Chevron Alignment Sign
The chevron alignment sign is a vertical rectangular yellow sign with a large black arrow (chevron shape) pointing in the direction of the curve. These signs are placed on the outside of curves to guide drivers through the turn, especially when visibility is limited. Unlike other warning signs that are posted in advance of a hazard, chevron signs are placed at the curve itself — you'll see them lining the outside of the turn, showing you exactly where the road goes. Multiple chevron signs are often placed in a series along sharp curves, with the arrows all pointing the direction you need to steer. At night, the reflective chevron signs light up in your headlights, giving you a visual pathway through the curve. This is especially valuable on dark, unfamiliar roads where you can't see the road edge clearly. Chevron signs are one of the most effective safety treatments for curves — they reduce nighttime crashes on curves significantly. If you're driving at night and suddenly see chevron signs, it means you're in a curve and need to follow the arrows. The tighter the curve, the more closely spaced the chevron signs will be. If the chevrons seem to come at you quickly, you may be going too fast for the curve.
Rules & What to Do
Follow the direction the chevron arrows point — they show you where the road goes. Slow down if chevrons appear suddenly. Use the spacing of chevrons as a gauge of curve sharpness — closer together means a sharper curve. Stay in your lane and follow the visual path the chevrons create.
Penalties
No penalty for chevron signs themselves. Leaving the road on a curve can result in property damage liability, and excessive speed on curves can lead to citations for unsafe speed ($100-$300) or reckless driving.
For Commercial Drivers
Chevron signs are valuable guides for CDL drivers navigating curves at night. Use the chevrons to judge the sharpness of the curve and adjust your speed accordingly. If you can't see the next chevron sign, the curve may be tightening and you should slow down. For commercial vehicles, always approach curves more slowly than passenger vehicles — your high center of gravity and longer vehicle length make curves inherently more dangerous.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the yellow arrow signs on curves?
Those are chevron alignment signs. They're placed on the outside of curves to show you the direction the road goes. Follow the arrows — they guide you safely through the curve.
Why are there multiple arrow signs on a curve?
Multiple chevron signs are placed along sharp curves to create a visual path, especially useful at night. The closer together they are, the sharper the curve. They help you see where the road goes when visibility is limited.