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G20-4 Pilot Car Follow Me

The G20-4 Pilot Car Follow Me sign is a California MUTCD work zone guide sign. It is shown here as an educational reference with the official FHWA Standard Highway Signs layout and California sizing guidance.

Sign Name
Pilot Car Follow Me
General Meaning
The G20-4 Pilot Car Follow Me sign is a California MUTCD work zone guide sign.
MUTCD Code
G20-4
Typical Use
Beginning of the work zone (advance/upstream).
Sign Category
Guide Signs

Specifications

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

Standard Sizes (inches)

  • 48" × 24" Rectangle48" × 24"
View all standard sizes and options

Material / Application Notes

Used where pilot car follow me conditions apply on a California project. 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
G20-4 Pilot Car Follow Me — official FHWA layout

What It Means / When This Sign Is Used

In the field, G20-4 Pilot Car Follow Me is typically positioned at the beginning of the work zone (advance/upstream). Common deployments include used where pilot car follow me conditions apply on a California project; selected and sized per the CA MUTCD and the roadway type; coordinated with the overall traffic control 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 Pilot Car Follow Me sign requirements

When & Where It's Used

  • Used where pilot car follow me conditions apply on a California project
  • Selected and sized per the CA MUTCD and the roadway type
  • Coordinated with the overall traffic control plan and permit

Placement on a Traffic Control Plan

Where it sits
Beginning of the work zone (advance/upstream).
CA MUTCD reference
CA MUTCD Part 6, Chapter 6F (Temporary Traffic Control)
Typical minimum size
48" × 24"

California / Field Use Notes

G20-4 Pilot Car Follow Me is used in California per the CA MUTCD. Confirm its size, retroreflective sheeting, placement, and spacing against the CA MUTCD 2026 and the reviewing agency before finalizing the traffic control plan.

In Los Angeles, this sign must conform to CA MUTCD 2026. Work in City of LA right-of-way is reviewed by StreetsLA and the Bureau of Engineering (BOE); state highways in LA County are permitted and reviewed by Caltrans District 7; county roads are permitted by LA County DPW. Sizes, retroreflectivity, and placement must meet CA MUTCD minimums — local agencies may require larger signs based on roadway class, speed, pedestrian volume, and proximity to schools or transit.

Common Plan Review Comments

  • Stated work-zone length does not match the actual work limits.
  • END ROAD WORK missing or placed before the termination area.
  • Wrong size specified for the facility.
  • Sheeting / retroreflectivity class not noted.

Confirm G20-4 Pilot Car Follow Me is the correct designation, size, and placement for the condition. Public Ready can review sign selection against the TCP 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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