Advisory Speed plaque sign
Mounted under a warning sign to show the recommended safe speed for the condition, such as a curve.
What to do
Slow to the speed shown (or lower in bad conditions) for that hazard. It is advice, not the legal speed limit.
Treat the number as the most you should drive in good conditions, and go slower in rain, snow, darkness or a tall vehicle.
Where it's used
Section 2C.59 lets the Advisory Speed (W13-1P) plaque supplement a warning sign to show the recommended speed for a condition; it may only be mounted below a warning sign, never on its own. The speed is set by an engineering study, must be a multiple of 5 mph, and for curves is required when it is 15 mph or more below the posted or statutory speed limit. It is a square black-on-yellow plaque with a number and MPH; a Confirmation Advisory Speed (W13-1aP) version goes with a Large Arrow or exit gore sign.
Don't confuse it with
- Speed Limit: A Speed Limit sign is white and legally binding, while the yellow advisory plaque is a recommended speed for one hazard.
- Advisory Exit Speed: The Advisory Exit Speed sign is a stand-alone vertical sign for a freeway exit, while this is a square plaque under another warning sign.
- Type
- Warning signs
- Shape
- Square
- Colors
- yellow, black
- MUTCD code
- W13-1P
- MUTCD section
- 2C.59
On state permit tests
Our questions for 13 states ask about this sign, including Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida and Illinois.
Test yourself
Advisory speed signs show the safe speed: (Colorado practice test)
- Around curves, corners and off-ramps in ideal conditions
- On the whole highway
- In school zones only
- For trucks only
Show answer
Around curves, corners and off-ramps in ideal conditions. An advisory speed plaque gives the recommended top speed for a curve, corner or off-ramp in good conditions.
A small plaque with a speed, posted below a curve warning sign, means what? (Connecticut practice test)
- The new speed limit for the whole road
- The minimum speed
- The advisory (safe) speed for that condition
- The truck speed limit
Show answer
The advisory (safe) speed for that condition. The advisory speed plaque, usually below another warning sign, shows the advisory speed for the condition.
More warning signs
Turn
Curve
Reverse Turn
Reverse Curve
Winding Road
One-Direction Large Arrow
Two-Direction Large Arrow
Chevron AlignmentFrom the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), 11th edition, section 2C.59. Sign image: public domain, source.