SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/drive-red-reflectors-wrong-way

Driving at night, the road reflectors ahead glow RED in your headlights. What does that mean?

You are going the wrong way.

  1. A sharp curve ahead
  2. A school zone
  3. You are going the wrong way ✔

Why: Red raised markers face drivers going the wrong way on one-way roads and ramps. If you see red, pull over safely and turn around when it is safe.

Huh, didn't know that: Red markers are also used to mark truck escape ramps.

The dad joke
Why did the reflector blush red? It caught someone going the wrong way.
Like this card?
Play the game

References

Answer: You are going the wrong way. Red raised markers face drivers going the wrong way on one-way roads and ramps. If you see red, pull over safely and turn around when it is safe.

  1. California Driver's Handbook, Section 7 www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/handbook/california-driver-handbook/laws-and-rules-of-the-road
    you will know you are going the wrong way if the road reflectors shine red in your headlights.
    Checked 2026-10-09.
  2. MUTCD 11th Edition with Revision 1, Section 3A.03 mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/pdfs/11th_Editionr1/mutcd11theditionr1hl.pdf
    red raised pavement markers or delineators shall delineate: A. Truck escape ramps, or B. One-way roadways, ramps, or travel lanes
    Checked 2026-10-09.

Think this answer is wrong? Tap "Challenge this answer" on the card in the game and tell us why.

Test yourself in the game

Cars & DrivingYellow lines on the road separate traffic moving which way?Cars & DrivingOn a divided highway, what color is the edge line on your LEFT side?Cars & DrivingOn a two-lane road, a broken yellow line is on your side of the center. What does it allow?

That's stuff everyone should know.