Yield Ahead sign
Required where a YIELD sign ahead is not visible soon enough.
What to do
Slow down and be ready to yield.
Slow down and look ahead for cross or merging traffic so you can yield or stop if needed at the YIELD sign.
Where it's used
Section 2C.35 requires a Yield Ahead (W3-2) sign where a YIELD sign is not visible far enough ahead for drivers to respond, and allows it for extra emphasis. It is a yellow diamond with a red-and-white YIELD triangle symbol and a black arrow. Section 2C.45 lets a NO MERGE AREA (W4-5aP) plaque be used with it where the entry has no merging lane.
Don't confuse it with
- Yield: The downward red-and-white triangle is the YIELD sign itself; the yellow diamond only warns that one is ahead.
- Stop Ahead: Stop Ahead shows an octagon symbol and warns of a STOP sign, which needs a full stop.
- Merge: The Merge sign warns of two roadways joining where traffic merges, not of a YIELD sign.
- Type
- Warning signs
- Shape
- Diamond
- Colors
- yellow, black, red, white
- MUTCD code
- W3-2
- MUTCD section
- 2C.35
On state permit tests
Our questions for 2 states ask about this sign, including Indiana and Maryland.
Test yourself
What does the Yield Ahead warning sign mean? (Indiana practice test)
- A yield sign is ahead; be prepared to yield
- You must stop immediately
- Merging traffic from the left
- The speed limit drops
Show answer
A yield sign is ahead; be prepared to yield. Yield Ahead warns of an upcoming yield sign.
What does this sign mean? (Maryland practice test)
- Yield ahead
- Stop ahead
- Signal ahead
- Merge
Show answer
Yield ahead. The Yield Ahead warning sign shows a yield sign is coming up.
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.