R5-2 Wrong Way Sign
Alerts a driver who has entered a roadway in the wrong direction that they are traveling against traffic and must turn around.
| Sign code | R5-2 |
|---|---|
| Federal code | R5-2 |
| Name | Wrong Way |
| Category | Regulatory Signs |
| Shape | Rectangle (Horizontal) |
| Color | Red background, white legend |
| California status | Used in California per CA MUTCD |
| Typical CA minimum size | 42" × 30" |
What This Sign Means
Alerts a driver who has entered a roadway in the wrong direction that they are traveling against traffic and must turn around.
California Temporary Traffic Control Use
Used in California with DO NOT ENTER to protect one-way segments and closed ramps created by temporary traffic control.
Common TCP Context
- Backing up DO NOT ENTER on closed ramps and one-ways
- Temporary one-way operations through a work zone
- Locations with wrong-way entry risk
California Size Requirements
Typical minimum: 42" × 30".
Sizes are CA MUTCD minimums and vary by roadway classification and speed. Verify against the CA MUTCD 2026 (CA MUTCD Part 2B (Regulatory Signs)), Caltrans sign specifications, and the reviewing agency.
Common Placement on a TCP
Where it sits: Point of regulation within the activity area.
CA MUTCD reference: CA MUTCD Part 2B (Regulatory Signs).
Los Angeles Area Usage Notes
In Los Angeles, temporary regulatory changes (speed, one-way, turn or entry restrictions) generally involve LADOT review, and on state highways Caltrans District 7. Regulatory authority cannot be created by signing alone — confirm the change is authorized by the agency with jurisdiction over the roadway.
Common Plan Review Comments
- Temporary regulatory control not warranted or conflicts with existing control.
- Reduced speed limit posted without proper speed-setting authorization.
- Wrong-way protection (DO NOT ENTER / WRONG WAY) missing at closed approaches.
- Sign size not appropriate for the facility.
Plan Review Notes
Confirm WRONG WAY supplements DO NOT ENTER where wrong-way movement could occur. Public Ready reviews one-way and ramp closure signing.
Signs Commonly Used Together
These signs are typically deployed alongside R5-2 on a California TCP.
Rent or Purchase This Sign
Protecting a one-way or closed ramp? Public Ready can supply WRONG WAY (R5-2) and DO NOT ENTER signs.
Official References
- California MUTCD (Caltrans)
Free official resource — opens official government website
- Federal MUTCD (FHWA)
Free official resource — opens official government website
- Caltrans Sign Charts
Free official resource — opens official government website
- FHWA Standard Highway Signs
Free official resource — opens official government website
Educational reference only. This is not an official Caltrans, FHWA, or local agency publication and is not legal or engineering advice. Always verify sign selection, size, placement, spacing, and application against the current CA MUTCD 2026, Caltrans sign specifications, Standard Plans, project documents, and the reviewing agency’s requirements.
Related Signs
Need signs for a California project?
Need to rent, purchase, or include traffic control signs on a California project? Public Ready can help with sign rental, purchase, sign packages, TCP sign legends, and permit coordination.