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).

• Stop and Yield
• 
  R1-1: Stop
• 
  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 ped crossing[lower-alpha 1]
• 
  R1-9a: Overhead ped crossing[lower-alpha 1]
• 
  R1-10P: Except right turn

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.

• Speed Limit Signs
• 
  R2-1: Speed limit
• 
  R2-1: Speed limit (metric)
• 
  R2-2P: Truck Speed limit
• 
  R2-2P: Truck speed limit (metric)
• 
  R2-3P: Night speed limit
• 
  R2-3P: Night speed limit (metric)
• 
  R2-4P: Minimum speed limit
• 
  R2-4P: Minimum speed limit (metric)
• 
  R2-4a: Combined speed limit
• 
  R2-5P: Unless otherwise posted
• 
  $XX fine
• 
  Begin higher/double fines
• 
  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.

• Lane Usage and Turns Signs
• 
  No right turn
• 
  No left turn
• 
  No turns
• 
  No U-turn
• 
  Left turn only
• 
  Right turn only
• 
  Straight ahead only
• 
  Left lane
• 
  Center lane
• 
  Right lane
• 
  Bus lane
• 
  Option sign for left turn or straight
• 
  Option sign for right turn or straight
• 
  Left lane MUST turn left
• 
  Right lane MUST turn right
• 
  Advanced intersection control
• 
  Turn only lanes
• 
  Advanced intersection control
• 
  Concurrent (center) left turn lane (overhead)
• 
  Concurrent (center) Left Turn Lane (ground)
• 
  Reversible lane control
• 
  Center lane control (time)
• 
• 
• 
• 
  HOV 2+ only 2 or more persons per vehicle
• 
• 
  HOV 2+ only (time)
• 
  HOV 2+ Time (LEFT LANE)
• 
• 
  24HR HOV 2+
• 
• 
• 
  HOV lane ends
• 
• 
• 
  HOV (overhead)
• 
  Overhead
• 
  Overhead
• 
  Overhead
• 
• 
  Bike lane
• 
  No left or U-turn
• 
  No thru movement
• 
  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.

• Regulation of Movement Signs
• 
  Do not pass
• 
  Pass with care
• 
  Left turn signal
• 
  Slower traffic keep right
• 
  Begin right turn lane yield to bikes
• 
  Trucks use right Lane
• 
  Truck lane 500 Feet
• 
  Keep right
• 
  Keep right
• 
  Keep right
• 
  Keep right (median island less than 4 feet wide)
• 
  Keep left
• 
  Keep left
• 
  Keep left
• 
  Keep left (median island less than 4 feet wide)
• 
  Stay in lane
• 
  Runaway vehicles only
• 
  Cyclists may use full lane
• 
  Slow vehicles with 5 or more following vehicles must use turn-out
• 
  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.

• Exclusionary Signs
• 
  Do not enter
• 
  Wrong way
• 
  Bicycles wrong way
• 
  No trucks
• 
  No motorized vehicles
• 
  No commercial vehicles
• 
  No lugged vehicles
• 
  No bicycles
• 
  No nonmotorized traffic
• 
  No motor driven cycles
• 
  No pedestrians bicycles 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 and Divided Highway
• 
  One way
• 
  One way, alternate
• 
  Divided highway crossing
• 
  Divided highway crossing, T-intersection
• 
  Chevron roundabout directional

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.

• Parking
• 
  No parking
• 
  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
• 
  No standing any time
• 
  one hour parking time
• 
  Two hours parking time
• 
  No parking; Loading zone
• 
  Parking fee station
• 
  Reserved parking (wheelchair)
• 
  Van accessible
• 
  No parking bus stop
• 
  Parking pay parking
• 
  (Combined) no Parking one hour parking time
• 
  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.

• Parking and Emergency Restrictions
• 
  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.

• Bicycle and Pedestrian Signs
• 
  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.

• Traffic Signal Signs
• 
  Crosswalk signal instructions
• 
  Stop here on red
• 
  Turning vehicles yield to pedestrians
• 
  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 Signs
• 
  Road closed
• 
  Road closed ahead
• 
  Bridge out 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 Limits Signs
• 
  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 all situations are not covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.

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

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

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

• Seat Belts and Headlight Use Signs
• 
  Wear seat belt
• 
  Lights on when raining
• 
  Check headlights
• 
  Turn on headlights
• 
  Fender bender

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.

• Curves and Turns
• 
  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.

• Junctions
• 
  Crossroad 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.

• Advance Traffic Control
• 
  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.

• Lanes and Merges
• 
  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 Width Restrictions
• 
  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 Highways
• 
  Divided Highway
• 
  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.

• Hills
• 
  Steep grade/hill
• 
  Hill
• 
  Steep grade/hill percentage
• 
  Use low gear
• 
  Trucks use lower gear
• 
  X% grade ahead
• 
  Next (distance) miles ahead
• 
  X% grade (distance) miles ahead
• 
  Runaway truck ramp ahead
• 
  Runaway truck ramp
• 
  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.

• Pavement and Roadway Conditions
• 
  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 Transitions
• 
  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.

• Grade crossings
• 
  Crossing ahead
• 
  Crossing on junction ahead
• 
  Skewed crossing ahead
• 
  Low ground clearance
• 
  Trains may exceed 80 mph
• 
  No train horn warning

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]

• Advanced warnings
• 
  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.

• Obstacles
• 
  Double arrow obstacle
• 
  Low bridge obstacle
• 
  Low bridge obstacle metric
• 
  Sign displays height of bridge

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.

• Advisory Speeds
• 
  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.

• Dead End and Limited Access Streets
• 
  No Outlet
• 
  Dead End
• 
  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.

• Playgrounds
• 
  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.

• Supplemental Plaques
• 
  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 Humps
• 
  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
• 
  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 or expressway end signs
• 
  Freeway Ends
• 
  Expressway Ends
• 
  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.

• Work Zone Signs
• 
  Road Work Next 5 Miles
• 
  End road work
• 
  Work Zone Speed limit
• 
  Road work ahead
• 
  Road Closed Ahead
• 
  Road is closed 1000 ft. ahead
• 
  Detour
• 
  End Detour
• 
  End(If a road work blocked road)
• 
  Flagger

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

• Road Work Signs
• 
  One lane road 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 Signs
• 
  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 Signs
• 
  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.

• Double Reverse Curve Signs
• 
  Double reverse curve
• 
  Double reverse curve
• 
  Double 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 Signs
• 
  Extended green
• 
  Possible extended Green

• Interchange Advance Guide Signs
• 
  Interchange Guide sign
• 
  Interchange Guide sign

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

• Service and Rest Area signs
• 
  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 Signs
• 
  Toll road pass only
• 
  Toll road pass or HOV
• 
  Toll costs at intersections or HOV
• 
  MUTCD Conventional Toll Plaza advance sign
• 
  MUTCD Conventional Toll Plaza advance sign
• 
  Pay toll

• 
  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
• 
  Wireless internet

• 
  Traffic Signal Speed
• 
  State Line
• 
  River
• 
  Airport
• 
  Bus Station
• 
  Train Station
• 
  Library
• 
  Recycling Collection Center
• 
  Light Rail Station