Sign Drivers Common Traffic Red Means Park People

When driving in the United States, you will see a lot of different "traffic signs" (signs that give information to drivers). Many traffic signs are "obvious" (easy to understand), but other signs don't have words and can be more difficult to understand.

For example, this sign is just the letter P with a red circle around it and a red "diagonal" (from one corner to another) line through it. This is the "no-parking" sign and it means that cars may not park there at any time. Drivers who park near this sign are given a "ticket," which is a small piece of paper given by the police when one has done something wrong. People who get a parking ticket usually have to pay a "fine" (money paid to the government when one has done something wrong).

This sign is a "no hitch-hiking" sign. It means that drivers are not allowed to "give rides" (let someone ride in their car) to "hitch-hikers," which are people who stand on the side of the road and hold out their hand and "thumb" (the biggest finger on one's hand) as shown in the picture on the sign, asking drivers to take them somewhere. Hitch-hiking isn't as common in the U.S. anymore, probably because it can be dangerous, both for the drivers and the hitch-hiker.

Finally, this "railroad-crossing" sign is a "warning" (a message letting someone know that there is danger) to drivers, letting them know that "railroad tracks" (a special road for trains) go across the road. Drivers who see this sign should slow down and look carefully for trains. If they see a train nearby, they should stop and wait for the train to pass before they "cross" (go across) the railroad tracks.