Warning sign · MUTCD W4-1
Merging Traffic
Another roadway joins yours ahead and its traffic will merge into your lane from the side shown on the sign.
- Shape
- Diamond
- Color
- Yellow background, black arrow with a second line curving into it
What to do
Check your mirrors and adjust your speed so merging vehicles can blend in smoothly. If it is safe, move to another lane to leave room; otherwise hold a steady speed and avoid sudden braking. Do not speed up to block the gap.
Where you see it
On the main road before a freeway on-ramp or another road joins it.
Test trap
Merge is not the same as Added Lane: with Merge the two flows must share one lane, so someone has to adjust. Also, the merging driver yields to traffic already on the road, but drivers on the main road should cooperate.
Memory tip: One line flows into the arrow — someone is joining your lane.
Practice question
A yellow diamond sign showing a straight arrow with a line curving into it from the right means:
- Merging traffic entering from the right
- Right lane ends
- Right turn only
- Detour to the right
Answer: A. Traffic will be merging into your lane from the right. Adjust your speed to let it merge.
NY Driver's Manual: Road Signs You Must Know