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What measurement does a 12-foot-6-inch clearance sign refer to?

Try the existing practice question, then use the explanation below to check your understanding. This single-question exercise does not change your saved state-test progress.

Road sign practice

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Question 1 of 1
  1. 1. What vehicle dimension should you check after seeing this sign?
    Yellow diamond with 12 feet 6 inches between an upward arrow and a downward arrow.
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  1. What vehicle dimension should you check after seeing this sign?

    Correct answer: Vertical clearance

    Opposing vertical arrows and a height identify a clearance warning. The number on this example is not the clearance of every bridge or overhead obstruction.

    Source: FHWA MUTCD 2009 Figure 2C-5 — W12-2 Low clearance ↗

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Question reference: ca-sign-extra-004

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Practice question from our California study set. Any state-specific rules in its feedback apply to California; check your own state handbook for local requirements.

The answer, explained

The vertical arrows and height refer to overhead clearance. Check the full height of the vehicle and anything it carries before approaching the restriction.

The 12-foot-6-inch number belongs to the pictured example and is not a standard clearance for every bridge. Compare the actual posted warning with your vehicle's height; lane width and vehicle length answer different questions.

A common mistake

Checking only the vehicle's bare roof height can miss equipment or a load extending above it.