MUTCD W3-4: Advance Traffic Control Signs

The W3-4 sign is covered in Section 2C.35 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 Stop Ahead (W3-1), Yield Ahead (W3-2), and Signal Ahead (W3-3) Advance Traffic Control signs (see Figure 2C-8) shall be installed on an approach to a primary traffic control device that is not visible for a sufficient distance to permit the road user to respond to the device (see Table 2C-3). The visibility criteria for a traffic control signal shall be based on having a continuous view of at least two signal…
• Guidance · Recommended (should)
  Where intermittent obstructions occur, engineering judgment should determine the treatment to be implemented.

Placement and mounting

• Standard · Required (shall)
  When a BE PREPARED TO STOP sign is used in advance of a traffic control signal, it shall be used in addition to a Signal Ahead sign and shall be placed downstream from the Signal Ahead sign.

Where to read the rest

• Full text: MUTCD Section 2C.35: Advance Traffic Control 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.35