Reverse turn sign: what it means
The reverse turn sign warns of two sharp turns ahead, close together and in opposite directions. Slow down before the first one.
What does the reverse turn sign mean?
MUTCD Section 2C.07 says where two changes in alignment in opposite directions are less than 600 feet apart, a Reverse Turn (W1-3) sign should be used instead of separate Turn signs. A Turn sign is used for curves with an advisory speed of 30 mph or less.
Quick quiz
What does the sign at the top of this page mean?
- Two curves in opposite directions ahead.
- Two sharp turns in opposite directions ahead.
- A sharp turn ahead, slow down.
Show answer
B. Two sharp turns in opposite directions ahead. Two sharp turns 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 rural and mountain roads before tight bends that follow each other.
What should you do?
Slow down before the first turn, to the advisory speed if a plaque shows one. Keep right through both turns.
What do people get wrong?
Braking in the middle of the first turn. Slow down before you enter it.
Common questions
What is the difference from the reverse curve sign?
A reverse turn has sharp right-angle bends in the arrow. A reverse curve has gentle curves and a higher safe speed.
Which way is the first turn?
The arrow shows it. This drawing shows the first turn to the left.
Compare with
Reverse curve signTwo curves in opposite directions ahead.
Sharp turn signA sharp turn ahead, slow down.
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.