Cardinal direction plaque: what it means
The direction plaque above a route sign shows the general direction of the route, such as NORTH, EAST, SOUTH or WEST.
What does the cardinal direction plaque mean?
MUTCD Section 2D.15 says Cardinal Direction plaques showing NORTH, EAST, SOUTH or WEST should be used to show the general direction of the whole route, and are mounted directly above the route sign.
Quick quiz
What does the sign at the top of this page mean?
- The direction of the route: north, east, south or west.
- A route of the US highway system.
- Directions to a place.
Show answer
A. The direction of the route: north, east, south or west. It shows the general direction of the entire route (MUTCD Section 2D.15). Source: MUTCD 11th Edition, Chapter 2D, Guide Signs: Conventional Roads: Section 2D.15, FHWA; MUTCD 11th Edition, FHWA
Where will you see it?
Above route signs at junctions and on-ramps.
What should you do?
Check both the route number and the direction before you turn onto a highway.
What do people get wrong?
Expecting the plaque to match the direction you are facing at that moment. It shows the general direction of the whole route.
Common questions
Does NORTH mean the road goes exactly north?
Not always. The plaque shows the general direction of the entire route (MUTCD Section 2D.15).
Where is the plaque mounted?
Directly above the route sign (Section 2D.15).
Compare with
Want to test someone else? Play a road-sign quiz with friends and family.
Sources
Checked on 3 November 2026 against the MUTCD 11th Edition (FHWA), Section 2D.15.
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Chapter 2D, Guide Signs: Conventional Roads: Section 2D.15, FHWA
- MUTCD 11th Edition, FHWA. FHWA lists the current version as the 11th Edition with Revision 1, dated December 2025
Sign pictures are our own simplified drawings of the MUTCD designs, which are in the public domain (MUTCD Section 1D.06). Sources and image credits.