Road signs in the United States

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

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

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.[10] Many states, however, disallow the use of metric signs on state-maintained roads due to MUTCD restrictions,[11] increasing the rarity of such signs.

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

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.

• 
  R3-1: Movement prohibition, no right turn
• 
  R3-2: Movement prohibition, no left turn
• 
  R3-3: Movement prohibition, no turns
• 
  R3-4: Movement prohibition, no U-turn
• 
  R3-5L: Mandatory movement lane control, left turn only
• 
  R3-5R: Mandatory movement lane control, right turn only
• 
  R3-5a: Mandatory movement lane control, through only
• 
  R3-5bP: Left lane (plaque)
• 
  R3-5eP: Center lane (plaque)
• 
  R3-5fP: Right lane (plaque)
• 
  R3-5gP: Bus lane (plaque)
• 
  R3-6L: Optional movement lane control, through and turn
• 
  R3-6R: Optional movement lane control, through and turn
• 
  R3-7L: Left lane must turn left
• 
  R3-7R: Right lane must turn right
• 
  R3-8: Advance intersection lane control (two lanes)
• 
  R3-8a: Advance intersection lane control (three lanes)
• 
  R3-8b: Advance intersection lane control (three lanes)
• 
  R3-9a: Two-way left turn only (overhead)
• 
  R3-9b: Two-way left turn only (post-mounted)
• 
  R3-9e: Reversible lane control (overhead)
• 
  R3-9f: Reversible lane control (post-mounted)
• 
  R3-9g: Advance reversible lane control transition
• 
  R3-9h: Advance reversible lane control transition
• 
  R3-9i: End reverse lane
• 
  R3-10: Preferential lane vehicle occupancy definition (post-mounted)
• 
  R3-10a: Preferential lane vehicle occupancy definition (post-mounted)
• 
  R3-11: Preferential lane operation, high-occupancy vehicles (post-mounted)
• 
  R3-11a: Preferential lane operation, high-occupancy vehicles (post-mounted)
• 
  R3-11d: Preferential lane operation (post-mounted)
• 
  R3-11b: Preferential lane operation, high-occupancy vehicles, full-time (post-mounted)
• 
  R3-12: Preferential lane ahead, high-occupancy vehicles (post-mounted)
• 
  R3-12a: Preferential lane ends, high-occupancy vehicles (post-mounted)
• 
  R3-12b: Preferential lane ends, high-occupancy vehicles (post-mounted)
• 
  R3-13: Preferential lane vehicle occupancy definition (overhead)
• 
  R3-13a: Preferential lane vehicle occupancy definition (overhead)
• 
  R3-14: HOV lane operation (overhead)
• 
  R3-14a: HOV lane operation (overhead)
• 
  R3-14b: HOV lane operation (overhead)
• 
  R3-15: HOV lane ahead (overhead)
• 
  R3-15a: HOV lane begins XX miles (overhead)
• 
  R3-17: Bike lane
• 
  R3-18: Movement prohibition, no U or left turn
• 
  R3-27: Movement prohibition, no straight through
• 
  No left turn across tracks

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

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

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

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

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

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

The MUTCD allows for three types of parking signs: permissive, No Parking, and No Standing. However, in most states, there is an additional more restrictive one, No Stopping. These signs are found in the R7 series of signs in the MUTCD. As all situations are not covered, several states and local governments have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD. Permissive parking signs allow for parking for either an unlimited or varied amount of time. They are often used in conjunction with parking meters and parking permits. They are specified by the MUTCD to be green on white. Local variations occur with additional information and slightly different designs. No Parking signs indicate that loading or unloading while temporarily stopped is permitted, but the driver must not leave the vicinity of the vehicle.[12] 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.[12] As with no parking signs, some restrictions displayed on the signs are permanent, and some are time-based.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

• 
  Crosswalk signal instructions
• 
  Stop here on red
• 
  Turning vehicles yield to pedestrians
• 
  Left turn signal
• 
  Left turn yield on green
• 
  Bicycles to request green wait on line
• 
  Left turn yield on flashing yellow arrow, version 1
• 
  Left turn yield on flashing arrow, version 2

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• 
  Turn
• 
  Curve
• 
  Curve with minor road
• 
  Reverse turn
• 
  Reverse curve
• 
  Arrow
• 
  Double arrow
• 
  Chevron
• 
  Winding road
• 
  Turn around road
• 
  Truck rollover warning
• 
  270-degree loop

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.

• 
  Crossroad junction
• 
  Side road junction
• 
  Side road junction
• 
  Slanted side road junction
• 
  T junction
• 
  Y junction
• 
  Roundabout
• 
  Offset side roads
• 
  Double side roads

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

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

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

• 
  Merge ahead
• 
  Right lane ends
• 
  Lane drop ahead
• 
  Added left lane
• 
  Added right lane
• 
  Cross traffic does not stop
• 
  Merge on slip lane
• 
  Added left lane on slip lane
• 
  Added right lane on slip lane

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

• 
  Lane ends
• 
  Lane ends merge
• 
  Center lane closed ahead

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.

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

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.[13]

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

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.[10] Many states, however, disallow the use of metric signs on state-maintained roads due to system restrictions, increasing the rarity of such signs.

• 
  Double arrow obstacle
• 
  Low bridge obstacle
• 
  Low bridge obstacle metric
• 
  Sign displays height of bridge
• 
  Side low clearance on the left (Ohio)
• 
  Side low clearance on the right (Ohio)

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.[10] Many states, however, disallow the use of metric signs on state-maintained roads due to system restrictions, increasing the rarity of such signs.

• 
  Speed advisory
• 
  Speed advisory metric
• 
  Exit speed advisory
• 
  Ramp speed advisory

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.

• 
  No outlet
• 
  No outlet on the left
• 
  No outlet on the right
• 
  Dead end
• 
  Dead end on the left
• 
  Dead end on the right
• 
  Road ends (Texas)
• 
  No passing zone

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

• 
  Playground[lower-alpha 2]

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

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

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

• 
  Speed hump

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• 
  Slow traffic ahead
• 
  New traffic pattern ahead

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

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

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

• 
  Extended green
• 
  Possible extended green

• 
  Interchange guide sign
• 
  Interchange guide sign

• 
  Interchange exit direction
• 
  Exit number sign
• 
  Exit sign
• 
  Exit number sign with speed advisory
• 
  Mileage signs for highway routes

• 
  Specific service signs for food (as shown)
• 
  Rest area
• 
  Interstate oasis
• 
  Advanced services sign

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

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

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

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