Curve and Turn Signs – Learn How to Tell Them Apart for the DMV Test
Curve and Turn Signs
When you see just one of the signs above, it may not always be obvious what the sign means, even if you understand that the roadway no longer continues straight ahead.
Together with the Reverse Turn and Reverse Curve signs, they sometimes become a pitfall on the written DMV test.
What Does the Curve Sign Mean?
Which is a Curve sign, and what does it mean?
The first sign is the Curve sign. In more professional language, it is one of several different horizontal alignment warning signs.
As you can tell from the symbol, the sign warns you that the road curves gradually to the left.
The sign is placed before a curve, where you should slow down before entering the curve. The posted speed limit may not be safe when going through the curve, so the curve sign may have an additional plaque with a recommended (advisory) speed.
The advisory speed can also be printed on the curve sign (as in the example above).
What Does the Turn Sign Mean?
If you look at the Turn sign, you will see that the symbol shows a 90-degree change in horizontal alignment.
It tells you that the curve is sharper and is no longer a gradual change in direction but an abrupt turn.
This sign is used when the turn ahead has an advisory speed of 30 mph or less. So, when you see a Turn sign, it is always a good idea to slow down before you enter the curve.
Remember to reduce speed BEFORE the curve, not when you have entered it. Braking inside a curve can cause you to skid and lose control of your vehicle.
You often see the Chevron sign posted outside the curve for additional emphasis and guidance through a sharp turn. This is especially helpful at night or when visibility is poor.
A yellow warning sign with a directional arrow has the same meaning and tells you to turn in the direction of the arrow.
What is a Reverse Turn or Reverse Curve Sign?
So far, we have discussed the Curve and the Turn signs, which alert you to a single curve or turn ahead.
When there are TWO turns or curves ahead, you will often see one of these two signs:
The first shows that the road curves to the left and then to the right.
The second sign alerts you to a sharp turn to the left and then to the right.
The signs are used when there are two changes in roadway alignment. The changes are in opposite directions, which is why these signs are known as Reverse Curve (W1-4) and Reverse Turn (W1-3).
What Does the Winding Road Sign Mean?
Sometimes, the roadway ahead will have many curves or turns. Then, you will probably see the Winding Road sign.
This sign is posted on a roadway with more than two turns or curves where each turn or curve is separated by less than 600 feet.
Suppose there is an advisory speed plaque below the sign. In that case, it is a good idea to always slow down to the recommended speed, especially when you are on an unfamiliar road or when visibility is poor. You should also keep to the right in your lane and avoid straddling the center lines.
Passing is often not allowed on these roadways.
A distance plaque may also tell you how many miles of winding road you should expect ahead.
Don’t Mistake Winding Road for the Slippery When Wet Sign
The road sign that warns you of a winding road can easily be mixed up with the Slippery When Wet sign . For your test, you should make sure you can also tell these two signs apart!
Check Your Knowledge of Alignment Signs
Results
Good job! You’ve got this?
Check the signs again! You should know this!
#1. This sign means:
#2. What should you expect ahead?
#3. Whis sign warns of ONE sharp turn ahead?
#4. Which sign alerts you to TWO gradual curves ahead?
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