Divided Highway Sign
The divided highway sign is a diamond-shaped yellow warning sign that alerts drivers the road ahead splits into two separate roadways with a median or barrier in between. There are actually two versions of this sign. The "divided highway begins" sign shows traffic splitting apart, while the "divided highway ends" sign shows traffic coming together. The "begins" version warns you that the road ahead will have a physical divider — such as a median, barrier, or strip of land — separating opposing traffic. You'll need to keep right of the divider. The "ends" version is equally important: it warns that the median is about to end and you'll be sharing the road with oncoming traffic with only painted lines separating you. This sign is especially critical at intersections that cross a divided highway, where you must treat each half as a separate road and may need to stop twice — once for each direction of traffic. Understanding this sign helps prevent wrong-way accidents, which are among the most dangerous types of crashes.
Rules & What to Do
When approaching a divided highway crossing, treat each half as a separate road. Keep right of the median or divider. When the divided highway ends, be prepared for oncoming traffic with no physical barrier between you.
Penalties
While there is no direct penalty for the sign itself, driving on the wrong side of a divided highway is a serious offense with fines ranging from $200-$500+ and potential license suspension, as it creates a head-on collision risk.
For Commercial Drivers
CDL drivers must pay close attention when the divided highway ends — the transition to a two-way road with oncoming traffic requires extra caution for wide commercial vehicles. At divided highway crossings, ensure your vehicle can clear the median area before proceeding, as some medians are too narrow for long combination vehicles to wait safely.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a divided highway sign mean?
A divided highway sign warns that the road ahead either splits into two separate roadways with a median (divided highway begins) or that a divided road is merging back into a single road (divided highway ends).
What shape is the divided highway sign?
The divided highway sign is a diamond shape with a yellow background and black symbol. The symbol shows two arrows either splitting apart (begins) or coming together (ends).
How do you cross a divided highway?
When crossing a divided highway at an intersection, treat each half as a separate road. Cross the first half, then if the median is wide enough, stop and look before crossing the second half with traffic flowing the other direction.