W1-3L Reverse Turn (Left)
The W1-3L Reverse Turn (Left) sign warns of two turns in opposite directions that are separated by a short tangent, where the first turn is to the left. The angular symbol distinguishes a reverse turn from the smoother reverse curve (W1-4).
- Sign Name
- Reverse Turn (Left)
- General Meaning
- The W1-3L Reverse Turn (Left) sign warns of two turns in opposite directions that are separated by a short tangent, where the first turn is to the left.
- MUTCD Code
- W1-3L
- Typical Use
- In advance of the first turn of a reverse-turn (left-then-right) roadway alignment.
- Sign Category
- Warning Signs
Specifications
- Standard Shape
- Diamond
- Background Color
- Yellow
- Legend / Symbol
- Black legend
- Border
- Black
- Reflectivity
- High Intensity (for nighttime visibility)
- Compliance
- MUTCD / CA MUTCD
Standard Sizes (inches)
- 30 in Diamond30" × 30"
- 36 in Diamond36" × 36"
- 48 in Diamond48" × 48"
- 60 in Diamond60" × 60"
Material / Application Notes
Placed ahead of a left-then-right reverse turn in the alignment. 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, W1-3L Reverse Turn (Left) is typically positioned at the in advance of the first turn of a reverse-turn (left-then-right) roadway alignment. Common deployments include placed ahead of a left-then-right reverse turn in the alignment; used on work-zone diversions and temporary lane shifts; sized and placed for the approach speed per the CA MUTCD. 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 Reverse Turn (Left) sign requirementsWhen & Where It's Used
- Placed ahead of a left-then-right reverse turn in the alignment
- Used on work-zone diversions and temporary lane shifts
- Sized and placed for the approach speed per the CA MUTCD
Placement on a Traffic Control Plan
- Where it sits
- In advance of the first turn of a reverse-turn (left-then-right) roadway alignment.
- CA MUTCD reference
- CA MUTCD Part 2, Chapter 2C (Warning Signs and Object Markers)
- Typical minimum size
- 30" × 30" on conventional roads (36" × 36" multilane); 36" × 36" on expressways and freeways; 48" × 48" oversized
California / Field Use Notes
W1-3L Reverse Turn (Left) is used in California per the CA MUTCD ahead of a reverse-turn alignment beginning with a left turn, including work-zone diversions. 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
- Sign not shown at the correct advance distance for the posted speed.
- Advance warning sign missing or out of sequence on the TCP.
- Wrong size specified for the roadway classification (conventional vs. expressway).
- Sign sheeting / retroreflectivity class not noted on the plan.
Confirm W1-3L Reverse Turn (Left) matches the field alignment (first turn left) and advance placement for the posted speed. Public Ready can review sign selection against the TCP and agency requirements.
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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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