Guide signs · E5-1
Exit Gore sign
Archive file: SHS Release 6/E05-01 Exit Gore (no exit number)/E05-01 Exit Gore (no exit number) 72x60.svg
FHWA public-use information
What it means
This marks the point where the exit ramp leaves the main highway.
Source: FHWA MUTCD — MUTCD 11th Edition with Revision 1 (December 2025), Section 2E.26, paragraph 01, PDF page 360.
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Meaning
Exit Gore marks the actual departure from the main road. The gore is the separation area between the highway and the ramp just after they branch. This sign confirms the exit point; it is later in the sequence than the advance information used to plan your lane choice.
What to do
For Pennsylvania highway driving, select the exit lane early. Wait to reduce speed until you have moved into that lane. If you reach the departure point without being in position, continue to the following exit; do not turn a missed exit into a sudden move across traffic.
Where it is used
The federal standard puts an Exit Gore sign in the separation area at each departing freeway or expressway ramp. Its diagonal arrow follows the ramp’s departure angle. The location identifies where the roads divide, so the arrow is a confirmation of the ramp path rather than notice to begin several late lane changes.
A sign to tell apart
Lane Ends warns that an existing lane will disappear and its traffic must merge. Exit Gore marks a ramp leaving the main road. The former describes a reduction in lanes ahead; the latter identifies a departure point you should already have prepared to use.
Practice with explanations
These are original learning questions based on the cited handbooks. Read each answer and its explanation below.
1. You reach your Pennsylvania highway exit while still in a through lane and cannot leave safely. What should you do?
- Stop on the highway and wait for a gap.
- Continue to the next exit.
- Back up once the ramp has cleared.
Answer: B. Continue to the next exit.
A missed exit calls for using the next one. Stopping, backing or swerving across lanes creates an unsafe and illegal maneuver.
2. When should a Pennsylvania driver begin slowing for a highway exit?
- Before moving out of the through lane.
- Only after stopping at the gore sign.
- After moving into the exit lane.
Answer: C. After moving into the exit lane.
Prepare the lane change early, then reduce speed in the exit lane. Do not slow the through lane to make the exit.
State source coverage
Handbook coverage and sample questions do not prove that a sign will appear on your exam. Even a published test scope cannot guarantee an individual exam question.
No state test-scope claim is independently approved for this study.
State variations
State-specific variations have not been independently established for this study.
Verified question coverage
These free state-bank questions were independently verified. This does not establish complete state-bank readiness, app availability or what will appear on your permit exam.
No currently verified state-bank question is available for this sign.
The linked 20-question permit quizzes do not currently include this sign.
This meaning is a federal MUTCD reference. Check your state's handbook for its rules and sign coverage; this page does not establish what appears on a state permit exam.
Try the free road sign quiz or find your state's handbook.
