Y intersection sign: what it means
The Y intersection sign warns that the road ahead splits into two branches, like a Y. Choose your way in good time.
What does the Y intersection sign mean?
MUTCD Section 2C.41 lists the Y-Intersection (W2-5) sign among the intersection warning signs, used in advance of an intersection to show it is there and that traffic may turn or enter.
Quick quiz
What does the sign at the top of this page mean?
- Your road ends at a T ahead.
- A side road joins from the side shown.
- The road splits into two ahead.
Show answer
C. The road splits into two ahead. It warns of a Y intersection ahead (MUTCD Section 2C.41). Source: MUTCD 11th Edition, Chapter 2C, Warning Signs and Object Markers: Section 2C.41, FHWA; MUTCD 11th Edition, FHWA
Where will you see it?
On rural roads before a fork.
What should you do?
Slow down, read the guide signs and move into position for the branch you want.
What do people get wrong?
Choosing the branch at the last moment and swerving.
Common questions
Which branch has priority?
The warning sign does not say. Look for STOP or YIELD signs.
Is it the same as a T intersection?
No. At a Y the road splits at an angle; at a T your road ends.
Compare with
T intersection signYour road ends at a T ahead.
Side road signA side road joins from the side shown.
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.41.
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Chapter 2C, Warning Signs and Object Markers: Section 2C.41, 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.