Warning sign · MUTCD W9-1
Lane Ends Sign (Right Lane)
The right lane ends ahead and two lanes of traffic become one. Drivers in the right lane must merge left.
- Shape
- Diamond
- Color
- Yellow background, black lane lines and border
What to do
If you are in the right lane, signal, check your mirror and blind spot, and merge left when there is a safe gap. If you are in the left lane, be ready to let a car in, and do not speed up to block it. Merge smoothly; do not stop in the lane unless you must.
Where you see it
Before a point where a multi-lane road narrows, such as a work zone, bridge or the end of an acceleration lane.
Test trap
Do not mix it up with the Merge sign, where a side road joins. Here the lane itself disappears, so the right lane driver must yield and merge, and the left lane driver should help by letting cars in.
Memory tip: Two lines become one: the lane on the side of the taper must merge.
Practice question
This sign means:
- The road ends ahead
- A lane is added on the right
- The right lane ends; merge left
- Only the left lane may turn
Answer: C. The tapering right line shows the right lane ends soon, so right-lane drivers must merge left.
DC DMV Driver Manual, p. 54