Warns with the traffic-signal symbol that a traffic control signal is ahead, giving drivers advance notice to be prepared to stop at the signal.
Advance warning of a temporary traffic signal. 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.
Warns with the traffic-signal symbol that a traffic control signal is ahead, giving drivers advance notice to be prepared to stop at the signal.
Warns with the traffic-signal symbol that a traffic control signal is ahead, giving drivers advance notice to be prepared to stop at the signal. In the field, W3-3 Signal Ahead is typically positioned at the advance warning area, ahead of the work. Common deployments include advance warning of a temporary traffic signal; signals obscured by work activity or new signal installations; one-lane, two-way operations under temporary signal control. 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 Signal Ahead sign requirementsUsed in California work zones ahead of a temporary traffic signal (such as one-lane, two-way signal control) or where an existing signal is hidden by construction activity or newly placed.
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.
Confirm placement is far enough upstream for the posted speed that drivers can stop at the signal. Public Ready reviews signal-ahead advance warning placement.
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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