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Road warnings

Bump

What does it mean?

A sharp rise or raised irregularity is ahead in the road surface. The warning allows you to adjust speed before the vehicle reaches the uneven profile.

What to do when you see it

  1. Slow smoothly before reaching the bump.
  2. Read any advisory-speed plaque.
  3. Maintain control and space from the vehicle ahead.

How to recognize it

  • Yellow diamond.
  • The single black word BUMP.

On the road

The road rises abruptly at a drainage structure. After seeing BUMP, you reduce speed before the front wheels reach the uneven section.

Don’t confuse it with

Yellow diamond reading DIP.

Dip

Bump warns of a rise; Dip warns of a depression.

Yellow diamond reading PAVEMENT ENDS.

Pavement ends

Pavement Ends describes a change of surface material rather than a raised profile.

Put the meaning into practice

Try a related sign quizChoose your state

The related quiz includes this sign and other study questions. State practice can also cover local rules; it is not an official DMV exam.

Common U.S. sign recognition, reviewed October 3, 2026. Actual sign values, additional plaques and local rules can change how you should respond.