Do Not Enter Sign
The do not enter sign is a square red sign with a large white horizontal bar and the words "DO NOT ENTER" in white letters. It's posted at the exit end of one-way streets and highway off-ramps to prevent drivers from entering the wrong way. Driving past a do not enter sign means you'll be traveling directly into oncoming traffic — one of the most dangerous situations possible. Wrong-way crashes are disproportionately fatal because they often involve head-on collisions at highway speeds. Do not enter signs are typically paired with wrong-way signs, which serve as a secondary warning if a driver misses the do not enter sign. You'll see do not enter signs at highway off-ramps (to prevent you from driving up the off-ramp), at the end of one-way streets, at the entrance to controlled-access roads, and at parking garage exits. If you accidentally pass a do not enter sign and realize you're going the wrong way, pull over to the right immediately, stop, and carefully turn around when it's safe. Do not try to back up on a highway.
Rules & What to Do
Do not drive past this sign under any circumstances. If you see this sign, you're approaching a road from the wrong direction. Turn around or find an alternate route. If you accidentally enter, pull to the right shoulder, stop, and turn around when safe.
Penalties
Driving past a do not enter sign typically carries fines of $200-$500 and 3-4 points on your driving record. If you enter a highway the wrong way, penalties are much more severe, potentially including reckless driving charges and license suspension.
For Commercial Drivers
Wrong-way driving in a commercial vehicle is catastrophic — a fully loaded truck hitting a passenger vehicle head-on at highway speeds is almost always fatal. CDL drivers must be extremely vigilant at highway interchanges, especially at night when wrong-way entries are most common. A wrong-way violation in a CMV can result in CDL disqualification.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the do not enter sign mean?
The do not enter sign means you're approaching a road from the wrong direction — going past it puts you in the path of oncoming traffic. You must not enter and should find an alternate route.
What is the difference between do not enter and wrong way signs?
The do not enter sign is posted at the point where you would enter the wrong way. The wrong way sign is posted farther along the road as a second warning in case you missed the do not enter sign. Both mean you're going the wrong direction.
What should you do if you accidentally enter a one-way street the wrong way?
Pull to the right side of the road immediately, stop, turn on your hazard lights, and carefully turn around when it's safe. Do not back up on a highway. If on a highway, exit at the first opportunity.