LEFT EXIT NUMBER PLAQUE Sign Requirements

1. When a LEFT EXIT NUMBER PLAQUE Sign Is Used

The E1-5bP Left Exit Number Plaque is a California MUTCD guide & destination plaque: the exit number plaque with a yellow LEFT panel, mounted above guide signs serving left-hand exits. Verified line-by-line against the official FHWA Standard Highway Signs (SHS) drawing (SHS 2012 Supplement, E1-5bP “LEFT EXIT NUMBER (PLAQUE)”, issued 3/1/2012 — 114″/138″/168″ × 54″ for one-two digit, letter-suffix, and two-exit layouts). Colors per the official sheet: LEGEND, BORDER — WHITE (RETROREFLECTIVE); BACKGROUND — GREEN (RETROREFLECTIVE); LEFT panel yellow with black legend.

• Numbers a left-hand exit, mounted above the guide sign
• Applied per the CA MUTCD and Caltrans sign specifications
• Coordinated with the overall signing plan and permit

2. How and Where It Applies

In the field, E1-5bP Left Exit Number Plaque is typically positioned at the advance warning area, ahead of the work. Common deployments include numbers a left-hand exit, mounted above the guide sign; 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.

3. Placement and Application Notes

Position E1-5bP at the decision point, junction, or service location the sign serves, per CA MUTCD Part 2 and Caltrans placement standards.

• Place the sign where drivers have a clear, unobstructed view on approach.
• Mount at the standard height and setback from the edge of the traveled way.
• Do not mount with other signs on the same post unless space constraints require it.

4. Standard Sizes and Visibility Considerations

Typical minimum: Size varies with legend length and roadway class; set letter height, spacing, and border per the Caltrans Sign Specifications.

• Choose size based on roadway speed, sight distance, and mounting location.
• Maintain high retroreflectivity for maximum night and adverse-weather visibility.

5. California Notes

Used in California per the CA MUTCD; the federal drawing is the FHWA Standard Highway Signs E1-5bP “LEFT EXIT NUMBER (PLAQUE)” sheet (SHS 2012 Supplement, issued 3/1/2012). The plaque is placed above guide signs for left-hand exits at numbered interchanges. Confirm size, retroreflective sheeting, and placement for the condition and the reviewing agency.

6. Common Field or Planning Mistakes

• Official drawing: FHWA Standard Highway Signs E1-5bP — LEFT EXIT NUMBER (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.