The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is Regulatory.
Regulatory signs are the specific category of traffic signs designed to inform road users of traffic laws or regulations. These signs are mandatory, meaning all drivers must understand and obey them. Disobeying a regulatory sign constitutes a traffic violation and is enforceable by law enforcement. Common examples of regulatory signs include Stop signs, Yield signs, Speed Limit signs, Do Not Enter signs, and No Parking signs. Each of these directly communicates a specific law or rule that governs driver behavior at a particular location. The question asks which type of sign communicates laws that must be obeyed, and this is the primary and explicit function of regulatory signs. They control the flow of traffic and ensure safety by establishing clear, legally binding rules for everyone on the road.
The other options are incorrect for specific reasons. Warning signs, which are typically yellow and diamond shaped, are meant to alert drivers to potential hazards or changes in road conditions ahead, such as a sharp curve, a slippery surface, or a deer crossing. While it is wise to heed these warnings, they do not state a specific law in the same way a regulatory sign does. Construction signs, usually orange and black, are a type of warning sign that indicates temporary work zones. They alert drivers to detours, lane closures, and workers present. While they often include regulatory information, like reduced speed limits, their overall category function is to warn. Finally, the term “Traffic signs” is too general. It is an umbrella category that includes regulatory signs, warning signs, and guide signs. The question seeks the specific type of sign whose purpose is to communicate laws, making “Regulatory” the most precise and accurate answer.
