Pavement Ends sign
The paved surface changes to gravel or dirt ahead.
What to do
Slow down before the surface changes; braking and steering are less effective on gravel.
Slow down before the edge of the pavement and avoid hard braking or sharp steering once you are on gravel or dirt.
Where it's used
Section 2C.28 says a PAVEMENT ENDS (W8-3) sign should be used where a paved road changes to a gravel-treated or earth surface. It is a black-on-yellow diamond word sign. An Advisory Speed plaque may be added when the change in surface calls for a lower speed.
Don't confuse it with
- Loose Gravel: LOOSE GRAVEL warns of loose stones on the road surface, while PAVEMENT ENDS means the paving stops altogether.
- Dead End: DEAD END means the road itself ends, while after PAVEMENT ENDS the road continues unpaved.
- Uneven Lanes: UNEVEN LANES warns of a height difference between lanes, not a change to an unpaved surface.
- Type
- Warning signs
- Shape
- Diamond
- Colors
- yellow, black
- MUTCD code
- W8-3
- MUTCD section
- 2C.28
On state permit tests
Our questions for 2 states ask about this sign, including Alabama and Florida.
Test yourself
What does a PAVEMENT ENDS sign mean? (Alabama practice test)
- Bridge ahead
- The road surface ahead changes to gravel or dirt
- Dead end
- Lane ends
Show answer
The road surface ahead changes to gravel or dirt. The road surface ahead will change to gravel or dirt; be prepared.
A PAVEMENT ENDS sign means: (Florida practice test)
- The paved surface changes to a gravel or earth road
- The road is closed ahead
- A bridge is ahead
- A toll plaza is ahead
Show answer
The paved surface changes to a gravel or earth road. The paved surface ahead changes to a gravel or earth road.
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.28. Sign image: public domain, source.