Sharp Change of Direction Sign

Updated July 9, 2026

Sharp Change of Direction · MUTCD W1-6 · Warning sign

What the Sharp Change of Direction sign means

This large horizontal yellow sign with a single wide black arrow is posted directly on the outside of a sharp curve or turn, pointing the way the road bends. It gives a clear, last-moment signal that the roadway changes direction sharply here and that you must steer to follow it. You will see it at tight bends, at T-intersections you must turn at, and where a road makes an abrupt change of direction. Slow down well before you reach the arrow and follow its direction to stay on the pavement.

What to do when you see it

Slow down and steer in the direction the big arrow points to follow the sharp change in the road.

On the CA permit test

The large arrow sign on a curve shows the direction the road turns sharply — follow it.

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