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Driving safety guide · Michigan City Ford · Michigan City, IN
Two-Way Traffic Signs Explained
Two-way traffic signs warn that the road ahead carries traffic in both directions, often where a divided highway or a one-way street ends. Here is what each version means for drivers, based on the federal Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD).
W6-3Two-Way Traffic warning sign (MUTCD)
36 x 36 insize on a single-lane conventional road (MUTCD Table 2C-1)
W16-9PAHEAD plaque, where a one-way street becomes two-way
W6-4orange Narrow Two-Way Traffic sign in work zones
The short answer
The yellow diamond Two-Way Traffic sign (W6-3) warns that the road ahead carries traffic in both directions with no median between you and oncoming cars, usually where a divided highway or a one-way street ends. Keep to your side of the yellow center line and expect oncoming traffic.
What the Two-Way Traffic sign (W6-3) means
The Two-Way Traffic sign is a warning sign. Like most warning signs, it is diamond-shaped with a black legend and border on a yellow background, and the MUTCD requires warning signs to be retroreflective or illuminated so they show up at night.
The MUTCD says a Two-Way Traffic sign should be used to warn road users of a transition from a multi-lane divided section of roadway to a two-lane, two-way section. In plain terms, the divided section is ending, and from that point oncoming traffic uses the same roadway as you.
Our advice: when you see this sign, finish any pass before the divided section ends, move to the right-hand lane, and watch for headlights coming toward you.
From the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), 11th Edition with Revision 1, Sections 2C.01, 2C.02 and 2C.51, read November 9, 2026.
The last paragraph is our own advice.
Where you will see it
The MUTCD describes these uses:
| Situation | What the MUTCD says |
|---|---|
| A multi-lane divided road becomes a two-lane, two-way road | Two-Way Traffic (W6-3) sign should be used (guidance). |
| A one-way street becomes a two-lane, two-way road | Two-Way Traffic sign with an AHEAD (W16-9P) plaque should be used (guidance). |
| Along a two-lane, two-way road | Two-Way Traffic sign may be used at intervals (option). |
| Before the end of a physically divided section | Divided Highway Ends (W6-2) sign should be used as a warning of two-way traffic ahead; the Two-Way Traffic sign may be used to supplement it. |
For the signs that mark one-way streets, medians and the start or end of a divided highway, read our one way and divided highway signs guide.
From the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), 11th Edition with Revision 1, Sections 2C.21 and 2C.51, read November 9, 2026.
Two-way traffic on a three-lane road (W6-5, W6-5a)
Some roads have three lanes: two in one direction and one in the other. The MUTCD says the Two-Way Traffic on a Three-Lane Roadway signs (W6-5 and W6-5a) may be installed along these roads. They are a reminder that traffic in the opposing direction shares the roadway.
From the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), 11th Edition with Revision 1, Section 2C.52, read November 9, 2026.
Orange two-way traffic signs in work zones
Orange background: temporary traffic control (work zone) warning signs are normally diamond-shaped with a black legend and border on an orange background.
One side of a divided highway closed: when one roadway of a normally-divided highway is closed and two-way traffic is kept on the other roadway, the MUTCD says a Two-Way Traffic sign should be used at the beginning of the two-way section and at intervals to remind road users of opposing traffic.
Narrow Two-Way Traffic (W6-4): an upright, retroreflective orange sign on a flexible support, at least 12 inches wide by 18 inches high. It is mounted in a series along the center line to separate opposing traffic on a two-lane, two-way operation, and it shall not be placed within pedestrian crossings.
From the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), 11th Edition with Revision 1, Sections 6H.01, 6H.16 and 6H.17, read November 9, 2026.
How big the sign is
Warning sign sizes come from MUTCD Table 2C-1. For the Two-Way Traffic sign:
| Road type | W6-3 size (inches) |
|---|---|
| Conventional road, single lane | 36 x 36 |
| Conventional road, multi-lane | 36 x 36 |
| Expressway | 48 x 48 |
| Freeway | 48 x 48 |
The MUTCD also sets 36 x 36 inches as the minimum size for diamond-shaped warning signs facing traffic on a multi-lane conventional road with a posted speed limit above 35 mph, except where it allows otherwise.
From the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), 11th Edition with Revision 1, Section 2C.03 and Table 2C-1, read November 9, 2026.
Center lines on two-way roads
On a two-way road, the pavement markings matter as much as the sign. Center line markings separate lanes with opposite directions of travel and shall be yellow. On a two-lane, two-way road the center line is one of three patterns:
| Marking | Passing |
|---|---|
| One broken yellow line | Crossing the center line to pass with care is permitted for traffic in either direction. |
| Broken yellow line next to a solid yellow line | Passing with care is permitted for traffic next to the broken line and prohibited for traffic next to the solid line. |
| Two solid yellow lines | Crossing the center line to pass is prohibited in both directions. |
A single solid yellow line is not used as a center line on a two-way roadway. For the yellow pennant sign at the start of a no-passing zone, see our no passing zone signs guide.
From the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), 11th Edition with Revision 1, Section 3B.01, read November 9, 2026.
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
| Days | Hours |
|---|---|
| Mon-Fri | 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. |
| Sat | 8 a.m.-3 p.m. |
| Sun | closed |
From Michigan City Ford's website, November 9, 2026. Holiday hours can differ.
Two-way traffic signs FAQ
What does the two-way traffic sign mean?
The yellow diamond Two-Way Traffic sign (W6-3) warns that traffic ahead travels in both directions on the same roadway. The MUTCD says it should be used where a multi-lane divided road changes to a two-lane, two-way road.
What does a Two-Way Traffic Ahead sign mean?
It is the Two-Way Traffic sign with an AHEAD (W16-9P) plaque below it. The MUTCD says this pair should be used to warn of a change from a one-way street to a two-lane, two-way road.
Why do I see two-way traffic signs on an ordinary two-lane road?
The MUTCD allows the Two-Way Traffic sign to be used at intervals along a two-lane, two-way road as a reminder that you share the road with oncoming traffic.
What is the difference between Divided Highway Ends and Two-Way Traffic?
The Divided Highway Ends (W6-2) sign should be used before the end of a physically divided section as a warning of two-way traffic ahead. The Two-Way Traffic (W6-3) sign gives notice of the change to a two-lane, two-way section and may be used to supplement the Divided Highway Ends sign.
Why is the two-way traffic sign orange in a work zone?
Temporary traffic control warning signs are normally diamond-shaped with a black legend and border on an orange background. When one roadway of a normally-divided highway is closed and two-way traffic uses the other roadway, the MUTCD says a Two-Way Traffic sign should be used at the start of that section and at intervals to remind drivers of oncoming traffic.
What are the small orange signs on posts along the center line in a work zone?
They are Narrow Two-Way Traffic (W6-4) signs: upright, retroreflective orange signs at least 12 inches wide by 18 inches high, intended to be mounted only on flexible supports in a series along the center line to separate opposing traffic on a two-lane, two-way operation.
What color is the center line on a two-way road?
Yellow. Center line markings separate lanes with opposite directions of travel and shall be yellow. On a two-lane, two-way road the center line is a broken yellow line, a broken line next to a solid line, or two solid yellow lines, and a single solid yellow line is not used as a center line on a two-way roadway.
What does The Works at Michigan City Ford include?
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.
Book a routine checkup
Book The Works, which includes a brake inspection, tire rotation and pressure check, and battery test, at Michigan City Ford.
Sources
Sign, marking and size details are from the Federal Highway Administration's Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, 11th Edition with Revision 1 (Revision 1 dated December 2025), read November 9, 2026. This page is a plain-language summary of national standards, not legal advice; state law sets the rules of the road where you drive. Service details, address and hours are from Michigan City Ford's own website, checked the same day. Photo is illustrative.
- Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), 11th Edition with Revision 1 (Sections 2C.01, 2C.02, 2C.03, 2C.21, 2C.51, 2C.52, 3B.01, 6H.01, 6H.16, 6H.17 and Table 2C-1), Federal Highway Administration, Revision 1 dated December 2025 (PDF last modified March 4, 2026), read November 9, 2026
- General service: The Works, Michigan City Ford, November 9, 2026
- Address and service hours (structured data), Michigan City Ford, November 9, 2026