Double arrow sign: what it means
The double arrow sign means traffic may pass on either side of an island or obstruction. The paths may rejoin or head in different directions.
What does the double arrow sign mean?
Traffic may pass on either side of a traffic island or obstruction in the road. MUTCD Section 2C.23 says the Double Arrow sign gives this message, and that the traffic it separates may join up again or go in different directions. On an island, the sign should be near the end facing approaching traffic. In front of an obstruction such as a bridge pier, it should be on its face or just in front of it.
Quick quiz
What does the sign at the top of this page mean?
- Pass to the right of the island or obstacle.
- The road ends at a T: turn left or right.
- Traffic may pass on either side.
Show answer
C. Traffic may pass on either side. Traffic is permitted to pass on either side of the island or obstruction (MUTCD Section 2C.23). Source: MUTCD 11th Edition, Chapter 2C, Warning Signs and Object Markers: Sections 2C.23 and 2C.43, FHWA; MUTCD 11th Edition, FHWA
Where will you see it?
Near the approach end of an island, or on the face of or just in front of an obstruction.
What should you do?
Pass on either side of the island or obstruction. Remember that the paths may rejoin or lead in different directions.
What do people get wrong?
Do not assume both paths lead the same way. Traffic separated by this sign may rejoin or change directions.
Common questions
Do the two paths always join again?
No. The MUTCD says the separated traffic may rejoin or change directions.
How is it different from the two-direction large arrow sign?
The double arrow sign permits traffic on either side of an obstruction. The two-direction large arrow sign is a horizontal rectangle used on the far side of a T-intersection.
Compare with
Keep right signPass to the right of the island or obstacle.
Two-direction large arrow signThe road ends at a T: turn left or right.
Want to test someone else? Play a road-sign quiz with friends and family.
Sources
Checked on 5 November 2026 against the MUTCD 11th Edition (FHWA), Sections 2C.23 and 2C.43.
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Chapter 2C, Warning Signs and Object Markers: Sections 2C.23 and 2C.43, 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.