Stay in lane sign: what it means

STAY IN LANE sign: a white vertical rectangle with the words STAY IN LANE in black
Drawing: Drivoku, based on MUTCD sign R4-9. Simplified; real signs follow the FHWA Standard Highway Signs specifications.

The STAY IN LANE sign means you must keep to your lane and not change lanes until conditions allow it.

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What does the STAY IN LANE sign mean?

MUTCD Section 2B.40 says the sign may be used on multi-lane highways to direct road users to stay in their lane until conditions permit a lane change, and it should go with solid double white lane lines. In work zones, Section 6G.07 uses it where lanes shift around the work.

Quick quiz

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

  1. Do not change lanes here.
  2. White lines separate lanes going the same way.
  3. One lane ends; move over in good time.

Show answer

A. Do not change lanes here. It directs you to stay in your lane (MUTCD Section 2B.40). Source: MUTCD 11th Edition, Chapter 2B, Regulatory Signs, Barricades, and Gates: Section 2B.40, FHWA; MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 6, Temporary Traffic Control: Section 6G.07, FHWA; MUTCD 11th Edition, FHWA

Where will you see it?

On multi-lane highways, bridges, tunnels and work zones with lane shifts.

What should you do?

Keep in your lane, keep your speed steady and wait until the solid lines end before changing lanes.

What do people get wrong?

Crossing solid white lines to get to an exit at the last moment.

Common questions

What do solid double white lines mean here?

Section 2B.40 says the sign should be used with them to prohibit lane changing.

When may I change lanes again?

When the solid lines end and it is safe.

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Sources

Checked on 4 November 2026 against the MUTCD 11th Edition (FHWA), Sections 2B.40 and 6G.07.

  1. MUTCD 11th Edition, Chapter 2B, Regulatory Signs, Barricades, and Gates: Section 2B.40, FHWA
  2. MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 6, Temporary Traffic Control: Section 6G.07, FHWA
  3. 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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