In the
United States
The United States of America (U.S.A. or USA), commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country Continental United States, primarily located in North America. It consists of 50 U.S. state, states, a Washington, D.C., ...
,
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
The Convention on Road Signs and Signals, commonly known as the Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals, is a multilateral treaty designed to increase road safety and aid international road traffic by standardising the signing system for ro ...
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.
[ Available through ]ProQuest
ProQuest LLC is an Ann Arbor, Michigan-based global information-content and technology company, founded in 1938 as University Microfilms by Eugene B. Power. ProQuest is known for its applications and information services for libraries, provid ...
Historical Newspapers. The language about "rapidly" transitioning to symbols quietly disappeared 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
)
, image_skyline =
, image_caption = Clockwise from top left: the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial on the National Mall, United States Capitol, Logan Circle (Washington, D.C.), Logan Circle, Jefferson Memoria ...
, and
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico (; abbreviated PR; tnq, Boriken, ''Borinquen''), officially the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico ( es, link=yes, Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico, lit=Free Associated State of Puerto Rico), is a Caribbean island and unincorporated ...
have adopted it in conjunction with a supplemental volume; and ten states have a state version in substantial conformance to the MUTCD. There are localized versions used in large cities such as
New York City
New York, often called New York City or NYC, is the List of United States cities by population, most populous city in the United States. With a 2020 population of 8,804,190 distributed over , New York City is also the L ...
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 (all signs from national MUTCD, unless noted):
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
In geometry, an octagon (from the Greek ὀκτάγωνον ''oktágōnon'', "eight angles") is an eight-sided polygon or 8-gon.
A '' regular octagon'' has Schläfli symbol and can also be constructed as a quasiregular truncated square, t, w ...
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).
File:MUTCD R1-1.svg, R1-1: Stop
File:MUTCD R1-2.svg, R1-2: Yield
File:MUTCD R1-2aP.svg, R1-2aP: To oncoming traffic (plaque)
File:MUTCD R1-4.svg, R1-3P: All way (plaque)
File:MUTCD R1-5L.svg, R1-5: Yield here to pedestrians
File:MUTCD R1-5aL.svg, R1-5a: Yield here to pedestrians
File:MUTCD R1-5bL.svg, R1-5b: Stop here for pedestrians
File:MUTCD R1-5cL.svg, R1-5c: Stop here for pedestrians
File:MUTCD R1-6 (yellow).svg, R1-6: In-street pedestrian crossing
File:MUTCD R1-6a (yellow).svg, R1-6a: In-street pedestrian crossing
File:MUTCD R1-6b.svg, R1-6b: In-street school crossing
File:MUTCD R1-6c.svg, R1-6c: In-street school crossing
File:MUTCD R1-7.svg, R1-7:Wait on stop
File:MUTCD R1-8.svg, R1-8: Go on slow
File:MUTCD R1-9.svg, R1-9: Overhead ped crossing
File:MUTCD R1-9a.svg, R1-9a: Overhead ped crossing
File:MUTCD R1-10P.svg, R1-10P: Except right turn
R2 series: Speed limit
The MUTCD's R2 series is for
speed limit
Speed limits on road traffic, as used in most countries, set the legal maximum speed at which vehicles may travel on a given stretch of road. Speed limits are generally indicated on a traffic sign reflecting the maximum permitted speed - expre ...
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
Miles per hour (mph, m.p.h., MPH, or mi/h) is a British imperial and United States customary unit of speed expressing the number of miles travelled in one hour. It is used in the United Kingdom, the United States, and a number of smaller cou ...
. Metric speed limit signs in
kilometers per hour are authorized but extremely rare, usually seen near the borders with
Canada
Canada is a country in North America. Its ten provinces and three territories extend from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean and northward into the Arctic Ocean, covering over , making it the world's second-largest country by to ...
and
Mexico
Mexico (Spanish language, Spanish: México), officially the United Mexican States, is a List of sovereign states, country in the southern portion of North America. It is borders of Mexico, bordered to the north by the United States; to the so ...
, both of which use the
metric system
The metric system is a system of measurement that succeeded the decimalised system based on the metre that had been introduced in France in the 1790s. The historical development of these systems culminated in the definition of the Intern ...
.
[Metric signs on roads in the U.S.](_blank)
/ref> Many states, however, disallow the use of metric signs on state-maintained roads due to MUTCD restrictions, increasing the rarity of such signs.
File:MUTCD R2-1.svg, R2-1: Speed limit
File:MUTCD R2-1 METRIC.svg, R2-1: Speed limit (metric)
File:MUTCD R2-2.svg, R2-2P: Truck Speed limit
File:MUTCD R2-2 METRIC.svg, R2-2P: Truck speed limit (metric)
File:MUTCD R2-3.svg, R2-3P: Night speed limit
File:MUTCD R2-3 METRIC.svg, R2-3P: Night speed limit (metric)
File:MUTCD R2-4.svg, R2-4P: Minimum speed limit
File:MUTCD R2-4 METRIC.svg, R2-4P: Minimum speed limit (metric)
File:Speed Limit 55 Minimum 30 sign.svg, R2-4a: Combined speed limit
File:MUTCD R2-5P.svg, R2-5P: Unless otherwise posted
File:MUTCD R2-6bP.svg, $XX fine
File:MUTCD R2-10.svg, Begin higher/double fines
File:MUTCD R2-11.svg, 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.
File:MUTCD R3-1.svg, No right turn
File:MUTCD R3-2.svg, No left turn
File:MUTCD R3-3.svg, No turns
File:MUTCD R3-4.svg, No U-turn
File:MUTCD R3-5L.svg, Left turn only
File:MUTCD R3-5R.svg, Right turn only
File:MUTCD R3-5a.svg, Straight ahead only
File:MUTCD R3-5b.svg, Left lane
File:MUTCD R3-5e.svg, Center lane
File:MUTCD R3-5f.svg, Right lane
File:MUTCD R3-5g.svg, Bus lane
File:MUTCD R3-6L.svg, Option sign for left turn or straight
File:MUTCD R3-6R.svg, Option sign for right turn or straight
File:MUTCD R3-7L.svg, Left lane MUST turn left
File:MUTCD R3-7R.svg, Right lane MUST turn right
File:MUTCD R3-8.svg, Advanced intersection control
File:MUTCD R3-8B.svg, Turn only lanes
File:MUTCD R3-8a.svg, Advanced intersection control
File:MUTCD R3-9a.svg, Concurrent (center) left turn lane (overhead)
File:MUTCD R3-9b.svg, Concurrent (center) Left Turn Lane (ground)
File:MUTCD R3-9d.svg, Reversible lane control
File:MUTCD R3-9f.svg, Center lane control (time)
File:MUTCD R3-9g.svg
File:MUTCD R3-9h.svg
File:MUTCD R3-9i.svg
File:MUTCD R3-10.svg, 2+ only 2 or more persons per vehicle
File:MUTCD R3-10a.svg
File:MUTCD R3-11.svg, 2+ only (time)
File:MUTCD R3-11a.svg, 2+ Time (LEFT LANE)
File:MUTCD R3-11b.svg
File:MUTCD R3-11c.svg, 24HR 2+
File:MUTCD R3-12.svg
File:MUTCD R3-12a.svg
File:MUTCD R3-12b.svg, lane ends
File:MUTCD R3-13.svg
File:MUTCD R3-13a.svg
File:MUTCD R3-14.svg, (overhead)
File:MUTCD R3-14a.svg, Overhead
File:MUTCD R3-14b.svg, Overhead
File:MUTCD R3-15.svg, Overhead
File:MUTCD R3-15a.svg
File:MUTCD R3-17.svg, Bike lane
File:MUTCD R3-18.svg, No left or U-turn
File:MUTCD R3-27.svg, No thru movement
File:MUTCD R3-2a.svg, No left turn across tracks
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.
File:MUTCD R4-1.svg, Do not pass
File:MUTCD R4-2.svg, Pass with care
File:MUTCD R10-10L.svg, Left turn signal
File:MUTCD R4-3.svg, Slower traffic keep right
File:MUTCD R4-4.svg, Begin right turn lane yield to bikes
File:MUTCD R4-5.svg, Trucks use right Lane
File:MUTCD R4-6.svg, Truck lane 500 Feet
File:MUTCD R4-7.svg, Keep right
File:MUTCD R4-7a.svg, Keep right
File:MUTCD R4-7b.svg, Keep right
File:MUTCD R4-7c.svg, Keep right (median island less than 4 feet wide)
File:MUTCD R4-8.svg, Keep left
File:MUTCD R4-8a.svg, Keep left
File:MUTCD R4-8b.svg, Keep left
File:MUTCD R4-8c.svg, Keep left (median island less than 4 feet wide)
File:MUTCD R4-9.svg, Stay in lane
File:MUTCD R4-10.svg, Runaway vehicles only
File:MUTCD R4-11.svg, Cyclists may use full lane
File:MUTCD R4-12.svg, Slow vehicles with 5 or more following vehicles must use turn-out
File:MUTCD R4-13.svg, Slow vehicles must use turn-out ahead
File:MUTCD R4-14.svg, Slow vehicles must turn out
File:MUTCD R4-16.svg, Keep right except to pass
File:MUTCD R4-17.svg, Do not drive on shoulder
File:MUTCD R4-18.svg, 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.
File:MUTCD R5-1.svg, Do not enter
File:MUTCD R5-1a.svg, Wrong way
File:MUTCD R5-1b.svg, Bicycles wrong way
File:MUTCD R5-2.svg, No trucks
File:MUTCD R5-3.svg, No motorized vehicles
File:MUTCD R5-4.svg, No commercial vehicles
File:MUTCD R5-5.svg, No lugged vehicles
File:MUTCD R5-6.svg, No bicycles
File:MUTCD R5-7.svg, No nonmotorized traffic
File:MUTCD R5-8.svg, No motor driven cycles
File:MUTCD R5-10a.svg, No pedestrians bicycles motor driven cycles
File:MUTCD R5-10b.svg, No pedestrians or bicycles
File:MUTCD R5-10c.svg, No pedestrians
File:MUTCD R5-11.svg, 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.
File:MUTCD R6-1.svg, One way
File:MUTCD R6-2.svg, One way, alternate
File:MUTCD R6-3.svg, Divided highway crossing
File:MUTCD R6-3a.svg, Divided highway crossing, T-intersection
File:MUTCD R6-4.svg, 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 signs allow for parking for either an unlimited or varied amount of time. They are often used in conjunction with parking meter
A parking meter is a device used to collect money in exchange for the right to park a vehicle in a particular place for a limited amount of time. Parking meters can be used by municipalities as a tool for enforcing their integrated on-street par ...
s 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.
File:MUTCD R7-1.svg, No parking
File:MUTCD R7-2.svg, No parking from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm
File:MUTCD R7-2a.svg, No parking from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm (alternative)
File:MUTCD R7-3.svg, No Parking; Except Sundays
File:MUTCD R7-4.svg, No standing any time
File:MUTCD R7-5.svg, one hour parking time
File:MUTCD R7-108.svg, Two hours parking time
File:MUTCD R7-6.svg, No parking; Loading zone
File:MUTCD R7-20.svg, Parking fee station
File:MUTCD R7-8.svg, Reserved parking (wheelchair)
File:MUTCD R7-8a.svg, Van accessible
File:MUTCD R7-107.svg, No parking bus stop
File:MUTCD R7-22.svg, Parking pay parking
File:MUTCD R7-200a.svg, (Combined) no Parking one hour parking time
File:MUTCD R7-201a.svg, 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.
File:MUTCD R8-1.svg, No parking on pavement
File:MUTCD R8-3A.svg, No parking
File:MUTCD R8-3bP.svg, Exception of Sundays and holidays
File:MUTCD R8-3eP.svg, On tracks plaque
File:MUTCD R8-3fP.svg, Except on shoulder plaque
File:MUTCD R8-3gP.svg, Loading zone
File:MUTCD R8-5.svg, No stopping on pavement
File:MUTCD R8-10a.svg, 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.
File:MUTCD R9-1.svg, Walk on left facing traffic
File:MUTCD R9-2.svg, Cross only at cross walks
File:MUTCD R9-3.svg, No pedestrians
File:MUTCD R9-13.svg, No rollerblading
File:MUTCD R9-4.svg, No hitch hiking
File:MUTCD R9-7.svg, Bicycles left pedestrians right
File:MUTCD R9-10.svg, Sidewalk Closed Use Other Side
File:MUTCD R9-14.svg, 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.
File:MUTCD R10-3B.svg, Crosswalk signal instructions
File:MUTCD R10-6.svg, Stop here on red
File:MUTCD R10-15.svg, Turning vehicles yield to pedestrians
File:MUTCD R10-12.svg, Left turn yield on green
File:MUTCD R10-22.svg, Bicycles to request green wait on line
File:Left Turn Yield On Flashing Arrow 1.png, Left turn yield on flashing yellow arrow, version 1
File:Left Turn Yield On Flashing Arrow 2.png, 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.
File:R11-2 2009 MUTCD.svg, Road closed
File:R11-3a 2009 MUTCD.svg, Road closed ahead
File:R11-3b 2009 MUTCD.svg, 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.
File:MUTCD R12-1.svg, Weight limit
File:MUTCD R12-2.svg, Axle weight limit
File:MUTCD R12-3.svg, Truck weight limit
File:MUTCD R12-4.svg, Weight limit with per axle and gross
File:MUTCD R12-5.svg, Weight limit with truck symbols
R13 series: Weigh stations
The MUTCD's R13 series of signs is for weigh station
A weigh station is a checkpoint along a highway to inspect vehicular weights and safety compliance criteria. Usually, trucks and commercial vehicles are subject to the inspection.
Weigh stations are equipped with truck scales, some of which are ...
related signs. As all situations are not covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.
File:MUTCD D8-1.svg, Weigh station sign
File:MUTCD D8-2.svg, Weigh station next right sign
File:MUTCD D8-3.svg, 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.
File:MUTCD R14-1.svg, Truck route sign
File:MUTCD R14-2.svg, Hazardous material route
File:MUTCD R14-3.svg, Hazardous material prohibited
File:MUTCD R14-4.svg, National Network Route
File:MUTCD R14-5.svg, 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.
File:MUTCD R15-1.svg, Railroad crossing ( crossbuck)
File:MUTCD R15-2P.svg, Three tracks
File:MUTCD R15-3P.svg, This railroad stop is exempt from the horn blowing
File:MUTCD R15-4a.svg, Light rail only in right lane
File:MUTCD R15-4b.svg, Light rail only in left lane
File:MUTCD R15-4c.svg, Light rail only in center lane
File:MUTCD R15-5.svg, Do not pass stopped trains
File:MUTCD R15-6.svg, Do not drive on tracks
File:MUTCD R15-7.svg, Divided highway transit rail crossing
File:MUTCD R15-8.svg, 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.
File:MUTCD R16-1.svg, Wear seat belt
File:MUTCD R16-6.svg, Lights on when raining
File:MUTCD R16-9.svg, Check headlights
Image:MUTCD R16-8.svg, Turn on headlights
File:MUTCD R16-4.svg, 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.
File:MUTCD W1-1R.svg, Turn
File:MUTCD W1-2L.svg, Curve
File:MUTCD W1-10R.svg, Curve with minor road
File:MUTCD W1-3L.svg, Reverse turn
File:MUTCD W1-4R.svg, Reverse curve
File:MUTCD W1-6L.svg, Arrow
File:MUTCD W1-7.svg, Double arrow
File:MUTCD W1-8L.svg, Chevron
File:MUTCD W1-5R.svg, Winding road
File:MUTCD W1-11L.svg, Turn around road
File:MUTCD W1-13L.svg, Truck rollover warning
W2 series: Junctions
The MUTCD's W2 series of signs is for warning signs relating to junctions. As not all situations are covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.
File:MUTCD W2-1.svg, Crossroad junction
File:MUTCD W2-2L.svg, Side road junction
File:MUTCD W2-3L.svg, Slanted side road junction
File:MUTCD W2-4.svg, T junction
File:MUTCD W2-5.svg, Y junction
File:MUTCD W2-6.svg, Roundabout
File:MUTCD W2-7L.svg, Offset side roads
File:MUTCD W2-8R.svg, 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.
File:MUTCD W3-1.svg, Stop sign ahead
File:MUTCD W3-2.svg, Yield sign ahead
File:MUTCD W3-5.svg, Speed limit ahead
File:MUTCD W3-3.svg, Traffic lights Ahead
File:MUTCD W3-4.svg, Be prepared to stop
File:MUTCD W3-5A.svg, Speed zone ahead
File:MUTCD W3-6.svg, Draw bridge ahead
File:MUTCD W3-7.svg, Ramp meter ahead
File:MUTCD W3-8.svg, 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.
File:MUTCD W4-1R.svg, Merge ahead
File:MUTCD W4-2R.svg, Right lane ends
File:Roadsign lane drop ahead.svg, Lane drop ahead
File:MUTCD W4-3L.svg, Added left lane
File:MUTCD W4-3R.svg, Added right lane
File:MUTCD W4-4P.svg, Cross traffic does not stop
File:MUTCD W4-5R.svg, Merge on slip lane
File:MUTCD W4-6L.svg, Added left lane on slip lane
File:MUTCD W4-6R.svg, Added right lane on slip lane
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.
File:MUTCD W5-1.svg, Road Narrows
File:MUTCD W5-2.svg, Narrow Bridge
File:MUTCD W5-3.svg, One lane bridge
File:MUTCD W5-4a.svg, Path Narrows
File:MUTCD_W5-4A.svg, 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.
File:MUTCD W6-1.svg, Divided Highway
File:MUTCD W6-2.svg, Divided highway ends
File:MUTCD W6-3.svg, 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.
File:MUTCD W7-1.svg, Steep grade/hill
File:MUTCD W7-1A.svg, Hill
File:MUTCD W7-1B.svg, Steep grade/hill percentage
File:MUTCD W7-2P.svg, Use low gear
File:MUTCD W7-2bP.svg, Trucks use lower gear
File:MUTCD W7-3P.svg, X% grade ahead
File:MUTCD W7-3aP.svg, Next (distance) miles ahead
File:MUTCD W7-3bP.svg, X% grade (distance) miles ahead
File:MUTCD W7-4.svg, Runaway truck ramp
A runaway truck ramp, runaway truck lane, escape lane, emergency escape ramp, or truck arrester bed is a traffic device that enables vehicles which are having braking problems to safely stop. It is typically a long, sand- or gravel-filled lane co ...
ahead
File:MUTCD W7-4b.svg, Runaway truck ramp
File:MUTCD W7-4c.svg, Truck escape ramp
File:MUTCD W7-4dP.svg, sand
File:MUTCD W7-4eP.svg, gravel
File:MUTCD W7-4fP.svg, paved
File:MUTCD W7-5.svg, Hill (bike)
File:MUTCD W7-6.svg, 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.
File:MUTCD W8-1.svg, Bump
File:MUTCD W8-2.svg, Dip
File:MUTCD W8-3.svg, Pavement ends
File:MUTCD W8-4.svg, Soft shoulder
File:MUTCD W8-5.svg, Slippery ahead
File:MUTCD W8-7.svg, Loose gravel
File:MUTCD W8-8.svg, Rough road
File:MUTCD W8-10.svg, Bicycle slippery ahead
File:MUTCD W8-11.svg, Uneven lanes
File:MUTCD W8-12.svg, No center line
File:MUTCD_W8-13.svg, Bridge ices before road
File:MUTCD W8-14.svg, Fallen rocks
File:MUTCD W8-16.svg, Metal bridge deck
File:MUTCD W8-18.svg, Road may flood
File:MUTCD W8-21.svg, Gusty Winds Area
File:MUTCD W8-22.svg, Fog area
File:MUTCD W8-23.svg, No shoulder ahead
File:MUTCD W8-25.svg, 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.
File:MUTCD W9-1.svg, Lane ends
File:MUTCD W9-2.svg, Lane ends merge...
File:MUTCD CW9-3.svg, Center lane closed ahead
W10 series: Crossings
The MUTCD's W10 series of signs is for warning signs relating to crossings. As all situations are not covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.
File:MUTCD W10-1.svg, Crossing ahead
File:MUTCD W10-2R.svg, Crossing on junction ahead
File:MUTCD W10-12.svg, Skewed crossing ahead
File:MUTCD W10-5.svg, Low ground clearance
File:MUTCD W10-8.svg, Trains may exceed 80 mph
File:MUTCD W10-9.svg, No train horn warning
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.
File:MUTCD W11-1.svg, Bicycle
File:MUTCD W11-2.svg, Pedestrians
File:MUTCD W11-3.svg, Deer
File:MUTCD W11-4.svg, Cattle
File:MUTCD W11-5.svg, Farm vehicles
File:MUTCD W11-6.svg, Snowmobile
File:MUTCD W11-7.svg, Equestrian
File:MUTCD W11-8.svg, Emergency vehicle
File:MUTCD W11-9.svg, Handicapped
File:MUTCD W11-10.svg, Truck
File:MUTCD W11-11.svg, Golf cart
File:MUTCD W11-14.svg, Horse-drawn vehicles
File:MUTCD W11-15.svg, Bicycle and pedestrians
File:MUTCD W11-16.svg, Bear
File:MUTCD W11-17.svg, Sheep
File:MUTCD W11-18.svg, Ram
File:MUTCD W11-19.svg, Donkey
File:MUTCD W11-20.svg, Elk
File:MUTCD W11-21.svg, Moose
File:MUTCD W11-22.svg, Wild horse
W12 series: Obstacles
The MUTCD's W12 series of signs is for warning signs relating to obstacles. As all situations are not covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD. Metric low bridge signs in meters are authorized but extremely rare, usually seen near the borders with Canada and Mexico, both of which use the metric system
The metric system is a system of measurement that succeeded the decimalised system based on the metre that had been introduced in France in the 1790s. The historical development of these systems culminated in the definition of the Intern ...
. Many states, however, disallow the use of metric signs on state-maintained roads due to system restrictions, increasing the rarity of such signs.
File:MUTCD W12-1.svg, Double arrow obstacle
File:MUTCD W12-2.svg, Low bridge obstacle
File:MUTCD W12-2 METRIC.svg, Low bridge obstacle metric
File:MUTCD W12-2P.svg, 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 are authorized but extremely rare, usually seen near the borders with Canada and Mexico, both of which use the metric system
The metric system is a system of measurement that succeeded the decimalised system based on the metre that had been introduced in France in the 1790s. The historical development of these systems culminated in the definition of the Intern ...
. Many states, however, disallow the use of metric signs on state-maintained roads due to system restrictions, increasing the rarity of such signs.
File:MUTCD W13-1.svg, Speed advisory
File:MUTCD W13-1 METRIC.svg, Speed advisory metric
File:MUTCD W13-2.svg, Exit speed advisory
File:MUTCD W13-3.svg, 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.
File:MUTCD W14-2.svg, No Outlet
File:MUTCD W14-1.svg, Dead End
File:MUTCD W14-3.svg, 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.
File:MUTCD W15-1.svg, 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.
File:MUTCD W16-2P.svg, XX feet
File:MUTCD W16-2aP.svg, XX feet
File:MUTCD W16-3P.svg, X miles
File:MUTCD W16-3aP.svg, X miles
File:MUTCD W16-4P.svg, Next XX feet
File:MUTCD W16-8P.svg, Advance street name
File:MUTCD W16-8aP.svg, Advance street name (double arrow)
File:MUTCD W16-9P.svg, Ahead
File:MUTCD W16-10aP.svg, Photo enforced
File:MUTCD W16-11P.svg,
File:MUTCD W16-17P.svg, Roundabout junction plaque
File:MUTCD W16-13P.svg, When flashing
File:MUTCD W16-15P.svg, New
File:MUTCD W16-18P.svg, Notice
W17 series: Speed humps
The MUTCD's W17 series of signs is for warnings relating to speed humps
In everyday use and in kinematics, the speed (commonly referred to as ''v'') of an object is the magnitude of the change of its position over time or the magnitude of the change of its position per unit of time; it is thus a scalar quantit ...
. As all situations are not covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.
File:MUTCD_W17-1.svg, 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.
File:MUTCD W18-1.svg, No Traffic Signs
W19 series:
Freeway
A controlled-access highway is a type of highway that has been designed for high-speed vehicular traffic, with all traffic flow—ingress and egress—regulated. Common English terms are freeway, motorway and expressway. Other similar terms ...
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.
File:MUTCD_W19-1.svg, Freeway Ends
File:MUTCD_W19-2.svg, Expressway Ends
File:MUTCD_W19-3.svg, Freeway Ends
File:MUTCD_W19-4.svg, Expressway Ends
File:MUTCD_W19-5.svg, 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.
File:MUTCD G20-1.svg, Road Work Next 5 Miles
File:MUTCD G20-2.svg, End road work
File:MUTCD G20-5aP.svg, Work Zone Speed limit
File:MUTCD CW20-1.svg, Road work ahead
File:Road Closed Ahead sign.svg, Road Closed Ahead
File:MUTCD W20-3 (temporary).svg, Road is closed 1000 ft. ahead
File:MUTCD M4-9R.svg, Detour
File:MUTCD M4-8a.svg, End Detour
File:MUTCD M4-8b.svg, End(If a road work blocked road)
File:MUTCD CW20-7.svg, Flagger
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
File:MUTCD CW20-4.svg, One lane road ahead
File:MUTCD CW3-4.svg, Be prepared to stop
File:MUTCD CW21-1.svg, Men working
File:MUTCD CW21-2.svg, Fresh oil
File:MUTCD CW21-7.svg, 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.
File:MUTCD CW22-1.svg, Blasting zone ahead
File:MUTCD CW22-2.svg, Turn off 2-way radios and cell phones
File:MUTCD CW22-3.svg, 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.
File:MUTCD CW23-1.svg, Slow traffic ahead
File:MUTCD CW23-2.svg, 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.
File:MUTCD CW24-1R.svg, Double reverse curve
File:MUTCD CW24-1aR.svg, Double reverse curve
File:MUTCD CW24-1bL.svg, Double reverse curve
File:MUTCD CW24-1cP.svg, 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.
File:MUTCD W25-1.svg, Extended green
File:MUTCD W25-2.svg, 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
File:MUTCD E1-1a.svg, Interchange Guide sign
File:MUTCD advanced interstate guide sign.svg, Interchange Guide sign
File:MUTCD Interchange Exit Direction Sign 1.svg, Interchange exit direction
File:MUTCD E5-1a.svg, Exit number sign
File:MUTCD E5-1.svg, Exit sign
File:MUTCD Sign Assembly - E5-1a with E13-1P.svg, Exit number sign with speed advisory
File:MUTCD D2-3.svg, Mileage signs for highway routes
File:Logo Sign.svg, Specific service signs for food
File:MUTCD D5-1.svg, Rest area
A rest area is a public facility located next to a large thoroughfare such as a motorway, expressway, or highway, at which drivers and passengers can rest, eat, or refuel without exiting onto secondary roads. Other names include motorway serv ...
File:MUTCD D5-12.svg, Interstate oasis
File:MUTCD D9-18.svg, Advanced services sign
Toll road signs
Chapter 2F of the MUTCD deals with signs for toll roads.
File:MUTCD R3-44.svg, Toll road pass only
File:MUTCD R3-44a.svg, Toll road pass or
File:MUTCD R3-48.svg, Toll costs at intersections or
File:Conventional Toll Plaza Advance Sign 1.svg, MUTCD Conventional Toll Plaza advance sign
File:Conventional Toll Plaza Advance Sign 2.svg, MUTCD Conventional Toll Plaza advance sign
File:MUTCD R3-29P.svg, Pay toll
Motorist services
File:MUTCD D9-1.svg, Telephone
File:MUTCD D9-2.svg, Hospital
File:MUTCD D9-3.svg, Camping
File:MUTCD D9-3a.svg, Trailer camping
File:MUTCD D9-4.svg, Litter container
File:MUTCD D9-6.svg, Handicapped accessible
File:MUTCD D9-7.svg, Gas
File:MUTCD D9-8.svg, Food
File:MUTCD D9-9.svg, Lodging
File:MUTCD D9-10.svg, General information
File:MUTCD D9-11.svg, Diesel fuel
File:MUTCD D9-11a.svg, Alternative fuel (CNG)
File:MUTCD D9-11b.svg, Electric vehicle charging
File:MUTCD D9-11c.svg, Alternative fuel (E85)
File:MUTCD D9-12.svg, RV sanitary station
File:MUTCD D9-13.svg, Ambulance symbol
File:MUTCD D9-14.svg, Police
File:MUTCD D9-15.svg, Propane gas
File:MUTCD D9-16.svg, Truck parking
File:MUTCD D9-20.svg, Pharmacy
File:MUTCD D9-21.svg, Telecommunication
File:MUTCD D9-22.svg, Wireless internet
General information
File:MUTCD I1-1.svg, Traffic Signal Speed
File:MUTCD I-2.svg, State Line
File:MUTCD I-3.svg, Brazos River
File:MUTCD I-5.svg, Airport
File:MUTCD I-6.svg, Bus Station
File:MUTCD I-7.svg, Train Station
File:MUTCD I-8.svg, Library
File:MUTCD I-11.svg, Recycling Collection Center
File:MUTCD I-12.svg, Light Rail Station
School zone signs
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.
File:MUTCD S1-1.svg, School zone ahead (also used for pedestrian crosswalk near schools) since 1998
File:MUTCD S3-1 (new).svg, School bus stop ahead
File:MUTCD S3-2.svg, School bus turn ahead
File:MUTCD S4-1P.svg, Time of Day
File:MUTCD S4-2P.svg, When Children are present
File:MUTCD S4-3P.svg, School plaque
File:MUTCD S4-4P.svg, When lights flashing
File:MUTCD S4-5.svg, School speed limit ahead
File:MUTCD S4-5a.svg, School Speed zone ahead
File:MUTCD S4-6P.svg, Day(s) of the week
File:MUTCD S4-7P.svg, All year school zone ahead
File:MUTCD S5-1.svg, School speed limit when flashing
File:MUTCD S5-2.svg, End school zone (usually under an R2 speed limit sign)
See also
* Comparison of traffic signs in English-speaking countries
This is a comparison of road signs in countries and regions that speak majorly English, including major ones where it is an official language and widely understood (and as a lingua franca).
Among the countries listed below, Liberia, Nigeria, and ...
* Glossary of road transport terms
Terminology related to road transport—the transport of passengers or goods on paved (or otherwise improved) routes between places—is diverse, with variation between dialects of English. There may also be regional differences within a single co ...
* Road signs in Canada
Road signs in Canada may conform to the ''Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Canada'' (MUTCDC) by the Transportation Association of Canada (TAC) for use by Canadian jurisdictions. Although it serves a similar role to the MUTCD from t ...
* Warning sign
A warning sign is a type of sign which indicates a potential hazard, obstacle, or condition requiring special attention. Some are traffic signs that indicate hazards on roads that may not be readily apparent to a driver.
While warning traffi ...
Notes
References
External links
*
{{North America topic, Road signs in