What is the purpose of a yield sign?

A yield sign is specifically designed to indicate that drivers must give way to oncoming traffic or pedestrians in certain scenarios. The main purpose of this sign is to ensure that vehicles understand they need to slow down and prepare to stop if necessary, allowing others to proceed safely. This is particularly important at intersections or when merging onto another road, where the risk of collision increases.

While a yield sign does not instruct drivers to stop completely unless necessary, it signifies that caution is required, and one must be prepared to yield the right of way. It does not restrict movements to right turns only or strictly warn of an upcoming intersection, although those functions might be implied in certain contexts. Therefore, understanding the primary role of the yield sign in traffic management is essential for safe driving practices.