R4-7a Keep Right (Horizontal Arrow)
The R4-7a Keep Right (Horizontal Arrow) sign requires drivers to pass to the right of a median, island, or obstruction. It uses a horizontal arrow pointing right and is the version placed where traffic keeps right on a level path around the obstruction.
- Sign Name
- Keep Right (Horizontal Arrow)
- General Meaning
- The R4-7a Keep Right (Horizontal Arrow) sign requires drivers to pass to the right of a median, island, or obstruction.
- MUTCD Code
- R4-7a
- Official designation
- Keep Right — FHWA SHS 2024, App. B2-172
- Typical Use
- At the approach end of a median, island, or obstruction that traffic must pass on the right.
- 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
Mounted at the approach end of a median, island, or channelizing device. 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, R4-7a Keep Right (Horizontal Arrow) is typically positioned at the at the approach end of a median, island, or obstruction that traffic must pass on the right. Common deployments include mounted at the approach end of a median, island, or channelizing device; used where traffic must pass to the right of an obstruction on a level path; sized and placed per the CA MUTCD and the roadway type. 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 Keep Right (Horizontal Arrow) sign requirementsWhen & Where It's Used
- Mounted at the approach end of a median, island, or channelizing device
- Used where traffic must pass to the right of an obstruction on a level path
- Sized and placed per the CA MUTCD and the roadway type
Placement on a Traffic Control Plan
- Where it sits
- At the approach end of a median, island, or obstruction that traffic must pass on the right.
- CA MUTCD reference
- CA MUTCD Part 2B (Regulatory Signs)
- Typical minimum size
- 24" × 30"; 18" × 24" minimum on low-speed roadways
California / Field Use Notes
R4-7a Keep Right (Horizontal Arrow) is used in California per the CA MUTCD at medians, islands, and obstructions in and around work zones. 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 R4-7a Keep Right (Horizontal Arrow) is the correct KEEP RIGHT variant, size, and placement for the obstruction. Public Ready can review sign selection against the TCP and agency requirements.
Related Signs
View All R-Series Signs
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.
Need to Rent or Purchase This Sign? Contact Public Ready.
Public Ready supports sign selection, project-ready sign packages, and equipment sourcing through qualified providers — with expert support built for compliance.