Detour (Arrow) Road Sign Meaning
Official Meaning
A supplementary sign used to guide traffic along a detour route.
The Detour (Arrow) sign is a critical part of the US traffic control system, classified under the Construction category.
Shape
Rectangle
Color
Orange
Required Driver Action
When you encounter the Detour (Arrow) sign, you must immediately adjust your driving behavior according to the construction regulations. Failure to comply with this sign can result in traffic citations, points on your license, or dangerous road conditions.
Why the Detour (Arrow) Sign Matters
Understanding the Detour (Arrow) sign is essential for passing your DMV written test and for safe daily driving. This sign is standardized across the United States to ensure that drivers from any state can recognize and respond to it instantly.
Its specific rectangle shape and orange color are designed to be recognizable even in poor visibility conditions, such as heavy rain, fog, or at night. This visual consistency is a key safety feature of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD).
Common DMV Test Questions
QWhat should you do when you see a Detour (Arrow) sign?
You must follow the specific instruction: a supplementary sign used to guide traffic along a detour route.
QWhat category does the Detour (Arrow) sign belong to?
It is classified as a Construction sign.
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