R3-6L Optional Movement Lane Control (Left)
Tells drivers in this lane that they may either continue straight or turn left, shown by the combined straight and left-turn arrows. Unlike the mandatory R3-5 series, the movement is optional.
- Sign Name
- Optional Movement Lane Control (Left)
- General Meaning
- Tells drivers in this lane that they may either continue straight or turn left, shown by the combined straight and left-turn arrows.
- MUTCD Code
- R3-6L
- 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
Marking a shared through / left-turn 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, R3-6L Optional Movement Lane Control (Left) is typically positioned at the advance warning area, ahead of the work. Common deployments include marking a shared through / left-turn lane at an approach; optional movement lane-use control in and around work zones; clarifying lane assignment where a mandatory-turn sign would be wrong. 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 Optional Movement Lane Control (Left) sign requirementsWhen & Where It's Used
- Marking a shared through / left-turn lane at an approach
- Optional movement lane-use control in and around work zones
- Clarifying lane assignment where a mandatory-turn sign would be wrong
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 an optional movement lane-control sign where a lane serves both the through and left-turn movements. 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 optional movement matches the striped lane assignment at the approach. 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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