Warning signs · W14-3
No Passing Zone sign
Archive file: W14-03 No Passing Zone/W14-03 No Passing Zone 40x40x30.svg
FHWA public-use information
What it means
A section where passing is prohibited begins here.
Source: FHWA MUTCD — MUTCD 11th Edition with Revision 1 (December 2025), Section 2C.53, paragraph 01, PDF page 231.
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Meaning
No Passing Zone marks where a passing restriction begins. Virginia’s handbook says you cannot overtake a vehicle ahead in your lane there, even when the visible road seems clear. The warning is about the start of a restricted stretch, rather than an invitation to judge a passing gap.
What to do
Stay behind the vehicle ahead instead of beginning a pass. A clear view at that moment does not cancel the posted restriction.
Where it is used
Look for this warning on the left roadside at the beginning of the restricted zone. Pennsylvania identifies that unusual placement, and the federal manual ties it to no-passing pavement markings, Do Not Pass signs, or both.
A sign to tell apart
Do Not Pass is the regulatory companion to this warning. It emphasizes the passing restriction and may appear at the beginning or within the zone; No Passing Zone marks its beginning on the left side.
Practice with explanations
These are original learning questions based on the cited handbooks. Read each answer and its explanation below.
1. You reach a No Passing Zone sign in Virginia. The opposing lane looks empty. May you pass the car ahead?
- No; the restriction still applies.
- Yes, if you finish before the next curve.
- Yes, if the car ahead is below the speed limit.
Answer: A. No; the restriction still applies.
The handbook prohibits passing there even when the road appears clear.
2. Where does Pennsylvania place the No Passing Zone warning?
- Over the center of every intersection.
- On the left, where the restricted zone begins.
- Only on the right, where the restriction ends.
Answer: B. On the left, where the restricted zone begins.
Its left-side placement calls attention to the beginning of the no-passing stretch.
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 describes the sign and its left-side placement. This documents handbook coverage, without promising selection on an 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.
