Regulatory sign · MUTCD R3-5L
Left Turn Only Lane
Vehicles in the lane under or beside this sign must turn left. Going straight or turning right from that lane is not allowed.
- Shape
- Vertical rectangle
- Color
- White background, black left-turn arrow and the word ONLY
What to do
If you want to turn left, move into this lane early and signal. If you do not want to turn left, change lanes before the intersection while it is still legal and safe. If you end up in the lane by mistake, make the turn and find another route rather than cutting across traffic.
Where you see it
Overhead or at the roadside before intersections, usually matched by a white arrow painted in the lane.
Test trap
ONLY is the key word: a sign with arrows but no ONLY (such as a combined straight-or-left arrow) allows more than one movement. Lane-use signs are regulatory, so ignoring them is a ticketable offense.
Memory tip: ONLY means only — this lane has one job.
Practice question
A white sign over a lane showing a left-turn arrow and the word ONLY means:
- Left turns are not allowed
- Left lane ends ahead
- Vehicles in this lane must turn left
- You may turn left or go straight
Answer: C. Drivers in that lane must turn left.
MUTCD sign meanings (as taught in state driver handbooks)