Right (Left) Lane Ends sign
Word-message version of the lane reduction warning, telling which lane ends.
What to do
Move out of the ending lane early and merge smoothly.
If the named lane is yours, start looking for a gap and merge before the lane taper rather than at the last moment.
Where it's used
Section 2C.47 allows the RIGHT (LEFT) LANE ENDS (W9-1) word sign in advance of the Lane Ends (W4-2) symbol sign to give extra warning that a lane is ending and a merge will be needed. It is a black-on-yellow diamond, and a distance plaque may be added when it is placed before an intersection that lies ahead of the lane end. On one-way streets or divided roads where the left lane ends it should face traffic from the left or median side as well.
Don't confuse it with
- Lane Ends: The W4-2 sign shows the lane drop with a symbol instead of words, and normally comes after this word sign.
- Right Lane Must Turn Right: RIGHT LANE MUST TURN RIGHT is a white regulatory sign meaning the lane becomes a turn lane, not that it merges away.
- Right (Left) Lane Closed Ahead: The orange LANE CLOSED AHEAD sign is for a temporary work-zone closure.
- Type
- Warning signs
- Shape
- Diamond
- Colors
- yellow, black
- MUTCD code
- W9-1
- MUTCD section
- 2C.47
On state permit tests
Our questions for 1 state ask about this sign, including Washington DC.
Test yourself
A 'Right Lane Ends Ahead' sign is posted. What should drivers in the left lane do? (Washington DC practice test)
- Allow vehicles in the right lane to merge smoothly
- Honk
- Change to the right lane
- Speed up
Show answer
Allow vehicles in the right lane to merge smoothly. Right-lane drivers must merge left when space opens; left-lane drivers should allow them to merge smoothly.
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.