Left Turn Only (lane control) sign
Mounted over a specific lane to show that the only movement allowed from that lane is a left turn. Mandatory movement signs show a single movement plus the word ONLY.
What to do
If you are in this lane you must turn left. If you want to go straight or right, move to the proper lane before the solid lane line begins.
Check the overhead signs early and only be in this lane if you intend to make the turn shown, because you will be required to do so.
Overhead mounting required for the R3-5 symbol signs. Image is the left-turn variant (R3-5L).
Where it's used
Section 2B.28 says Mandatory Movement Lane Control signs show the single movement required from a lane; the R3-5 symbol version carries the word ONLY and must be mounted overhead over the lane it applies to. It is a vertical white rectangle with a black arrow and ONLY, with right-turn, through-only (R3-5a) and similar variants. Plaques such as HOV 2+ (R3-5cP), BUS LANE or TAXI LANE may be added, and the signs should be backed up by lane-use arrow markings.
Don't confuse it with
- Optional Movement Lane Control: The optional movement sign shows two or more arrows and no ONLY, meaning you may choose; this sign requires the single movement shown.
- Right Lane Must Turn Right: RIGHT LANE MUST TURN RIGHT is a post-mounted word sign, while this is an overhead arrow sign placed over a specific lane.
- Two-Way Left-Turn-Only (center lane): The two-way left-turn sign marks a shared centre lane used by both directions, not a turn lane that serves only your direction at an intersection.
- Type
- Regulatory signs
- Shape
- Vertical rectangle
- Colors
- white, black
- MUTCD code
- R3-5
- MUTCD section
- 2B.28
On state permit tests
Our questions for 1 state ask about this sign, including Virginia.
Test yourself
You are in a lane marked by a lane use control sign with a curved arrow. You must: (Virginia practice test)
- Turn in the direction of the arrow
- Stop at the sign
- Change lanes before the intersection
- Go straight
Show answer
Turn in the direction of the arrow. Lane use control signs are posted where turns are required; traffic in the lane must turn in the direction of the arrow.
More regulatory signs
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All-Way plaque
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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.28. Sign image: public domain, source.