MUTCD W13-3: Advisory Exit and Ramp Speed Signs and Combination Horizontal Alignment/Advisory Exit and Ramp Speed Signs

The W13-3 sign is covered in Section 2C.12 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)
  Where an advisory speed is posted in advance of a freeway or expressway exit, the Advisory Exit Speed (W13-2) sign (see Figure 2C-1 ) shall be used.
• Standard · Required (shall)
  Where an advisory speed is posted in advance of a conventional road ramp or to another roadway or roadside facility, the Advisory Ramp Speed (W13-3) sign (see Figure 2C-1 ) shall be used.

Placement and mounting

• Guidance · Recommended (should)
  If used, the Advisory Exit Speed sign or the Combination Horizontal Alignment/Advisory Exit Speed sign should be installed along the deceleration lane. The Advisory Exit Speed or the Combination Horizontal Alignment/Advisory Exit signs should be visible in time for the road user to decelerate and make an exiting maneuver.
• Guidance · Recommended (should)
  Regulatory Speed Limit signs (see Section 2B.21) should not be located in the vicinity of exit ramps or deceleration lanes, particularly where they will conflict with the advisory speed displayed on the Advisory Exit or Ramp Speed signs.
• Option · Permitted (may)
  Where there is a need to remind road users of the recommended advisory speed, a horizontal alignment warning sign with an advisory speed plaque displaying the same advisory speed may be installed at a downstream location along the ramp.

Where to read the rest

• Full text: MUTCD Section 2C.12: Advisory Exit and Ramp Speed Signs and Combination Horizontal Alignment/Advisory Exit and Ramp Speed Signs
• Minimum sign sizes by roadway type are in the size section for this chapter: Section 2C.03
• Mounting height, lateral offset and retroreflectivity for any sign: MUTCD sign placement guide

Related signs in Section 2C.12