Warning signs · W4-2
Lane Ends sign
Archive file: W04-02 Lane Ends/W04-02R Lane Ends 30x30.svg
FHWA public-use information
What it means
The lane shown ends, reducing the number of travel lanes.
Source: FHWA MUTCD — MUTCD 11th Edition with Revision 1 (December 2025), Section 2C.47, paragraph 01, PDF page 224.
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Meaning
Lane Ends warns that the road will have fewer lanes in your direction. In PennDOT’s right-lane example, vehicles in that lane must move into the lane on the left. Read which side narrows rather than assuming every version tells drivers to move the same way.
What to do
If your lane ends, plan the move into the continuing lane. Pennsylvania guidance requires enough space for a safe merge. Check the opening before moving; the warning tells you about the disappearing lane, rather than giving you an automatic gap in the adjacent traffic.
Where it is used
Federal guidance places Lane Ends in advance of the reduction, giving drivers warning before the usable lane disappears. It applies to lanes converging on one road. This is different from the separate-roadway situation addressed by a Merge sign.
A sign to tell apart
Merge warns that traffic enters from another roadway or ramp. Lane Ends warns that a lane already on your road disappears. Both can require attention to gaps, but their symbols describe different layouts: an incoming road and a reduction in existing lanes.
Practice with explanations
These are original learning questions based on the cited handbooks. Read each answer and its explanation below.
1. In PennDOT’s example, the right lane ends ahead. What must traffic in that lane do?
- Continue in a newly added right lane.
- Merge into the lane to the left.
- Cross into opposing traffic.
Answer: B. Merge into the lane to the left.
The right lane does not continue. Its traffic must join the continuing lane on the left.
2. Your lane ends on a Pennsylvania highway. What do you need before moving into the continuing lane?
- Only a turn signal, regardless of the gap.
- A gap that forces another driver to brake.
- Enough space to make the merge safely.
Answer: C. Enough space to make the merge safely.
The lane reduction does not supply the space for you. Check that there is enough room to move safely into traffic.
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)
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.
