Reverse curve sign: what it means
The reverse curve sign warns of two curves ahead, close together and in opposite directions.
What does the reverse curve sign mean?
MUTCD Section 2C.07 says the Reverse Curve (W1-4) sign should be used instead of separate Curve signs where two changes in alignment in opposite directions are less than 600 feet apart.
Quick quiz
What does the sign at the top of this page mean?
- Two sharp turns in opposite directions ahead.
- Two curves in opposite directions ahead.
- Three or more curves ahead.
Show answer
B. Two curves in opposite directions ahead. Two curves in opposite directions are close together ahead (MUTCD Section 2C.07). Source: MUTCD 11th Edition, Chapter 2C, Warning Signs and Object Markers: Section 2C.07, FHWA; MUTCD 11th Edition, FHWA
Where will you see it?
On highways and country roads before an S-shaped section.
What should you do?
Slow down before the first curve and stay in your lane through both.
What do people get wrong?
Cutting across the center line to straighten the curves.
Common questions
How is it different from winding road?
Winding road warns of three or more curves; reverse curve warns of two.
Is there an advisory speed?
A yellow advisory speed plaque may be added below the sign.
Compare with
Reverse turn signTwo sharp turns in opposite directions ahead.
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.07.
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Chapter 2C, Warning Signs and Object Markers: Section 2C.07, 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.