Regulatory MUTCD R5-1

Do Not Enter Sign — Meaning

By DMV Master Editorial Team Updated Also: DO NOT ENTER
Do Not Enter Sign
Category
Regulatory
Shape
Square
Colors
Red, White
Text
DO NOT ENTER
MUTCD Code
R5-1

What does the Do Not Enter Sign mean?

The Do Not Enter sign is a square red sign with a white horizontal bar and the words "DO NOT ENTER" in white. It indicates a road or lane that motorists are prohibited from entering, typically to prevent wrong-way driving on a one-way street, exit ramp, or restricted route.

What to do when you see this sign

  1. 1

    Do not enter the road or lane behind this sign under any circumstances

  2. 2

    If you see this sign, immediately turn around or take an alternate route

  3. 3

    Look for signs indicating the correct direction

  4. 4

    Treat this as a critical safety sign — wrong-way driving causes head-on collisions

Where you'll see it

Test trap: don't get caught by this

Do Not Enter is often paired with the Wrong Way sign. Both prohibit entry, but Do Not Enter is at the entrance point while Wrong Way is posted further down to alert drivers who already entered illegally.

Practice questions about the Do Not Enter Sign

Test your knowledge with real DMV-style questions, each with the correct answer and explanation.

What does this sign indicate?

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Red signs are commonly used for ____.

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When you see a Do Not Enter sign, what must you do?

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Red signs are commonly used for ____.

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Red signs are commonly used for ____.

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In New Hampshire, red signs are commonly used for ____.

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States that test this sign

The Do Not Enter Sign appears in DMV practice tests for 50 states. Click any state to see its full DMV practice page.

AlaskaAlabamaArkansasArizonaCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIowaIdahoIllinoisIndianaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMassachusettsMarylandMaineMichiganMinnesotaMissouriMississippiMontanaNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaNebraskaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNevadaNew YorkOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVirginiaVermontWashingtonWisconsinWest VirginiaWyoming

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between Do Not Enter and Wrong Way?
Do Not Enter is posted at the entrance to a restricted road. Wrong Way is posted further along the road to alert drivers who have already mistakenly entered.
Can I enter a Do Not Enter zone if no other cars are around?
No. The sign is absolute — entry is prohibited at all times. Violating it is a serious traffic offense and creates head-on collision risk.
What should I do if I accidentally entered a Do Not Enter zone?
Pull over to the right shoulder immediately, stop, and call for help. Do not attempt to back up or turn around in moving traffic. Wait for police if necessary.

Related signs

Wrong Way Sign

Wrong Way Sign
One Way Sign

One Way Sign
No Trucks Sign

No Trucks Sign
No U-Turn Sign

No U-Turn Sign

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