Road signs and what they mean

Stop

Drivers must come to a complete stop and wait until it is safe and their turn to go.

MUTCD code R1-1

Yield

Drivers must slow down, give way to traffic and pedestrians that have the right of way, and stop if needed.

MUTCD code R1-2

All Way plaque

This plaque under a stop sign tells drivers that traffic from every direction must stop.

MUTCD code R1-3P

Speed Limit

This sign shows the maximum speed allowed on that road in good conditions.

MUTCD code R2-1

No Right Turn

Drivers may not turn right at this place.

MUTCD code R3-1

No Left Turn

Drivers may not turn left at this place.

MUTCD code R3-2

No U-Turn

Drivers may not turn around to go back the way they came.

MUTCD code R3-4

No U-Turn or Left Turn

Drivers may not make a U-turn and may not turn left at this place.

MUTCD code R3-18

No Turns

Drivers may not turn left or right at this place.

MUTCD code R3-3

Bike Lane

A lane marked for bicycle riders. Other drivers should not use it for driving.

MUTCD code R3-17

Do Not Pass

Drivers may not pass other vehicles in this zone.

MUTCD code R4-1

Pass With Care

The no-passing zone has ended. Drivers may pass if it is safe.

MUTCD code R4-2

Slower Traffic Keep Right

Slower vehicles should stay in the right lane so faster traffic can pass on the left.

MUTCD code R4-3

Keep Right Except to Pass

On a road with two lanes in one direction, drive in the right lane except when passing another vehicle.

MUTCD code R4-16

Keep Right

There is an obstacle or island ahead. Drivers must pass it on the right side.

MUTCD code R4-7

Keep Left

There is an obstacle or island ahead. Drivers must pass it on the left side.

MUTCD code R4-8

Stay in Lane

Drivers must stay in their lane and not switch lanes in this area.

MUTCD code R4-9

Do Not Enter

Drivers may not enter this road or ramp from this direction.

MUTCD code R5-1

Wrong Way

Drivers are heading the wrong way on a one-way road or ramp.

MUTCD code R5-1a

No Trucks

Trucks may not use this road.

MUTCD code R5-2

No Motor Vehicles

Cars, trucks and other motor vehicles may not use this road or path.

MUTCD code R5-3

No Bicycles

Bicycle riders may not use this road or path.

MUTCD code R5-6

No Pedestrian Crossing

Pedestrians may not cross the road at this place.

MUTCD code R9-3

No Hitchhiking

People may not stand in the road to ask drivers for a ride.

MUTCD code R9-4

One Way

Traffic on this road may move only in the direction of the arrow.

MUTCD code R6-1

Reserved Parking

This space is reserved for vehicles with a disability permit or plate.

MUTCD code R7-8

No Parking

Drivers may not park in this area. The sign may show times or limits.

MUTCD code R8-3

No Stopping on Pavement

Drivers may not stop on the pavement. Use the shoulder if you must stop.

MUTCD code R8-5

Stop Here on Red

When the signal is red, drivers must stop at the stop line and not go past it.

MUTCD code R10-6

No Turn on Red

Drivers may not turn on a red light at this place, even if turns on red are normally allowed.

MUTCD code R10-11

Left Turn Yield on Green

A driver turning left on a green light must give way to oncoming traffic.

MUTCD code R10-12

Turning Traffic Must Yield to Pedestrians

Drivers who turn must give way to people walking in the crosswalk.

MUTCD code R10-15

Road Closed

The road is closed to all traffic.

MUTCD code R11-2

Road Closed to Through Traffic

The road is closed to through traffic. Only people going to places along it may enter.

MUTCD code R11-4

Sidewalk Closed

People on foot may not use this sidewalk.

MUTCD code R9-9

Weight Limit

Vehicles heavier than the posted weight may not use this road or bridge.

MUTCD code R12-1

Truck Weigh Station

Trucks and commercial vehicles must pull into the weigh station ahead.

MUTCD code R13-1

Two-Way Left Turn Only

The center lane is shared by traffic from both directions and is used only for left turns.

MUTCD code R3-9a

Yield to Bikes at Turn Lane

Where a right-turn lane starts, drivers must yield to bicycle riders going straight.

MUTCD code R4-4

Right Turn

The road ahead makes a sharp turn to the right.

MUTCD code W1-1R

Left Turn

The road ahead makes a sharp turn to the left.

MUTCD code W1-1L

Right Curve

The road ahead curves to the right.

MUTCD code W1-2R

Left Curve

The road ahead curves to the left.

MUTCD code W1-2L

Reverse Turn

Two turns in opposite directions are ahead. The first is to the right.

MUTCD code W1-3R

Reverse Curve

Two curves in opposite directions are ahead. The first is to the right.

MUTCD code W1-4R

Winding Road

The road ahead has three or more curves in a row.

MUTCD code W1-5R

One-Direction Large Arrow

A wide black arrow shows drivers which way the road turns at a sharp curve.

MUTCD code W1-6

Two-Direction Large Arrow

A black arrow with two heads shows drivers they can only go left or right at a T-shaped end.

MUTCD code W1-7

Chevron Alignment

Chevrons placed along a curve show the path of the road. They help drivers see the curve at night.

MUTCD code W1-8

Crossroad

A road crosses this road ahead, so there is an intersection with four ways.

MUTCD code W2-1

Side Road

A smaller road joins this road from the right ahead.

MUTCD code W2-2R

Side Road (Left)

A smaller road joins this road from the left ahead.

MUTCD code W2-2L

T Intersection

The road you are on ends at another road. You must turn left or right.

MUTCD code W2-4

Y Intersection

The road ahead forks into two roads that angle away from each other.

MUTCD code W2-5

Circular Intersection

A circular intersection (roundabout) is ahead. Traffic moves around a center island.

MUTCD code W2-6

Stop Ahead

A stop sign is coming up that you may not see in time.

MUTCD code W3-1

Yield Ahead

A yield sign is coming up.

MUTCD code W3-2

Signal Ahead

A traffic signal is coming up that you may not see in time.

MUTCD code W3-3

Reduced Speed Limit Ahead

The posted speed limit will be lower ahead.

MUTCD code W3-5

Merge

A lane from the right joins your road ahead.

MUTCD code W4-1R

Lane Ends

The right lane will end, and traffic in it must move left.

MUTCD code W4-2R

Added Lane

A lane is added on the right, and traffic from a side road may use it.

MUTCD code W4-3R

Road Narrows

The pavement becomes narrower ahead.

MUTCD code W5-1

Narrow Bridge

The bridge ahead is not as wide as the road.

MUTCD code W5-2

One Lane Bridge

Traffic from both directions must take turns to cross the bridge.

MUTCD code W5-3

Divided Highway

Ahead, the road splits into two roadways separated by a median.

MUTCD code W6-1

Divided Highway Ends

The divided road ends, and traffic will use one two-way road.

MUTCD code W6-2

Two-Way Traffic

A one-way road or divided road ahead becomes a road with traffic in both directions.

MUTCD code W6-3

Hill

A steep downgrade is ahead, so trucks and other vehicles may need low gears.

MUTCD code W7-1

Bump

A bump or raised spot is in the road ahead.

MUTCD code W8-1

Dip

The road dips down ahead, and water may collect there.

MUTCD code W8-2

Pavement Ends

The paved surface ends ahead and the road becomes gravel or dirt.

MUTCD code W8-3

Soft Shoulder

The shoulder is soft and may not hold a vehicle.

MUTCD code W8-4

Slippery When Wet

The road becomes slippery when it is wet.

MUTCD code W8-5

Loose Gravel

The road surface has loose gravel that can make tires slip or throw stones.

MUTCD code W8-7

Low Shoulder

The shoulder is lower than the road surface.

MUTCD code W8-9

Uneven Lanes

The surface of one lane is higher than the next lane.

MUTCD code W8-11

Bicycle Crossing

Bicycle riders may be in or crossing the road ahead.

MUTCD code W11-1

Pedestrian Crossing

Pedestrians may cross the road ahead.

MUTCD code W11-2

Deer Crossing

Deer often cross the road in this area.

MUTCD code W11-3

Cattle Crossing

Farm animals such as cattle may cross or be on the road.

MUTCD code W11-4

Farm Machinery

Slow farm equipment may be on or crossing the road.

MUTCD code W11-5

Fire Station

A fire station is ahead, so emergency vehicles may enter the road.

MUTCD code W11-8

Truck Crossing

Trucks often enter or cross the road ahead.

MUTCD code W11-10

Double Arrow

The road is split by an obstacle. Traffic may pass on either side.

MUTCD code W12-1

Advisory Speed

This plaque under a warning sign gives the speed that is comfortable for the hazard ahead. It is advice, not the speed limit.

MUTCD code W13-1P

Dead End

The road has no through route at its end.

MUTCD code W14-1

No Outlet

The side road does not connect to any other road.

MUTCD code W14-2

No Passing Zone

This pennant on the left side of the road marks the start of a zone where passing is not allowed.

MUTCD code W14-3

Speed Hump

A speed hump is ahead to slow traffic.

MUTCD code W17-1

No Traffic Signs

The road ahead has no traffic signs or signals, so drivers must use extra care.

MUTCD code W18-1

School

The sign marks a school zone or school crossing. Children may be walking or crossing.

MUTCD code S1-1

Downward Diagonal Arrow

This plaque under a school sign points down to the exact crosswalk.

MUTCD code W16-7P

Ahead Plaque

This plaque under a warning sign tells drivers the hazard is just ahead.

MUTCD code W16-9P

School Bus Stop Ahead

A school bus may stop ahead to pick up or let off children.

MUTCD code S3-1

Road Work Ahead

A work zone is ahead, with workers and equipment near the road.

MUTCD code W20-1

Detour Ahead

The usual road is closed ahead and traffic is sent along another route.

MUTCD code W20-2

Road Closed Ahead

The road is closed ahead, so drivers need to plan another route.

MUTCD code W20-3

One Lane Road Ahead

Only one lane is open ahead, and traffic from both directions takes turns.

MUTCD code W20-4

Right Lane Closed Ahead

The right lane is closed ahead, so those drivers must move left.

MUTCD code W20-5R

Flagger Ahead

A person with a flag or paddle is directing traffic ahead.

MUTCD code W20-7

Workers

Road workers are close to the traffic lanes.

MUTCD code W21-1

Fresh Oil

The road has been treated with fresh oil or tar and may be slippery or messy.

MUTCD code W21-2

Road Machinery Ahead

Heavy road machines are working ahead.

MUTCD code W21-3

Right Shoulder Closed

Work is taking place on the right shoulder, so it is not available.

MUTCD code W21-5R

Utility Work Ahead

Crews who fix power or water lines are working ahead.

MUTCD code W21-7

Blasting Zone Ahead

Explosives are used ahead. Radio transmitters can set them off.

MUTCD code W22-1

Slow Traffic Ahead

Traffic ahead is slow or stopped because of work.

MUTCD code W23-1

End Road Work

This sign marks the end of the work zone.

MUTCD code G20-2

Pilot Car Follow Me

A pilot car leads traffic through a single lane in the work zone.

MUTCD code G20-4

Road Closed, Local Traffic Only

The road ahead is closed, except for people who live or work along it.

MUTCD code R11-3a

Railroad Crossing (Crossbuck)

The road crosses railroad tracks. Drivers must give way to trains.

MUTCD code R15-1

Number of Tracks

This plaque under a crossbuck gives the number of railroad tracks at the crossing.

MUTCD code R15-2P

Exempt

This plaque tells certain vehicles, such as school buses, that they are not required to stop at the crossing.

MUTCD code R15-3P

Do Not Stop on Tracks

Drivers must not stop with any part of the vehicle on the railroad tracks.

MUTCD code R8-8

Tracks Out of Service

The tracks at this crossing are not in use at this time.

MUTCD code R8-9

Stop Here When Flashing

When the crossing lights are flashing, drivers must stop at this sign.

MUTCD code R8-10

Railroad Crossing Ahead

A railroad crossing is coming up. Be ready to slow down or stop for a train.

MUTCD code W10-1

Telephone

The service sign shows that a telephone is available nearby.

MUTCD code D9-1

Hospital

The service sign shows that a hospital with emergency care is nearby.

MUTCD code D9-2

Camping

The service sign shows that a campground is available nearby.

MUTCD code D9-3

Gas

The service sign shows that a gas station is nearby.

MUTCD code D9-7

Food

The service sign shows that a restaurant is nearby.

MUTCD code D9-8

Lodging

The service sign shows that a hotel or motel is nearby.

MUTCD code D9-9

Tourist Information

The service sign shows that tourist information is available.

MUTCD code D9-10

Rest Area

A rest area with places to stop and rest is ahead.

MUTCD code D5-1

Street Name

A green sign with white letters tells the name of a street.

MUTCD code D3-1