U.S. Road Signs – Warning Signs

Pedestrian crossing. Watch for people crossing your path. Be prepared to slow down and stop. Signs may display horizontal lines indicating the point where a crosswalk exists. Signs may have a separate downward-pointing arrow plaque, which indicates the actual location of the crosswalk.

Cross road ahead. Slow down and watch for cross traffic ahead. Look carefully in all directions for traffic. This sign is used to indicate the presence of an intersection ahead and the possibility of turning or entering traffic.

Divided highway ahead. The highway ahead is divided into two one-way roadways.

Two-way Traffic. The sign warns that the road changes from a multi-lane roadway to a two-lane, two-way section. It is also used along such a road.

You are approaching a point where roadways come together and merging is required. The merge sign is installed on the side of the major roadway where merging traffic can be expected. The sign may also be placed on an entering roadway.

Shoulder drop off. There is a sharp drop from the pavement edge to the shoulder. If you must leave the pavement, slow down and steer firmly.

Lanes shifting. Slow down and stay in your lane.

Hill sign. Steep hill ahead. Slow down and be ready to shift to lower gear to control speed and protect brakes from damage.

Winding road ahead. The road ahead is winding, with a series of turns or curves. Slow down and drive carefully.

Dip sign. Slow down and expect a sharp depression (dip) in the profile of the road.

This sign is used on roads that run parallel to railroad tracks to warn road users making a turn that they will encounter a highway-rail grade crossing soon after making the turn.

T Intersection ahead. The road you are traveling does not continue. You must turn either right or left. Remember, you must yield to cross traffic when on the terminating highway of a T-intersection with no traffic control signs or signals.

Two-direction Arrow. You are approaching a T-intersection and must turn left or right. Be prepared to yield the right-of-way at the intersection if necessary.

Sharp Turn. Road ahead makes a sharp turn in the direction of the arrow (left). Slow down, keep right, and do not pass.

Reverse turn. This sign tells you there is a sharp turn to left, and then right. Reduce speed and look well ahead. This sign is used in advance of two curves that have advisory speeds of 30 mph or less.

Pavement changes to dirt or low-grade surface. Slow down.

Slippery when wet. When pavement is wet, reduce your speed. Do not brake hard or change direction suddenly. Increase the distance between your car and the one ahead. These actions are needed on all wet roads and especially on roads where this sign is posted. The sign may also be used to warn of other unexpected slippery conditions. Supplemental plaques with legends such as ICE, WHEN WET, STEEL DECK, or EXCESS OIL may be used to indicate the reason that the slippery conditions might be present.

This sign indicates that you are approaching a roundabout intersection. When an advisory speed panel is posted below the sign, slow down to the recommended speed.

Double Arrow. Traffic is permitted to pass on either side of an island, obstruction, or gore in the roadway. Traffic separated by this sign may either rejoin or change directions.