MUTCD W7-1: Hill Signs

The W7-1 sign is covered in Section 2C.14 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

• Guidance · Recommended (should)
  The Hill (W7-1) sign (see Figure 2C-5 ) should be used in advance of a downgrade where the length, percent of grade, horizontal curvature, and/or other physical features require special precautions on the part of road users.
• Guidance · Recommended (should)
  The Hill sign and supplemental grade (W7-3P) plaque (see Figure 2C-5 and Section 2C.64) used in combination, or the W7-1a sign used alone, should be installed in advance of downgrades for the following conditions: A. 5% grade that is more than 3,000 feet in length, B. 6% grade that is more than 2,000 feet in length, C. 7% grade that is more than 1,000 feet in length, D. 8% grade that is more than 750 feet in length…

Placement and mounting

• Guidance · Recommended (should)
  These signs should also be installed for steeper grades or where crash experience and field observations indicate a need.

Where to read the rest

• Full text: MUTCD Section 2C.14: Hill 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.14