Curve Ahead Sign

Updated July 9, 2026

Curve Ahead · MUTCD W1-2R · Warning sign

What the Curve Ahead sign means

A yellow diamond with a curving arrow warns that the road bends ahead in the direction the arrow shows. A curve sign indicates a gentler bend than the sharper turn sign. Slow down before you reach the curve, not in the middle of it, and position your vehicle to stay in your lane all the way through the bend. These signs appear ahead of curves where speed needs adjusting, and an advisory speed plate may hang below showing a safe speed for the bend. Braking hard mid-curve can cause a skid, so reduce speed early.

What to do when you see it

Ease off the gas and slow before entering the curve; stay in your lane and do not brake hard mid-bend.

On the CA permit test

A curved-arrow yellow diamond warns of a bend ahead — slow down before you reach it.

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