Left lane must turn left sign: what it means

LEFT LANE MUST TURN LEFT sign: a white vertical rectangle with the words LEFT LANE MUST TURN LEFT in black
Drawing: Drivoku, based on MUTCD sign R3-7. Simplified; real signs follow the FHWA Standard Highway Signs specifications.

The LEFT LANE MUST TURN LEFT sign means drivers in the left lane must turn left at the intersection ahead. Going straight from that lane is not allowed.

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What does the LEFT LANE MUST TURN LEFT sign mean?

MUTCD Section 2B.28 says mandatory movement lane control signs show the only movement required from that lane. The R3-7 word sign is post-mounted beside the turn lane, in advance of the intersection or at its near side. A RIGHT LANE MUST TURN RIGHT version is used for the right lane.

Quick quiz

What does the sign at the top of this page mean?

  1. A center lane for left turns from both directions.
  2. Do not turn left here.
  3. Traffic in the left lane must turn left.

Show answer

C. Traffic in the left lane must turn left. Traffic in that lane is required to turn left (MUTCD Section 2B.28). Source: MUTCD 11th Edition, Chapter 2B, Regulatory Signs, Barricades, and Gates: Section 2B.28, FHWA; MUTCD 11th Edition, FHWA

Where will you see it?

Beside the full-width part of a left-turn lane before an intersection.

What should you do?

If you want to go straight, move out of the left lane before the solid lines and arrows start.

What do people get wrong?

Staying in the lane and going straight because it is shorter. The turn is required.

Common questions

What if I end up in the lane by mistake?

Turn left as the sign requires, then find a safe place to turn around or take another route.

Are there arrows on the road too?

Section 2B.28 says these signs should be backed up by lane-use arrow markings, especially where traffic is heavy.

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Sources

Checked on 4 November 2026 against the MUTCD 11th Edition (FHWA), Section 2B.28.

  1. MUTCD 11th Edition, Chapter 2B, Regulatory Signs, Barricades, and Gates: Section 2B.28, FHWA
  2. 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.

This text was written with AI help, checked against the MUTCD and approved by Fri Vei AS. Last updated .

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