Warning signs · W13-1P
Advisory Speed sign
Archive file: W13-01P Advisory Speed (plaque)/W13-01P Advisory Speed (plaque) 30x30.svg
FHWA public-use information
What it means
The number recommends a speed for the accompanying warning's condition.
Source: FHWA MUTCD — MUTCD 11th Edition with Revision 1 (December 2025), Section 2C.59, paragraph 01, PDF page 237.
.
Meaning
Advisory Speed adds a recommended speed for the condition shown by a warning sign. It is a companion message, not the standalone regulatory Speed Limit sign. PennDOT’s handbook gives a sharp-left-curve example using 25 mph; that example is separate from any number in this page’s sign-family illustration.
What to do
Read the warning and its number together, then prepare for the road condition. For the freeway-exit scenario in Oregon’s handbook, signal ahead and keep your speed until leaving the freeway; once on the ramp, begin reducing speed toward its posted advisory. The sign’s number belongs to that location and condition.
Where it is used
The federal standard uses this plaque only with an advance warning, rather than as an independent installation. When another plaque is also present, guidance puts the advisory speed immediately below the main warning. A different confirmation plaque can reinforce a large arrow or exit-gore sign at the condition itself.
- Official source · MUTCD 11th Edition with Revision 1, Section 2C.59, paragraph 06 · PDF page 237 · Checked
- Official source · MUTCD 11th Edition with Revision 1, Section 2C.59, paragraph 07 · PDF page 237 · Checked
- Official source · MUTCD 11th Edition with Revision 1, Section 2C.59, paragraph 08 · PDF page 237 · Checked
A sign to tell apart
Speed Limit states a regulatory maximum for the road section. Advisory Speed supplies a condition-specific recommendation beside a warning. The federal manual directs agencies to use an advisory plaque, rather than a Speed Limit sign, for the warned condition’s recommended speed.
Practice with explanations
These are original learning questions based on the cited handbooks. Read each answer and its explanation below.
1. In PennDOT’s sharp-left-curve advisory-speed example, what is the highest speed recommended for that bend?
- 15 mph.
- 25 mph.
- 35 mph.
Answer: B. 25 mph.
That specific handbook example uses 25 mph. Read the advisory number at the real location rather than treating the example as universal.
2. In Oregon’s freeway-exit guidance, when should you begin reducing speed to the ramp’s posted advisory?
- While still in the freeway’s through lane.
- Only after stopping on the ramp.
- Once you are on the exit ramp.
Answer: C. Once you are on the exit ramp.
Signal ahead and maintain speed until leaving the freeway. Then begin slowing on the ramp toward its advisory speed.
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.
