Wrong Way Signs | Official MUTCD R5-1a

Wrong Way Signs provide clear, unmistakable guidance that prevents drivers from entering restricted lanes, private access roads, emergency routes, or one way traffic patterns. Our signs are built for property managers, municipalities, transportation departments, commercial facilities, and any site that requires dependable roadway control. Each Wrong Way Sign is manufactured on heavy duty aluminum with industry standard engineering grade or high intensity prismatic reflectivity, ensuring strong visibility during day, night, rain, fog, or adverse conditions. The bold red background and high contrast lettering meet all MUTCD specifications so drivers immediately understand and react to the warning without hesitation.

These signs are ideal for parking garages, apartment complexes, loading areas, distribution centers, private drives, and large properties with complicated traffic flows. Mount them on U channel posts, square posts, or wall brackets for long term performance without fading or warping. Our reflective coatings resist corrosion, UV exposure, and physical wear, allowing the sign to stay legible and effective for years. Whether you are replacing outdated signs or establishing a new traffic control plan, our Wrong Way Signs deliver professional quality and dependable safety performance. Order single units or bulk quantities with fast turnaround for any sized project.

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The MUTCD "Wrong Way Package" (Section 2B.41)

To effectively deter wrong-way drivers, the MUTCD mandates a multi-layered defensive signing system on highway ramps and divided roads.

  • Layer 1: Do Not Enter (R5-1): Installed at the immediate intersection throat. These signs are the first visual warning for a driver about to make an illegal turn.
  • Layer 2: Wrong Way (R5-1a): Installed further downstream on the ramp. These signs serve as a secondary, emergency warning for drivers who missed or ignored the initial "Do Not Enter" signs.
  • Lower Mounting: In many highway applications, "Wrong Way" signs are mounted lower (roughly 3 feet above pavement) to directly catch the low-beam headlights of confused drivers at night.

Federal Guidelines for Wrong Way Signage (R5 Series)

The Wrong Way (R5-1a) sign is a regulatory device used to supplement "Do Not Enter" signs. According to MUTCD Section 2B.41, these signs are mandatory at highway interchange exit ramps and highly recommended for any intersection with a divided highway or one-way street.

The "Tandem" Installation Rule

Wrong Way signs are rarely installed alone. They are part of a defensive system:

  • First Line of Defense: The Do Not Enter (R5-1) sign is placed at the immediate intersection or throat of the ramp.
  • Second Line of Defense: The Wrong Way (R5-1a) sign is placed further downstream. If a confused driver misses the "Do Not Enter" sign, the "Wrong Way" sign serves as the secondary emergency warning.

Mounting Height & Headlight Catching

Unlike standard parking signs, Wrong Way signs are often mounted at a lower height (typically 3 feet above the pavement in rural areas) specifically to catch the low-beam headlights of wrong-way drivers at night.

  • Standard Height: 7 feet in urban pedestrian areas.
  • Lower Mounting: Permitted in specific highway applications to maximize retroreflectivity impact ("flash effect") for impaired or elderly drivers.

Reflectivity Standards

Because these signs are critical for night safety, Engineer Grade (Type I) is generally insufficient for public roads.

  • High Intensity Prismatic (Type IV): The standard minimum for municipal roads.
  • Diamond Grade (Type XI): Strongly recommended for unlit highway off-ramps. The superior angularity reflects light even when the car is approaching at an odd angle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions regarding MUTCD compliance, installation standards, and material specifications for regulatory signage.

Do I need both "Do Not Enter" and "Wrong Way" signs?

For highway ramps and high-speed divided roads, Yes. The MUTCD mandates the "Do Not Enter" sign at the entrance and the "Wrong Way" sign further down the ramp. For smaller private parking lots or driveways, a single "Do Not Enter" sign is often sufficient, but adding "Wrong Way" reduces liability.

What is the standard size for a Wrong Way sign?

  • 30" x 18": The minimum standard for conventional roads and city streets.
  • 36" x 24": Required for freeways, expressways, and high-speed ramps.
  • 42" x 30": Used for "Oversized" applications on major interstates.
Can I put this on the back of a Stop sign?

Yes, this is a common configuration on one-way streets. You can mount a "Stop" sign facing the correct traffic flow and a "Wrong Way" or "Do Not Enter" sign on the reverse side of the same post to warn traffic coming from the opposite direction.

Need specific code assistance?

If your project requires a specific State DOT certification or a specialized variation not listed here, please contact our Compliance Support Team for a custom specification sheet.