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 50-question test (80% required). Written tests are currently offered in English, Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), French, Spanish, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Japanese, Hindi, Albanian, and Turkish; oral tests are offered in English and Spanish. 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 and in highway construction or repair areas under N.J.S.A. 39:4-203.5.

1. New Jersey MVC 50-Question Test 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 50-question knowledge test. 80% correct (40 of 50) to pass. Written tests are offered in English, Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), French, Spanish, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Japanese, Hindi, Albanian, and Turkish; oral tests are offered in English and Spanish. If the knowledge test is not available in your native language, MVC can arrange a state-contract interpreter when requested at the permit appointment. 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. 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)		Legal requirement; obey this sign or face fines and points on your record
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

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 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. 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. Orange signs mark construction and maintenance warnings; New Jersey law doubles fines for motor vehicle violations committed in roadway construction zones under N.J.S.A. 39:4-203.5.

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; slow down and stop or yield to pedestrians as required by New Jersey crosswalk law

Bicycle Crossing

Cyclists may cross here; slow down, watch for bicycles, and yield when required

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

An additional lane begins ahead; entering traffic has its own lane

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 keep right

Truck Rollover

High rollover risk for trucks on this curve or ramp; reduce speed

Weave Area

Lanes are entering and exiting; stay alert, check mirrors, and adjust speed

Advisory Speed

Recommended speed for the curve or condition ahead; reduce speed appropriately

Traffic Signal Ahead

A traffic light is ahead; reduce speed and be ready 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

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 leads to an exit only; stay if you are not exiting

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. New Jersey Traffic Signals: Flashing Yellow, Right Turn on Red and Lane-Control Signals

What does a flashing yellow light mean in New Jersey? Flashing red = stop. Flashing yellow = slow down and proceed with care. Unless a No Turn on Red sign is posted, New Jersey allows a right turn on red after a full stop and yielding to traffic and pedestrians.

New Jersey lane-control signals: on NJDOT hard-shoulder running sections, a green downward arrow means the shoulder is open as a travel lane and a red X means the shoulder is closed. Obey all accompanying lane-use signs.

Standard Traffic Lights

Steady Red

Stop at the stop line or before the crosswalk; unless a No Turn on Red sign is posted, a right turn may be made after a full stop and yielding

Steady Yellow

Slow down and prepare to stop; do not speed up to beat the light

Steady Green

Proceed if clear; yield to pedestrians and vehicles already in the intersection

Green Arrow (left)

Proceed only in the arrow direction; yield to pedestrians

Yellow Arrow (no left)

Protected turn is ending; stop or yield before turning

Red Arrow (no left)

Do not turn in the arrow direction; wait for the green arrow

Circular Green (no arrow)

Proceed if clear; a left turn may be made unless prohibited 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

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 full stop. A flashing yellow signal means slow down and proceed with care. Right turn on red is allowed after stopping and yielding unless a No Turn on Red sign is posted.

7. New Jersey Pavement Markings: Railroad Advance Markings, 50-Foot No-Parking Zones and Turnpike Lane Designations

Yellow center lines separate opposing traffic. White lane lines separate traffic moving in the same direction. The NJ MVC knowledge test covers lane lines, road arrows, 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 opposing traffic; never cross a solid yellow line to pass

White lines

Mark your lane boundaries; stay within the white lines

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

A solid white line may mark a lane boundary or roadway edge; a solid white line across the road may serve as a stop line

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

Pedestrian crossing zone; stop or yield to pedestrians as required by New Jersey crosswalk law

Broken white line (pavement)

You may change lanes if it is safe; check mirrors and signal first

Solid white line (pavement)

A solid white line may mark a lane boundary or roadway edge; a solid white line across the road may serve as a stop line

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.

8. New Jersey Work Zone Signs: Double Fines in Construction and Repair Areas

New Jersey law doubles traffic fines for motor vehicle violations committed in roadway construction zones under N.J.S.A. 39:4-203.5. Orange signs and temporary traffic-control devices mark construction and work areas. slow down and follow posted speed limits, flaggers, and all traffic-control instructions.

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 your headlights so workers and other motorists can see your vehicle

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 flaggers and all traffic control devices in New Jersey work zones.
• Traffic fines are doubled for motor vehicle violations committed in New Jersey roadway construction zones under N.J.S.A. 39:4-203.5.
• 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 is used for temporary traffic-control warnings in construction and maintenance areas. Reduce speed and follow posted instructions.

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.

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

• 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. Unless otherwise posted, the school-zone speed limit is 25 mph during recess when children are clearly visible from the roadway or while children are going to or leaving school during opening or closing hours. 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; reduce speed and watch for children

School Speed Limit

Obey the reduced speed limit posted in school zones

Speed Limit Lights Flashing

When a school-zone speed sign says “When Flashing,” obey the posted reduced speed while the beacons are flashing

School Crossing Ahead

School crosswalk ahead; yield to crossing guard and children

• 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: Marked vs Unmarked Crosswalks and the 4-Foot Safe Passing Law

At a marked crosswalk, New Jersey motorists must stop and remain stopped for a pedestrian crossing as required by N.J.S.A. 39:4-36. At an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection, motorists must yield to a crossing pedestrian. A pedestrian outside a marked crosswalk or an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection must yield to roadway traffic. The New Jersey Safe Passing Law also requires drivers approaching bicyclists and other vulnerable road users to move over a lane when possible or leave at least 4 feet when passing.

Pedestrian Crossing Sign

Crosswalk ahead; slow down and stop or yield to pedestrians as required by New Jersey crosswalk law

Bicycle Crossing Sign

Cyclists may cross here; slow down, watch for bicycles, and yield when required

No Bicycles

Cyclists must not enter; use an alternate route

No Pedestrian Crossing

Pedestrians must not cross here; use the nearest crosswalk

• At marked crosswalks, stop and remain stopped for crossing pedestrians as required by New Jersey law; at unmarked crosswalks at intersections, yield to crossing pedestrians.
• New Jersey Safe Passing Law: move over a lane when possible; otherwise leave at least 4 feet. If 4 feet is not possible, slow to 25 mph or a lower posted speed and be prepared to stop before passing safely.
• Fluorescent yellow-green is used for both school and pedestrian/bike signs. the shape distinguishes between them.

Key test point: New Jersey requires motorists to stop and remain stopped for pedestrians as required at marked crosswalks and to yield to pedestrians crossing at unmarked crosswalks at intersections.

12. How to Pass New Jersey MVC 50-Question Test: 3 Bus Scenarios and Double-Fine Rules

• 50 questions, need 40 correct (80%). Plus one survey question about organ donation. Written tests are currently listed in 13 languages, and oral tests are offered in English and Spanish. Visit njmvc.gov for the current language and interpreter options.
• Three school bus scenarios. (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 apply in both 65 mph zones and construction zones. N.J.S.A. 39:4-98.6 covers qualifying violations in 65 mph zones, while N.J.S.A. 39:4-203.5 doubles traffic fines for motor vehicle violations committed in roadway construction zones.
• NJ speed limits. Business/residential: 25 mph. School zones: 25 mph when the statutory school-zone conditions apply unless otherwise posted. 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.
• Marked vs unmarked crosswalks. Stop and remain stopped for pedestrians as required at marked crosswalks; yield to pedestrians crossing at unmarked crosswalks at intersections. When passing bicyclists or other vulnerable road users, follow New Jersey’s 4-foot Safe Passing Law.
• Flashing signals. Flashing red = full stop. Flashing yellow = slow down and proceed with care.
• Yellow center lines = opposing traffic. White lane lines = same direction.
• If your language is not offered, request an interpreter. MVC says a state-contract interpreter can be requested at the permit appointment; interpreter appointments are typically scheduled within four to six weeks.