Road signs in the United States
In the United States, road signs are, for the most part, standardized by federal regulations, most notably in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) and its companion volume the Standard Highway Signs (SHS). There are no plans for adopting the Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals standards.
Twenty-three states along with the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico use the manual without any alterations, 20 states have adopted it in conjunction with a supplemental volume, and seven states have a state version in substantial conformance to the MUTCD.[1] There are also localized versions that are used in large cities such as New York City which use a naming system compatible with the MUTCD and/or state supplement. The MUTCD and SHS establish seven general categories of signs for road and highway use[2] (all signs from national MUTCD, unless noted):
Contents
- 1 Regulatory
- 1.1 R1 Series: Stop and Yield
- 1.2 R2 Series: Speed Limit
- 1.3 R3 Series: Lane Usage and Turns
- 1.4 R4 Series: Regulation of Movement
- 1.5 R5 Series: Exclusionary
- 1.6 R6 Series: One Way and Divided Highway
- 1.7 R7 Series: Parking
- 1.8 R8 Series: Parking and Emergency Restrictions
- 1.9 R9 Series: Bicycles and Pedestrians
- 1.10 R10 Series: Traffic Signal
- 1.11 R11 Series: Road Closed
- 1.12 R12 Series: Weight Limits
- 1.13 R13 Series: Weigh Stations
- 1.14 R14 Series: Truck Routes
- 1.15 R15 Series: Rail and Light Rail
- 1.16 R16 Series: Seat Belts and Headlight Use
- 1.17 Other Local and State Series
- 2 Schools
- 3 Warning
- 3.1 W1 Series: Curves and Turns
- 3.2 W2 Series: Intersections
- 3.3 W3 Series: Advance Traffic Control
- 3.4 W4 Series: Lanes and Merges
- 3.5 W5 Series: Road Width Restrictions
- 3.6 W6 Series: Divided Highways
- 3.7 W7 Series: Hills and Grades
- 3.8 W8 Series: Pavement and Roadway Conditions
- 3.9 W9 Series: Lane Transitions
- 3.10 W10 Series: Rail and Light Rail
- 3.11 W11 Series: Advance Warnings and Crossings
- 3.12 W12 Series: Low Clearances
- 3.13 W13 Series: Advisory Speeds
- 3.14 W14 Series: Dead End Streets and No Passing Zones
- 3.15 W15 Series: Playgrounds
- 3.16 W16 Series: Supplemental Plaques
- 3.17 W17 Series: Speed Humps
- 3.18 W19 Series: End of Controlled Access Highway
- 3.19 W20 Series: Work Zones
- 3.20 W21 Series: Road Work
- 3.21 W22 Series: Blasting Zones
- 3.22 W23 Series: Slow Traffic
- 3.23 W24 Series: Double Reverse Curves
- 3.24 W25 Series: Oncoming Traffic Has Extended Green
- 3.25 Miscellaneous
- 4 Guide
- 5 Toll Road Signs
- 6 Hospital
- 7 Non-compliant to MUTCD Signs
Regulatory
Regulatory signs give instructions to motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists. Signs such as stop, no parking, no turns, and yield are considered regulatory signs. Some have special shapes, such as the octagon for the stop sign and the X shape for railroad crossings. Some signs can be localized, such as no parking, and some are only found 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 of is for stop and yield. As not all situations are covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.
- Stop and Yield
-
MUTCD R1-4.svg
All way plate
-
NYCDOT YIELD TO PEDESTRIANS.svg
Yield to pedestrians,
New York City -
MUTCD R1-6.svg
State law Yield to pedestrians in crosswalk
-
MUTCD R1-6a.svg
State law stop for pedestrians in crosswalk
-
MUTCD R1-3.svg
4-way plate
R2 Series: Speed Limit
The MUTCD's R2 series is for speed limit signs. Some state supplements and state MUTCDs place various speed limit signs in other series. As all situations are not covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD. Speed limits in the United States are 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. Many states however disallow the use of metric signs on state-maintained roads, increasing the rarity of such signs.
- Speed Limit Signs
-
MUTCD R2-2 METRIC.svg
Metric R2-2
-
MUTCD R2-3 METRIC.svg
Metric R2-3
-
Texas R2-1T.svg
R2-1T: Texas
-
Delaware R2-1-DE.svg
End speed limit: Delaware
-
NYSDOT NYR2-2.svg
State speed limit: New York (can also read "area", "city", "town", or "village")
-
MNDOT R2-X5.svg
Bridge speed limit: Minnesota
R3 Series: Lane Usage and Turns
The MUTCD's R3 series of signs is for lane usage and turn signs. As all situations are not covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.
- Lane Usage and Turns Signs
-
MUTCD R3-8B.svg
Turn only lanes
-
MUTCD R3-27.svg
No straight through
-
MUTCD R3-2a.svg
No Left Turn Across Tracks
-
MUTCD R3-18.svg
No Left or U-turn
-
CALTRANS SR39A (CA).svg
No U-turn - left turn on green arrow, California
-
NYCDOT SR-1436.svg
Bike lane, bikes only, New York City
R4 Series: Regulation of Movement
The MUTCD's R4 series of signs is for the regulation of movement signs. As all situations are not covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.
- Regulation of Movement Signs
-
MUTCD R4-3.svg
-
MUTCD R4-4.svg
-
MUTCD R4-5.svg
-
MUTCD R4-6.svg
-
MUTCD R4-7b.svg
Keep right
-
MUTCD R4-7c.svg
Keep right
-
MUTCD R4-8.svg
Keep left
-
MUTCD R4-8a.svg
Keep left
-
MUTCD R4-8b.svg
Keep left
-
MUTCD R4-8c.svg
Keep left
-
MUTCD R4-9.svg
-
MUTCD R4-10.svg
-
MUTCD R4-12.svg
-
MUTCD R4-13.svg
-
MUTCD R4-14.svg
-
MUTCD R4-17.svg
-
MUTCD R4-18.svg
-
CALTRANS R4-2.svg
California
-
Delaware R4-1-DE.svg
Delaware
-
Delaware R4-3-DE.svg
Delaware
-
Delaware R4-3-DE1.svg
Delaware
-
INDOT R4-Y3A.svg
Indiana
R5 Series: Exclusionary
The MUTCD's R5 series of signs is for exclusionary signs. As all situations are not covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD. The most common of these signs is the do not enter sign.
- Exclusionary Signs
-
Puerto Rico R5-1.svg
No Entre, Puerto Rico
-
MUTCD R5-1a.svg
Wrong Way
-
MUTCD R5-1b.svg
Bicycle Wrong Way
-
NYCDOT SR-1801.svg
Bike Path, No Automobiles, New York City
-
MUTCD R5-5.svg
No Lugged Vehicles
-
MUTCD R5-7.svg
No Nonmotorized Traffic
-
MUTCD R5-10a.svg
No Pedestrian Crossing, Bicycles, or Motorcycles
-
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.
- One Way and Divided Highway
-
MUTCD R6-1.svg
One Way
-
Puerto Rico R6-1L.svg
Transito (one way), Puerto Rico
-
MUTCD R6-2.svg
One Way, alternate
-
MUTCD R6-3.svg
Divided Highway
-
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
These types of signs allow for parking for either an unlimited or varied amount of time. These types are often used in conjunction with parking meters and parking permits. These signs are specified by the MUTCD to be green on white. Local variations do occur with additional information and slightly different designs.
- Permissive Parking
-
CALTRANS R32.svg
Parking with time restrictions, California
-
NYCDOT R7-182R.svg
Parking with time restrictions, New York City
-
SDOT R7-108P.svg
Parking with time and permit restrictions, Seattle
-
SF PERMIT PARKING.svg
Parking with time and permit restrictions, San Francisco
-
NYSDOT NYP2-8.svg
2 hour parking all roads Town of Hempstead, New York State
-
MDSHA R7-23.svg
Parking with time restrictions, Maryland
-
MUTCD R7-20.svg
Parking fee station
-
MUTCD R7-8.svg
Reserved parking (wheelchair)
No Parking
No parking signs indicate that loading or unloading there while temporarily stopped is permitted, but parking is not.[3] 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 do occur.
- No Parking
-
No parking, New York
-
No parking, Pennsylvania, Texas
-
Don't even think of parking here, New York City
-
CDOT R7-1AT.svg
No parking tow zone, Chicago
-
MUTCD R7-107.svg
No parking bus stop
-
MUTCD R7-201a.svg
Tow Away Zone
No Standing
No standing signs indicate that stopping temporarily to load or unload passengers is allowed, while parking is not allowed.[3] As with no parking signs, some restrictions displayed on the signs are permanent and some are time based. The signs are also specified by the MUTCD to be red on white, but local variations exist.
- No Standing
-
MUTCD R7-4.svg
No standing any time
-
NYSDOT NYP1-5.svg
No standing any time, New York State
-
NYCDOT SP10-B.svg
No standing any time, New York City
-
BDOT R7-4DT.svg
No standing cars towed away, Baltimore
-
PDOT R7-107S.SVG
No standing bus stop, Philadelphia
-
NYCDOT R7-61.svg
No standing, bus stop with bus route, New York City
-
DDOT R7-4T.svg
No standing with time restrictions, Washington, D.C.
-
NYCDOT SP-592B.svg
No standing with time restrictions, New York City
No Stopping
No stopping signs indicate that stopping is only allowed in order to obey a traffic sign, signal, traffic agent, police officer, or to avoid conflicts with other vehicles.[3] These are the most restrictive of the parking signs. They are typically red on white.
- No Stopping
-
NYSDOT NYP1-7.svg
No stopping any time, New York State
-
NYCDOT R7-20R.svg
No stopping any time, New York City
-
PDOT R7-20.svg
No stopping any time, Philadelphia
-
Caltrans R28(S).svg
No stopping any time, California
-
San Francisco No Stopping Tow Away.svg
No stopping anytime tow away, San Francisco
-
SDOT R7-4T.svg
No stops tow away zone, Seattle
-
NYSDOT NYP1-8.svg
No stopping with time restrictions, New York State
-
NYCDOT SP-584B.svg
No standing except delivery trucks time restricted, New York City
R8 Series: Parking and Emergency Restrictions
The MUTCD's R8 series of signs is for parking restriction and emergency restriction signs. As all situations are not covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.
- Parking and Emergency Restrictions
-
MUTCD R8-1.svg
No parking on pavement
-
MUTCD R8-3A.svg
No parking
-
MUTCD R8-3bP.svg
Exception of Sundays and holidays
-
MUTCD R8-3eP.svg
On tracks plaque
-
MUTCD R8-3fP.svg
Except on shoulder plaque
-
MUTCD R8-3gP.svg
Loading zone
-
MUTCD R10-6.svg
Stop here on red
-
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.
- Bicycle and Pedestrian Signs
-
MUTCD R9-1.svg
Walk on left facing traffic
-
MUTCD R9-2.svg
Cross only at cross walks
-
MUTCD R9-13.svg
No rollerblading
-
MUTCD R10-3B.svg
Crosswalk signal instructions
-
NYSDOT NYR9-20.svg
State law stop for stopped school bus, New York
-
MUTCD R9-10.svg
Sidewalk Closed Use Other Side
-
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.
- Traffic Signal Signs
-
MUTCD R10-15.svg
Turning vehicles yield to pedestrians
-
DELDOT R10-19-DE.svg
Traffic signal photo enforced, Delaware
-
CALTRANS SR56.svg
Traffic signal photo enforced, California, Louisiana, Texas, Florida
-
CALTRANS SR58.svg
Red light photo violation fine sign, California
-
PADOT R10-6A.svg
Stop here on red, Pennsylvania, Florida
-
MDSHA R10-11C.svg
No turn on red arrow, Maryland
-
MUTCD R10-22.svg
Bicycles to request green wait on line
R11 Series: Road Closed
The MUTCD's R11 series of signs is for road closure related signs. As all situations are not covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.
- Road Closed Signs
-
R11-2 2009 MUTCD.svg
Road Closed
-
R11-3a 2009 MUTCD.svg
Road Closed Ahead
-
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.
- Weight Limits Signs
-
MUTCD R12-4.svg
Weight Limit with per axle and gross
-
MUTCD R12-5.svg
Weight Limit with truck symbols
R13 Series: Weigh Stations
The MUTCD's R13 series of signs is for weigh station related signs. As all situations are not covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.
-
MUTCD D8-1.svg
Weigh station sign
-
MUTCD D8-2.svg
Weigh station next right sign
-
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.
-
MUTCD R14-1.svg
Truck Route sign
-
MUTCD R14-2.svg
Hazardous Material Route
-
MUTCD R14-3.svg
Hazardous Material Prohibited
-
MUTCD R14-4.svg
National Network Route
-
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.
- Rail and Light Rail Signs
-
Railroad crossing (crossbuck)
R16 Series: Seat Belts and Headlight Use
The MUTCD's R16 series of signs is for seat belt and headlight use related signs. As all situations are not covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.
- Seat Belts and Headlight Use Signs
-
MUTCD R16-6.svg
Lights on when raining
-
MUTCD R16-9.svg
Check headlights
-
MUTCD R16-4.svg
Fender bender
Other Local and State Series
The MUTCD does not cover all situations, so states and local governments have developed their own regulatory signs. In these, the sign categories are assigned series either using the MUTCD style, but higher than 16 (as done in Texas), or use a unique series nomenclature system (as done in California).
- Other Local and State Series Signs
-
TXDOT R20-3.svg
Obey warning signs state law, Texas
-
NYCDOT SR-1258.svg
Don't block the box, New York City
-
CALTRANS R48-2.svg
Speed enforced by aircraft sign, California, New Hampshire, Virginia
Schools
The S series of signs is specially designated by the MUTCD for use around schools. Some states have additional school warning related signs in the S series, as well as in the W series of warning signs and/or the R series of regulatory signs of the state supplement or state MUTCD. The MUTCD now requires school warning signs to have fluorescent yellow-green background color.[4]
- Schools
-
MUTCD S1-1 (old).svg
School prior to 2012, now obsolete but still can be seen in some areas
-
MUTCD S4-5.svg
School speed limit ahead
-
MUTCD S5-1.svg
School speed limit when flashing
-
AZDOT S4-5AZ.svg
School zone speed limit sign, Arizona
-
MUTCD S5-2.svg
End school zone (usually under an R2 speed limit sign)
-
MUTCD S3-1 (new).svg
School bus stop ahead (since 2012)
-
MUTCD S3-1 (old).svg
School bus stop ahead (older version before 2012 revision)
-
MUTCD S3-2.svg
School bus turn ahead
-
MUTCD S3-2 (old).svg
School bus turn ahead sign, Ohio
Warning
Warning signs are found in the W series of the national MUTCD. They highlight existing conditions, such as a curve, school, dead end street, or traffic signal. They can also warn possible danger such as bumps, bicycles, low flying aircraft, or emergency vehicles. These signs are either yellow or fluorescent yellow in color and, with the exception of a few signs, 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 only for use in temporary situations.
W1 Series: Curves and Turns
The MUTCD's W1 series of signs is for warning signs relating to curves and turns. As all situations are not covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.
- Curves and Turns
-
MUTCD W1-1.svg
Turn (left)
-
MUTCD W1-2.svg
Curve
-
MUTCD W1-2A.svg
Curve with speed advisory
-
MUTCD W1-3.svg
Reverse turn
-
MUTCD W1-10cR.svg
Curve out intersection warning
-
MUTCD W1-4.svg
Reverse curve
-
MUTCD W1-5.svg
Winding road (right-sided variation)
-
MUTDC W1-5L.svg
Winding road (left-sided variation)
-
MUTCD W1-11.svg
Hairpin curve
-
MUTCD W1-13.svg
Trucks rollover warning
-
MUTCD W1-15.svg
270 degree loop
-
WISDOT W1-60.svg
Pretzel loop, Wisconsin
-
MUTCD W1-6.svg
One direction large arrow
-
MUTCD W1-8.svg
Chevron alignment
-
W1-10R 2009 MUTCD.svg
Horizontal alignment warning
W2 Series: Intersections
The MUTCD's W2 series of signs is for warning signs relating to intersections including traffic circles. As all situations are not covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.
- Intersections
-
MUTCD W2-2.svg
Side road at a perpendicular angle
-
MUTCD W2-3.svg
Side road at an acute angle
-
MUTCD W2-4.svg
T roads
-
MUTCD W2-5.svg
Y roads
-
MUTCD W2-7L.svg
Offset roads
W3 Series: Advance Traffic Control
The MUTCD's W3 series of signs is for warning signs relating to advance traffic controls such as speed limits and signals. As all situations are not covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD. The MUTCD provides options for graphic and text signs.
- Advance Traffic Control
-
MUTCD W3-5.svg
Speed limit ahead
-
MDOT W3-3B.svg
New signal ahead, Michigan
-
MUTCD W3-4.svg
Be prepared to stop
-
MUTCD W3-5A.svg
Speed zone ahead
W4 Series: Lanes and Merges
The MUTCD's W4 series of signs is for warning signs relating to advance traffic controls such as speed limits and signals. As all situations are not covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.
- Lanes and Merges
-
MUTCD W4-1.svg
Merge
-
MUTCD W4-2.svg
Right lane ends or road narrows from the right
-
Roadsign lane drop ahead.jpg
Lane drop ahead, Massachusetts
-
MUTCD W4-3.svg
Added lane
-
MUTCD W4-5.svg
Merging traffic
-
MUTCD W4-6.svg
Added lane (from entering roadway)
-
Caltrans W74.svg
Thru traffic merge left, California
-
NYSDOT NYW3-11.svg
One lane road or road narrows, New York State
-
NYSDOT NYW3-14.svg
Single lane, New York State
W5 Series: Road Width Restrictions
The MUTCD's W5 series of signs is for warning signs relating to road width restrictions. As all situations are not covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD. The MUTCD provides options for graphic and text signs.
- Road Width Restrictions
-
MUTCD W5-3.svg
One lane bridge
-
Hawaii Narrow Winding Road.svg
Narrow winding road, Forest Service USDA
-
MUTCD W5-4A.svg
Bikeway narrows
W6 Series: Divided Highways
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
-
MUTCD W6-1B.svg
Divided road
-
NYSDOT NYW3-4.svg
Pass left or right sign, New York State
W7 Series: Hills and Grades
The MUTCD provides several signs in the W7 series dealing with hills and grades. Several states have additional signs for other types of situations not covered by the MUTCD.
- Hills and Grades
-
MUTCD W7-1.svg
Steep grade/hill
-
MUTCD W7-1A.svg
Hill
-
MUTCD W7-1B.svg
Steep grade/hill percentage
-
ITD W7-3.svg
Steep grade percentage sign, Idaho
-
Caltrans SW4-1-(CA).svg
Watch downhill speed, California
W8 Series: Pavement and Roadway Conditions
The MUTCD's W8 series of signs is for warning signs relating to pavement and roadway conditions. As all situations are not covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.
- Pavement and Roadway Conditions
-
MNDOT W8-1B.svg
Bumps, Minnesota and North Dakota
-
NYSDOT NYW4-17.svg
Rumble strips, New York State
-
MUTCD W8-10.svg
Bicycle slippery when wet
-
PADOT W8-13B.svg
Bridge may be slippery, Pennsylvania
- Rocks and Mud
-
NYS NYW4-14.svg
Fallen rock, New York State
-
PADOT Falling Rocks Sign.svg
Falling rocks, Pennsylvania and Hawaii
-
NCDOT W8-12.svg
Falling rock, Colorado, North Carolina, Texas, West Virginia
-
ITD W8-9.svg
Watch for rock, Idaho
-
Caltrans W50.svg
Rock slide area, California
-
NYS NYW4-15.svg
Slides, New York State
-
CALTRANS W38.svg
Slide area, California
- Wind, Fog, and Storms
-
NMDOT W8-18.svg
Dangerous crosswinds, New Mexico
-
PADOT W14-14.svg
High cross winds, Pennsylvania
-
ITD W8-19.svg
Frequent high winds, Idaho
-
WISDOT W8-72.svg
Gusty winds, Wisconsin
-
ODOT W8-18.svg
Fog area, Ohio
-
ITD W8-21.svg
Occasional blinding dust storms sign, Idaho
-
ITD W8-2.svg
Severe storm area, Idaho
- Ice and Frost
-
MUTCD W8-13.svg
Bridge ices before road
-
MDOT W8-6A.svg
Bridge may be icy, Michigan
-
INDOT W8-Y9.svg
Watch for ice on bridges, Indiana and Texas (as Watch for ice on bridge)
-
PADOT W8-19.svg
Watch for ice, Pennsylvania
-
NDOR W15-2.svg
May be icy, Nebraska
-
CALTRANS W43.svg
Icy, California
-
ITD W8-14.svg
Frost heaves, Idaho
- Flooding and Water Conditions
-
CALTRANS W55.svg
Flooded, California
-
CALTRANS W55B.svg
Subject to flooding, California
-
PADOT W8-18.svg
Roadway subject to flooding, Pennsylvania
-
HIDOT ROAD FLOODS DURING HIGH TIDE.svg
Road floods during high tide, Hawaii
-
INDOT W8-Y8.svg
High water, Indiana
-
Delaware W21-7-DE.svg
Water on road, Delaware
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.
- Lane Transitions
-
MUTCD W9-2L.svg
Lane ends merge left warning sign
-
MDSHA W9-2(2).svg
Left lane ends, Maryland
W10 Series: Rail and Light Rail
The MUTCD's W10 series of signs is for warning signs relating to rail and light rail. As all situations are not covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.
- Rail and Light Rail
-
MUTCD W10-3L.svg
Railroad intersection warning
-
MUTCD W10-12.svg
Skewed railroad crossing
-
CALTRANS W82-1.svg
Light rail crossing, California
-
MUTCD W10-5.svg
Low ground clearance railroad crossing
-
MUTCD W10-8.svg
Trains may exceed 80 mph
-
CA Cyclists Dismount To Cross Railroad Tracks.svg
Cyclists Dismount To Cross Railroad Tracks, Hemet, California
W11 Series: Advance Warnings and Crossings
The MUTCD's W11 series of signs is for warning signs relating to advance warnings and crossings. As all situations are not covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD. The MUTCD allows use of a fluorescent yellow-green background color for signs relating to people crossing the road.[5]
Emergency Vehicles
The MUTCD only provides for a warning of fire stations in the W11 series. Most states have their own signs for other emergency vehicle types which may enter the road.
- Emergency Vehicles
-
WISDOT W54-60.svg
Fire trucks entering when signal flashes, Wisconsin
-
DELDOT W11-8-DE.svg
Emergency vehicles, Delaware
-
TXDOT W11-11T.svg
Texas emergency vehicle sign, Texas
Children
The MUTCD specifies no children related signs in the W11 series. Several states, counties, and municipalities have signs for situations as children at play as well as children with various medical conditions. Some of these signs vary from state to state as there is no federal standard.
- Children
-
NYSDOT NYW7-4.svg
Children at play, New York State
-
NYSDOT NYW7-6.svg
Deaf child area, New York State, Illinois, Wisconsin
-
DELDOT W21-14-DE.svg
Deaf child, Delaware
-
PADOT W11-22A.svg
Hearing impaired child, Pennsylvania
-
CALTRANS SW38 (CA).svg
Deaf children near, California
-
NYSDOT NYW7-7.svg
Blind child area, New York State
-
DELDOT W21-15-DE.svg
Blind child, Delaware
-
Autistic Child Warning Sign Ocean County New Jersey.svg
Autistic child, Ocean County, New Jersey
Bicycles
The MUTCD provides several signs in the W11 series warning of bicycles and for signing bicycle facilities. Several states and localities have their own specific bicycle related signs as well.
- Bicycles
-
NYCDOT SW-675.svg
Share the road, New York City
-
PADOT W16-1.svg
Share the road, Pennsylvania
-
MDSHA W11-1(1).svg
Watch for bikes, Maryland
-
MDDOT W16-1A.svg
Share the road, Maryland
-
SF BIKE Lane SIGN.svg
Bike Lane, San Francisco
Vehicles
The MUTCD provides several signs in the W11 series dealing with vehicles. Several states have additional signs for other types of vehicles and situations regarding vehicles not covered by the MUTCD.
- Vehicles
-
NYS NYW5-18.svg
Motorcycle crossing, New York State
-
NYS NYW5-19.svg
ATV crossing, New York State
-
MUTCD W11-11.svg
Golf cart crossing
-
ODOT W11-14A.svg
Horse-drawn vehicle ahead, Ohio and other U.S. states
-
PADOT W11-27.svg
Tank crossing, Pennsylvania
-
MUTCD W8-6.svg
Truck crossing
-
ILDOT W5-I100.svg
Watch for stopped trucks, Illinois
Pedestrians, Transit, and Aviation
The MUTCD provides several signs in the W11 series dealing with pedestrians, transit, and aviation. Several states have additional signs for other types of vehicles and situations regarding vehicles not covered by the MUTCD.
- Pedestrians, Rail and Aviation
-
MUTCD W11-2.svg
Pedestrian crossing (a fluorescent yellow-green background may be used with this sign)
-
PADOT W11-25.svg
Blind pedestrian crossing, Pennsylvania
-
MODOT W3-10.svg
Ferry crossing, Missouri
-
PADOT W11-16.svg
Balloon launch area, Pennsylvania
-
NYS NYW7-8.svg
Low flying planes, New York State
-
DELDOT W11-23-DE.svg
Low flying aircraft, Delaware
-
WISDOT W11-58.svg
Low flying airplanes cross here, Wisconsin
Animals
The MUTCD provides several signs in the W11 series dealing with animals. Several states have additional signs for other types of animals not covered by the MUTCD.
- Animals
-
Caltrans SW59.svg
Bear crossing (California)
-
PADOT W11-26.svg
Duck crossing (Pennsylvania style)
-
MUTCD W11-18.svg
Ram crossing
-
MUTCD W11-19.svg
Donkey crossing
-
MUTCD W11-17.svg
Sheep crossing
Driveways and Entrances
The MUTCD does not provide signs in the W11 series dealing with driveways and entrances. Many states have their own sign standards dealing with these situations that they place in their own W11 series.
- Driveways and Entrances
-
PADOT W11-19A.svg
Hidden driveway
-
DELDOT W11-22-DE.svg
Truck entrance, Delaware and Texas
-
DELDOT W11-25-DE.svg
Plant entrance, Delaware
-
WISDOT W56-51.svg
Theatre exit, Wisconsin
-
DELDOT W11-16-DE.svg
Hidden intersection, Delaware
W12 Series: Low Clearances
The MUTCD's W12 series of signs is for warning signs relating to low clearances. As all situations are not covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.
- Low Clearances
-
MUTCD W12-2 METRIC.svg
Metric low clearance
-
MUTCD W12-2P.svg
Clearance
W13 Series: Advisory Speeds
The MUTCD's W13 series of signs is for warning signs relating to advisory speeds. As all situations are not covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.
- Advisory Speeds
-
MDSHA W13-3.svg
Turn curve exit speed advisory, Maryland
W14 Series: Dead End Streets and No Passing Zones
The MUTCD's W14 series of signs is for warning signs relating to dead end streets and no passing zones. As all situations are not covered, several states and local governments have additional signs for other types of situations not covered by the MUTCD.
- Dead End and Limited Access Streets
-
PADOT W14-2-2.svg
Loop street, Pennsylvania
-
PADOT W14-2-1.svg
No thru street, Pennsylvania, Texas
-
NYCDOT W14-4.SVG
Dead End, New York City
-
MODOT W14-7.svg
Road ends, Missouri and Texas
W15 Series: Playgrounds
The MUTCD's W15 series of signs is for warning signs relating to playgrounds. As all situations are not covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.
- Playgrounds
-
MUTCD W15-1.svg
Playground (a fluorescent yellow-green background color may be used for this sign)[6]
W16 Series: Supplemental Plaques
The MUTCD's W16 series of signs is for supplemental plaques for warning signs. As all situations are not covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.
- Supplemental Plaques
-
W7-1a-DE.svg
Steep hill, Delaware
-
NYS NYW5-17.svg
Fire house (used in conjunction with graphic fire station sign), New York State
W17 Series: Speed Humps
The MUTCD's W17 series of signs is for warning signs relating to speed humps. As all situations are not covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.
- Speed Humps
-
MUTCD W17-1.svg
Speed Hump
W19 Series: End of Controlled Access Highway
The MUTCD's W19 series of signs is for warning signs relating to the end of a controlled access highway. As all situations are not covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.
- End of Controlled Access
-
MUTCD W19-1.svg
Freeway Ends, 1 Mile
-
MUTCD W19-2.svg
Expressway Ends, 1 Mile
-
MUTCD W19-4.svg
Expressway Ends
-
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.
- Work Zone Signs
-
MUTCD G20-2.svg
Road Work Ends
-
MUTCD G20-5aP.svg
Work Zone for Speed limit
-
MUTCD CW20-1.svg
Road work ahead
W21 Series: Road Work
The MUTCD's W21 series of signs is for warning signs relating to road work. 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 Signs
-
MUTCD CW20-7.svg
Flaggers in road ahead
-
MUTCD CW21-2.svg
Fresh oil on road
-
MUTCD CW21-7.svg
Utility work in road
W22 Series: Blasting Zones
The MUTCD's W22 series of signs is for warning signs relating to blasting 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.
- Blasting Zone Signs
-
MUTCD CW22-1.svg
Blasting zone ahead
-
MUTCD CW22-2.svg
Turn off 2-way radios and cell phones
-
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. 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.
- Slow Traffic Signs
-
MUTCD CW23-1.svg
Slow traffic ahead
-
MUTCD CW23-2.svg
New traffic pattern ahead
W24 Series: Double Reverse Curves
The MUTCD's W24 series of signs is for warning signs relating to Double Reverse Curves. 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.
- Double Reverse Curve Signs
-
MUTCD CW24-1R.svg
Single 2 reverse curve
-
MUTCD CW24-1aR.svg
Double 2 reverse curve
-
MUTCD CW24-1bR.svg
Triple 2 reverse curve
-
MUTCD CW24-1cP.svg
All lanes
W25 Series: Oncoming Traffic Has Extended Green
The MUTCD's W25 series of signs is for warning signs oncoming traffic having 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
-
MUTCD W25-1.svg
Extended green
-
MUTCD W25-2.svg
Possible extended Green
Miscellaneous
The MUTCD does not provide signs dealing with some other road and highway situations. Many states have their own sign standards dealing with these situations.
- Miscellaneous
-
NYSDOT NYW7-9.svg
Underpass, New York State
Guide
Guide signs include highway route markers (shields), street signs, mile markers, and exit signs.
Interchange signs
- Interchange Advance Guide Signs
-
NYSDOT Interchange Advance Guide Signs.svg
Interchange advance guide, New York State
-
HIDOT Interchange Advance Guide Signs.svg
Interchange advance guide, Hawaii
-
Caltrans Interchange Advance Guide Signs.svg
Interchange advance guide, California
- Interchange Exit Direction Signs
-
MUTCD Interchange Exit Direction Sign 1.svg
Interchange exit direction
-
MDSHA Interchange Exit Direction Sign.svg
Interchange exit direction, Maryland
-
VDOT Interchange Exit Direction Sign.svg
Interchange exit direction, Virginia
-
NYSDOT Interchange Exit Direction Sign.svg
Interchange exit direction, New York State
-
MUTCD E5-1a.svg
Exit number sign, right
-
MUTCD E5-1.svg
Exit sign, right
-
MUTCD Sign Assembly - E5-1a with E13-1P.svg
Exit number sign with speed advisory
-
MUTCD D2-3.svg
Mileage signs for highway routes, Colorado
- Toll Road Signs
-
MUTCD R3-44.svg
Toll road pass only
-
MUTCD R3-44a.svg
Toll road pass or HOV 2+
- Logo service and Rest Area signs
-
Specific service signs for food, gas, lodging, etc.
-
MUTCD D5-1.svg
Shield markers
- Guide Signs and Route Markers (Shields)
-
I-H201 (HI) Metric.svg
Four-digit interstate route shield, Hawaii
-
MUTCD M1-2.svg
Off-Interstate Business Loop Route shield
-
Michigan State Trunkline single-digit shield
-
Oklahoma State Highway 5A.svg
Two-digit state highway shield, Oklahoma
-
Three-digit state highway shield, South Carolina
-
Two-digit state highway shield uses a keystone, Pennsylvania
-
Three-digit state highway shield uses a keystone, Pennsylvania
-
Single-digit state route shield, New York
-
NY-439A.svg
Four-digit state route shield, New York
-
NY-950A.svg
Reference route marker, New York
-
Florida 1.svg
Single-digit state highway shield, Florida
-
Florida 58.svg
Two-digit state highway shield, Florida
-
Florida 406A.svg
Four-digit state route shield, Florida
-
Clinton County 16.svg
Two-digit county route shield
-
NJDOT M1-6.svg
Three-digit county route, shield New Jersey
-
Farm-to-market road shield, Texas
-
MO-supp-K.svg
Missouri supplemental route shield
-
Eisenhower Interstate System.svg
Eisenhower Interstate System sign
Note: State markers are illustrative examples; all states may select their own marker shapes or use the default circle. See Numbered highways in the United States#State highways and other similar systems.
- Street Name Signs
-
MUTCD D-3.svg
Street name sign, MUTCD D-3
-
MUTCD D-3 ALT.svg
Street name sign, MUTCD D-3
-
NYCDOT Broadway Sign.svg
NYC Broadway street name sign
-
NYCDOT NEVINS ST Sign.svg
NYC street name sign
-
NYCDOT W47 ST Sign.svg
NYC Midtown Manhattan street name sign
-
NYCDOT 35 AV Sign.svg
NYC Historic district street name sign
-
CDOT S EGGLESTON AV Sign.svg
Chicago street name Sign
-
BTD CENTRE ST Sign.svg
Boston street name sign
-
DDOT NEWARK ST NW Sign.svg
Washington, D.C. street name sign
-
PDOT HUDSON STREET Sign.svg
Philadelphia street name sign
-
HDPW Frank Sinatra Dr. Sign.svg
Hoboken street name sign
-
Minneapolis East-West Street Sign.svg
Minneapolis East-West street name sign
-
Minneapolis North-South Street Sign.svg
Minneapolis North-South street name sign
-
Minneapolis Arterial Street Sign.svg
Minneapolis Arterial street name sign
Toll Road Signs
Chapter 2F of the MUTCD deals with signs for toll roads.
- Toll Road Signs
-
Conventional Toll Plaza Advance Sign 2.svg
MUTCD Conventional Toll Plaza advance sign
-
Conventional Toll Plaza Advance Sign 1.svg
MUTCD Conventional Toll Plaza advance sign
-
NJ Turnpike EZPASS Toll Booth Sign.svg
New Jersey Turnpike E-ZPass toll booth sign
Hospital
Non-compliant to MUTCD Signs
There are many signs that are non-compliant to MUTCD and/or state MUTCD standards seen in use on public and semi-public roads.
- Non Compliant vs Compliant Signs
-
M1-4 US 20 WEST NON MUTCD.svg
Non-standard US 20 West sign, Main St. after Lexington St., Waltham Center, MA
-
US 20W MUTCD.svg
Standard US 20 West sign
-
PADOT R7-5X.svg
No parking sign with permissive parking green color, Glenside, PA
-
PADOT R7-5T.svg
Standard no parking sign
-
Greene County 16 NY.svg
Greene County Route 16 sign in Catskill / Adirondack colors, Hunter, NY
-
Greene County 16.svg
Standard Greene County Route 16 sign
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