Warning sign · MUTCD W8-2
Dip
The road ahead dips sharply, and there may be a sudden change in grade or standing water. The curved line shows the low place.
- Shape
- Diamond (square turned on its corner)
- Color
- Yellow background, black symbol and border
What to do
Slow down before the dip so your vehicle does not bottom out or lose control. Keep a firm grip on the wheel, and if water has collected, slow further and do not brake hard.
Where you see it
Before a sharp low spot in the road, such as a dip or a drainage crossing.
Test trap
Do not mix it up with the Bump sign, where the line rises instead of falling. In both cases the correct response is to reduce speed, not to keep going at the posted limit.
Memory tip: The line sags, so the road sags: slow down.
Practice question
This sign means:
- The road has a bump ahead
- The road dips sharply ahead
- The road is slippery when wet
- The road is narrowing ahead
Answer: B. The curved line sagging downward shows a dip in the road, so slow down.
Road signs (MUTCD)