No Passing Zone Sign: The Yellow Pennant on the Left
The no passing zone sign is a yellow pennant (a sideways triangle) with the words NO PASSING ZONE. It is placed on the left side of the road and marks the beginning of a zone where passing is not allowed on a two-lane road. Do not start a pass from that point until the solid yellow line on your side ends.
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No passing zone quiz: 3 test-style questions
- What shape is the no passing zone sign? Diamond / Pennant (sideways triangle) / Pentagon / Octagon. Answer: Pennant (sideways triangle). The no passing zone sign is the only pennant-shaped sign in the U.S. Its unusual shape makes it easy to recognize.
- On which side of the road is the no passing zone pennant placed? The right side / The left side / Over the center of the lane / On the pavement. Answer: The left side. It is placed on the left side, where a driver looking to pass will see it, at the start of the no-passing zone.
- You are in the middle of passing when you see a no passing zone pennant ahead. You should: Finish the pass inside the zone / Return to your lane safely before the zone begins, or drop back if you cannot complete the pass / Speed up and ignore the sign / Stop in the left lane. Answer: Return to your lane safely before the zone begins, or drop back if you cannot complete the pass. Complete the pass only if you can be back in your lane before the no-passing zone. Otherwise slow down and return behind the vehicle.
What the no passing zone sign means
The No Passing Zone sign (MUTCD W14-3) is a yellow, pennant-shaped sign with black letters reading NO PASSING ZONE. It is the only pennant-shaped sign in the U.S. system. It warns drivers on a two-lane, two-way road that a section where passing is unsafe — because of a hill, a curve, an intersection or a narrow bridge — begins at that point.
The sign supplements the pavement markings. The legal boundary is the solid yellow line on your side of the center line; the pennant just makes the start of the zone more visible.
What to do
- Do not start a pass once you see the pennant if you cannot finish before the zone begins.
- If you are already passing, return to your lane before the zone, or drop back behind the vehicle if there is not enough room.
- Stay in your lane until the solid yellow line on your side becomes broken again.
- Be patient behind slow vehicles; look for the next legal passing zone or a turnout.
Test traps
Remember three facts for the test: the shape is a pennant, the color is yellow (a warning sign), and it is placed on the left side of the road, where a passing driver looks. Do not confuse it with the white rectangular DO NOT PASS sign, which is a regulatory sign placed on the right side, or with the PASS WITH CARE sign that marks where a no-passing zone ends.
| No passing zone (W14-3) | DO NOT PASS (R4-1) | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Warning | Regulatory |
| Shape and color | Yellow pennant | White rectangle |
| Side of the road | Left | Right |
| Message | A no-passing zone begins here | Passing is prohibited |
Where you see it
You will see the pennant on rural two-lane highways before hills, blind curves, intersections, railroad crossings and narrow bridges — anywhere the view ahead is too short to pass safely. Even without the sign, most states prohibit passing within 100 feet of an intersection, bridge, tunnel or railroad crossing; check your state handbook.
Related signs
Study it with the do not pass sign, the two-way traffic sign and the curve sign. The center line rules are explained in our pavement markings guide.
No passing zone sign FAQ
What does the no passing zone sign mean?
It marks the beginning of a section of a two-lane road where passing is not allowed. Do not pass until the solid yellow line on your side ends.
Why is the no passing zone sign on the left side of the road?
Because that is where a driver preparing to pass is looking. Placing it on the left makes sure it is seen at the right moment.
What shape is the no passing zone sign?
A pennant: a long isosceles triangle pointing to the right. It is the only sign with that shape.
Can I pass a bicycle in a no passing zone?
Some states allow crossing the center line to pass a slower bicycle when it is safe and the way is clear; others do not. Follow your state's rules and always leave the required space.
Official sources
Keep studying
- Do not pass sign
- Two-way traffic sign
- Curve sign
- Traffic lights and pavement markings
- All U.S. road signs
- Practice tests by topic