New Jersey Road Signs
New Jersey Road Signs: MVC Test, 65 mph Double Fines & 3 Bus Scenarios
How many questions are on the New Jersey MVC knowledge test? What languages is the NJ MVC test available in? What are the three different school bus stop rules in New Jersey? The NJ Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) at njmvc.gov gives a 60-question test (80% required) available in 14 languages, ASL, and via oral headphones. Three school bus scenarios: undivided road: stop at least 25 feet; divided road same side: stop 25 feet; divided road opposite side: slow to 10 mph; bus directly in front of a school. pass at max 10 mph. Double fines apply in 65 mph zones under N.J.S.A. 39:4-98.6.
Table of Contents
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- 1. Why Road Signs Matter in New Jersey
- 2. Road Sign Shapes and Colors in New Jersey
- 3. New Jersey Regulatory Signs
- 4. New Jersey Warning Signs
- 5. Guide Signs and Highways in New Jersey
- 6. Traffic Signals in New Jersey
- 7. New Jersey Pavement Markings
- 8. New Jersey Work Zone Signs
- 9. Railroad Crossing Signs in New Jersey
- 10. New Jersey School Zone Signs
- 11. Pedestrian and Bike Signs in New Jersey
- 12. How to Pass the New Jersey Road Sign Test
1. New Jersey MVC 50-Question Test, 14 Languages and the School Bus Rules That Catch Every Out-of-Stater Off Guard
New Jersey roads connect Newark I-95/I-78 interchange, the Garden State Parkway shore corridors, the NJ Turnpikes heavy freight lanes, and the suburban routes radiating from Jersey City and Paterson. The NJ Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) at njmvc.gov requires a 60-question knowledge test. 80% correct (48 of 60) to pass. Available in English, ASL, Arabic, Chinese, French, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Turkish, Hindi, Albanian, and Spanish. If no language option fits, headphones provide an oral test. Plus a survey question about organ donation.
2. New Jersey Sign Shapes: What MVCs 50-Question Knowledge Test Covers About Colors, Shapes and NJ-Specific Signs
New Jersey knowledge test covers sign shapes, colors, and meanings from this manual. tested material on the MVC exam. On the Turnpikes complex interchange signs, the Parkways shore exit guides, and urban Newark street signs, shape and color register before text at speed. Know every row in this table before your MVC test.
| 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 |  |
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. New Jersey Regulatory Signs: Double Fines in 65 mph Zones, N.J.S.A. Violations and MVC Point System
Regulatory signs carry legal force under the New Jersey Statutes Annotated (N.J.S.A.). A key NJ-specific rule: double fines apply to most moving violations committed in 65 mph zones, and for exceeding that limit by 10+ mph. (N.J.S.A. 39:4-98.6). White rectangular signs, prohibitory signs, and lane-control signs are all tested on the MVC knowledge 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. New Jersey Warning Signs: Turnpike Merge Zones, Shore Drawbridges, Advance Railroad Warning and Pedestrian Hotspots
Diamond-shaped yellow warning signs flag hazards before you reach them. on NJ roads that means merge and lane-drop warnings on the Turnpike and Parkway, drawbridge approach warnings on Shore-area roads, railroad crossing advance signs statewide, and pedestrian crossing alerts in dense urban areas like Newark, Jersey City, and Paterson where pedestrian fatalities run significantly above the national average. Orange marks 65 mph zone moving violations where fines are doubled.
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 are common road hazards on New Jersey rural routes through the Pinelands, Highlands, and northwestern Sussex and Warren County corridors
Pedestrian Crossing
Crosswalk ahead; watch for foot traffic
Bicycle Crossing
Cyclists frequently cross here; slow down and yield to bikes
School Zone / Crossing
NJ school zones: 25 mph default; school bus stop 25 feet minimum; if bus stopped directly in front of a school = pass at 10 mph max from either direction
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. New Jersey Guide Signs: NJ Turnpike, Garden State Parkway, I-95 and the Routes Connecting Newark to the Shore
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-95, I-78, I-80, I-287, I-195)
US Route Marker
Marks US highways (e.g., US-1, US-9 Shore Route, US-22, US-206 Pinelands)
State Route Marker
Identifies NJ state routes (e.g., NJ-35 Shore, NJ-17, NJ-130, NJ-55 South Jersey)
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. New Jersey Traffic Signals: School Bus Amber Lights May Be Malfunctioning: Do not Rely on Them
Flashing red = stop sign. Flashing yellow = yield. The NJ MVC knowledge test covers all signal types. A specific NJ warning: school buses are equipped with amber and red flashing lights, but a motorist behind a school bus should not depend on these lights. they could be malfunctioning. Watch for the bus slowing and prepare to stop regardless of whether lights activate.
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. School bus amber/red lights may malfunction. do not rely solely on them. All tested on the NJ MVC knowledge exam.
7. New Jersey Pavement Markings: Railroad Advance Markings, 50-Foot No-Parking Zones and Turnpike Lane Designations
Yellow lines separate opposing traffic. White lines separate same-direction traffic. The NJ MVC knowledge test covers lane lines, road arrows, curb markings, and pavement symbols. including advance pavement markings before railroad crossings, and the no-parking zone within 50 feet of a railroad crossing.
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. New Jersey Work Zone Fines: Double Fines for Most Moving Violations in 65 mph Zones Under N.J.S.A. 39:4-98.6
New Jersey double-fine rule applies specifically in 65 mph zones, double fines for exceeding the limit by 10 mph or more, and for most other moving violations in those zones under N.J.S.A. 39:4-98.6. Orange signs mark construction and work areas. slow down and follow all posted signs and traffic control instructions.
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 flaggers and all traffic control devices in New Jersey work zones.
- NJ double fines apply in 65 mph zones, for exceeding that limit by 10+ mph AND for most other moving violations in those zones (N.J.S.A. 39:4-98.6).
- Never drive faster than weather, road, or traffic conditions allow regardless of the posted limit.
- Never drive through or around a lane closure barrier. follow all orange signs and flagger instructions.
Key test point: Orange always means construction or work zone. If you see orange, reduce speed and increase following distance immediately.
9. New Jersey Railroad Crossings: Stop 15 Feet Out, Wait for Gates Up and Bells Stopped: Never Race a Train
When flashing red lights, ringing bells, descending or lowered gates, or flag signals are present at a New Jersey railroad crossing, stop at least 15 feet from the crossing. Do not cross until gates have been raised, bells have stopped ringing, and red lights have stopped flashing. If warning devices activate while you are already crossing, proceed immediately to the other side. Never race a train. most trains need more than a mile to stop at 60 mph.
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
NJ requires stopping at least 15 feet from the crossing; no parking within 50 feet; wait until gates raise, bells stop, and red lights stop before proceeding
- New Jersey railroad crossings are equipped with advance-warning signs, pavement markings, and in many cases flashing red lights, gates, and bells.
- Stop at least 15 feet from the crossing when flashing lights, bells, descending gates, or flag signals are present.
- Wait until gates are raised, bells have stopped, and red lights are off before crossing.
- If warning devices activate while you are already crossing, proceed immediately to the other side. do not stop on the tracks.
- No parking within 50 feet of a railroad crossing.
- School buses, buses, and hazmat vehicles must stop at all crossings even without warning signals. be prepared to stop when following these vehicles.
Key test point: NJ railroad stop = at least 15 feet. Wait for gates up, bells stopped, lights off. Proceed immediately if signals activate while crossing. All tested on the NJ MVC exam.
10. New Jersey School Bus Rules: Three Different Scenarios, Three Different Requirements: 25 Feet, 10 mph, or Stop
Pentagon-shaped school zone signs mark NJ school zones (default 25 mph). New Jersey has three school bus stop scenarios: (1) two-lane or multi-lane road with line-only separation. stop at least 25 feet away; (2) dual-lane highway with raised median. slow to 10 mph; (3) bus stopped directly in front of a school. may pass from either direction at no more than 10 mph. Do not depend solely on bus lights. they may malfunction.
School Zone
School ahead. be alert for children, reduce speed
School Speed Limit
NJ school zone = 25 mph default; school bus stop at least 25 feet; dual-lane highway with raised median = slow to 10 mph; bus in front of school = pass at max 10 mph
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
- Scenario 1. Two-lane or multi-lane road (lines only): Stop at least 25 feet from the bus. All motorists traveling behind or approaching must stop. Proceed only after bus signals are off. then watch for children or persons with developmental disabilities.
- Scenario 2. Dual-lane highway with safety island or raised median: Slow to 10 mph if you are on the other side of the median. You do not have to stop, but must reduce to 10 mph.
- Scenario 3. Bus stopped directly in front of a school: You may pass from either direction at no more than 10 mph. Watch for children entering or exiting.
- Do not depend on school bus lights. they may malfunction. Watch for the bus slowing and prepare to stop regardless.
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. New Jersey Pedestrian and Bike Signs: NJ Has Above-Average Pedestrian Fatality Rates: Know How to Share the Road
Pedestrians have right-of-way at New Jersey crosswalks. The NJ manual notes that pedestrian fatalities account for 27% of NJ traffic deaths. significantly above the 15% national average. The manual covers safely passing cyclists, recognizing bike lanes, navigating intersections with pedestrians and cyclists, and exiting a vehicle without endangering others. Both sign types use fluorescent yellow-green and are tested on the NJ MVC 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
- Pedestrians always have right-of-way in New Jersey crosswalks. NJ pedestrian fatalities account for 27% of traffic deaths. yield carefully at all marked and unmarked crosswalks.
- Know how to safely pass a cyclist: recognize bicycle lanes, pass safely when there is enough room, and exit your vehicle carefully (check for cyclists before opening the door).
- 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 New Jersey MVC 50-Question Test: 14 Languages, 3 Bus Scenarios and the 65 mph Double-Fine Rule
- 60 questions, need 40 correct (80%). Plus one survey question about organ donation. Available in 14 languages, ASL, and via oral headphones. Visit njmvc.gov for the full manual and practice resources.
- Three school bus scenarios. all tested. (1) Two-lane/multi-lane with line separation: stop 25 feet. (2) Dual highway with raised median: slow to 10 mph. (3) Bus in front of school: pass at max 10 mph from either direction. Know all three.
- Do not rely on bus lights. NJ law explicitly warns that school bus amber and red lights may malfunction. Watch for the bus slowing. that is your cue to stop, regardless of light status.
- Double fines in 65 mph zones. not work zones. New Jersey double-fine rule applies specifically to 65 mph zone violations (N.J.S.A. 39:4-98.6), not to work zones generally. Know the distinction.
- NJ speed limits. School zones/business/residential: 25 mph. Suburban business/residential: 35 mph. Non-posted rural: 50 mph. State highways (posted): 55 mph. Certain interstates (posted): 65 mph.
- Railroad: stop at 15 feet, wait for everything to clear. Gates up, bells stopped, lights off. all three must be confirmed before crossing. If signals activate while you are already crossing, proceed immediately.
- Pedestrian safety is a major NJ focus. NJ pedestrian deaths are 27% of traffic fatalities vs 15% nationally. pedestrian right-of-way rules, crosswalk yielding, and vehicle-exit safety (Dutch Reach) are emphasized in the manual and tested.
- Flashing signals. Flashing red = full stop. Flashing yellow = slow and yield.
- Yellow lines = opposing traffic. White lines = same direction. Universal rule, always tested.
- If your language is not offered, use an interpreter. You must first attempt the test in an offered language, but a state-approved interpreter can assist if you cannot pass in any offered language.
BY SHORO AI TECHNICAL TEAM | REVIEWED BY A USA CERTIFIED DRIVING INSTRUCTOR
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