Road Narrows Sign
The road narrows sign is a diamond-shaped yellow warning sign with a black symbol showing a road that becomes narrower ahead. Unlike the narrow bridge sign that warns about a specific structure, the road narrows sign indicates that the overall roadway width decreases. This narrowing could be caused by the road going from four lanes to two, shoulders disappearing, lane widths decreasing, or the roadway physically getting narrower due to terrain constraints like cliffs, rock cuts, or bodies of water. When you see this sign, prepare for less room on the road. Lanes may be eliminated, requiring you to merge. Shoulders may disappear, removing your escape route in an emergency. The remaining road surface may be just wide enough for two vehicles to pass each other carefully. Slow down, stay centered in your lane, and be aware of vehicles in adjacent lanes that may need to merge into your lane. On narrow sections without shoulders, be extra cautious about breakdowns — there may be no safe place to pull over. The sign is posted in advance to give you time to adjust your speed and lane position before the road narrows.
Rules & What to Do
Slow down and stay centered in your lane. Be prepared for lanes to merge or shoulders to disappear. Watch for vehicles merging from eliminated lanes. Do not try to pass on narrow sections. Use extra caution when meeting oncoming traffic on narrow two-lane roads.
Penalties
No penalty for the warning sign itself. However, driving recklessly on a narrow road or causing a collision due to failure to adjust speed can result in fines of $100-$300 and points on your driving record.
For Commercial Drivers
The road narrows sign is critical for wide commercial vehicles. When the road narrows, there may not be enough width for a truck and another vehicle to pass safely. Know your vehicle's width, including mirrors. On very narrow roads, you may need to slow significantly or even stop to let oncoming traffic pass. If shoulders disappear, your options for pulling over in an emergency are greatly limited — plan accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the road narrows sign mean?
The road narrows sign warns that the road ahead becomes narrower. Lanes may merge, shoulders may disappear, or the overall road width may decrease. Slow down and be prepared for less room.
What should you do when the road narrows?
Slow down, stay in your lane, and watch for merging traffic if lanes are being eliminated. Be cautious when passing oncoming vehicles on narrow two-lane roads. Avoid passing other vehicles in narrow sections.