Shared-Lane Marking (sharrow) sign
A bicycle symbol with two chevrons showing where bicyclists are likely to ride within a lane shared with motor vehicles.
What to do
Expect bicyclists in the lane and pass them safely.
Expect cyclists riding in the middle of the lane where the chevrons are, and pass only when you can change lanes or leave plenty of room.
Where it's used
Section 9E.09 allows the shared-lane marking, a bicycle symbol with two chevrons, to help cyclists position themselves away from opening car doors or in lanes too narrow to share side by side, to show drivers where cyclists are likely to ride, and to encourage safe passing. It should not be used on roads with a speed limit of 40 mph or more. It may not be used in shoulders, bike lanes, light-rail lanes or bike boxes.
Don't confuse it with
- Bike Lane: A bike lane is a separate lane reserved for cyclists, while a sharrow means cyclists and drivers share the same lane.
- Bicycles Allowed Use of Full Lane: BICYCLES MAY USE FULL LANE is a sign stating that cyclists may take the whole lane, often used with sharrows.
- HOV Lane Diamond: The diamond marks a high-occupancy vehicle lane, not a lane shared with cyclists.
- Type
- pavement-marking
- Shape
- Line marking
- Colors
- white
- MUTCD code
- MUTCD section
- 9E.09
On state permit tests
Our questions for 51 states ask about this sign, including Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas and California.
Test yourself
What is the minimum driving age for an Alabama driver license (not a learner license)? (Alabama practice test)
- 15
- 16
- 17
- 18
Show answer
16. The minimum driving age in Alabama is 16, with a learner license available at 15.
A non-resident 16 or older with a valid out-of-state license must get an Alaska license by the end of how many days after entering the state? (Alaska practice test)
- 60 days
- 90 days
- One year
- 30 days
Show answer
90 days. Non-residents 16+ with a valid license may drive, but must obtain an Alaska license by the end of a 90-day period after entry.
More signs
From the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), 11th edition, section 9E.09. Sign image: public domain.