Lane Control Sign: Meaning and What to Do
The white square with an arrow for each lane tells you, before you reach an intersection, which movements each lane allows. In the design shown, the left lane may go straight or turn right, and the right lane must turn right, which is what the word ONLY under that arrow means.
Lane Control Sign
Lane control signs are posted in advance so drivers can get into the correct lane while there is still room to change. Once you are at the stop line, the arrows painted on the pavement repeat the same rule, and the lane you are in decides the movement you must make.
What to do when you see the lane control sign
Read the sign early, match your intended movement to a lane, and change lanes before the solid white lines begin. If you end up in a lane marked ONLY, make that movement even if it is not the direction you wanted; turning from the wrong lane is a violation and a common cause of side-swipe crashes.
The signs it is confused with
Tests pair it with Right Lane Must Turn Right, which states the same rule in words for one lane, and with the Two-Way Left Turn Only sign, which governs a center lane rather than the approach to an intersection. Arrows plus ONLY always means a mandatory movement.
Signs are one topic of ten on every test
Every state practice test covers signs, signals, and markings among its ten topics, with every answer explained. Pick your state and see how its exam asks about signs like this one; it is free, with no sign-up.
Choose your stateQuestions about the lane control sign
What does a lane control sign mean?
Each arrow shows the movements allowed from the lane below it. An arrow marked ONLY is mandatory; a lane with two arrows allows either movement.
What if I am in a right-turn-only lane but need to go straight?
Turn right. Going straight from a mandatory turn lane is a violation. Turn, then find a safe place to get back on course.
Where are lane control signs posted?
In advance of intersections, often overhead, and again at the intersection itself. Pavement arrows repeat the message in each lane.
Can I change lanes after I see the sign?
Yes, while the lane line is broken. Once the lines become solid near the intersection, you are expected to stay in your lane.
How does this sign appear on the written test?
Usually as an interpretation question: which lane may go straight, or what a driver in the ONLY lane must do.