Pavement ends sign: what it means
The PAVEMENT ENDS sign warns that the paved road surface ends ahead and becomes gravel or dirt.
What does the PAVEMENT ENDS sign mean?
MUTCD Section 2C.28 says it should be used where a paved surface changes to gravel or an earth road surface. An advisory speed plaque may be added if a lower speed is needed.
Quick quiz
What does the sign at the top of this page mean?
- Loose gravel on the road ahead.
- The shoulder is soft and may not hold a vehicle.
- The paved surface ends ahead.
Show answer
C. The paved surface ends ahead. A paved surface changes to gravel or earth ahead (MUTCD Section 2C.28). Source: MUTCD 11th Edition, Chapter 2C, Warning Signs and Object Markers: Section 2C.28, FHWA; MUTCD 11th Edition, FHWA
Where will you see it?
On rural roads where the pavement stops.
What should you do?
Slow down before the change. Gravel gives less grip, so brake and steer gently.
What do people get wrong?
Hitting the gravel at highway speed and losing control.
Common questions
Why slow down for gravel?
Loose surfaces give less grip for braking and steering.
Is there an advisory speed?
Section 2C.28 allows an advisory speed plaque when the change needs a lower speed.
Compare with
Loose gravel signLoose gravel on the road ahead.
Soft shoulder signThe shoulder is soft and may not hold a vehicle.
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.28.
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Chapter 2C, Warning Signs and Object Markers: Section 2C.28, 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.