One way sign: what it means
The ONE WAY sign means traffic on that street may travel only in the direction of the arrow. When you turn onto it, turn in that direction.
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What it means
MUTCD Section 2B.49: ONE WAY signs are used on streets where traffic is allowed to travel in one direction only, and they are placed parallel to the one-way street at every alley and road that meets it.
Where a road crosses a divided highway, ONE WAY or Keep Right signs show each crossroad approach which way each half of the highway flows.
Where you see it
On the corners of intersections with one-way streets, parallel to the street, so drivers on the crossing road can see which way to turn.
A common mistake
Turning the wrong way onto a one-way street because you did not look for the sign. Before you turn, find the ONE WAY arrow.
Quick quiz
A ONE WAY sign at a corner points to the right. Which way may you turn onto that street?
- Right only
- Left only
- Either way
Show answer
A. Right only. Traffic on the street may travel only in the direction of the arrow. Source: MUTCD 11th Edition, Chapter 2B, Regulatory Signs, Barricades, and Gates: Section 2B.49, FHWA; MUTCD 11th Edition, FHWA
Compare with
Do not enter signTraffic comes toward you here; do not go in.
Wrong way signYou are going against traffic: turn around safely.
Keep right signPass to the right of the island or obstacle.
Next in regulatory signs: Keep right sign. See all regulatory signs or the full road signs list.
Want to test someone else? Play a road-sign quiz with friends and family.
Sources
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Chapter 2B, Regulatory Signs, Barricades, and Gates: Section 2B.49, 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.