Right lane ends sign: what it means
The RIGHT LANE ENDS sign warns that the right-hand lane is about to end. If you are in it, move left in good time.
What does the RIGHT LANE ENDS sign mean?
MUTCD Section 2C.47 says the Lane Ends symbol sign and the RIGHT (LEFT) LANE ENDS word sign warn of a reduction in the number of lanes in your direction.
Quick quiz
What does the sign at the top of this page mean?
- One lane ends; move over in good time.
- The right lane ends; merge left.
- Traffic will merge into your lane.
Show answer
B. The right lane ends; merge left. Warns that the number of lanes in your direction is reducing (MUTCD Section 2C.47). Source: MUTCD 11th Edition, Chapter 2C, Warning Signs and Object Markers: Section 2C.47, FHWA; MUTCD 11th Edition, FHWA
Where will you see it?
Where an extra lane, such as a passing or climbing lane, ends, and where a road goes from two lanes to one in your direction.
What should you do?
If you are in the right lane, check your mirror and blind spot, signal and merge left when there is a gap. If you are in the left lane, leave room for drivers merging.
What do people get wrong?
Driving to the very end of the lane and forcing your way in.
Common questions
Is there a symbol version?
Yes. The Lane Ends sign shows the lane ending with an arrow (MUTCD Section 2C.47).
Who has priority when a lane ends?
The sign does not give priority. The driver in the ending lane must merge when it is safe, and others should help.
Compare with
Want to test someone else? Play a road-sign quiz with friends and family.
Sources
Checked on 3 November 2026 against the MUTCD 11th Edition (FHWA), Section 2C.47.
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Chapter 2C, Warning Signs and Object Markers: Section 2C.47, 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.