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.
/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

. 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

. 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)

Notes

References

External links

* {{North America topic, Road signs in