Signal Ahead Signs
Signal Ahead Signs (W3-3) MUTCD are diamond-shaped shaped with a yellow background, featuring a black border and a black pictogram of a traffic signal in the center. Their purpose is to warn drivers of upcoming traffic signals, allowing them to prepare to stop or adjust their speed accordingly.
Signal Ahead Sign Details:
- Sign is manufactured on durable rust-proof .080" aluminum
- Pre-punched 3/8" mounting holes in top and bottom for easy installation.
- Meets M.U.T.C.D. specifications for highway use.
- See in our catalog on page 22.
In Stock - Usually ships same or next business day.
High Intensity Prismatic Reflective on .080" Aluminum:
MATERIAL | SIZE | PRICE PER SIGN | ADD TO CART | Catalog Part # | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 to 4 | 5 to 9 | 10 + | ||||
![]() High Intensity Prismatic | 24" x 24" | $83.49 | $79.32 | $75.14 | W3-3-2424-HIP | |
30" x 30" | $112.53 | $106.90 | $101.28 | W3-3-3030-HIP | ||
36" x 36" | $188.43 | $179.01 | $169.59 | W3-3-3636-HIP | ||
48" x 48" | $280.83 | $266.79 | $252.75 | W3-3-4848-HIP |
Fluorescent Yellow Prismatic Reflective on .080" Aluminum:
MATERIAL | SIZE | PRICE PER SIGN | ADD TO CART | Catalog Part # | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 to 4 | 5 to 9 | 10 + | ||||
![]() Fluorescent Yellow Prismatic | 24" x 24" | $92.40 | $87.78 | $83.16 | W3-3-2424-FYP | |
30" x 30" | $135.19 | $128.43 | $121.67 | W3-3-3030-FYP | ||
36" x 36" | $206.80 | $196.46 | $186.12 | W3-3-3636-FYP | ||
48" x 48" | $354.64 | $336.91 | $319.18 | W3-3-4848-FYP |
Available Reflective Finishes:
High Intensity Prismatic Reflective | Fluorescent Yellow Prismatic Reflective |
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Sign Posts
Sign Installation Hardware
Other Advance Traffic Control Signs

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Specifications:
Legend: | SIGNAL AHEAD |
MUTCD Sign Code #: | W3-3 |
Shape: | Diamond |
Color: | BLACK/RED/GREEN on YELLOW |
Available Sizes and Weights: | Size: 24" x 24"; Ship Weight: 5 lbs |
Size: 30" x 30"; Ship Weight: 7.8 lbs | |
Size: 36" x 36"; Ship Weight: 11.2 lbs | |
Size: 48" x 48"; Ship Weight: 19.9 lbs | |
Available Styles: | High Intensity Prismatic Reflective on .080" Aluminum |
Fluorescent Yellow Prismatic Reflective on .080" Aluminum | |
Full Description: | W3-3 have a yellow background color. The text and border are black/red/green and it is in the shape of a diamond. |
Mounting Hole Placement: | ![]() |
Example Use:
A Signal Ahead Sign plays a crucial role in pre-alerting drivers about an upcoming traffic signal, especially in areas where the signal might not be immediately visible due to a curve, hill, or other obstructions. For instance, imagine a driver cruising at highway speeds on a rural road, where traffic signals are few and far between. As the road begins to curve, the visibility becomes limited. Without a Signal Ahead Sign, the driver might be caught off-guard by a sudden red light around the bend, potentially leading to dangerous braking maneuvers or even collisions. By placing a Signal Ahead Sign before the curve, drivers are forewarned and can reduce their speed in anticipation, ensuring smoother and safer transitions from higher speeds to controlled intersections.