Sharp turn sign: what it means

Sharp turn sign: a yellow diamond with a black arrow that turns sharply to the right
Drawing: Drivoku, based on MUTCD sign W1-1. Simplified; real signs follow the FHWA Standard Highway Signs specifications.

The Turn sign warns of a sharp turn ahead, here to the right. It is used instead of the Curve sign where the advisory speed is 30 mph or less.

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What does the sharp turn sign mean?

Warning signs are yellow diamonds with black symbols (Section 2C.02). MUTCD Section 2C.07 says a Turn sign should be used instead of a Curve sign before a curve with an advisory speed of 30 mph or less. An advisory speed plaque may be added below.

Quick quiz

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

  1. A sharp turn ahead, slow down.
  2. The road curves ahead.
  3. Follow the bend in the direction shown.

Show answer

A. A sharp turn ahead, slow down. A Turn sign warns of a sharp turn, used where the advisory speed is 30 mph or less (MUTCD Section 2C.07). Source: MUTCD 11th Edition, Chapter 2C, Warning Signs and Object Markers: Sections 2C.02, 2C.07, FHWA; MUTCD 11th Edition, FHWA

Where will you see it?

Before sharp bends on rural roads, ramps and in hilly country.

What should you do?

Slow down before the turn, to the advisory speed if one is shown. Keep to your lane through the turn.

What do people get wrong?

Mixing it up with the Curve sign. A right-angle arrow means a sharper turn than the curved arrow.

Common questions

What is the difference between the Turn and the Curve sign?

The Turn sign is for sharper bends, where the advisory speed is 30 mph or less (MUTCD Section 2C.07).

Are there signs for two turns in a row?

Yes. Reverse Turn and Reverse Curve signs are used for two changes in opposite directions close together (Section 2C.07).

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Sources

Checked on 3 November 2026 against the MUTCD 11th Edition (FHWA), Sections 2C.02 and 2C.07.

  1. MUTCD 11th Edition, Chapter 2C, Warning Signs and Object Markers: Sections 2C.02, 2C.07, 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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