Wrong Way Sign — Meaning

By DMV Master Editorial Team Updated April 28, 2026 Also: WRONG WAY

Category: Regulatory
Shape: Rectangle
Colors: Red, White
Text: WRONG WAY
MUTCD Code: R5-1a

What does the Wrong Way Sign mean?

The Wrong Way sign is a rectangular red sign with white "WRONG WAY" lettering. It is posted along one-way roads or highway exit ramps where a driver who entered against the flow of traffic would see it. Seeing this sign means you are driving against traffic and must stop immediately.

What to do when you see this sign

1
Stop immediately and pull off the road if safely possible
2
Do not continue driving — head-on collisions are extremely deadly
3
Turn on hazard lights to alert other drivers
4
Carefully turn around once you can do so safely
5
If you cannot turn around safely, stay on the shoulder and call 911

Where you'll see it

On highway exit ramps (facing wrong-way drivers)
On one-way streets after the entrance
On divided highways with restricted access
In parking garages with one-way circulation

Test trap: don't get caught by this

Wrong Way signs save lives — they're a "second chance" warning after Do Not Enter. If you see one, you're a danger to oncoming traffic. Never proceed thinking it might be a mistake.

Practice questions about the Wrong Way Sign

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

What does a Wrong Way sign indicate?

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Red signs are commonly used for ____.

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What does a Wrong Way sign indicate?

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Red signs are commonly used for ____.

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Red signs are commonly used for ____.

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When you see a Wrong Way sign after entering a road, what should you do?

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States that test this sign

The Wrong Way Sign appears in DMV practice tests for 50 states. Click any state to see its full DMV practice page.

Frequently asked questions

What should I do if I see a Wrong Way sign while driving?

Stop immediately, turn on your hazards, and carefully reverse off the road or turn around when traffic permits. Wrong-way driving is the cause of many fatal head-on crashes.

Why are Wrong Way signs placed so low to the ground?

They are mounted lower than typical signs (about 3 feet from the ground) so impaired drivers — who often have a narrowed visual field — are more likely to see them within their headlight beam.

Are Wrong Way and Do Not Enter signs always together?

Often, yes. Do Not Enter is at the start of the prohibited road; Wrong Way is placed further along as a backup warning.