Lane Ends sign
The number of lanes in your direction is reduced ahead; the lane on the side shown ends.
What to do
If you are in the ending lane, merge into the other lane when it is safe; other drivers should let you in.
If you are in the ending lane, signal and move over early; if you are in the through lane, leave room for drivers merging in.
Image shows the right lane ending (W4-2R).
Where it's used
Section 2C.47 uses the Lane Ends (W4-2) sign to warn of a drop in the number of lanes in your direction, placed at the advance distance from Table 2C-3. It is a black-on-yellow diamond showing one lane line bending into the other, made in left and right versions. A RIGHT (LEFT) LANE ENDS (W9-1) word sign may be placed before it, and on one-way streets or divided roads where the left lane ends the signs should also go on the left or median side.
Don't confuse it with
- Right (Left) Lane Ends: RIGHT (LEFT) LANE ENDS is the word version of the same warning and is often placed before this symbol sign.
- Merge: Merge means another roadway is joining yours; Lane Ends means a lane on your own road is ending.
- Road Narrows: ROAD NARROWS warns that the whole two-way road gets narrower, not that one of your lanes ends.
- Type
- Warning signs
- Shape
- Diamond
- Colors
- yellow, black
- MUTCD code
- W4-2
- MUTCD section
- 2C.47
On state permit tests
Our questions for 15 states ask about this sign, including California, Connecticut, Washington DC, Florida and Idaho.
Test yourself
A warning sign shows two lanes narrowing into one with a line ending on one side. It warns that: (California practice test)
- An added lane begins
- A lane ends ahead and you may need to merge
- Traffic is merging from a ramp
- Two-way traffic begins
Show answer
A lane ends ahead and you may need to merge. The Lane Ends sign warns that one lane is ending ahead, so be ready to merge.
A warning sign shows the number of lanes reducing. What should you be ready to do? (Connecticut practice test)
- Change lanes or let other vehicles merge into your lane
- Turn around
- Stop
- Speed up
Show answer
Change lanes or let other vehicles merge into your lane. The lane reduction sign warns of fewer lanes ahead; be prepared to change lanes or allow others to merge.
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.47. Sign image: public domain, source.