This guide summarizes the MUTCD requirements and practical application guidance for the E8-1a PREFERENTIAL LANE INTERMEDIATE ENTRANCE GORE sign. Use this resource to understand when it is required, how to place it correctly, and how to maintain clear visibility for safe operations.
Applied per the CA MUTCD and Caltrans sign specifications
At the decision point, junction, or service location the sign serves, per CA MUTCD Part 2 and Caltrans placement standards.
Mount at the standard height and setback for the roadway with clear sight lines.
High reflectivity and clear sight lines are essential day and night.
The E8-1a Preferential Lane Intermediate Entrance Gore is a California MUTCD guide & destination sign. Corrected this review: the official FHWA Standard Highway Signs (SHS) 2024 drawing (FHWA SHS 2024 Release 6 - Guide Signs (2/10/2026), PDF p.257 (sheet 4-281)) titles this sign “Preferential Lane Intermediate Entrance Gore”, which did not match the previous name “HOV Lane”. Colors per the official sheet: UPPER SECTION: LEGEND, BORDER — WHITE (RETROREFLECTIVE), BACKGROUND — BLACK; LOWER SECTION: LEGEND, BORDER — WHITE (RETROREFLECTIVE), BACKGROUND — GREEN (RETROREFLECTIVE).
The E8-1a Preferential Lane Intermediate Entrance Gore is a California MUTCD guide & destination sign. Corrected this review: the official FHWA Standard Highway Signs (SHS) 2024 drawing (FHWA SHS 2024 Release 6 - Guide Signs (2/10/2026), PDF p.257 (sheet 4-281)) titles this sign “Preferential Lane Intermediate Entrance Gore”, which did not match the previous name “HOV Lane”. Colors per the official sheet: UPPER SECTION: LEGEND, BORDER — WHITE (RETROREFLECTIVE), BACKGROUND — BLACK; LOWER SECTION: LEGEND, BORDER — WHITE (RETROREFLECTIVE), BACKGROUND — GREEN (RETROREFLECTIVE). In the field, E8-1a Preferential Lane Intermediate Entrance Gore 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.
At the decision point, junction, or service location the sign serves, per CA MUTCD Part 2 and Caltrans placement standards.
Typical minimum: Size varies with legend length and roadway class; set letter height, spacing, and border per the Caltrans Sign Specifications.
Used in California per the CA MUTCD; the federal drawing is FHWA Standard Highway Signs (SHS) 2024 (FHWA SHS 2024 Release 6 - Guide Signs (2/10/2026), PDF p.257 (sheet 4-281)). Confirm size, retroreflective sheeting, and placement for the condition and the reviewing agency.
Go to California NotesEducational 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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