Lane Ends Ahead Sign

Updated July 9, 2026

Lane Ends Ahead · MUTCD W4-2 · Warning sign

What the Lane Ends Ahead sign means

This yellow diamond shows a lane narrowing and ending, warning that the number of lanes is reduced ahead — the right lane will end and traffic must merge left. Prepare to move over early if you are in the ending lane, or make room if you are in the continuing lane. It appears where a multilane road drops a lane, such as after a passing zone or at a construction transition. Merging smoothly and early prevents the last-second lane-change crashes that happen where the lanes pinch down.

What to do when you see it

If your lane is ending, signal and merge into the continuing lane early; if not, make room for merging traffic.

On the CA permit test

A Lane Ends sign warns a lane is about to disappear — merge early and smoothly.

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