One Way Signs

One Way Signs inform motorists that traffic on a street is traveling in one direction only. There are two subcategories of One Way Signs: One Way Arrow Signs and Begin/End One Way Signs. On a given Arrow Sign, a left/right arrow either encloses the words “One Way” (R6-1L, R6-1R) or the left/right/up arrow is below the words “One Way” (R6-2L, R6-2R, R6-2S). Both the Begin One Way Sign (R6-6) and the End One Way Sign (R6-7) are text-only signs

One Way Signs can aid navigation of downtown roads, manage traffic flow at schools, and reinforce standard messaging at roundabouts. One Way Signs should always be mounted parallel to the one-way street itself, as well as at every entrance onto the one-way street, including alleyways and parking lots (2B.49, 02).

For intersections without traffic lights, also called “unsignalized intersections”, the MUTCD notes that two One Way Signs should be used, with one sign at the near right of the approaching road and one sign at the far left across the one-way road (2B, 49, 09).

At unsignalized T-intersections where a road approaches the one-way street, a One Way Sign should be placed on the far side of the approaching road, across the one-way street. Another One Way Sign should be placed on the near right of the approaching road (2B.49, 11).

For intersections with traffic lights, or “signalized intersections”, the MUTCD lists overhead mounting as one of two mounting options (2B.49, 10). The second option is to follow guidance on unsignalized intersections (2B.49, 10).

The backgrounds of the R6-1L/R6-1R signs are black with a white border. There is a white, horizontal arrow pointing to the left or right that encloses the words “One Way” printed in black. For the R6-2L/R6-2R/R6-2S signs, backgrounds are white with a black border. “One” and “Way” are printed on separate lines, and a left/right/up arrow is below the words. R6-6 signs read “Begin One Way”, and R6-7 signs read “End One Way”.

No Left Turn (R3-2), No Right Turn (R3-1), and No Straight Through (R3-27) Symbol Signs inform drivers that traffic will be flowing toward them if they turn left, turn right, or continue down the street.

In another use, a One Way Arrow Sign combined with a Stop Sign and a Divided Highway Sign is installed at the roads that approach a two-intersection divided highway (2B.49, 03).

When bicycles are allowed to travel on a one-way street in both directions, an “Except Bicycles” Placard (R3-7BP) can be used with a One Way Sign (2B.49, 07).

Choose the size of each One Way Sign by referencing the below information, pulled from Table 2B-1 of the MUTCD.

• MUTCD R6-1L and MUTCD R6-1R
  • Single-lane roads require 36”x12” signs
  • Multi-lane roads and highways require 48”x18” signs
  • Interstates require 48”x18” signs

• MUTCD R6-2L, MUTCD R6-2R, and MUTCD R6-2S
  • Single-lane roads require 24”x30” signs
  • Multi-lane roads and highways require 30”x36” signs
  • Interstates require 36”x48” or 48”x60” signs

• MUTCD R6-6 and MUTCD R6-7
  • Single-lane roads require 24”x30” signs
  • Multi-lane roads and highways require 30”x36” signs
  • Interstates require 36”x48” or 48”x60” signs

The decision whether or not to use a Begin/End One Way Signs is left to state and local traffic authorities. The MUTCD only notes that these signs “may” be used (2B.49, 14).

For ground installation, use our Sign Mounting Hardware to mount a One Way Sign onto a Round, Square, or U-Channel sign post. Four mounting holes are pre-drilled into 36”x48” and 48”x18” signs, which have a two-post installation. All other signs have two mounting holes for a one-post installation. For overhead installation, use our Overhead Sign Brackets to mount signs onto traffic light lines and posts.

When mounting One Way Signs on the central island of a roundabout, the mounting height is a minimum of 4 ft. from the bottom of sign to the roadway (2B.49, 13). In other cases, the MUTCD doesn’t specify the exact mounting height of One Way Signs, leaving the decision to local traffic authorities and engineering judgment.

To manufacture One Way Signs, high-intensity prismatic (HIP) or full-cube prismatic (FCP) sheeting is securely applied onto .080” rustproof aluminum. HIP sheeting has a 10-year warranty, and FCP sheeting has a 12-year warranty.

One way signs usually ship the same or next day and are eligible for free shipping. UPS track numbers are emailed when the items leave our facility. Rush orders can be accommodated, however it is best to speak with customer service to determine the exact delivery timeline. Most items are in stock and ready to ship.

Yes. For the most up to date pricing, follow the links at the top of the to see the current quantity discounts.

No, one way signs do not require maintenance and are guaranteed for the warranty life of the sheeting material.

Signs are stacked back-to-back, with sign faces covered with protective slip sheeting. We use cut-to-size cardboard packaging to minimize shifting during shipment.

The following sections in Chapter 2C of the MUTCD

• 2B.49 – One Way Signs
• 2B.26 – Movement Prohibition Signs
• Table 2B-1 – Regulatory Sign and Plaque Sizes