Warning signs · W1-3
Reverse Turn sign
Archive file: W01-03 Horizontal Alignment - Reverse Turn/W01-03R Horizontal Alignment - Reverse Turn 30x30 2024.svg
FHWA public-use information
What it means
Two sharp turns in opposite directions follow close together.
Source: FHWA MUTCD — MUTCD 11th Edition with Revision 1 (December 2025), Section 2C.07, paragraph 03, PDF page 196.
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Meaning
Reverse Turn warns of two sharp direction changes, one followed by a bend back the other way. The first turn is not the end of the warned condition. PennDOT describes a substantial reduction in speed to negotiate the complete set.
What to do
Prepare for both changes in the road, not just the first arrow bend. Pennsylvania’s curve guidance tells you to scan as far ahead as possible along each successive curve. That helps you anticipate the second change rather than looking only at the part of the road directly in front of the hood.
Where it is used
The federal manual uses a combined Reverse Turn warning for opposite direction changes separated by less than 600 feet of straight road, instead of a separate Turn sign for each. The single assembly therefore warns of a sequence. The distance is federal placement context, not a new handbook speed rule.
A sign to tell apart
Winding Road describes a longer series: PennDOT says at least three curves in a row. Reverse Turn identifies a pair of opposite sharp changes. Recognize the length of the warned sequence so you do not assume the road has finished changing direction after its first turn.
Practice with explanations
These are original learning questions based on the cited handbooks. Read each answer and its explanation below.
1. What road layout does PennDOT’s right-and-left sharp-turn warning describe?
- One sharp turn followed by straight road.
- Two sharp changes, first one way and then the other.
- A junction where you must make a U-turn.
Answer: B. Two sharp changes, first one way and then the other.
The warning covers a set of opposite sharp turns. Prepare for the return change as well as the first turn.
2. When following several bends in Pennsylvania, where should you direct your visual scan?
- Only at the road beside your front tire.
- Only at the vehicle behind you.
- Ahead along each curve as far as you can see.
Answer: C. Ahead along each curve as far as you can see.
The handbook recommends looking ahead through each curve in a sequence to guide your steering.
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
Pennsylvania’s driver manual explicitly discusses this sign. This establishes handbook coverage, without a promise about any individual exam.
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.
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.
