Warning signs · W8-15
Grooved Pavement sign
Archive file: W08-15 Grooved Pavement/W08-15 Grooved Pavement 30x30.svg
FHWA public-use information
What it means
Grooves or texture change the pavement surface ahead.
Source: FHWA MUTCD — MUTCD 11th Edition with Revision 1 (December 2025), Section 2C.31, paragraph 02, PDF page 216.
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Meaning
Grooved Pavement warns of a surface with grooves or texture instead of a smooth finish. The federal manual includes textured treatments and brick surfaces within the sign’s scope. The condition can affect control, particularly for riders on two wheels.
What to do
Watch the behavior of nearby motorcyclists as you approach the changed surface. Alabama explains that the surface may feel like a wobble to a rider, who may react with a sudden reduction in speed or a lane change. Leave the rider’s lane available rather than driving alongside within it.
Where it is used
The sign gives advance notice before the textured section. Federal rules allow alternate wording for textured or brick pavement and an optional motorcycle plaque when the message is mainly for riders.
- Official source · MUTCD 11th Edition with Revision 1 — Section 2C.31, paragraph 02 · PDF page 216 · Checked
- Official source · MUTCD 11th Edition with Revision 1 — Section 2C.31, paragraph 02 · PDF page 216 · Checked
- Official source · MUTCD 11th Edition with Revision 1 — Section 2C.31, paragraph 04 · PDF page 216 · Checked
A sign to tell apart
Loose Gravel warns of loose material on the surface. Grooved Pavement concerns the texture of the surface itself. Both can matter to a motorcyclist’s control, but they identify different conditions.
- Official source · MUTCD 11th Edition with Revision 1 — Section 2C.30, paragraph 02 · PDF page 216 · Checked
- Official source · MUTCD 11th Edition with Revision 1 — Section 2C.31, paragraph 02 · PDF page 216 · Checked
- Official source · MUTCD 11th Edition with Revision 1 — Section 2C.31, paragraph 01 · PDF page 216 · Checked
Practice with explanations
These are original learning questions based on the cited handbooks. Read each answer and its explanation below.
1. Alabama’s handbook says grooved pavement may create what sensation for a motorcyclist?
- A wobble similar to riding over a metal or grated bridge.
- A guarantee of greater tire grip in every condition.
- The same sensation as a completely smooth surface.
Answer: A. A wobble similar to riding over a metal or grated bridge.
The unusual feel can surprise a rider encountering the grooves.
2. A motorcyclist ahead encounters grooved pavement. Which reaction does Alabama warn a driver to anticipate?
- A signal that cars may share the rider’s lane.
- A sudden slowing or lane change.
- A required move onto the shoulder at every groove.
Answer: B. A sudden slowing or lane change.
A rider trying to compensate for the wobble may alter speed or position abruptly.
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.
No state test-scope claim is independently approved for this study.
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.
