop Off
Road shoulder drops off steeply. avoid driving on the edge
Watch for Ice on Bridges
Bridges freeze before road surfaces. reduce speed in cold weather
Two Way Traffic Ahead
Divided road ends. two-way traffic begins ahead
Cross Road
An intersection with a crossing road is ahead
Cross Traffic
Traffic crosses your path ahead. be prepared to yield
T Intersection
The road ends at a T. you must turn left or right
Side Road
A side road enters the highway ahead at an angle
Highway Intersection Ahead
A highway intersection is approaching; be prepared to yield or stop
Road Entering Curve
A road enters from the side on a curve ahead. watch for merging traffic
Roundabout
A roundabout is ahead. yield to circulating traffic and travel counterclockwise
Truck Rollover
High risk of truck rollover on this curve or ramp. trucks reduce speed significantly
Weave Area
Traffic is entering and exiting simultaneously. expect lane changes and merging
Advisory Speed
Recommended safe speed for a curve or hazard. not legally enforced but strongly advised
Traffic Signal Ahead
A traffic light is ahead. be prepared 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
Identifies the interstate number (e.g., I-20, I-55, I-59, I-10 Gulf Coast)
US Route Marker
Marks US highways (e.g., US-49, US-61 Blues Highway, US-72, US-90 Gulf Coast)
State Route Marker
Identifies Mississippi state routes (e.g., MS-3, MS-6, MS-18, MS-15 Piney Woods)
Exit Sign (Exit Only)
Shows upcoming freeway exit and distance
Mile Marker
Indicates distance from the state line or route origin
Services Sign
Points to nearby gas, food, lodging, or medical facilities
Hospital Sign (H)
Indicates direction to the nearest hospital
Diesel
Indicates diesel fuel is available at the next service area
Park / Recreation Sign
Directs to state parks, campsites, and scenic areas
6. Flashing Red Means Stop: What Mississippi DPS Computerized Exam Tests About Traffic Signals
Flashing red = stop sign. Flashing yellow = yield. The Mississippi DPS Computerized Exam tests all signal types: standard lights, arrow signals, flashing signals, and pedestrian signals. If a traffic officer directs you to proceed over a railroad crossing, follow immediately. the officer overrides all devices.
Standard Traffic Lights
Steady Red
Come to a complete stop behind the stop line. Wait until green.
Steady Yellow
Prepare to stop. the light is about to turn red. Do not speed up to beat it.
Steady Green
Proceed if the intersection is clear. You must still yield to pedestrians and cross traffic.
Green Arrow (left)
You may proceed only in the direction of the arrow. Oncoming traffic is stopped.
Yellow Arrow (no left)
The protected turn is ending. Prepare to stop or yield if you have not yet entered the intersection.
Red Arrow (no left)
Do not turn in the direction of the arrow. Wait for a green arrow or green light.
Green. no left arrow
Proceed straight or right. left turn not permitted on this phase.
Opposing Traffic Extended Green
Oncoming traffic has an extended green phase. wait before turning left.
Flashing Signals
Flashing Red
Treat as a STOP sign, come to a complete stop, then proceed when safe.
Flashing Yellow
Treat as a YIELD sign, slow down, look carefully, and proceed with caution.
Flashing Red Beacon
Overhead flashing red beacon. treat as a stop sign. Come to a full stop, then proceed when safe.
Flashing Green Arrow
You may turn in the direction of the arrow after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians.
Pedestrian Signals
WALK / White Walking Figure & DONT WALK / Orange Hand
White walking figure = pedestrians may cross. Orange hand = do not start crossing; if already crossing, finish quickly.
Flashing Orange Hand + Countdown
Crossing phase is ending. Pedestrians who have started may finish; others should not begin.
Key test point: Flashing red = stop sign. Flashing yellow = yield. This is one of the most reliably tested signal questions on the Mississippi DPS Computerized Exam.
7. Mississippi Pavement Markings: Lane Lines, Railroad X-Markings and the 3-Foot Bicycle Passing Rule
Yellow lines separate opposing traffic. White lines separate same-direction traffic. The Mississippi DPS exam tests lane lines, road arrows, curb markings, and pavement symbols. including the 3-foot bicycle passing clearance and the railroad crossing X-markings that designate no-passing zones.
Line Colors
Yellow lines
Separate traffic moving in opposite directions
White lines
Separate traffic moving in the same direction, or mark the edge of the road
Line Types
Broken yellow line (Single)
Passing allowed when safe on your side
Solid yellow + broken yellow
Passing allowed only on the broken-line side
Double solid yellow lines
No passing in either direction
Broken white line
Lane changes permitted when safe
Solid white line
Do not cross. lane edge, crosswalk, or stop line
Double solid white lines
Do not change lanes. often used near intersections or toll areas
Center Turn Lane
Shared left-turn lane. used to begin or complete a left turn only
Center Turning Lane (sign)
Overhead or posted sign marking a shared center left-turn lane
Pavement Symbols & Special Markings
Arrows in lane
Indicate which direction(s) you may travel from that lane
Stop line (wide white bar)
Stop your vehicle completely behind this line at red lights and stop signs
Stop Here on Red
Painted instruction on pavement. stop at this marked line on red
Crosswalk lines
Mark the pedestrian crossing area. yield to pedestrians within these lines
Broken white line (pavement)
Lane changes permitted when safe
Solid white line (pavement)
Do not cross. lane edge, crosswalk, or stop line
Double solid white lines (pavement)
Do not change lanes. often used near intersections or toll areas
Railroad crossing markings (X + RR)
Advance warning of tracks ahead. painted on pavement before the crossing
Diagonal yellow lines (gore area)
Do not drive in this area. marks a traffic island or diverging zone
Bicycle lane marking
White painted lane reserved for cyclists. do not drive or park in it
HOV / Carpool lane diamond
Lane restricted to vehicles with 2 or more occupants during posted hours
Yellow curb
No parking or stopping at any time
Red curb
No stopping, standing, or parking. fire zone
White curb
Passenger loading/unloading only. brief stops permitted
Key test point: Yellow lines always separate opposing traffic. White lines always separate same-direction traffic. This is a foundational rule that appears on nearly every DMV exam.
8. Mississippi Work Zone Signs: Slow Down, Do not Tailgate, and Obey Every Flagger on Every Construction Site
Orange diamond and rectangular signs mark every active work zone on Mississippi highways. The manual is direct: give construction workers a "brake," reduce speed, and be prepared to stop suddenly. Do not tailgate. Flag persons control traffic in many work zones. their STOP/SLOW paddles must be obeyed immediately.
Road Work Ahead
Construction zone begins ahead. reduce speed and be alert
Flagger Ahead
A person is directing traffic. obey their signals immediately
Workers Ahead
Road workers are present. slow down and be prepared to stop
Active Work Zone
You are in an active work zone. fines doubled, drive with extra caution
End of Active Work Zone
Work zone ends. normal speed and rules resume
Work Zone Headlights
Headlights required in this work zone
Lane Closed Ahead
A travel lane ends ahead. merge early and do not pass in the closed lane
Road Closed
Road is completely closed. do not enter, follow detour signs
Orange barrels / cones
Mark lane boundaries and closures in active work zones
Channelizing devices (barricades)
Direct traffic around obstacles or closed areas
- 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.
- 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 always means construction or work zone. If you see orange, reduce speed and increase following distance immediately.
9. Mississippi Railroad Crossings: Stop Between 10 and 50 Feet From the Outer Rail: Never Try to Beat a Train
Mississippi requires stopping within 50 to 10 feet of the outer rail at railroad crossings when a gate is lowered, a flashing signal activates, a STOP sign is posted, a flagman signals, or a train is rapidly approaching. You must stop even if you do not see a train. Passenger buses and school buses must also stop at all crossings.
Advance Warning Sign
Railroad crossing ahead. the first sign you see. Begin slowing down.
RR Crossbuck Sign (X-shaped)
Located at the crossing itself. yield to trains. Treat as a yield sign if no gates or lights.
Railroad Crossing (at crossing)
Marks the exact railroad crossing location
Crossing Gates
Lower when a train is coming. never drive around or under a lowered gate
Pavement markings (X + RR)
Painted on the road surface before the crossing as an advance warning
Flashing Red Lights
A train is approaching, stop and wait. Do not proceed until lights stop and it is fully clear.
Stop Line
Mississippi requires stopping between 10 and 50 feet from the outer rail. stop even if you do not see a train approaching
- The round yellow advance warning sign is always the first sign you see approaching a Mississippi railroad crossing.
- Stop within 50 to 10 feet of the outer rail when any of these are present: lowered gate, flashing electric signal, posted STOP sign, flagman signal, or rapidly approaching train.
- You must stop even if you do not see a train, do not assume the crossing is clear.
- Never try to "beat" a train. stay alert at all times. If a traffic officer directs you to proceed, follow the order immediately.
- Passenger buses and school buses must also stop at all railroad crossings.
- Do not pass within 100 feet of a railroad crossing on a two-lane highway.
Key test point: Mississippi railroad stop zone is between 10 and 50 feet of the outer rail. You must stop even without seeing a train. Both rules are tested on the DPS Computerized Exam.
10. Mississippi School Zone Speed (15 mph Max) and the 10-Foot School Bus Stop Rule
Pentagon-shaped, fluorescent yellow-green signs mark school zones in Mississippi. The maximum speed in any Mississippi school zone is 15 mph, lower than most states. Every time you encounter a school bus with red lights flashing and/or stop sign extended, you must come to a complete stop at least 10 feet away, regardless of direction of travel.
School Zone
School ahead. be alert for children, reduce speed
School Speed Limit
Mississippi school zone maximum speed is 15 mph; school bus stop requires stopping at least 10 feet away from all directions
Speed Limit Lights Flashing
Speed limit applies only when the flashing lights are active
School Crossing Ahead
Crosswalk used by schoolchildren ahead. yield to crossing guard and students
- Mississippi school zone speed maximum is 15 mph, the school bus speed on regular interstate routes is capped at 65 mph; on regular routes transporting children, 45 mph.
- Every time you encounter a school bus with its red lights flashing and/or stop sign extended, you must come to a complete stop at least 10 feet from the bus. from any 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
Pedestrians always have the right of way in crosswalks. marked or unmarked. in Mississippi. State law requires leaving at least 3 feet between your vehicle and a bicycle when passing. You must also yield to anyone crossing a street guided by a guide dog or carrying a white cane. Both sign types use fluorescent yellow-green and are tested on the DPS Computerized Exam.
Pedestrian Crossing Sign
A marked crosswalk is ahead. watch for pedestrians crossing
Bicycle Crossing Sign
Cyclists frequently cross here. reduce speed and yield to bikes
No Bicycles
Bicycles are prohibited on this road or path
No Pedestrian Crossing
Pedestrians must not cross here
- 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.
- Do not assume any cyclist has training in bicycle safety. yield to them as you would to any vehicle.
- You must yield to pedestrians crossing guided by a guide dog or carrying a white cane.
- Fluorescent yellow-green is used for both school and pedestrian/bike signs. the shape distinguishes between them.
Key test point: Pedestrians always have right-of-way at crosswalks. marked or unmarked. This rule appears on virtually every state DMV exam.
12. How to Pass Mississippi DPS Computerized Exam: Including the School Bus and Railroad Questions Everyone Gets Wrong
- The machine reads questions aloud. Mississippi Computerized Exam includes a headset. if you are reading-impaired, the machine reads every question and answer aloud. You do not need to bring anything special; ask the examiner when you arrive.
- Mississippi school zone = 15 mph, not 20. Most states cap school zones at 20-25 mph. Mississippi maximum is 15 mph. If you have studied for another state, this is the detail that will trip you up.
- 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 within 50 to 10 feet of the outer rail. That phrasing. outer rail, not nearest rail. is how the Mississippi manual words it. Stop even if you cannot see a train.
- Know Mississippi speed limits. Interstates: 70 mph. Four-lane highways: 65 mph. Two-lane state/US highways: 55 mph. Natchez Trace Parkway: 50 mph (federal restriction). School zones: 15 mph.
- 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 when safe. Flashing yellow = slow and yield. If a traffic officer overrides devices at a railroad crossing, follow the officer immediately.
- Yellow diamonds before a crossing. Mississippi uses round yellow advance warning signs for railroads and diamond-shaped signs for other hazards. Know the difference. both appear on the exam.
- Visit dps.ms.gov. The official DPS website has study resources and information on Computerized Exam locations across Mississippi.
Mississippi DPS Driver License