W8-17 Shoulder Drop-Off
Warns of an unprotected drop-off beside the travel lane.
- Sign Name
- Shoulder Drop-Off
- MUTCD Code
- W8-17
- Sign Category
- Warning Signs
Specifications
- Shape
- Diamond
- Color / legend
- Black legend and border on yellow background
Sizes & Dimensions (inches)
These are dimensions shown on the linked layout. Select the required size using the applicable MUTCD and agency requirements; the smallest drawing size is not necessarily the permitted minimum.
Dimensions verified against the linked official drawing. Diamond dimensions are nominal side lengths. Select the required application size from the California manual and agency requirements; do not assume the smallest drawing size is permitted.
- Official drawing size24" × 24"
- Official drawing size30" × 30"
- Official drawing size36" × 36"
- Official drawing size48" × 48"
California Application & Variants
California recommends this design where the adjacent unprotected shoulder drop-off exceeds three inches over a significant continuous length, based on engineering judgment. The displayed original is the right-side drop-off example; match the orientation to the roadway.
When & Where It's Used
- Roadway condition and warning-sign review
Placement Context
- Where it sits
- Select placement using the actual approach, sight distance, applicable California manual provisions, and responsible agency requirements..
- CA MUTCD reference
- CA MUTCD 2026 §2C.29
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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. Reference editions: California MUTCD 2026 (effective January 18, 2026) and the Federal MUTCD 11th Edition with Revision 1.
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