Warning sign · MUTCD W4-3
Added Lane
Two roadways come together, but the entering traffic gets its own lane. No one has to merge.
- Shape
- Diamond
- Color
- Yellow background, two black arrows side by side, one curving in from the side
What to do
Stay in your lane and keep your speed steady; there is no need to speed up, slow down or move over. Be aware that drivers in the new lane may still change lanes soon after, so check your mirrors. Signal if you decide to change lanes yourself.
Where you see it
Where a ramp or second road joins a highway and the roadway widens by one lane.
Test trap
Added Lane shows two full arrows continuing side by side; Merge shows one arrow with a line joining it. Choosing 'merge' for this sign is the classic wrong answer.
Memory tip: Two arrows keep going together — new lane, no merge.
Practice question
A yellow diamond sign showing two arrows side by side, the right one curving in from the side, means:
- Merge — the right lane ends
- No passing
- Added lane — traffic enters in its own lane, no merge needed
- Two-way traffic
Answer: C. Entering traffic gets its own lane; it does not have to merge.
MUTCD sign meanings (as taught in state driver handbooks)