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Added Lane sign

Two roadways come together but an extra lane is added, so traffic does not have to merge.

What to do

Expect traffic in the new lane next to you; no merge is needed.

You do not need to merge, but expect vehicles to appear in the new lane next to you and watch for them changing lanes.

Where it's used

Section 2C.46 says the Added Lane (W4-3) sign should be used before a point where two roadways come together and merging is not required because the entering road continues as its own lane. It is a black-on-yellow diamond with a straight arrow for the main road and a curved arrow beside it for the entering road, placed on the side the entering road joins and, if possible, visible from both. Where the entering road curves into a straight road, the Entering Roadway Added Lane (W4-6) version should be used.

Don't confuse it with

  • Merge: The Merge sign shows the roads joining into one lane, so drivers must merge, while Added Lane means each keeps a lane.
  • Lane Ends: Lane Ends warns that a lane disappears, which is the opposite of an added lane.
Added Lane sign
Type
Warning signs
Shape
Diamond
Colors
yellow, black
MUTCD code
W4-3
MUTCD section
2C.46

On state permit tests

Our questions for 13 states ask about this sign, including Idaho, Indiana, Minnesota, Mississippi and Missouri.

Test yourself

An 'Added Lane' sign warns that: (Idaho practice test)

  • Your lane is ending
  • Two highways are converging; watch for traffic in the left lane moving right
  • A passing lane is closed
  • A bike lane begins
Show answer

Two highways are converging; watch for traffic in the left lane moving right. Two highways are converging; watch for traffic moving into the right lane, and check before moving left.

This yellow diamond sign shows a second lane joining the road with no merge. What is it called in the Indiana manual? (Indiana practice test)

  • Added Lane
  • Lane Ends
  • Merging Traffic
  • Divided Highway Begins
Show answer

Added Lane. The manual's warning-sign chart labels this sign Added Lane; it differs from Merging Traffic and Lane Ends.

More warning signs

Road signs testAll road signs

From the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), 11th edition, section 2C.46. Sign image: public domain, source.