Traffic Signs That Are Triangles
by Lindsey FisherUpdated June 06, 2023
Triangular traffic signs are not as common as other shapes, like the rectangle or diamond, but are still important to know about. Whether it’s a triangle pointing downwards, upwards or to the side, otherwise called a pennant, the triangular traffic sign is used as a warning sign.
Downward-Facing Triangles
The most common triangular sign is the "Yield" sign. This white sign edged in red is put at intersections where one direction of traffic has the right-of-way over another. This sign was once bright yellow with black lettering but was changed to red and white in 1971.
Pennants
A less-known traffic sign is the pennant, which is a triangle that faces to the side rather than up or down. This traffic sign is used for “No Passing Zone” warnings. These signs are used when passing is unsafe on the road.
Upward Facing Triangles
Many triangle-shaped traffic signs come in both triangles and other shapes. These signs include “Slippery When Wet” signs, “Road Work” signs and animal warning signs. Most of the triangular-shaped signs with these purposes are found in Europe rather than the United States.
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Writer Bio
Lindsey Fisher began writing professionally in 2010. Fisher has been published in the online magazine “Domestic Driver.” She graduated from Colorado State University with a Bachelor of Arts in journalism and technical communications with a minor in sociology.
