E1-5aP Left Plaque
The E1-5aP Left Plaque is a California MUTCD guide & destination plaque, mounted above the Exit Number plaque to identify a left-hand exit. Verified line-by-line against the official FHWA Standard Highway Signs (SHS) drawing (SHS 2012 Supplement, E1-5aP “LEFT (Plaque)”, issued 3/1/2012 — 72″ × 30″ with a 12″ E-Modified legend). Colors per the official sheet: LEGEND, BORDER — BLACK; BACKGROUND — YELLOW (RETROREFLECTIVE).
- Sign Name
- Left Plaque
- General Meaning
- The E1-5aP Left Plaque is a California MUTCD guide & destination plaque, mounted above the Exit Number plaque to identify a left-hand exit.
- MUTCD Code
- E1-5aP
- 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
- Yellow
- Legend / Symbol
- Black legend
- Border
- Black
- Reflectivity
- High Intensity (for nighttime visibility)
- Compliance
- MUTCD / CA MUTCD
Standard Sizes (inches)
- 72 × 30 in Rectangle (Horizontal)72" × 30"
Material / Application Notes
Identifies a left-hand exit, mounted above the exit number plaque. 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.
What It Means / When This Sign Is Used
In the field, E1-5aP Left Plaque is typically positioned at the advance warning area, ahead of the work. Common deployments include identifies a left-hand exit, mounted above the exit number plaque; applied per the CA MUTCD and Caltrans sign specifications; 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 Left Plaque sign requirementsWhen & Where It's Used
- Identifies a left-hand exit, mounted above the exit number plaque
- Applied per the CA MUTCD and Caltrans sign specifications
- 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 the FHWA Standard Highway Signs E1-5aP “LEFT (Plaque)” sheet (SHS 2012 Supplement, issued 3/1/2012). The plaque is placed above the exit number plaque on guide signs serving left-hand exits. 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 E1-5aP — LEFT (Plaque) (SHS 2012 Supplement, issued 3/1/2012).
- 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 official FHWA SHS drawing for the E1-5aP LEFT plaque. Confirm size and placement for the condition. Public Ready can review sign selection against your plan and agency requirements.
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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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