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D5-6 Next Rest Area Sign

The D5-6 Next Rest Area Sign is a California MUTCD guide & destination sign. Verified line-by-line against the official FHWA Standard Highway Signs (SHS) 2024 drawing (FHWA SHS 2024 Edition, sheet page 4-102 (D5-6, PDF p.43 of Guide Signs source)), which titles the sign “Next Rest Area”. Colors per the official sheet: LEGEND, BORDER — WHITE (RETROREFLECTIVE); BACKGROUND — BLUE (RETROREFLECTIVE).

Sign Name
Next Rest Area Sign
General Meaning
The D5-6 Next Rest Area Sign is a California MUTCD guide & destination sign.
MUTCD Code
D5-6
Typical Use
At the decision point, junction, or service location the sign serves, per CA MUTCD Part 2 and Caltrans placement standards.
Sign Category
Guide & Destination Signs

Specifications

Standard Shape
Rectangle (Horizontal)
Background Color
Blue
Legend / Symbol
White legend
Border
White
Reflectivity
High Intensity (for nighttime visibility)
Compliance
MUTCD / CA MUTCD

Standard Sizes (inches)

  • Conventional Rectangle (Horizontal)24"–48" tall
  • Expressway Rectangle (Horizontal)36"–60" tall
  • Freeway Rectangle (Horizontal)48"–72" tall
View all standard sizes and options

Material / Application Notes

Applied per the CA MUTCD and Caltrans sign specifications. Confirm placement and supplemental plaques against the applicable CA MUTCD standard.

View this sign on the Federal MUTCD (FHWA)

California Notes

California-specific application notes and adoptions may differ. Review California requirements where applicable.

Go to California Notes
D5-6 Next Rest Area Sign — official FHWA layout

What It Means / When This Sign Is Used

In the field, D5-6 Next Rest Area Sign is typically positioned at the advance warning area, ahead of the work. Common deployments include applied per the CA MUTCD and Caltrans sign specifications; selected and sized for the roadway type and setting; coordinated with the overall signing plan and permit. Always confirm its size, retroreflective sheeting, spacing, and placement against the CA MUTCD 2026 and the reviewing agency before finalizing the traffic control plan.

Learn more about Next Rest Area Sign sign requirements

When & Where It's Used

  • Applied per the CA MUTCD and Caltrans sign specifications
  • Selected and sized for the roadway type and setting
  • Coordinated with the overall signing plan and permit

Placement on a Traffic Control Plan

Where it sits
At the decision point, junction, or service location the sign serves, per CA MUTCD Part 2 and Caltrans placement standards.
CA MUTCD reference
CA MUTCD Part 2, Chapters 2D–2K (Guide and Motorist Services Signs)
Typical minimum size
Size varies with legend length and roadway class; set letter height, spacing, and border per the Caltrans Sign Specifications

California / Field Use Notes

Used in California per the CA MUTCD; the federal drawing is FHWA Standard Highway Signs (SHS) 2024 (FHWA SHS 2024 Edition, sheet page 4-102 (D5-6, PDF p.43 of Guide Signs source)). Confirm size, retroreflective sheeting, and placement for the condition and the reviewing agency.

In Los Angeles, this sign must conform to the CA MUTCD. Work in City of LA right-of-way is reviewed by StreetsLA and the Bureau of Engineering; state highways in LA County are permitted by Caltrans District 7; county roads by LA County DPW.

Common Plan Review Comments

  • Official drawing: FHWA Standard Highway Signs (SHS) 2024 (FHWA SHS 2024 Edition, sheet page 4-102 (D5-6, PDF p.43 of Guide Signs source)).
  • Verify size for the roadway classification and setting.
  • Confirm retroreflective sheeting class per the CA MUTCD.
  • Verify placement and mounting height per the CA MUTCD.

Verified against the FHWA SHS 2024 drawing for D5-6. Confirm size and placement for the condition. Public Ready can review sign selection against your plan and agency requirements.

Educational reference only. This is not an official Caltrans, FHWA, or local agency publication and is not legal or engineering advice. Always verify sign selection, size, placement, spacing, and application against the current CA MUTCD 2026, Caltrans sign specifications, Standard Plans, project documents, and the reviewing agency’s requirements. Local jurisdictions may impose additional requirements, and final selection, placement, and dimensions may require engineering judgment or agency approval. Written against California MUTCD 2026 (effective January 18, 2026) and the Federal MUTCD 11th Edition. Official sources last verified June 2026.

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