Chevron alignment sign: what it means
The Chevron Alignment sign shows the direction of a curve as you drive through it. Usually several are placed along the outside of the curve.
What does the chevron alignment sign mean?
MUTCD Section 2C.08 says Chevron Alignment signs give extra emphasis and guidance for a change in direction. They are vertical rectangles with no border, installed on the outside of the turn or curve, facing approaching traffic.
Quick quiz
What does the sign at the top of this page mean?
- Follow the bend in the direction shown.
- A sharp turn ahead, slow down.
- The road curves ahead.
Show answer
A. Follow the bend in the direction shown. Chevrons give extra guidance for a change in road direction (MUTCD Section 2C.08). Source: MUTCD 11th Edition, Chapter 2C, Warning Signs and Object Markers: Section 2C.08, FHWA; MUTCD 11th Edition, FHWA
Where will you see it?
Along the outside edge of sharp curves, especially on rural roads.
What should you do?
Slow down before the curve and follow the chevrons through it. Keep to your lane.
What do people get wrong?
Looking only at the chevrons and not the road. They show the curve, but you still need to watch for oncoming traffic and the edge of the road.
Common questions
Why are there several chevron signs in a row?
They are placed along the outside of the curve so you can see how it bends as you drive through (MUTCD Section 2C.08).
Do chevrons mean I must slow to a set speed?
No. They show the direction. An Advisory Speed plaque on the advance warning sign gives the advised speed.
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 2C.08.
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Chapter 2C, Warning Signs and Object Markers: Section 2C.08, 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.