Warns that the width of a ramp is reduced ahead, so drivers approach the narrowed section with caution.
Ramp work that reduces available width. 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 that the width of a ramp is reduced ahead, so drivers approach the narrowed section with caution.
Warns that the width of a ramp is reduced ahead, so drivers approach the narrowed section with caution. In the field, W5-4 Ramp Narrows is typically positioned at the advance warning area, ahead of the work. Common deployments include ramp work that reduces available width; shoulder or barrier work on a ramp; used with channelizing devices along the narrowed section. 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 Ramp Narrows sign requirementsUsed where work activity narrows a ramp in a California work zone, alerting drivers before the reduced-width section.
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 the narrowed ramp width meets the design vehicle and the TCP. Public Ready reviews ramp-width signing.
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.
Public Ready supports sign selection, project-ready sign packages, and equipment sourcing through qualified providers — with expert support built for compliance.
