R3-5L Left Turn Only
Requires drivers in this lane or approach to turn left, using a curved left-turn arrow over the ONLY legend. It prohibits any other movement from that lane.
- Sign Name
- Left Turn Only
- General Meaning
- Requires drivers in this lane or approach to turn left, using a curved left-turn arrow over the ONLY legend.
- MUTCD Code
- R3-5L
- Typical Use
- At the point where the regulation applies, per CA MUTCD Part 2B.
- Sign Category
- Regulatory Signs
Specifications
- Standard Shape
- Rectangle (Vertical)
- Background Color
- White
- Legend / Symbol
- Black legend
- Border
- Black
- Reflectivity
- High Intensity (for nighttime visibility)
- Compliance
- MUTCD / CA MUTCD
Standard Sizes (inches)
- Conventional Rectangle (Vertical)24"–48" tall
- Expressway Rectangle (Vertical)36"–60" tall
- Freeway Rectangle (Vertical)48"–72" tall
Material / Application Notes
Requiring a left turn from a designated lane at an approach. 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, R3-5L Left Turn Only is typically positioned at the advance warning area, ahead of the work. Common deployments include requiring a left turn from a designated lane at an approach; mandatory movement lane-use control in and around work zones; restricting through and right movements from the lane. 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 Turn Only sign requirementsWhen & Where It's Used
- Requiring a left turn from a designated lane at an approach
- Mandatory movement lane-use control in and around work zones
- Restricting through and right movements from the lane
Placement on a Traffic Control Plan
- Where it sits
- At the point where the regulation applies, per CA MUTCD Part 2B.
- CA MUTCD reference
- CA MUTCD Part 2B (Regulatory Signs)
- Typical minimum size
- 30" × 36"; 24" × 30" minimum on low-speed roadways
California / Field Use Notes
Used in California per the CA MUTCD as a mandatory movement lane-control sign requiring a left turn from the lane. 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, temporary regulatory changes (speed, one-way, turn or entry restrictions) generally involve LADOT review, and on state highways Caltrans District 7. Regulatory authority cannot be created by signing alone — confirm the change is authorized by the agency with jurisdiction over the roadway.
Common Plan Review Comments
- Temporary regulatory control not warranted or conflicts with existing control.
- Reduced speed limit posted without proper speed-setting authorization.
- Wrong-way protection (DO NOT ENTER / WRONG WAY) missing at closed approaches.
- Sign size not appropriate for the facility.
Confirm the mandatory left-turn movement matches the lane assignment and is properly authorized. Public Ready reviews lane-use control signing.
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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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