Warning sign · MUTCD W3-5
Reduced Speed Limit Ahead Sign
The speed limit will drop to the number shown farther ahead. It gives advance notice so you can slow down in time.
- Shape
- Diamond (square sign turned on its corner)
- Color
- Yellow background, black text and numerals, black border
What to do
Begin to slow down now so that you are at the lower speed when you reach the new speed limit sign. Check your mirrors before braking. Do not wait until the new sign to slow down, because the lower limit applies from that sign onward.
Where you see it
Before a town, school zone, curve or work area where the posted speed limit becomes lower.
Test trap
It is a warning, not the new limit itself. The new limit begins at the next speed limit sign, so do not read the number as the current limit or as an advisory speed for a curve.
Memory tip: Yellow says 'get ready'; the white limit sign says 'now'.
Practice question
This sign means:
- The speed limit will be lower ahead
- The speed limit is 35 mph here
- Minimum speed is 35 mph ahead
- A speed trap is ahead at 35 mph
Answer: A. It gives advance notice that you must slow to a lower posted speed limit farther ahead.
Hawaii Driver's Manual, p. 45