Regulatory signs · R4-1
Do Not Pass sign
Archive file: R04-01 Do Not Pass/R04-01 Do Not Pass 24x30.svg
FHWA public-use information
What it means
Passing is prohibited in this section.
Source: FHWA MUTCD — MUTCD 11th Edition with Revision 1 (December 2025), Section 2B.36, paragraph 01, PDF page 143.
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Meaning
Do Not Pass restricts overtaking vehicles traveling your direction. It is not a warning that traffic is entering from the side; it tells you that passing is prohibited in the signed area. A slow vehicle ahead does not remove the restriction.
What to do
In Pennsylvania, stay behind rather than starting a prohibited pass. When considering a pass elsewhere, check both signs and road markings before checking whether the passing space is clear. Good visibility alone cannot override a signed restriction.
Where it is used
Federal guidance allows this sign at the start of a restricted zone and at points within it. It supplements the pavement markings. You may see it where limited sight distance or another road condition makes overtaking inappropriate, rather than only at the exact location of a visible hazard.
A sign to tell apart
The No Passing Zone pennant marks the beginning of a passing restriction and is placed on the left. Do Not Pass is a regulatory message reinforcing the restriction. These two signs can appear together; the different shape is not an invitation to pass between them.
Practice with explanations
These are original learning questions based on the cited handbooks. Read each answer and its explanation below.
1. A slow vehicle is ahead of you in a Pennsylvania area signed Do Not Pass. What should you do?
- Pass if you can finish quickly.
- Remain behind rather than overtaking it.
- Pass if the road appears empty ahead.
Answer: B. Remain behind rather than overtaking it.
The sign prohibits overtaking traffic going your direction. The other vehicle’s low speed does not cancel it.
2. Before planning a pass in Pennsylvania, what must you check besides whether the road ahead is clear?
- Whether signs or markings prohibit passing.
- Whether the vehicle ahead looks newer than yours.
- Whether you can avoid using your turn signal.
Answer: A. Whether signs or markings prohibit passing.
Clear space is only part of the decision. Signs and pavement markings can prohibit an otherwise possible pass.
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.
Pennsylvania
Handbook coverage
PennDOT explains this sign in its Pennsylvania Driver’s Manual. This is handbook coverage; it does not establish that this particular sign will appear on your Knowledge Test.
Pennsylvania permit sources · Practice with Pennsylvania questions
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.
California
1 free question uses this sign in Steerlet's verified question data.
California permit sources · General California permit practice (does not include this sign)
New York
1 free question uses this sign in Steerlet's verified question data.
New York permit sources · General New York permit practice (does not include this sign)
The linked 20-question permit quizzes do not currently include this sign.
Practice this sign in the federal 20-sign quiz. That tool uses MUTCD questions and is separate from the state-bank questions listed here.
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.
