Warning sign · MUTCD W5-1
Road Narrows
The roadway ahead becomes narrower, though the number of lanes stays the same. There is less room for error, especially next to oncoming traffic.
- Shape
- Diamond
- Color
- Yellow background, black lines that draw closer together toward the top
What to do
Slow down and center your vehicle in the lane. Do not pass, and give wide vehicles such as trucks and buses extra room. Watch for pedestrians or cyclists who may have less shoulder to use.
Where you see it
Before sections where the pavement or shoulders narrow, such as old bridges, tunnels or construction detours.
Test trap
Road Narrows is not Lane Ends: here all lanes continue but get tighter, so nobody has to merge. Narrow Bridge is a separate sign showing the lines flaring back out at both ends.
Memory tip: Two lines squeezing together — the road is being pinched, so slow down.
Practice question
A yellow diamond sign with two lines that come closer together means:
- Narrow bridge
- Road narrows ahead
- Divided highway ends
- Lane ends on the left
Answer: B. The road becomes narrower ahead; adjust speed and position.
MUTCD sign meanings (as taught in state driver handbooks)