Regulatory sign · MUTCD R6-1
One Way
Traffic on this street moves only in the direction the arrow points. Driving the other way is illegal and extremely dangerous.
- Shape
- Horizontal rectangle
- Color
- Black background with a white arrow and the words ONE WAY
What to do
Turn only in the direction of the arrow. On a one-way street you may use any lane, and you may turn left onto another one-way street from the left lane. Check the direction of parked cars and signs before entering an unfamiliar street.
Where you see it
At intersections along one-way streets, usually on the near corner facing cross traffic.
Test trap
A frequent trap: on a one-way street, a left turn is made from the far left lane, not from the right lane. Also, if you see Do Not Enter or Wrong Way, you are about to break the One Way rule.
Memory tip: Follow the white arrow — that is the only way the street goes.
Practice question
A black-and-white ONE WAY sign with an arrow means:
- Only one car may pass at a time
- Traffic moves only in the direction of the arrow
- Turn in the direction of the arrow now
- One lane is closed ahead
Answer: B. Traffic on that street flows only in the direction the arrow points.
MUTCD sign meanings (as taught in state driver handbooks)