Regulatory signs · R5-1a
Wrong Way sign
Archive file: R05-01a Wrong Way/R05-01a Wrong Way 30x18.svg
FHWA public-use information
What it means
You are facing against the roadway's permitted direction.
Source: FHWA MUTCD — MUTCD 11th Edition with Revision 1 (December 2025), Section 2B.47, paragraph 01, PDF page 151.
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Meaning
Wrong Way warns that your travel direction conflicts with the permitted flow on the road or ramp. It is a correction after a mistaken entry, rather than a warning that a bend or junction is approaching. Recognize it as an immediate problem with the direction you are traveling.
What to do
For a wrong-way freeway-ramp entry, Oregon gives a specific recovery sequence: pull aside on the ramp and stop, switch on the hazard lights, then carefully correct the entry by reversing away from it or turning your vehicle to face the permitted direction. This instruction concerns that ramp-entry error; it is not a general rule for backing on highways.
Where it is used
Federal guidance locates Wrong Way farther along the one-way road than Do Not Enter, on the same side. That gives a driver who missed the entry prohibition another chance to recognize the error. PennDOT also describes this farther-down position on one-way streets and ramps.
A sign to tell apart
Do Not Enter is aimed at preventing the wrong entry at the beginning. Wrong Way catches the driver after that mistake. Oregon’s ramp-entry recovery starts by getting to the side and stopping, so do not keep driving toward an oncoming flow while hoping the next sign will clarify the route.
Practice with explanations
These are original learning questions based on the cited handbooks. Read each answer and its explanation below.
1. You begin entering an Oregon freeway ramp in the wrong direction and see Wrong Way. What is the first action in the handbook’s recovery sequence?
- Continue until there is a wider part of the freeway.
- Move aside on the ramp, then bring the vehicle to a stop.
- Accelerate to reach the next junction.
Answer: B. Move aside on the ramp, then bring the vehicle to a stop.
The ramp-entry instruction begins with moving aside and stopping. Continuing into the opposing flow makes the error more dangerous.
2. After pulling aside and stopping for an Oregon wrong-way ramp entry, how should you warn other vehicles?
- Sound the horn continuously while accelerating.
- Leave every light off.
- Switch on the hazard lights.
Answer: C. Switch on the hazard lights.
Oregon calls for hazard lights before cautiously correcting the wrong-way ramp entry.
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.
Oregon
Handbook coverage
Oregon’s driver manual explicitly discusses this sign. This establishes handbook coverage, without a promise about any individual exam.
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)
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.
