Bump Sign
There is a bump or rough spot in the road ahead
What to do
Slow down to keep control and comfort over the bump.
Tips
Reduce speed before, not on, the bump.
Common mistake
Hitting the bump at full speed
About warning signs
Warning signs are diamond-shaped and yellow with black symbols. They alert you to hazards ahead — curves, intersections, crossings — so you have time to slow down. On the DMV written test, expect several questions asking what a specific warning sign means and what action it calls for.
Real test questions about this sign
When a driver on an on-ramp is trying to merge, but the freeway traffic is bumper-to-bumper with no gap, the freeway driver should:
- A. Accelerate to prevent merging — it is the merging driver's problem
- B. If safe, create a gap by adjusting speed — drivers with room should cooperate with merging vehicles
- C. The on-ramp driver must stop and wait for a gap to develop
- D. Flash headlights to signal the merging driver to wait
Show answer
B. If safe, create a gap by adjusting speed — drivers with room should cooperate with merging vehicles — Cooperative driving: if you have space, adjust your speed to create a gap for a merging driver. While the merging driver is legally required to yield, helping them merge reduces the risk of a crash at the ramp end.
How much space should you leave between your front bumper and the nearest rail when stopping at a railroad crossing?
- A. Right at the rail — the line painted on the road
- B. 5-15 feet from the nearest rail to leave room for your vehicle if you are rear-ended
- C. 3 feet
- D. As close as possible to see both directions
Show answer
B. 5-15 feet from the nearest rail to leave room for your vehicle if you are rear-ended — Stop at least 5-15 feet from the nearest rail. This prevents your vehicle from being pushed onto the tracks if rear-ended. At a crossbuck (cross sign), stop at the stop line, which is typically 15 feet from the tracks.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Bump Sign mean?
There is a bump or rough spot in the road ahead
What should you do at a Bump Sign?
Slow down to keep control and comfort over the bump.