Warning sign · MUTCD W1-5
Winding Road
The road ahead has a series of curves, three or more, close together. The first curve goes in the direction the arrow starts.
- Shape
- Diamond
- Color
- Yellow background, black S-shaped arrow
What to do
Slow down before the first curve and keep a reduced speed through the whole section. Stay in the center of your lane, do not cut across the center line, and avoid passing. If an advisory speed plaque is posted, treat it as a maximum for the curves.
Where you see it
Before a stretch of road with several curves, typically on rural and mountain roads.
Test trap
Winding Road (one S-arrow) is often mistaken for Slippery When Wet (a car with skid marks). A sign with an arrow that bends once is a single Curve, and one with two bends is a Reverse Curve.
Memory tip: A snake-shaped arrow with no car — the road itself wiggles.
Practice question
A yellow diamond sign with a snake-like (S-shaped) arrow means:
- Slippery road
- Lane shift ahead
- Detour
- Winding road — a series of curves ahead
Answer: D. The road ahead has several curves; slow down.
MUTCD sign meanings (as taught in state driver handbooks)