What lane use control signs are

Intersection Lane Control signs are regulatory signs in the MUTCD, the federal standard for signs, signals and markings. If used, they require road users in certain lanes to turn, permit turns from a lane where such turns would otherwise not be permitted, require a road user to stay in the same lane and go straight through the intersection, or show the movements permitted from a lane.

Like other regulatory signs, they are rectangular and use black and white; in the MUTCD color code, both black and white mean regulation. For the meaning of other sign colors and shapes, see our guide to road sign shapes and colors.

The MUTCD groups these signs into three types:

From the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), 11th Edition with Revision 1, Sections 1D.05, 2B.02 and 2B.27, read November 9, 2026.

Turn-only and must-turn signs (Mandatory Movement)

Mandatory Movement Lane Control signs show only the single movement that is required from the lane.

Where you will see the R3-7: in advance of the intersection, such as near the upstream end of the turn lane, and/or at the near side of the intersection. The MUTCD says it should be used only next to the full-width part of a mandatory turn lane, not next to a through lane before the turn bay taper or next to the taper itself. A LEFT LANE MUST TURN LEFT sign should be on the left side of a one-way road, or in the median of a divided road, and an identical sign may be added on the right side.

Plaques: an EXCEPT BUSES (R3-7aP) or EXCEPT BICYCLES (R3-7bP) plaque should be used where the rule does not apply to buses or bicycles. HOV 2+, TAXI LANE and BUS LANE plaques are used when the required movement applies to lanes reserved for those vehicles.

Signs plus markings: the MUTCD says these signs should be accompanied by lane-use arrow markings, especially where traffic is heavy, where there are many commercial vehicles, or where other distractions exist.

From the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), 11th Edition with Revision 1, Sections 2A.13 and 2B.28, Table 2B-1 and Figure 2B-4, read November 9, 2026.

Signs that allow more than one move (Optional Movement)

Optional Movement Lane Control signs (R3-6, R3-6a and R3-6b) are used for two or more movements from a specific lane, or to emphasize the movements that are permitted. For example, a sign with a straight arrow and a left-turn arrow means you may go straight or turn left from that lane.

• Overhead: the sign is mounted overhead over the lane it applies to.
• All moves shown: it must show every movement permitted from that lane.
• No ONLY: because more than one movement is allowed, the word ONLY is never used on it.
• Unusual moves: it is required where a movement that State law or a local ordinance would not normally allow is permitted from a lane.
• Not a ban by itself: it is not used alone to prohibit a turn. Turn bans use their own signs; see No U-turn and no turn on red signs.

From the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), 11th Edition with Revision 1, Section 2B.29 and Figure 2B-4, read November 9, 2026.

Advance lane signs (R3-8 series)

An Advance Intersection Lane Control sign may be used to show the configuration of all the lanes ahead, with arrows for each lane. The panels can include the words ONLY, THRU, HOV 2+, TAXI, BUS or BIKE, or the bicycle symbol. Where a bike lane runs between two general-purpose lanes, it may be shown with a white legend on a black background.

• Placement: it should be placed far enough before the intersection, along the lane taper or at the start of the turn lane, for you to choose your lane. It may be repeated closer to the intersection.
• Never past the intersection: it is not mounted at the far side of the intersection it applies to.
• Three or more lanes: where three or more approach lanes are available, these signs, if used, are post-mounted in advance of the intersection, not overhead.
• Two outer lanes only: when a sign shows only the two outermost lanes, a LEFT LANE (R3-5bP) or RIGHT LANE (R3-5fP) plaque goes above it.
• Roundabouts: lane control signs on roundabout approaches may use special arrow designs, including curved-stem arrows, matched to the lane setup.

On signalized approaches where a through lane becomes a turn lane, or where shared lanes allow both through and turning moves, the MUTCD says overhead Intersection Lane Control signs should be installed over the lanes at the intersection and in advance of it, so unfamiliar drivers are not surprised.

From the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), 11th Edition with Revision 1, Sections 2B.27 and 2B.30 and Figure 2B-4, read November 9, 2026.

Median, exit and shoulder signs

Center lanes shared by left turns in both directions use separate Two-Way Left-Turn-Only signs (R3-9a and R3-9b) along with the required pavement markings.

From the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), 11th Edition with Revision 1, Sections 2B.28, 2B.31 and 2B.32, Table 2B-1 and Figure 2B-4, read November 9, 2026.

Pavement arrows and the word ONLY

Lane-use arrow markings show the required or permitted movements in a lane. Word, symbol and arrow markings are white, except where the MUTCD provides otherwise, and they let you get the message without looking away from the road. For the lines between lanes, see our guide to yellow and white lane markings.

• In turn lanes: lane-use arrows should be used in lanes and turn bays that are only for turning, unless the layout or other markings clearly keep through traffic out.
• At least two: when used in a turn lane, at least two arrows should be used, one at or near the start of the full-width turn lane and one an appropriate distance before the stop line or intersection.
• When a through lane becomes a turn lane: turn arrows shall be used along with the standard signs, and the ONLY word marking should be added. These should be placed well in advance and repeated as needed, so through drivers can move over before traffic or the road layout forces an unintended turn.
• ONLY means one movement: the ONLY word marking is never used in a lane shared by more than one movement.
• Reading the words: letters should be 6 feet or more in height. A message of more than one line reads in the direction of travel, with the first word nearest to you, and a grouped message should not be more than three lines.
• Freeways and expressways: where a through lane becomes a mandatory exit lane, lane-use arrows may be used in the dropped lane and in an optional through-or-exit lane next to it.

From the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), 11th Edition with Revision 1, Sections 3B.20, 3B.21 and 3B.23, read November 9, 2026.

Choosing your lane

Our advice: read overhead lane signs as early as you can and pick your lane before the turn lane begins. If you are not turning, move out of a lane marked RIGHT LANE MUST TURN RIGHT or ONLY as soon as it is safe, using your turn signal and checking your mirrors and blind spot. If you end up in a turn-only lane by mistake, make the turn and find another way back rather than cutting across lanes at the last second.

Paragraphs marked as our advice are our own guidance, not MUTCD text.

Keep your vehicle ready for the road

The Works® at Michigan City Ford includes a synthetic blend oil change, tire rotation and pressure check, brake inspection, Multi-Point Inspection, fluid top-off, battery test, and a filter, belts and hoses check.

Schedule service online and see our service specials first. Michigan City Ford is at 3930 Franklin St. in Michigan City. Get directions.

Michigan City Ford service hours

From Michigan City Ford's website, November 9, 2026. Holiday hours can differ.