Regulatory sign · MUTCD R5-1a
Wrong Way
You are driving against the flow of traffic on a one-way road or ramp. This sign faces drivers who have already made the mistake.
- Shape
- Horizontal rectangle
- Color
- Red background, white letters WRONG WAY
What to do
Do not continue. Slow down, turn on your hazard lights and pull to the side as soon as it is safe. Turn around or back out carefully only when no traffic is coming, and get back onto the road in the correct direction.
Where you see it
A short distance past a Do Not Enter sign on freeway exit ramps and one-way streets, mounted low so headlights pick it up.
Test trap
Do Not Enter stands at the entrance and prevents the mistake; Wrong Way confirms you already made it. The correct test answer is to get out of the way of oncoming traffic safely, not to speed up and find the next exit.
Memory tip: If the sign is red and the letters face you, you are the one going the wrong way.
Practice question
You see a red WRONG WAY sign facing you. You should:
- Speed up and exit quickly
- Flash your lights and continue
- Stop in your lane
- Safely pull over or turn around — you are driving against traffic
Answer: D. You have entered a road or ramp the wrong way; get out of the path of oncoming traffic safely.
MUTCD sign meanings (as taught in state driver handbooks)