Fallen rocks sign: what it means
The FALLEN ROCKS sign warns that rocks often fall onto the road ahead from a hillside, mountain or cliff.
What does the FALLEN ROCKS sign mean?
MUTCD Section 2C.30 says the FALLEN ROCKS (W8-14) sign may be used before an area next to a hillside, mountain or cliff where rocks frequently fall onto the roadway.
Quick quiz
What does the sign at the top of this page mean?
- Rocks may be on the road ahead.
- The road can be slippery when wet.
- Three or more curves ahead.
Show answer
A. Rocks may be on the road ahead. Rocks frequently fall onto the road ahead (MUTCD Section 2C.30). Source: MUTCD 11th Edition, Chapter 2C, Warning Signs and Object Markers: Section 2C.30, FHWA; MUTCD 11th Edition, FHWA
Where will you see it?
On mountain roads and below cliffs and road cuts.
What should you do?
Slow down, watch the road ahead and be ready to stop or steer around rocks safely.
What do people get wrong?
Swerving into oncoming traffic to avoid a small rock.
Common questions
Should I stop under the cliff?
No. Keep moving through the area unless you have to stop.
Are rocks always there?
Not always. The sign warns that they fall frequently in that area.
Compare with
Slippery when wet signThe road can be slippery when wet.
Winding road signThree or more curves ahead.
Want to test someone else? Play a road-sign quiz with friends and family.
Sources
Checked on 4 November 2026 against the MUTCD 11th Edition (FHWA), Section 2C.30.
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Chapter 2C, Warning Signs and Object Markers: Section 2C.30, 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.