Hill blocks view sign: what it means
HILL BLOCKS VIEW warns that you cannot see far enough over the hill to stop at the posted speed. Look for the recommended speed on the added plaque.
What does the HILL BLOCKS VIEW sign mean?
The hill limits how far you can see ahead. MUTCD Section 2C.16 says HILL BLOCKS VIEW may be used before a hillcrest where the view is too short for stopping at the posted speed limit. An advisory speed plaque should give a recommended speed for crossing the hillcrest. That recommendation is based on how far ahead drivers can see to stop.
Quick quiz
What does the sign at the top of this page mean?
- A hill ahead limits your view of the road.
- A sharp rise in the road ahead.
- A sharp dip in the road ahead.
Show answer
A. A hill ahead limits your view of the road. The hillcrest limits the view needed to stop at the posted speed limit (MUTCD Section 2C.16). Source: MUTCD 11th Edition, Chapter 2C, Warning Signs and Object Markers: Section 2C.16, FHWA; MUTCD 11th Edition, FHWA
Where will you see it?
Before a hillcrest where drivers cannot see far enough ahead to stop at the posted speed limit.
What should you do?
Slow down before the crest, to the speed on the advisory plaque if there is one, and be ready to stop for traffic you cannot see yet.
What do people get wrong?
Do not assume the posted speed gives you enough view over this hill. The warning is used where stopping sight distance is inadequate at that speed.
Common questions
Why is there a speed plaque?
It gives a recommended speed for crossing the hillcrest, based on the available stopping sight distance.
What if the hill hides a specific hazard?
The MUTCD recommends the warning sign for that hazard instead of HILL BLOCKS VIEW.
Compare with
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), Section 2C.16.
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Chapter 2C, Warning Signs and Object Markers: Section 2C.16, 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.