Be Prepared to Stop sign

What to do

Slow down and be ready to stop.

Slow down and leave extra following distance so you can stop for a queue you may not see yet, especially when its lights are flashing.

Also used in work zones with the Flagger sign (6H.15).

Where it's used

Section 2C.35 allows the BE PREPARED TO STOP (W3-4) sign to warn of traffic stopped by a signal; when used before a signal it must be placed after (downstream of) a Signal Ahead sign. It is a black-on-yellow diamond word sign, and a warning beacon or yellow LEDs may be added; when the beacon is linked to the signal or a queue detector, a WHEN FLASHING (W16-13P) plaque should be mounted below. Chapter 6H also uses it in work zones, for example ahead of a flagger.

Don't confuse it with

• Signal Ahead: Signal Ahead shows a signal symbol and warns of the signal itself, while this sign warns that traffic may be stopped.
• Flagger: Flagger Ahead is an orange work-zone sign showing a flagger, while this sign gives a general stopping warning.
• Stop Ahead: Stop Ahead means a STOP sign is coming where you must always stop.