W1-6L One Direction Large Arrow (Left)
The W1-6L One Direction Large Arrow (Left) sign is a horizontal warning sign with a single large arrow that directs traffic to turn or bear left at a sharp change in roadway alignment. It is mounted on the outside of the curve or turn, facing approaching drivers, so the arrow points in the direction the road goes.
- Sign Name
- One Direction Large Arrow (Left)
- General Meaning
- The W1-6L One Direction Large Arrow (Left) sign is a horizontal warning sign with a single large arrow that directs traffic to turn or bear left at a sharp change in roadway alignment.
- MUTCD Code
- W1-6L
- Typical Use
- On the outside of a sharp change in horizontal alignment, facing approaching traffic.
- Sign Category
- Warning Signs
Specifications
- Standard Shape
- Rectangle (Horizontal)
- Background Color
- Yellow
- Legend / Symbol
- Black legend
- Border
- Black
- Reflectivity
- High Intensity (for nighttime visibility)
- Compliance
- MUTCD / CA MUTCD
Standard Sizes (inches)
- Conventional Rectangle (Horizontal)24"–48" tall
- Expressway Rectangle (Horizontal)36"–60" tall
- Freeway Rectangle (Horizontal)48"–72" tall
Material / Application Notes
Mounted on the outside of a sharp left change in horizontal 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, W1-6L One Direction Large Arrow (Left) is typically positioned at the on the outside of a sharp change in horizontal alignment, facing approaching traffic. Common deployments include mounted on the outside of a sharp left change in horizontal alignment; used to guide traffic around a curve, turn, or work-zone diversion to the left; 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 One Direction Large Arrow (Left) sign requirementsWhen & Where It's Used
- Mounted on the outside of a sharp left change in horizontal alignment
- Used to guide traffic around a curve, turn, or work-zone diversion to the left
- Sized and placed per the CA MUTCD and the roadway type
Placement on a Traffic Control Plan
- Where it sits
- On the outside of a sharp change in horizontal alignment, facing approaching traffic.
- CA MUTCD reference
- CA MUTCD Part 2, Chapter 2C (Warning Signs and Object Markers)
- Typical minimum size
- 48" × 24" on conventional roads; 60" × 30" on expressways and freeways
California / Field Use Notes
W1-6L One Direction Large Arrow (Left) is used in California per the CA MUTCD at sharp changes in alignment and around 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 W1-6L One Direction Large Arrow (Left) points in the actual direction of travel and is sized and placed for the approach 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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