Warning sign · MUTCD W14-3
No Passing Zone
A no-passing zone begins here. You may not cross the center line to pass another vehicle until the zone ends.
- Shape
- Pennant (sideways triangle pointing right)
- Color
- Yellow background, black letters NO PASSING ZONE
What to do
Stay in your lane behind slower traffic and wait for the zone to end, marked by a broken yellow line on your side. Keep a safe following distance so you can see ahead. Passing is dangerous here because of a hill, curve or intersection that hides oncoming cars.
Where you see it
On the left side of the road at the start of a no-passing zone, paired with a solid yellow center line.
Test trap
This is the only warning sign posted on the left side of the road, and the only pennant-shaped sign — both are favorite test questions. Do not mix it up with the white rectangular DO NOT PASS regulatory sign, which gives the same rule in words.
Memory tip: A pennant on the left says 'stay in line' — no passing.
Practice question
A yellow sign shaped like a sideways triangle (pennant), placed on the left side of the road, means:
- Yield
- Road narrows
- No passing zone
- Slow-moving vehicle
Answer: C. The pennant marks the start of a no-passing zone.
MUTCD sign shapes (all state handbooks)