Road signs in the United States

Map showing state adoption of the 2009 edition of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices:

  Adopted national MUTCD

  Adopted national MUTCD with state supplement

  Adopted state-specific MUTCD

In the United States, road signs are, for the most part, standardized by federal regulations, most notably in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) and its companion volume the Standard Highway Signs (SHS).

There are no plans for adopting the Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals standards. The 1971 MUTCD adopted several Vienna Convention-inspired symbol signs with the intent to transition to symbols in lieu of words as "rapidly as possible", but U.S. drivers were baffled by symbol signs. The language about "rapidly" transitioning to symbols was removed in the 1978 MUTCD. The result was to effectively freeze several measures intended to be temporary until U.S. drivers could learn the relevant symbols' meanings. For example, the "Do Not Enter" word message is not found on the Vienna Convention's equivalent sign. Two symbol signs were eliminated, respectively, in the 2000 and 2003 MUTCDs (thereby requiring use of the previous word message signs): Pavement Ends and Narrow Bridge.

Eighteen states use the manual without alterations; 22 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico have adopted it in conjunction with a supplemental volume; and ten states have a state version in substantial conformance to the MUTCD. The MUTCD and SHS establish seven categories of signs for road and highway use, as follows: (The list does not cover all situations; the signage is from the national MUTCD unless specified):

Regulatory signs

Regulatory signs give instructions to motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists. Signs including Stop, Yield, No Turns, No Trucks, No Parking, No Stopping, Minimum Speed, Right Turn Only, Do Not Enter, Weight Limit, and Speed Limit are considered regulatory signs. Some have special shapes, such as the octagon for the Stop sign and the crossbuck for railroad crossings. Some signs can be localized, such as No Parking, and some are found only in state and local jurisdictions, as they are based on state or local laws, such as New York City's "Don't Block the Box" signs. These signs are in the R series of signs in the MUTCD and typically in the R series in most state supplements or state MUTCDs.

R1 series: Stop and yield

The MUTCD's R1 series is for Stop and Yield. As not all situations are covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD. The 4-WAY and 3-WAY plaques (R1-3) were deprecated in the 2009 Edition of the MUTCD in favor of the ALL WAY plaque (R1-3P).

• 
  R1-1: Stop
• 
  PR R1-1 Stop (Puerto Rico)
• 
  R1-2: Yield
• 
  R1-2aP: To oncoming traffic (plaque)
• 
  R1-3P: All way (plaque)
• 
  R1-5: Yield here to pedestrians
• 
  R1-5a: Yield here to pedestrians
• 
  R1-5b: Stop here for pedestrians
• 
  R1-5c: Stop here for pedestrians
• 
  R1-6: In-street pedestrian crossing
• 
  R1-6a: In-street pedestrian crossing
• 
  R1-6b: In-street school crossing
• 
  R1-6c: In-street school crossing
• 
  R1-7: Wait on stop
• 
  R1-8: Go on slow
• 
  R1-9: Overhead pedestrian crossing
• 
  R1-9a: Overhead pedestrian crossing
• 
  R1-10P: Except right turn (plaque)

R2 series: Speed limit

The MUTCD's R2 series is for speed limit signs. Some state supplements and state MUTCDs place various speed limit signs in other series. As all situations are not covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD. Speed limits in the United States are always in miles per hour. Metric speed limit signs in kilometers per hour used to be authorized but extremely rare, usually seen near the borders with Canada and Mexico, both of which use the metric system. They have been discontinued as of 2012. Many states, however, disallow the use of metric signs on state-maintained roads due to MUTCD restrictions, increasing the rarity of such signs.

• 
  R2-1: Speed limit
• 
  R2-1: Speed limit (metric)
• 
  R2-2P: Truck speed limit (plaque)
• 
  R2-2P: Truck speed limit (metric)
• 
  R2-3P: Night speed limit (plaque)
• 
  R2-3P: Night speed limit (metric)
• 
  R2-4P: Minimum speed limit (plaque)
• 
  R2-4P: Minimum speed limit (metric)
• 
  R2-4a: Combined speed limit
• 
  R2-5P: Unless otherwise posted (plaque)
• 
  R2-6bP: $XX fine (plaque)
• 
  R2-10: Begin higher/double fines
• 
  R2-11: End double/higher fines

R3 series: Lane usage and turns

The MUTCD's R3 series of signs is for lane usage and turn signs. As all situations are not covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.

• 
  No right turn
• 
  No right turn across tracks
• 
  No left turn
• 
  No left turn across tracks
• 
  No turns
• 
  No U-turn
• 
  Left turn only
• 
  Right turn only
• 
  Straight through only
• 
  Left lane (plaque)
• 
  Center lane (plaque)
• 
  Right lane (plaque)
• 
  Bus lane (plaque)
• 
  Optional movement lane control, straight through and left turn
• 
  Optional movement lane control, straight through and right turn
• 
  Left lane must turn left
• 
  Right lane must turn right
• 
  Advance intersection lane control (two lanes)
• 
  Advance intersection lane control (three lanes)
• 
  Advance intersection lane control (three lanes)
• 
  Two-way left turn only (overhead)
• 
  Two-way left turn only (post-mounted)
• 
  Reversible lane control (overhead)
• 
  Reversible lane control (post-mounted)
• 
  Advance reversible lane control transition
• 
  Advance reversible lane control transition
• 
  End reverse lane
• 
  Preferential lane vehicle occupancy definition (post-mounted)
• 
  Preferential lane vehicle occupancy definition (post-mounted)
• 
  Preferential lane operation, high-occupancy vehicles (post-mounted)
• 
  Preferential lane operation, high-occupancy vehicles (post-mounted)
• 
  Preferential lane operation (post-mounted)
• 
  Preferential lane operation, high-occupancy vehicles, full-time (post-mounted)
• 
  Preferential lane ahead, high-occupancy vehicles (post-mounted)
• 
  Preferential lane ends, high-occupancy vehicles (post-mounted)
• 
  Preferential lane ends, high-occupancy vehicles (post-mounted)
• 
  Preferential lane vehicle occupancy definition (overhead)
• 
  Preferential lane vehicle occupancy definition (overhead)
• 
  HOV lane operation (overhead)
• 
  HOV lane operation (overhead)
• 
  HOV lane operation (overhead)
• 
  HOV lane ahead (overhead)
• 
  HOV lane begins XX miles (overhead)
• 
  Bike lane
• 
  No U or left turn
• 
  All turns from right lane (used at jughandles)
• 
  All turns (diagonal right arrow) (used at jughandles)
• 
  U and left turns (diagonal right arrow) (used at jughandles)
• 
  No straight through
• 
  Pay toll (plaque)
• 
  Right lane must exit

R4 series: Regulation of movement

The MUTCD's R4 series of signs is for the regulation of movement signs. As all situations are not covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.

• 
  Do not pass
• 
  Pass with care
• 
  Slower traffic keep right
• 
  Begin right turn lane yield to bikes
• 
  Trucks use right lane
• 
  Truck lane 500 feet
• 
  Keep right
• 
  Keep right
• 
  Keep right
• 
  Keep right of obstacle
• 
  Keep left
• 
  Keep left
• 
  Keep left
• 
  Keep left of obstacle
• 
  Stay in lane
• 
  Runaway vehicles only
• 
  Cyclists may use full lane
• 
  Slow vehicles with five or more following vehicles must use turn-out
• 
  Slow vehicles must use turn-out ahead
• 
  Slow vehicles must turn out
• 
  Keep right except to pass
• 
  Do not drive on shoulder
• 
  Do not pass on shoulder

R5 series: Exclusionary

The MUTCD's R5 series of signs is for exclusionary signs. As all situations are not covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD. The most common of these signs is the do not enter sign.

• 
  Do not enter
• 
  Wrong way
• 
  Wrong way for bicycles
• 
  No trucks
• 
  No motorized vehicles
• 
  No commercial vehicles
• 
  No lugged vehicles
• 
  No bicycles
• 
  No non-motorized traffic
• 
  No motor driven cycles
• 
  No pedestrians, bicycles or motor driven cycles
• 
  No pedestrians, bicycles or motor driven cycles on freeway
• 
  No pedestrians or bicycles
• 
  No pedestrians
• 
  No unauthorized vehicles

R6 series: One way and divided highway

The MUTCD's R6 series of signs is for one way and divided highway signs. As all situations are not covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD. The most common of these signs is the One Way sign.

• 
  One way
• 
  One way, alternate
• 
  Divided highway crossing
• 
  Divided highway crossing, T-intersection
• 
  Chevron roundabout directional
• 
  Chevron roundabout (three chevrons)
• 
  Chevron roundabout (four chevrons)

R7 series: Parking

The MUTCD allows for three types of parking signs: permissive, No Parking, and No Standing. However, in most states, there is an additional more restrictive one, No Stopping. These signs are found in the R7 series of signs in the MUTCD. As all situations are not covered, several states and local governments have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD. Permissive parking signs allow for parking for either an unlimited or varied amount of time. They are often used in conjunction with parking meters and parking permits. They are specified by the MUTCD to be green on white. Local variations occur with additional information and slightly different designs. No Parking signs indicate that loading or unloading while temporarily stopped is permitted, but the driver must not leave the vicinity of the vehicle. Some No Parking signs display time restrictions, while others are permanent restrictions. There are also temporary versions of the signs, often of similar design to the permanent ones. These signs are specified by the MUTCD to be red on white, although local variations occur. No Standing signs indicate that stopping temporarily to load or unload passengers is allowed, but vehicles cannot be stopped at the location for longer periods of time, even if the driver remains with the vehicle. As with no parking signs, some restrictions displayed on the signs are permanent, and some are time-based.

• 
  No parking any time
• 
  No parking from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm
• 
  No parking from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm (alternative)
• 
  No parking except Sundays and Holidays
• 
  No standing any time
• 
  one hour parking time
• 
  Two hour parking time
• 
  No parking, loading zone
• 
  Parking fee station
• 
  Reserved parking (wheelchair)
• 
  Van accessible
• 
  No parking, bus stop
• 
  Parking pay parking
• 
  No parking and one hour parking time (combined)
• 
  Tow away zone

R8 series: Parking and emergency restrictions

The MUTCD's R8 series of signs is for parking restriction and emergency restriction signs. As all situations are not covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.

• 
  No parking on pavement
• 
  No parking
• 
  Exception of Sundays and holidays
• 
  On tracks plaque
• 
  Except on shoulder plaque
• 
  Loading zone
• 
  No stopping on pavement
• 
  Stop here when flashing

R9 series: Bicycles and pedestrians

The MUTCD's R9 series of signs is for bicycle and pedestrian signs. As all situations are not covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.

• 
  Walk on left facing traffic
• 
  Cross only at cross walks
• 
  No pedestrians
• 
  No hitch hiking
• 
  Bicycles left pedestrians right
• 
  Sidewalk Closed Use Other Side
• 
  No skaters
• 
  No equestrians

R10 series: Traffic signal

The MUTCD's R10 series of signs is for traffic signal related signs. As all situations are not covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.

• 
  Push button for walk signal
• 
  Crosswalk signal instructions
• 
  Stop here on red
• 
  Stop here on red (alternate)
• 
  Do not block intersection
• 
  Left turn signal
• 
  No turn on red
• 
  Left turn yield on green
• 
  Turning vehicles yield to pedestrians
• 
  Right on red arrow after stop
• 
  Bicycles to request green wait on line
• 
  Push button to turn on warning lights
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  Left turn yield on flashing yellow arrow, version 1
• 
  Left turn yield on flashing arrow, version 2

R11 series: Road closed

The MUTCD's R11 series of signs is for road closure-related signs. As all situations are not covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.

• 
  Road closed
• 
  Road closed XX miles ahead
• 
  Bridge out XX miles ahead

R12 series: Weight limits

The MUTCD's R12 series of signs is for weight limit-related signs. As all situations are not covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.

• 
  Weight limit
• 
  Axle weight limit
• 
  Truck weight limit
• 
  Weight limit with per axle and gross
• 
  Weight limit with truck symbols

R13 series: Weigh stations

The MUTCD's R13 series of signs is for weigh station related signs. As all situations are not covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.

• 
  Trucks over X tons must enter weigh station next right

R14 series: Truck routes

The MUTCD's R14 series of signs is for truck route-related signs. As not all situations are covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.

• 
  Truck route sign
• 
  Hazardous material route
• 
  Hazardous material prohibited
• 
  National Network Route
• 
  National Network prohibited

R15 series: Rail and light rail

The MUTCD's R15 series of signs is for rail- and light rail-related signs. As all situations are not covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.

• 
  Railroad crossing (crossbuck)
• 
  Three tracks
• 
  This railroad stop is exempt from the horn blowing
• 
  Light rail only in right lane
• 
  Light rail only in left lane
• 
  Light rail only in center lane
• 
  Do not pass stopped trains
• 
  Do not drive on tracks
• 
  Divided highway transit rail crossing
• 
  Divided highway transit rail crossing (T-intersection)
• 
  Look both ways at track

R16 series: Seat belts and headlight use

The MUTCD's R16 series of signs is for seat belt and headlight use-related signs. As all situations are not covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.

• 
  Wear seat belt
• 
  Lights on when raining
• 
  Check headlights
• 
  Turn on headlights
• 
  Fender bender

Warning signs

Warning signs are found in the W series of the national MUTCD. They highlight existing conditions, such as a curve, school, dead end street, or traffic signal. They can also warn of possible danger such as bumps, bicycles, low flying aircraft, or emergency vehicles. They are either yellow or fluorescent yellow in color and, with a few exceptions, are usually diamond-shaped and sometimes have square or rectangular smaller signs or plaques associated with them. Most W series signs can also be found with orange backgrounds for temporary use in situations such as construction zones. Some of the temporary-use signs are for use only in temporary situations.

W1 series: Horizontal alignment

The MUTCD's W1 series of signs is for warning signs relating to horizontal alignment. As not all situations are covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.

• 
  Turn
• 
  Curve
• 
  Reverse turn
• 
  Reverse curve
• 
  Single lane shift (left -> right)
• 
  Single lane shift (right -> left)
• 
  Double lane shift (left -> right)
• 
  Double lane shift (right -> left)
• 
  Triple lane shift (left -> right)
• 
  Triple lane shift (right -> left)
• 
  Winding road
• 
  Arrow
• 
  Double arrow
• 
  Chevron
• 
  Curve with side road
• 
  Curve with crossroad
• 
  Hairpin curve
• 
  Truck rollover warning
• 
  270 degree loop curve

W2 series: Intersections

The MUTCD's W2 series of signs is for warning signs relating to intersections. As not all situations are covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.

• 
  Crossroad
• 
  Side road left
• 
  Side road right
• 
  Slanted side road left
• 
  Slanted side road right
• 
  T-intersection
• 
  Y-intersection
• 
  Roundabout
• 
  Offset side roads
• 
  Double side roads

W3 series: Advance traffic control

The MUTCD's W3 series of signs is for warning signs relating to advance traffic controls. As all situations are not covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD. The MUTCD provides options for graphic and text signs.

• 
  Stop sign ahead
• 
  Yield sign ahead
• 
  Traffic lights ahead
• 
  Be prepared to stop
• 
  Speed limit ahead
• 
  Speed zone ahead
• 
  Draw bridge ahead
• 
  Ramp meter ahead
• 
  Ramp metered when flashing

W4 series: Lanes and merges

The MUTCD's W4 series of signs is for warning signs relating to lane merges and added lanes, as well as lane endings. As all situations are not covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.

• 
  Merge
• 
  Lane ends
• 
  Added left lane
• 
  Added right lane
• 
  Cross traffic does not stop
• 
  Merge (entering roadway)
• 
  No merge area
• 
  Added left lane (entering roadway)
• 
  Added right lane (entering roadway)

W5 series: Road width restrictions

The MUTCD's W5 series of signs is for warning signs relating to road width restrictions. As all situations are not covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD. The MUTCD provides options for graphic and text signs.

• 
  Road narrows
• 
  Narrow bridge
• 
  One lane bridge
• 
  Path narrows
• 
  Bikeway narrows

W6 series: Divided highway

The MUTCD's W6 series of signs is for warning signs relating to divided highways. As all situations are not covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD. The MUTCD provides options for graphic and text signs.

• 
  Divided highway starts
• 
  Divided highway ends
• 
  Two-way traffic

W7 series: Hills

The MUTCD's W7 series of signs is for warning signs relating to hills. As all situations are not covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.

• 
  Steep grade/hill
• 
  Hill
• 
  Steep grade/hill percentage
• 
  Use low gear
• 
  Trucks use lower gear
• 
  X% grade ahead
• 
  Next XX miles ahead
• 
  X% grade XX miles ahead
• 
  Runaway truck ramp ahead
• 
  Runaway truck ramp (right)
• 
  Runaway truck ramp (left)
• 
  Runaway truck ramp this lane
• 
  Truck escape ramp
• 
  Sand
• 
  Gravel
• 
  Paved
• 
  Hill (bike)
• 
  Hill blocks view

W8 series: Pavement and roadway conditions

The MUTCD's W8 series of signs is for warning signs relating to pavement and roadway conditions. As all situations are not covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.

• 
  Bump
• 
  Dip
• 
  Pavement ends
• 
  Soft shoulder
• 
  Slippery when wet ahead
• 
  Loose gravel
• 
  Rough road
• 
  Bicycle slippery when wet ahead
• 
  Uneven lanes
• 
  No center line
• 
  Bridge ices before road
• 
  Fallen rocks
• 
  Metal bridge deck
• 
  Road may flood
• 
  Gusty Winds Area
• 
  Fog area
• 
  No shoulder ahead
• 
  Shoulder ends

W9 series: Lane transitions

The MUTCD's W9 series of signs is for warning signs relating to lane transitions. As all situations are not covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.

• 
  Right lane ends
• 
  Lane ends merge left
• 
  Lane ends merge right
• 
  Center lane closed ahead

W10 series: Railroad crossings

The MUTCD's W10 series of signs is for warning signs relating to railroad crossings. As all situations are not covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.

• 
  Railroad crossing ahead
• 
  Exempt (plaque)
• 
  Crossroads with parallel tracks (left)
• 
  Crossroads with parallel tracks (right)
• 
  Side road with parallel tracks (left)
• 
  Side road with parallel tracks (right)
• 
  T intersection with parallel tracks (left)
• 
  T intersection with parallel tracks (right)
• 
  Low ground clearance
• 
  Low ground clearance plaque
• 
  Light rail activated sign
• 
  Trains may exceed XX mph
• 
  No train horn warning
• 
  No train horn plaque
• 
  Storage space symbol
• 
  XX feet between tracks and highway
• 
  XX feet between highway and tracks behind you
• 
  Skewed crossing ahead
• 
  No gates or lights (plaque)
• 
  Next crossing (plaque)
• 
  Use next crossing (plaque)
• 
  Rough crossing (plaque)

W11 series: Advance warnings

The MUTCD's W11 series of signs is for warning signs relating to advance warnings. As all situations are not covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD. The MUTCD allows use of a fluorescent yellow-green background color for signs relating to non-motorized vehicles crossing the road.

• 
  Bicycle
• 
  Pedestrians
• 
  Deer
• 
  Cattle
• 
  Farm vehicles
• 
  Snowmobile
• 
  Equestrian
• 
  Emergency vehicle
• 
  Handicapped
• 
  Truck
• 
  Golf cart
• 
  Horse-drawn vehicles
• 
  Bicycle and pedestrians
• 
  Bear
• 
  Sheep
• 
  Ram
• 
  Donkey
• 
  Elk
• 
  Moose
• 
  Wild horse

W12 series: Low Clearance Warnings

The MUTCD's W12 series of signs is for warning signs relating to low clearance. As all situations are not covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD. Metric low bridge signs in meters used to be authorized but extremely rare, usually seen near the borders with Canada and Mexico, both of which use the metric system. They have been discontinued as of 2012. Many states, however, disallowed the use of metric signs on state-maintained roads due to system restrictions, increasing the rarity of such signs.

• 
  Keep left or right
• 
  Low clearance
• 
  Low clearance (metric)
• 
  Sign displays height of bridge

W13 series: Advisory speeds

The MUTCD's W13 series of signs is for warning signs relating to advisory speeds. As all situations are not covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD. Speed limits in the United States are always in miles per hour. Metric advisory speed signs in kilometers per hour used to be authorized but extremely rare, usually seen near the borders with Canada and Mexico, both of which use the metric system. They have been discontinued as of 2012. Many states, however, disallowed the use of metric signs on state-maintained roads due to system restrictions, increasing the rarity of such signs.

• 
  Speed advisory
• 
  Speed advisory metric
• 
  Exit speed advisory
• 
  Ramp speed advisory
• 
  Exit speed advisory (270 degree loop curve)
• 
  Ramp speed advisory (270 degree loop curve)

W14 series: Dead end streets and no passing zones

The MUTCD's W14 series of signs is for warning signs relating to dead-end streets and no-passing zones. As all situations are not covered, several states and local governments have additional signs for other types of situations not covered by the MUTCD.

• 
  Dead end
• 
  Dead end on the left
• 
  Dead end on the right
• 
  No outlet
• 
  No outlet on the left
• 
  No outlet on the right
• 
  No passing zone

W15 series: Playgrounds

The MUTCD's W15 series of signs is for warning signs relating to playgrounds. As all situations are not covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.

• 
  Playground

W16 series: Supplemental plaques

The MUTCD's W16 series of signs is for supplemental plaques for warning signs. As all situations are not covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.

• 
  XX feet
• 
  XX feet
• 
  X miles
• 
  X miles
• 
  Next XX feet
• 
  Advance street name
• 
  Advance street name (double arrow)
• 
  Ahead
• 
  Photo enforced
• 
  HOV
• 
  Roundabout junction plaque
• 
  When flashing
• 
  New
• 
  Notice

W17 series: Speed humps

The MUTCD's W17 series of signs is for warnings relating to speed humps. As all situations are not covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.

• 
  Speed hump

W18 series: No traffic signs

The MUTCD's W18 series of signs is for warnings relating to no further traffic signs. As all situations are not covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.

• 
  No traffic signs

W19 series: Freeway or expressway end signs

The MUTCD's W19 series of signs is for warning signs relating to the end of a freeway or expressway. As all situations are not covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.

• 
  Freeway ends XX mile
• 
  Expressway ends XX mile
• 
  Freeway ends
• 
  Expressway ends
• 
  All traffic must exit

W20 series: Work zones

The MUTCD's W20 series of signs is for warning signs relating to work zones. These signs are typically orange background ones used for temporary situations. As all situations are not covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.

• 
  Road work next XX miles
• 
  End road work
• 
  Work zone plaque (usually under an R2 speed limit sign)
• 
  Road work XXXX feet ahead
• 
  Road closed ahead
• 
  Road is closed XXXX feet ahead
• 
  Detour
• 
  End detour
• 
  End (if a road work blocked road)
• 
  Flagger ahead

W21 series: Road work

The MUTCD's W21 series of signs is for warning signs relating to road work. They typically have orange backgrounds and are used for temporary situations. As all situations are not covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD

• 
  One lane road XXXX feet ahead
• 
  Be prepared to stop
• 
  Men working
• 
  Fresh oil
• 
  Utility work ahead

W22 series: Blasting zones

The MUTCD's W22 series of signs is for warning signs relating to blasting zones. They typically have orange backgrounds and are used for temporary situations. As all situations are not covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.

• 
  Blasting zone ahead
• 
  Turn off 2-way radios and cell phones
• 
  End blasting zone

W23 series: Slow traffic

The MUTCD's W23 series of signs is for warning signs relating to slow traffic. They typically have orange backgrounds and are used for temporary situations. As all situations are not covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.

• 
  Slow traffic ahead
• 
  New traffic pattern ahead

W24 series: Lane shifts

The MUTCD's W24 series of signs is for warning signs relating to lane shifts, where traffic is diverted slightly toward the left or right of the roadway, but the route is otherwise unchanged. These signs typically have orange background and are used for temporary situations. As all situations are not covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.

• 
  Single reverse curve
• 
  Double reverse curve
• 
  Triple reverse curve
• 
  All lanes

W25 series: Oncoming traffic has extended green

The MUTCD's W25 series of signs is for signs warning that oncoming traffic has an extended green signal at a traffic light. As all situations are not covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.

• 
  Extended green
• 
  Possible extended green

Guide signs

Guide signs include highway route markers (shields), which are reassurance markers, interchange signs, including advance guide and exit signs, and mile markers. Advance guide and exit signs usually feature control cities or other locations to help direct drivers toward their destinations. The position of the exit number plaque indicates right or left exit (and should indicate center lane exit).

Interchange signs

• 
  Interchange guide sign (needs to be updated to 2009 MUTCD standards)
• 
  Interchange guide sign (needs to be updated to 2009 MUTCD standards)
• 
  Pull-through sign

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  Interchange exit direction (needs to be updated to 2009 MUTCD standards)
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  Exit number sign
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  Exit sign
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  Exit number sign with speed advisory (needs to be updated to 2009 MUTCD standards)
• 
  Mileage signs for highway routes

• 
  Specific service signs for food (as shown)
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  Rest area (needs to be updated to 2012 SHSM standards)
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  Interstate oasis
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  Advanced services sign

Toll signs

Chapter 2F of the MUTCD deals with signs relating to tolls.

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  Toll road pass only
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  Toll road pass or high-occupancy vehicle (HOV)
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  Toll costs on express lane
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  Toll costs on express lane or HOV
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  MUTCD conventional toll plaza advance sign
• 
  MUTCD conventional toll plaza advance sign
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  Pay toll
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  Electronic toll collection pass only
• 
  Toll late speed limit (Spanish)
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  Take ticket
• 
  Toll pricing

Motorist services

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  Telephone
• 
  Hospital
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  Camping
• 
  Trailer camping
• 
  Litter container
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  Handicapped accessible
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  Gas
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  Food
• 
  Lodging
• 
  General information
• 
  Diesel fuel
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  Alternative fuel (CNG)
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  Electric vehicle charging
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  Alternative fuel (E85)
• 
  RV sanitary station
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  Ambulance symbol
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  Police
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  Propane gas
• 
  Truck parking
• 
  Pharmacy
• 
  Telecommunication (TDD/TYY)
• 
  Wireless internet

General information

• 
  Traffic signal speed
• 
  State line
• 
  River
• 
  Airport
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  Bus station
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  Train station
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  Library
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  Recycling collection center
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  Light rail station

School zone signs

The S series of signs are specially designated by the MUTCD for use around schools. Some states have additional school warning-related signs in the S series, the W series of warning signs, and/or the R series of regulatory signs of the state supplement or state MUTCD. As of 2009 the MUTCD requires school warning signs to have fluorescent yellow-green backgrounds.

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  School zone ahead (also used for pedestrian crosswalks near schools) since 1998
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  School (1971-2009)
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  School bus stop ahead
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  School bus turn ahead
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  Time of Day
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  When children are present
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  School plaque
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  When lights flashing
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  School speed limit ahead
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  School Speed zone ahead
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  Day(s) of the week
• 
  All year school zone ahead
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  School speed limit when flashing
• 
  End school zone (usually under an R2 speed limit sign)

See also

• Comparison of traffic signs in English-speaking countries
• Crosswalks in North America
• Glossary of road transport terms
• Road signs in Canada
• Street signs in Chicago – Street name signs
• Street signs in New York City – Street name signs
• Warning sign

External links

• Media related to Road signs in the United States at Wikimedia Commons