Wrong Way Signs

A do not enter sign (R5-1) is posted at the entry point to stop a driver from turning onto a one-way road or ramp, while a wrong way sign (R5-1a) is placed farther along to catch a driver who already entered going the wrong way. A wrong way sign supplements a do not enter sign rather than replacing it, and the two are used together.

Wrong way signs are used on freeway and highway exit ramps, one-way streets, divided highways, and parking-lot exits - anywhere a driver could end up traveling against traffic. On a highway off-ramp, a wrong way sign is a last warning to a driver who has entered the ramp from the wrong end.

A wrong way sign gives a driver going the wrong direction a clear, bright red warning to stop and turn around before meeting oncoming traffic. Because wrong-way crashes are often head-on, catching the driver early with a reflective wrong way sign is one of the simplest ways to prevent a serious collision.

Wrong way signs are often mounted lower than standard signs to align with the headlight beams of drivers at night. This placement ensures the red reflective face is highly visible when it is most needed.

A wrong way sign is solid red with "WRONG WAY" in white letters. The standard MUTCD size is 36" x 24", with additional sizes ranging from 12" x 18" to 36" x 48" to suit various road types and speeds.

Yes. Wrong way signs are available in Engineer Grade, High Intensity Prismatic, or Diamond Grade reflective sheeting, ensuring the red face is visible in headlights after dark. Higher grades provide increased reflectivity, which is important on fast ramps where drivers have limited reaction time.

Wrong way signs are constructed from rust-free.080" aluminum with 3M reflective sheeting that meets ASTM standards. The aluminum resists rust, and the reflective sheeting maintains brightness for at least 10 years outdoors.