Signal Ahead sign
Required where a traffic signal ahead is not visible far enough in advance.
What to do
Slow down and be prepared to stop if the light is red or changing.
Ease off the gas and be ready to stop, because the light ahead may already be red or about to change when it comes into view.
Where it's used
Section 2C.35 requires a Signal Ahead (W3-3) sign where the traffic signal is not visible far enough ahead, judged by a continuous view of at least two signal faces for the distance in Table 4D-2, and allows it for emphasis elsewhere. It is a yellow diamond with a symbol of a traffic signal showing red, yellow and green lenses. A BE PREPARED TO STOP (W3-4) sign may be placed after it, and a warning beacon or yellow LEDs may be added.
Don't confuse it with
- Be Prepared to Stop: BE PREPARED TO STOP is a word sign warning of stopped traffic, used after a Signal Ahead sign; it does not show the signal symbol.
- Stop Ahead: Stop Ahead warns of a STOP sign where you always stop, while Signal Ahead warns of a signal that may be green.
- Type
- Warning signs
- Shape
- Diamond
- Colors
- yellow, black, red, green
- MUTCD code
- W3-3
- MUTCD section
- 2C.35
On state permit tests
Our questions for 10 states ask about this sign, including California, Connecticut, Illinois, Iowa and Maryland.
Test yourself
A yellow sign shows a black traffic light symbol. It warns: (California practice test)
- The signal ahead is broken
- A railroad crossing is ahead
- A traffic signal is ahead
- Red-light cameras are in use
Show answer
A traffic signal is ahead. This warning sign means there is a traffic signal ahead. Be prepared to stop.
What does a black-on-yellow sign showing a traffic light mean? (Connecticut practice test)
- The signal is broken
- Pedestrian crossing
- No stopping
- Traffic signals ahead; slow down and prepare to stop
Show answer
Traffic signals ahead; slow down and prepare to stop. The Signal Ahead sign means traffic signals are ahead; slow down and prepare to stop.
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.35. Sign image: public domain, source.