Divided highway sign: what it means
The Divided Highway sign warns that the two directions of traffic ahead will be separated by a median or barrier. Keep to the right of it.
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What it means
MUTCD Section 2C.20: the sign should be used on the approach to a section of highway where opposing traffic is separated by a median or other physical barrier. It is not used instead of a Keep Right sign at the end of a median island.
A Divided Highway Ends sign warns where the median ends and traffic goes back to two-way (Section 2C.21).
Where you see it
On two-way roads before a divided section begins.
A common mistake
Confusing it with the Keep Right sign. Divided Highway warns that a median is coming; Keep Right is the order on the median itself.
Quick quiz
What does the Divided Highway sign warn about?
- Opposing traffic will be separated by a median
- The road ends
- A railroad crossing
Show answer
A. Opposing traffic will be separated by a median. Section 2C.20: it is used before a section where opposing flows are separated by a median or barrier. Source: MUTCD 11th Edition, Chapter 2C, Warning Signs and Object Markers: Sections 2C.20, 2C.21, FHWA; MUTCD 11th Edition, FHWA
Compare with
Keep right signPass to the right of the island or obstacle.
Yellow center linesYellow lines separate opposite directions.
Two-way left-turn laneA center lane for left turns from both directions.
Next in warning signs: Slippery when wet sign. See all warning signs or the full road signs list.
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Sources
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Chapter 2C, Warning Signs and Object Markers: Sections 2C.20, 2C.21, FHWA
- MUTCD 11th Edition, FHWA. FHWA lists the current version as the 11th Edition with Revision 1, dated December 2025
Sign pictures are our own simplified drawings of the MUTCD designs, which are in the public domain (MUTCD Section 1D.06). Sources and image credits.