Wrong Way sign
What does it mean?
A WRONG WAY sign facing you signals a dangerous conflict with the permitted direction of traffic. Treat it as an urgent warning that you may have entered a one-way road or ramp against the flow.
What to do when you see it
- Avoid continuing into opposing traffic.
- Slow and stop as safely as the situation allows.
- Correct your direction only when a safe legal movement is available; do not make an abrupt turn into traffic.
How to recognize it
- Horizontal red rectangle.
- White WRONG WAY wording on two lines.
On the road
After a confusing turn, you see WRONG WAY directly ahead on a ramp. Stop your progress toward oncoming traffic safely and assess a safe way to correct the error.
Don’t confuse it with
Do Not Enter sign
DO NOT ENTER marks a prohibited entrance; WRONG WAY often reinforces the warning farther along the road.
One Way sign
ONE WAY points along the permitted flow instead of warning that you are facing against it.
Put the meaning into practice
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.