Road Sign Encyclopedia

Yield sign: what does it mean?

Discover the Yield sign.

Meaning, definition, shape, location, color, and more.

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A yield sign is a regulatory traffic sign that instructs drivers to slow down and, if necessary, stop to allow other road users (vehicles and pedestrians) the right-of-way before proceeding. Characterized by its inverted triangle shape, the sign has a red border, a white background, and prominently displays the word "YIELD." It signals the requirement to assess and yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians, ensuring safe passage. The primary goal of a yield sign is to facilitate a smooth flow of traffic at intersections without stop signals, ensuring that drivers give precedence to others.

It's a regulatory sign. At a yield sign, drivers must slow down.

Shape: downward-pointing triangle
Yield signs are shaped like triangles pointing downward
Location: at intersections
Usually posted at intersections where two roadways merge
Color: always red and white
The outside is red; the middle is white

If a yield line is painted on the pavement,

the drivers must yield the right-of-way before crossing the yield line. The drivers may proceed only after yielding and only when it’s safe to do so.



Yield (verb)
: To give up (an advantage, for example) to another; concede.

Real-life examples

In the wild

Things to remember

  • “Yield” means let other road users go first.
  • It’s not just other cars. Don’t forget about bicycles and pedestrians.
  • Unlike with stop signs, drivers aren’t required to come to a complete stop at a yield sign and may proceed without stopping -- provided that it is safe to do so.
  • Vehicles on the roundabout (coming from the left) have priority over those entering it, who are faced with a Yield sign.
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