What does this figure mean?

• A. A pedestrian crossing is ahead; vehicles must yield
• B. A crosswalk with a pedestrian signal ahead; obey signals
• C. Traffic island ahead; merge left
• D. Bump ahead; slow down

Answer: (A)

This figure signals a pedestrian crossing ahead. When you see it, you should slow down and be prepared to stop to let pedestrians cross, since they have the right of way in crosswalks. The wording “vehicles must yield” emphasizes that you must yield to anyone in or about to enter the crosswalk.

This is not about pedestrian signals or walk/don’t-walk lights, so it isn’t indicating a crosswalk with a signal to obey. It also isn’t pointing to a traffic island or a bump—those would be depicted by different signs showing an island or a bump and instructing merging or slowing appropriately.