Requires all traffic in the left lane to turn left at the intersection. It is a word-message lane-use control sign that removes any doubt about the mandatory movement for that lane.
Assigning a mandatory left turn to the left lane at an approach. Confirm placement and supplemental plaques against the applicable CA MUTCD standard.
View this sign on the Federal MUTCD (FHWA)California-specific application notes and adoptions may differ. Review California requirements where applicable.
Requires all traffic in the left lane to turn left at the intersection. It is a word-message lane-use control sign that removes any doubt about the mandatory movement for that lane.
Requires all traffic in the left lane to turn left at the intersection. It is a word-message lane-use control sign that removes any doubt about the mandatory movement for that lane. In the field, R3-7L Left Lane Must Turn Left is typically positioned at the advance warning area, ahead of the work. Common deployments include assigning a mandatory left turn to the left lane at an approach; reinforcing lane-use control where lane assignments change in a work zone; paired with pavement lane-use arrow markings. 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 Lane Must Turn Left sign requirementsUsed in California per the CA MUTCD to require a left turn from the left lane at an intersection or work-zone approach. 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.
Confirm the mandatory left-lane movement matches the lane striping and channelization and is properly authorized. Public Ready reviews lane-use control signing.
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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