Road signs in the United States

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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",[1][2][3] but U.S. drivers were baffled by symbol signs.[4][5] The language about "rapidly" transitioning to symbols quietly disappeared in the 1978 MUTCD.[6] 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.[7]

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.[8] There are localized versions used in large cities such as New York City which use a naming system compatible with the MUTCD and/or state supplement. The MUTCD and SHS establish seven categories of signs for road and highway use, as follows[9] (all signs from national MUTCD, unless noted):

Regulatory[]

Regulatory signs give instructions to motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists. Signs such as Stop, No Parking, No Turns, and Yield 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).

  • Stop and Yield

  • R1-1: Stop

  • R1-2: Yield

  • R1-2aP: To Oncoming Traffic (plaque)

  • R1-2bTP: To Ramp (Texas)[10]

  • R1-2cTP: To Train (Texas)

  • R1-3P: All Way (Plaque)

  • R1-5: Yield Here to Peds

  • R1-5a: Yield Here to Pedestrians

  • R1-5b: Stop Here for Peds

  • R1-5c: Stop Here for Pedestrians

  • R1-6: In-Street Ped Crossing (The legend STATE LAW is optional. A fluorescent yellow-green color may be used instead of yellow for this sign.)

  • R1-6a: In-Street Ped Crossing (The legend STATE LAW is optional. A fluorescent yellow-green color may be used instead of yellow for this sign.)

  • DC law stop for pedestrians in crosswalk, Washington, D.C.

  • State law stop for pedestrians in crosswalk, Maryland

  • 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 Ped Crossing (The legend STATE LAW is optional. A fluorescent yellow-green color may be used instead of yellow for this sign.)

  • R1-9a: Overhead Ped Crossing (The legend STATE LAW is optional. A fluorescent yellow-green color may be used instead of yellow for this sign.)

  • R1-10P: Except Right Turn

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 are authorized but extremely rare, usually seen near the borders with Canada and Mexico, both of which use the metric system.[11] Many states, however, disallow the use of metric signs on state-maintained roads due to MUTCD restrictions,[12] increasing the rarity of such signs.

  • Speed Limit Signs

  • R2-1: Speed Limit

  • R2-1: Speed Limit (Metric)

  • R2-2P: Truck Speed Limit (Plaque)

  • R2-2P: Truck Speed Limit (Plaque) (Metric)

  • R2-3P: Night Speed Limit (Plaque)

  • R2-3P: Night Speed Limit (Plaque) (Metric)

  • R2-4P: Minimum Speed Limit (Plaque)

  • R2-4P: Minimum Speed Limit (Plaque) (Metric)

  • R2-4a: Combined Speed Limit

  • R2-5P: Unless Otherwise Posted (plaque)

  • State speed limit: New York (can also read "area", "city", "town", or "village")

  • Speed (Oregon variant)

  • End speed limit

  • Bridge speed limit: Minnesota

  • $XX Fine

  • Begin higher/double fines

  • 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.

  • Lane Usage and Turns Signs

  • No Right Turn

  • No Left Turn

  • No Turns

  • No U-turn

  • Left turn only

  • Right turn only

  • Straight ahead only

  • Left Lane

  • Center Lane

  • Right Lane

  • Bus Lane

  • Option sign for Left turn or Straight

  • Option sign for Right turn or Straight

  • Left lane MUST turn left

  • Right lane MUST turn right sign

  • Advanced Intersection control sign

  • Turn only lanes

  • Advanced Intersection Lane control sign

  • Concurrent (Center) Left Turn Lane (overhead)

  • Concurrent (Center) Left Turn Lane (ground)

  • Reversible Lane control

  • Center lane control (Time)

  • MUTCD R3-9g.svg
  • MUTCD R3-9h.svg
  • MUTCD R3-9i.svg

  • HOV 2+ only 2 or more persons per vehicle

  • MUTCD R3-10a.svg

  • HOV 2+ only (Time)

  • HOV 2+ Time (LEFT LANE)

  • MUTCD R3-11b.svg

  • 24HR HOV 2+

  • MUTCD R3-12.svg
  • MUTCD R3-12a.svg

  • HOV Lane ends

  • MUTCD R3-13.svg
  • MUTCD R3-13a.svg

  • HOV (Overhead)

  • Overhead

  • Overhead

  • Overhead

  • MUTCD R3-15a.svg

  • Bike lane

  • No Left or U-turn

  • No straight through

  • No Left Turn Across Tracks

  • No U-turn - left turn on green arrow, California

  • Bike lane, bikes only, New York City

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.

  • Regulation of Movement Signs

  • Passing zone ends

  • Passing zone begins

  • Left turn signal

  • 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 (median island less than 4 feet wide)

  • Keep left

  • Keep left

  • Keep left

  • Keep left (median island less than 4 feet wide)

  • Stay in lane

  • Runaway vehicles only

  • Cyclists may use full lane

  • Slow vehicles with 5 or more following vehicles must use turn-out

  • MUTCD R4-13.svg
  • MUTCD R4-14.svg
  • MUTCD R4-16.svg
  • MUTCD R4-17.svg
  • MUTCD R4-18.svg

  • California

  • Delaware

  • Delaware

  • Delaware

  • Indiana

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.

  • Exclusionary Signs

  • Do Not Enter (since 1971)

  • No Entre, Puerto Rico

  • Wrong Way

  • Bicycle Wrong Way

  • Bike Path, No Automobiles, New York City

  • No Large Trucks

  • No Motorized Vehicles

  • No Commercial Vehicles

  • No Lugged Vehicles

  • No Bicycles

  • No Nonmotorized Traffic

  • No Motorcycles

  • No Pedestrian Crossing, Bicycles, or Motorcycles

  • 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 and Divided Highway

  • One Way

  • Transito (one way), Puerto Rico

  • One Way, alternate

  • Divided Highway crossing

  • Divided Highway crossing T intersection

  • Chevron roundabout directional

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[]

These types of signs allow for parking for either an unlimited or varied amount of time. They are often used in conjunction with parking meters and . They are specified by the MUTCD to be green on white. Local variations occur with additional information and slightly different designs.

  • Permissive Parking

  • Parking with time restrictions

  • Parking with time restrictions, California

  • Parking with time restrictions, New York City

  • Parking with time and permit restrictions, Seattle

  • Parking with time and permit restrictions, San Francisco

  • 2 hour parking all roads Town of Hempstead, New York State

  • Parking with time restrictions, Maryland

  • Parking fee station

  • Reserved parking (wheelchair)

  • MUTCD R7-5.svg
  • MUTCD R7-8a.svg

  • (Combined)

No Parking[]

No Parking signs indicate that loading or unloading while temporarily stopped is permitted, but the driver must not leave the vicinity of the vehicle.[13] 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 Parking

  • No parking

  • No parking; Loading zone

  • No Parking; Except Sundays

  • No parking, California

  • No parking, New York

  • No parking, Pennsylvania, Texas

  • No parking with restrictions and localized, New York City

  • No parking tow zone, Chicago

  • No Parking in fire lane

  • No parking bus stop

  • Tow Away Zone

  • No parking from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm

  • No parking from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm (alternative)

No Standing[]

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.[13] As with no parking signs, some restrictions displayed on the signs are permanent and some are time based. The signs are also specified by the MUTCD to be red on white, but local variations exist.

  • No Standing

  • No standing any time

  • No standing any time, New York State

  • No standing any time, New York City

  • No standing cars towed away, Baltimore

  • No standing bus stop, Philadelphia

  • No standing, bus stop with bus route, New York City

  • No standing with time restrictions, Washington, D.C.

  • No standing with time restrictions, New York City

No Stopping[]

No Stopping signs indicate that stopping is only allowed in order to obey a traffic sign, signal, traffic agent, police officer, or to avoid conflicts with other vehicles.[13] These are the most restrictive of the parking signs. They are typically red on white.

  • No Stopping

  • No stopping on pavement

  • No stopping any time, New York State

  • No stopping any time, New York City

  • No stopping any time, Philadelphia

  • No stopping any time, California

  • No stopping anytime tow away, San Francisco

  • No stops tow away zone, Seattle

  • No stopping with time restrictions, New York State

  • No standing except delivery trucks time restricted, New York City

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.

  • Parking and Emergency Restrictions

  • No parking on pavement

  • No parking

  • Exception of Sundays and holidays

  • On tracks plaque

  • Except on shoulder plaque

  • Loading zone

  • Stop here on red

  • 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.

  • Bicycle and Pedestrian Signs

  • Walk on left facing traffic

  • Cross only at cross walks

  • No pedestrian crossing

  • No rollerblading

  • No hitch hiking

  • Crosswalk signal instructions

  • Bicycles left pedestrians right

  • State law stop for stopped school bus, New York

  • Sidewalk Closed Use Other Side

  • No horseback riding

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.

  • Traffic Signal Signs

  • Turning vehicles yield to pedestrians

  • Left turn yield on green

  • Traffic signal photo enforced, Delaware, Illinois

  • Traffic signal photo enforced, California, Louisiana, Texas, Florida

  • Red light photo violation fine sign, California

  • Emergency signal

  • Stop here on red, Pennsylvania, Florida

  • No turn on red arrow, Maryland

  • Bicycles to request green wait on line

  • 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 Signs

  • Road Closed

  • Road Closed Ahead

  • Bridge Out 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 Limits Signs

  • 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.

  • Weigh station sign

  • Weigh station next right sign

  • Weigh station sign with right exit arrow

R14 Series: Truck Routes[]

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

  • Truck Route sign

  • Hazardous Material Route

  • Hazardous Material Prohibited

  • 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.

  • Rail and Light Rail Signs

  • 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

  • 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.

  • Seat Belts and Headlight Use Signs

  • Wear seat belt

  • Lights on when raining

  • Check headlights

  • Turn on headlights

  • Fender bender

Other Local and State Series[]

The MUTCD does not cover all situations, so states and local governments have developed their own regulatory signs. In these, the sign categories are assigned series either using the MUTCD style, but higher than 16 (as in Texas), or use a unique series nomenclature system (as in California).

  • Other Local and State Series Signs

  • Obey warning signs state law, Texas

  • Don't block the box, New York City

  • Speed enforced by aircraft sign, California, New Hampshire, Virginia

Schools[]

The S series of signs is 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.[14]

  • Schools

  • School advance (also used for pedestrian crosswalk near schools) since 1998

  • Stop when children in crosswalk (Arizona)

  • Time of Day (plaque)

  • When Children are present (plaque)

  • School (plaque)

  • When Flashing (plaque)

  • School speed limit ahead

  • School Speed zone ahead (word legend)

  • School zone speed limit sign, Arizona

  • Day(s) of the week (plaque)

  • All year (plaque)

  • School speed limit when flashing

  • End school zone (usually under an R2 speed limit sign)

  • School bus stop ahead (since 2009)

  • School bus turn ahead

  • School bus turn ahead sign, Ohio

Warning[]

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.

W1/2 Series: Turns, Curves, Intersections[]

The MUTCD's W1/2 series of signs is for warning signs relating to curves, turns and intersections. As not all situations are covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.

  • Curves and Turns

  • Sharp Turn

  • Curve

  • Reverse turn

  • Reverse curve

  • Winding road

  • One direction large arrow

  • Two direction large arrow

  • Chevron alignment

  • Horizontal alignment/intersection

  • Hairpin curve

  • Truck rollover warning

  • 270 degree loop

  • Intersections

  • Cross roads

  • Side road at a perpendicular angle

  • Side road at an acute angle

  • T roads

  • Y roads

  • Offset roads

  • Double side roads

  • Circular intersection warning (traffic circle or roundabout)

  • Traffic circle, alternate

W3 Series: Advance Traffic Control[]

The MUTCD's W3 series of signs is for warning signs relating to advance traffic controls such as speed limits and signals. 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.

  • Advance Traffic Control

  • Stop ahead (since 1978)

  • Yield ahead (since 1978)

  • Speed limit ahead

  • Signal ahead (since 1971)

  • HAWK beacon ahead, Delaware.

  • New signal ahead, Michigan

  • Be prepared to stop

  • Speed zone ahead

  • Draw bridge ahead

  • Ramp meter ahead

  • Ramp metered when flashing

  • Traffic lights with at seagull intersections in Florida

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.

  • Lanes and Merges

  • Merge

  • Lane ends

  • Lane drop ahead, Massachusetts

  • Added lane (via merge)

  • Oncoming traffic does not stop (plaque)

  • cross traffic does not stop (plaque)

  • Merging traffic

  • Added lane (from entering roadway)

  • Thru traffic merge left, California

  • One lane road or road narrows, New York State

  • Single lane, New York State

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 Width Restrictions

  • Road Narrows

  • Narrow Bridge (since 1948)

  • One lane bridge

  • Ramp Narrows

  • Path Narrows

  • Narrow winding road, Forest Service USDA

  • Bikeway narrows

W6/7 Series: Divided Highways and Hills[]

The MUTCD's W6/7 series of signs is for warning signs relating to divided highways, hills, and grades. 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 Highways

  • Divided highway (since 1971)

  • Divided highway ends (since 1971)

  • Two-way traffic

  • Pass road

  • Steep grade/hill

  • Hill

  • Steep grade/hill percentage

  • Use low gear (plaque)

  • Trucks use lower gear (plaque)

  • X% grade (plaque)

  • Next (distance) miles (plaque)

  • X% grade (distance) miles (plaque)

  • Runaway truck ramp (advance)

  • Runaway truck ramp (exit)

  • Truck escape ramp

  • sand (plaque)

  • gravel (plaque)

  • paved (plaque)

  • Hill (bicycle)

  • Hill blocks view

  • Steep grade percentage sign, Idaho

  • Watch downhill speed, California

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.

  • Pavement and Roadway Conditions

  • Rough road

  • Bump

  • Bumps, Minnesota and North Dakota

  • Rumble strips, New York State

  • Dip

  • Pavement ends (since 1948)

  • Soft shoulder

  • Road slippery when wet

  • Loose gravel

  • Bike lane slippery when wet

  • Uneven lanes

  • No center line

  • Bridge may be slippery, Pennsylvania

  • Grooved pavement

  • Metal bridge deck

  • No shoulder

  • Shoulder ends

  • Rocks and Mud

  • Fallen rocks

  • Falling rocks, California and Vermont

  • Fallen rock, New York State and Kentucky

  • Falling rocks, Pennsylvania, Hawaii, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire

  • Falling rock, Colorado, North Carolina, Texas, West Virginia, Missouri, and Pennsylvania

  • Watch for rock, Idaho

  • Rock slide area, California

  • Slides, New York State

  • Slide area, California

  • Wind, Fog, and Storms

  • Gusty Winds Area

  • Crosswinds, New York State

  • Dangerous crosswinds, New Mexico

  • High cross winds, Pennsylvania

  • Frequent high winds, Idaho

  • Gusty winds, Wisconsin

  • Fog area

  • Occasional blinding dust storms sign, Idaho

  • Severe storm area, Idaho

  • Ice and Frost

  • Bridge ices before road

  • Bridge may be icy, Michigan

  • Watch for ice on bridges, Indiana and Texas (as Watch for ice on bridge)

  • Watch for ice, Pennsylvania

  • May be icy, Nebraska

  • Icy, California

  • Frost heaves, Idaho

  • Bridge may ice in cold weather, Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas

  • Flooding and Water Conditions

  • Road may flood

  • Flooded, California

  • Subject to flooding, California

  • Roadway subject to flooding, Pennsylvania

  • Road floods during high tide, Hawaii

  • High water, Indiana

  • Water on road, Delaware and Missouri

  • When flooded turn around don't drown, California and Texas

W9/10 Series: Lane Transitions and Railroad Crossings[]

The MUTCD's W9/10 series of signs is for warning signs relating to lane transitions and railroad crossings. As all situations are not covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.

  • Lane Transitions

  • Lane ends (shorthand)

  • Merging traffic (through street)

  • Railroad Crossing ahead

  • Do not stop on tracks

  • Stop Here When Flashing

  • Railroad intersection warning

  • Skewed railroad crossing

  • Light rail crossing, California

  • Light rail crossing, Look both ways, California

  • Low ground clearance railroad crossing

  • Warning, Look both ways, Nebraska

  • Trains may exceed 80 mph

  • Cyclists Dismount To Cross Railroad Tracks, Hemet, California

  • No train horn warning

W11 Series: Advance Warnings and Crossings[]

The MUTCD's W11 series of signs is for warning signs relating to advance warnings and crossings. 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 people crossing the road.[15]

Emergency Vehicles[]

The MUTCD only provides for a warning of fire stations in the W11 series. Most states have their own signs for other emergency vehicle types which may enter the road.

  • Emergency Vehicles

  • Fire station

  • Fire trucks entering when signal flashes, Wisconsin

  • Emergency vehicles, Delaware and Vermont

  • Texas emergency vehicle sign, Texas

Children[]

The MUTCD specifies no children-related signs in the W11 series. Several states, counties, and municipalities have signs for situations as children at play as well as children with various medical conditions. Some of these signs vary from state to state as there is no federal standard.

  • Children

  • Children at play, New York State

  • Deaf child area, New York State, Illinois, Wisconsin, New Jersey

  • Deaf child, Delaware, Maryland

  • Hearing impaired child, Pennsylvania

  • Deaf children near, California

  • Blind child area, New York State

  • Blind child, Delaware

  • Autistic child, Delaware, New Jersey

Bicycles[]

The MUTCD provides several signs in the W11 series warning of bicycles and for indicating bicycle facilities. Several states and localities have their own specific bicycle related signs as well.

  • Bicycles

  • Bicycles (a fluorescent yellow-green background may be used with this sign)

  • Bicycles and pedestrians (a fluorescent yellow-green background may be used with this sign)

  • Share the road, New York City

  • Share the road, Pennsylvania

  • Watch for bikes, Maryland

  • Share the road, Maryland

  • Bicycle May Use Full Lane on the roadway, San Francisco

Vehicles[]

The MUTCD provides several signs in the W11 series dealing with vehicles. Several states have additional signs for other types of vehicles and situations regarding vehicles not covered by the MUTCD.

  • Vehicles

  • Tractor/farm vehicle crossing

  • Alternative Tractor/farm vehicle crossing sign (MUTCD)

  • Motorcycle crossing, New York State

  • ATV crossing, New York State

  • Golf cart crossing

  • Horse-drawn vehicle ahead

  • Horse-drawn vehicle ahead, Ohio and other U.S. states[which?]

  • Tank crossing, Pennsylvania

  • Truck crossing

  • Truck Crossing

  • Watch for stopped trucks, Illinois

  • Snowmobile sign (MUTCD)

Pedestrians, Transit, and Aviation[]

The MUTCD provides several signs in the W11 series dealing with pedestrians, transit, and aviation. Several states have additional signs for other types of vehicles and situations regarding vehicles not covered by the MUTCD.

  • Pedestrians, Rail and Aviation

  • Pedestrian crossing (a fluorescent yellow-green background may be used with this sign)

  • Blind pedestrian crossing, Pennsylvania

  • Ferry crossing, Missouri

  • Balloon launch area, Pennsylvania

  • Low flying planes, New York State and Massachusetts

  • Low flying aircraft, Delaware

  • Low flying airplanes cross here, Wisconsin

Animals[]

The MUTCD provides several signs in the W11 series dealing with animals. Several states have additional signs for other types of animals not covered by the MUTCD.

  • Animals

  • Duck crossing (Pennsylvania style)

  • Deer crossing

  • Cattle crossing

  • Equestrians

  • Bear crossing

  • Bear crossing (California)

  • Sheep crossing

  • Ram crossing

  • Donkey crossing

  • Elk crossing

  • Moose crossing

  • Moose crossing (Vermont)

  • Wild horse crossing

Driveways and Entrances[]

The MUTCD does not provide signs in the W11 series dealing with driveways and entrances. Many states have their own standards for these signs that they place in their own W11 series.

  • Driveways and Entrances

  • Hidden driveway

  • Truck entrance, Delaware and Texas

  • Plant entrance, Delaware and Pennsylvania

  • Theatre exit, Wisconsin

  • Hidden intersection, Delaware

  • Hidden Drive Left (Vermont)

  • Hidden Drive Right (Vermont)

W12 Series: Low Clearances[]

The MUTCD's W12 series of signs is for warning signs relating to low clearances. As all situations are not covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD. Metric low clearance signs in meters are authorized but extremely rare, usually seen near the borders with Canada and Mexico, both of which use the metric system.[11] Many states, however, disallow the use of metric signs on state-maintained roads due to system restrictions, increasing the rarity of such signs.

  • Low Clearances

  • Double arrows (Pass on either side)

  • Low clearance

  • Metric low clearance

  • Clearance

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 are authorized but extremely rare, usually seen near the borders with Canada and Mexico, both of which use the metric system.[11] Many states, however, disallow the use of metric signs on state-maintained roads due to system restrictions, increasing the rarity of such signs.

  • Advisory Speeds

  • Speed advisory

  • Speed advisory, metric

  • Exit speed advisory

  • Turn curve exit speed advisory, Maryland

  • Ramp speed advisory

  • Ramp speed advisory

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 and Limited Access Streets

  • Not a through street, Florida, California, Massachusetts, and Maryland

  • Loop street, Pennsylvania

  • No thru street, Pennsylvania, Texas

  • No Outlet

  • Dead End

  • Dead End, New York City

  • End, New York City

  • Road ends, Michigan, Missouri and Texas

  • No Passing Zone (Only placed on the left-hand side of roads)

  • Unsafe to pass (Vermont)

  • Zona De No Pasar (No Passing Zone), Puerto Rico

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.

  • Playgrounds

  • Playground (a fluorescent yellow-green background color may be used for this sign)[16]

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.

  • Supplemental Plaques

  • Steep hill, Delaware

  • Fire house (used in conjunction with graphic fire station sign), New York State

  • 500 feet

  • 500 feet (alternative)

  • X miles

  • X miles (alternative)

  • Next 500 feet

  • Advance street name

  • Advance street name (alternative)

  • Ahead (plaque)

  • Photo enforced

  • Photo enforced (symbol)

  • HOV (plaque)

  • Traffic circle (used in conjunction with graphic roundabout sign)

  • When flashing

  • New (plaque)

  • Roundabout (used in conjunction with graphic roundabout sign)

  • Notice (plaque)

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 Humps

  • 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

  • No Traffic Signs

W19 Series: End of Controlled Access Highway[]

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

  • End of Controlled Access

  • Freeway Ends, 1 Mile

  • Expressway Ends, 1 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.

  • Work Zone Signs

  • Road Work Next 5 Miles

  • Road Work Ends

  • Work Zone for Speed limit

  • Road work ahead

  • Road Closed Ahead

  • Road is closed 1000 ft. ahead

  • Detour

  • End Detour

  • End(If a road work blocked road)

W20 Series: Road Ends[]

The MUTCD Road Closed signs alert drivers that the road is closed; these signs are white.

  • Road Closed signs

  • Road Closed

  • Road Closed to Thru Traffic

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

  • Road Work Signs

  • Flaggers in road ahead

  • One lane road ahead(with distance)

  • Be prepared to stop

  • Workers in road ahead

  • Fresh oil on road

  • Utility work in road

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 Signs

  • 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 Signs

  • 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.

  • Double Reverse Curve Signs

  • Single Lane Shift Pair

  • Traffic shift right

  • Traffic shift left

  • Double Lane Shift Pair

  • Triple Lane Shift Pair

  • 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 Signs

  • Extended green

  • Possible extended Green

Incident Management[]

The MUTCD's incident management signs are intended for use by emergency crews at traffic incident management scenes pursuant to the National Incident Management System. The MUTCD gives jurisdictions the option of presenting such temporary signs in a fluorescent pink color.[17] There are no specific guidelines as to which signs can and cannot be used for incident management, but a few examples are listed below.

  • Incident Management

  • Flagger Present

  • Workers on Road

  • Single Lane Shift Left

  • Be Prepared to Stop

  • Detour (Right)

Miscellaneous[]

The MUTCD does not provide signs dealing with some other road and highway situations. Many states have their own sign standards for these situations.

  • Miscellaneous

  • Tunnel

  • Restricted weight bridge, New York State

  • Underpass, New York State

Guide[]

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[18] (and should indicate center lane exit).

Interchange signs[]

  • Interchange Advance Guide Signs

  • Interchange advance guide, New Jersey

  • Interchange Guide sign, Maryland

  • Interchange advance guide, New York State

  • Interchange advance guide, Hawaii

  • Interchange advance guide, California

  • Interchange Exit Direction Signs

  • Interchange exit direction

  • Interchange exit direction, Maryland

  • Interchange exit direction, Virginia

  • Interchange exit direction, New York State

  • Exit number sign, right

  • Exit sign, right

  • Exit number sign with speed advisory

  • Mileage signs for highway routes, Colorado

  • Toll Road Signs

  • Toll road pass only

  • Toll road pass or HOV 2+

  • Toll costs at intersections or HOV 2+

Shield markers[]

  • Guide Signs and Route Markers (Shields)

  • Single-digit interstate route shield

  • Two-digit interstate route shield

  • Three-digit interstate route shield

  • Single-digit interstate route shield, California

  • Three-digit interstate route shield, California

  • Four-digit interstate route shield, Hawaii

  • Off-Interstate Business Loop Route shield

  • Off-Interstate Business Spur route shield

  • Single-digit U.S. route shield

  • Two-digit U.S. route shield

  • Three-digit U.S. route shield

  • Single-digit state route shield

  • Two-digit state route shield

  • Three-digit state route shield

  • Michigan State Trunkline single-digit shield

  • Michigan State Trunkline double-digit shield

  • Michigan State Trunkline triple-digit shield

  • Two-digit state highway shield, Oklahoma

  • Three-digit state highway shield, Oklahoma

  • Two-digit state route shield, South Carolina

  • Three-digit state highway shield, South Carolina

  • Single-digit U.S. route shield, California

  • Two-digit U.S. route shield, California

  • Three-digit U.S. route shield, California

  • Historic Route, U.S. Highway shield, California

  • Two-digit state route shield, Alabama

  • Three-digit state route shield, Alabama

  • Two-digit state highway shield uses a sunflower, Kansas

  • Three-digit state highway shield uses a sunflower, Kansas

  • Single-digit state highway shield, Arkansas

  • Two-digit state highway shield, Arkansas

  • Three-digit state highway shield, Arkansas

  • Four-digit state highway shield, Arkansas

  • Primary route sign, Tennessee

  • Secondary route sign, Tennessee

  • Two-digit state highway shield uses a keystone, Pennsylvania

  • Three-digit state highway shield uses a keystone, Pennsylvania

  • Single-digit state route shield, New York

  • Two-digit state route shield, New York

  • Three-digit state route shield, New York

  • Four-digit state route shield, New York

  • Reference route marker, New York

  • Two-digit state route shield, Ohio

  • Three-digit state route shield, Ohio

  • One-digit state route shield, California

  • Two-digit state route shield, California

  • Three-digit state route shield, California

  • Two-digit state route shield, Georgia

  • Three-digit state route shield, Georgia

  • Three-digit state route with toll shield, Florida

  • Single-digit state highway shield, Florida

  • Two-digit state highway shield, Florida

  • Three-digit state highway shield, Florida

  • Four-digit state route shield, Florida

  • Two-digit county route shield

  • Three-digit county route, shield New Jersey

  • Farm-to-market road shield, Texas

  • Brooklyn Battery Tunnel shield

  • Queens-Midtown Tunnel shield

  • Ohio Turnpike shield

  • Eisenhower Interstate System sign

Note: State markers are illustrative examples; all states may select their own marker shapes or use the default circle. See Numbered highways in the United States#State highways and other similar systems.

  • Street Name Signs

  • Street name sign, MUTCD D-3

  • Street name sign, MUTCD D-3

  • NYC Broadway street name sign

  • NYC street name sign

  • NYC Midtown Manhattan street name sign

  • NYC historic district street name sign

  • Chicago street name sign

  • Boston street name sign

  • Washington, D.C. street name sign

  • Philadelphia street name sign

  • Hoboken street name sign

  • Los Angeles street name sign

  • Minneapolis east–west street name sign

  • Minneapolis north–south street name sign

  • Minneapolis arterial street name sign (Snow Emergency route)

Toll Road Signs[]

Chapter 2F of the MUTCD deals with signs for toll roads.

  • Toll Road Signs

  • MUTCD Conventional Toll Plaza advance sign

  • MUTCD Conventional Toll Plaza advance sign

  • New Jersey Turnpike E-ZPass toll booth sign

  • Pay toll

Hospital[]

  • Hospital sign

  • Trauma center

Library[]

  • Library sign

Airport[]

  • Airport sign

Non-compliant to MUTCD Signs[]

There are many signs that are non-compliant to MUTCD and/or state MUTCD standards seen in use on public and semi-public roads.

  • Non Compliant vs Compliant Signs

  • The now-defunct, non-standard US 20 west sign, Main St. after Lexington St., Waltham Center, Massachusetts

  • Standard US 20 west sign

  • No parking sign with permissive parking green color, Glenside, Pennsylvania

  • Standard no parking sign

  • Greene County Route 16 sign in Catskill/Adirondack colors, Hunter, New York

  • Standard Greene County Route 16 sign

  • Blue stop sign seen on private property in Hawaii

  • Standard stop sign

Superseded signs[]

These signs have been superseded, but can still be seen in some places.

  • School (1948–1971)

  • School advance (1971–2009)

  • School (Plaque)

  • School crossing (1961–1971)

  • School bus stop ahead (1971–2009)

  • School bus stop ahead (1998-2009)

  • School Speed Limit

  • All Year (Plaque)

  • Roundabout

  • Stop ahead (1948-2009)

  • Yield ahead (1948-2009)

  • Signal Ahead (1961-2009)

  • Merging traffic (1961-1971)

  • Slippery when wet (1948-1971)

  • Curve speed advisory, replaced by MUTCD W13-1 in 2009

  • Slow

  • Stop, prior to 1954

  • Yield, prior to 1954

  • Yield (1954–1961)

  • Yield (1961–1971)

  • R1-3: 3-Way Plate

  • R1-3: 4-Way Plate

  • Yield to Pedestrians

  • Stop for Pedestrians

  • Do not enter (1948–1971)

  • Narrow bridge (1978–2003)

  • Divided highway (1948–2009)

  • Divided road (1948–2009)

  • Divided highway ends (1948–2009)

  • Pavement ends (1978–2000)

  • Slippery when wet, as of 1978

  • Railroad Crossing (AASHO W-1) advance warning sign, in use through the 1930s

  • Black-on-white distance sign (1948–1971)

State border signs[]

  • Welcome to Massachusetts (c. 1981)

  • Maryland Welcomes You (c. 1981)

  • Maryland Welcomes You (c. 1995)

  • "Welcome to Kentucky: Where Education Pays" (c. 2002)

  • Mississippi Welcomes You (c. 2003)

  • "Maryland Welcomes You: Enjoy Your Visit!" (2003–2007)

  • "Maryland Welcomes You: Enjoy Your Visit!" (2007–2015)

  • Welcome to Delaware: Small Wonder (c. 2014)

See also[]

References[]

  1. ^ American Association of State Highway Officials; National Joint Committee on Traffic Control Devices (1971). "Section 2A-13, Symbols". Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration. p. 16. Retrieved July 21, 2020.
  2. ^ "Symbols to Replace Words on U.S. Traffic Signs". The New York Times. May 31, 1970. p. 58.
  3. ^ Lindsey, Robert (April 23, 1972). "Signs of Progress: Road Symbols Guiding Traffic". The New York Times. p. S22. Retrieved August 19, 2020.
  4. ^ Hazlett, Bill (March 23, 1972). "Some Confusing: Wordless Traffic Signs Popping Up". Los Angeles Times. p. E1. Available through ProQuest Historical Newspapers.
  5. ^ Conniff, James C.G. (March 30, 1975). "Danger: Signs ahead". The New York Times. p. 183. Retrieved August 19, 2020.
  6. ^ American Association of State Highway Officials; National Joint Committee on Traffic Control Devices (1978). "Section 2A-13, Symbols". Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration. p. 2A-6.
  7. ^ American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials; National Joint Committee on Traffic Control Devices (2003). "Introduction". Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration. Retrieved August 26, 2020.
  8. ^ "MUTCDs & Traffic Control Devices Information by State". Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. Federal Highway Administration. July 14, 2020. Retrieved January 11, 2021.
  9. ^ Staff. "The Shape—and Color—Give Us a Sign". Federal Highway Administration. Archived from the original on April 1, 2009. Retrieved April 5, 2009.
  10. ^ "Texas Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (TMUTCD)". www.txdot.gov. Retrieved April 2, 2019.
  11. ^ a b c Metric signs on roads in the U.S.
  12. ^ "23 CFR Part 655 National Standards for Traffic Control Devices; the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways; Revision; Final Rule" (PDF). Retrieved April 2, 2019.
  13. ^ a b c Staff (October 2011). "Chapter 7: Parallel Parking". Driver's Manual and Study Guide. New York State Department of Motor Vehicles. Retrieved March 16, 2012.
  14. ^ "2009 Edition Chapter 7B. School Signs". Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. The United States Department of Transportation. Retrieved June 6, 2012.
  15. ^ "2009 Edition Part 2 Figure 2C-11. Non-Vehicular Warning Signs". Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. United States Department of Transportation. Retrieved June 6, 2012.
  16. ^ "2009 Edition Part 2 Figure 2C-11. Non-Vehicular Warning Signs". Manual On Uniform Traffic Control Devices. United States Department of Transportation. Retrieved June 6, 2012.
  17. ^ Federal Highway Administration (2009). "Section 6I.01, General". Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (2009 ed.). Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of Transportation. Retrieved September 8, 2020.
  18. ^ "MUTCD, Section 2E.28 - Interchange Exit Numbering" (PDF).

External links[]

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