W5-1 Road Narrows
The W5-1 Road Narrows sign is a California MUTCD warning sign. It is shown here as an educational reference with the official FHWA Standard Highway Signs layout and California sizing guidance.
- Sign Name
- Road Narrows
- General Meaning
- The W5-1 Road Narrows sign is a California MUTCD warning sign.
- MUTCD Code
- W5-1
- Typical Use
- In advance of the condition it warns of, at the spacing for the posted speed (CA MUTCD Table 2C-4).
- 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
Used where road narrows conditions apply on a California project. 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, W5-1 Road Narrows is typically positioned at the advance warning area, ahead of the work. Common deployments include used where road narrows conditions apply on a California project; selected and sized per the CA MUTCD and the roadway type; coordinated with the overall traffic control plan and permit. 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 Road Narrows sign requirementsWhen & Where It's Used
- Used where road narrows conditions apply on a California project
- Selected and sized per the CA MUTCD and the roadway type
- Coordinated with the overall traffic control plan and permit
Placement on a Traffic Control Plan
- Where it sits
- In advance of the condition it warns of, at the spacing for the posted speed (CA MUTCD Table 2C-4).
- CA MUTCD reference
- CA MUTCD Part 2, Chapter 2C (Warning Signs and Object Markers)
- Typical minimum size
- 48" × 48" on conventional roads; 60" × 60" on expressways and freeways
California / Field Use Notes
W5-1 Road Narrows is used in California per the CA MUTCD. 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 W5-1 Road Narrows is the correct designation, size, and placement for the condition. Public Ready can review sign selection against the TCP and agency requirements.
Related Signs
View All W-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.
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