Two-Way Left-Turn-Only (center lane) sign
Marks a center lane that drivers going in either direction may use only to make left turns. It is not for passing or through travel.
What to do
Enter the center lane only to begin or finish a left turn, and watch for drivers coming the other way who may use it too.
Enter the center lane only shortly before your left turn, never to travel or pass, and watch for oncoming drivers who may enter it from the other side.
Used with the two-way left-turn lane markings in Section 3B.05.
Where it's used
Section 2B.32 says this sign should be used with the required pavement markings where a non-reversible center lane is reserved for left turns by traffic from both directions and is not used for passing or through travel. The R3-9b is the post-mounted version and may replace or supplement the overhead R3-9a; BEGIN or END may be added within the sign or on a plaque above it. It is a vertical black-on-white sign with opposing left-turn arrows and ONLY.
Don't confuse it with
- Two-Way Left-Turn Lane Markings: The pavement markings (solid and broken yellow lines on each side) define the lane; this sign repeats the same rule from the roadside.
- Left Turn Only (lane control): The R3-5 Left Turn Only sign is for a lane serving one direction at an intersection, while this center lane is shared by both directions.
- Reversible Lane Markings: A reversible lane carries through traffic in different directions at different times, while a two-way left-turn lane is only for turning.
- Type
- Regulatory signs
- Shape
- Vertical rectangle
- Colors
- white, black
- MUTCD code
- R3-9b
- MUTCD section
- 2B.32
On state permit tests
Our questions for 10 states ask about this sign, including Florida, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana and Mississippi.
Test yourself
How may the center lane of a two-way road marked for left turns be used? (Florida practice test)
- By drivers from either direction for left turns, but not for passing
- For passing slower traffic
- As a travel lane during rush hour
- For parking
Show answer
By drivers from either direction for left turns, but not for passing. Drivers from either direction may use the center lane for left turns; you must not use it for passing.
What does the TWO-WAY LEFT TURN regulation sign identify? (Indiana practice test)
- A center lane used for left turns by traffic from both directions
- A lane for passing
- A two-way street ahead
- A lane for U-turns only
Show answer
A center lane used for left turns by traffic from both directions. The Two-Way Left Turn sign identifies a center lane used by left-turning traffic from both directions.
More regulatory signs
Stop
All-Way plaque
Yield
Yield Here to Pedestrians
In-Street Pedestrian Crossing
Speed Limit
Night Speed Limit
Combined Maximum and Minimum Speed LimitsFrom the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), 11th edition, section 2B.32. Sign image: public domain, source.