Winding Road Sign: A Series of Curves Ahead
The winding road sign is a yellow diamond with a snake-like arrow. It means the road ahead has a series of curves, usually three or more close together. Slow down before the first curve, keep to the right side of your lane, stay at a speed you can hold through every bend and do not pass.
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Winding road quiz: 3 test-style questions
- A yellow diamond sign shows a wavy, snake-shaped arrow. It means: The road ahead has a series of curves / The road ahead is slippery / Lanes ahead will shift to the left / A detour begins ahead. Answer: The road ahead has a series of curves. The winding road sign warns of several curves in a row. The slippery road sign shows a car with skid marks instead.
- On a winding road, the safest speed is: The posted speed limit / A speed you can keep steady through every curve without braking hard / As fast as possible on the straight parts, then brake in the curves / Exactly 10 mph below the speed limit. Answer: A speed you can keep steady through every curve without braking hard. Choose a speed for the sharpest curve and keep it steady. Speeding up between the bends forces hard braking in the next one.
- On a two-lane winding road you are behind a slow truck. You should: Pass on the next short straight section / Pass on a curve if you hurry / Stay behind it until you reach a legal passing zone with a clear view / Flash your headlights until it pulls over. Answer: Stay behind it until you reach a legal passing zone with a clear view. Curves hide oncoming traffic. Only pass where markings allow it and you can see far enough ahead to finish the pass safely.
What the winding road sign means
The Winding Road sign (MUTCD W1-5) is a yellow diamond with a black arrow that wiggles back and forth. It warns of a series of curves: under the MUTCD it is used where there are three or more changes of direction close together. Instead of posting a curve sign before every bend, the road agency posts one winding road sign at the start.
A plaque may be added below. A distance plaque such as NEXT 4 MILES tells you how long the winding section lasts, and a yellow advisory speed plaque shows the recommended speed for the whole series.
How to drive a winding road
- Slow down before the first curve. Pick a speed you can hold through the tightest bend.
- Keep a steady speed. Do not accelerate on short straight pieces only to brake again.
- Stay right in your lane, especially in curves to the left, where oncoming drivers may cut the corner.
- Look as far ahead as you can and watch for headlights, cyclists, animals or stopped vehicles around the bend.
- Do not pass unless markings allow it and you can see the road is clear for the whole maneuver.
At night, use high beams on empty winding roads to see farther around bends, and dim them as soon as you see an oncoming vehicle.
Test traps
Do not confuse the winding road sign with the Reverse Curve sign, which shows an arrow with just two bends (one curve, then one in the opposite direction), or with the slippery when wet sign, whose wavy lines are skid marks behind a car. Also remember that a warning sign is yellow and diamond-shaped: it does not set a rule by itself, but your state's basic speed law makes you responsible for a safe speed.
Where you see it
Winding road signs are typical on mountain passes, river valleys, coastal routes and older two-lane highways that follow the terrain. These roads often combine curves with hills, narrow shoulders and no guardrail, so the margin for error is small. Large trucks and RVs may need part of your lane in tight bends: give them room.
Related signs
For a single bend, the road uses the curve sign. Where passing is dangerous, look for the yellow no passing zone pennant on the left side of the road and the white DO NOT PASS sign on the right. Review them all in the road signs test guide.
Winding road sign FAQ
What does the winding road sign mean?
It warns that the road ahead has a series of curves, usually three or more close together. Slow down before the first one and keep a steady, safe speed.
How is it different from a reverse curve sign?
A reverse curve sign shows two bends in opposite directions. The winding road sign is used when there are three or more curves in a row.
What does a NEXT 4 MILES plaque under the sign mean?
It tells you the series of curves continues for about that distance, so keep your reduced speed and do not pass until the road straightens.
Is it legal to pass on a winding road?
Only where the pavement markings allow it and you can see enough clear road ahead. On most winding sections, solid yellow lines prohibit passing.
Official sources
Keep studying
- Curve sign
- Advisory speed plaque
- No passing zone sign
- Do not pass sign
- All U.S. road signs
- Practice tests by topic