MUTCD R3-17: Bicycle Lane Signs and Plaques
The R3-17 sign is covered in Section 9B.04 of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, 11th Edition. Below are the provisions from that section that describe when the sign is used and how it is placed.
What it means and when it is used
- Standard · Required (shall)The Bike Lane (R3-17) sign and the BIKE LANE (R3-5hP), AHEAD (R3-17aP), and ENDS (R3-17bP) plaques (see Figure 9B-1) shall be used only in conjunction with marked bicycle lanes as described in Sections 9E.01, 9E.06, and 9E.07.
- Guidance · Recommended (should)If used, Bicycle Lane signs and plaques should be located at the beginning of the bicycle lane and in advance of the downstream end of the bicycle lane.
Placement and mounting
- Option · Permitted (may)Where bicycle lanes are located between travel lanes on intersection approaches or where only a single bicycle movement is allowed from a certain bicycle lane, a Mandatory Movement Lane Control sign (see Section 2B.28) may be supplemented with a BIKE LANE plaque to require a bicyclist in a particular bicycle lane at an intersection to stay in the same lane and proceed straight through the intersection, or to indicate…
Where to read the rest
- Full text: MUTCD Section 9B.04: Bicycle Lane Signs and Plaques
- Mounting height, lateral offset and retroreflectivity for any sign: MUTCD sign placement guide
Related signs in Section 9B.04
Source: Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, 11th Edition (Federal Highway Administration, December 2023, public domain). Excerpts are shortened and shown out of context; read the full section before specifying a sign. Your state may still be operating under the 2009 edition or a state supplement. Official manual: mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov.