Warning signs
Cross Road sign
A road crosses ahead. Traffic may enter or cross your path.
- Diamond
- Yellow
- MUTCD W2-1
Shape and background first
Federal designation W2-1 in the MUTCD, the national standard every state signs to.
What the MUTCD specifies
Designation: W2-1
MUTCD Section 2C.41
Conventional road size: 30 x 30 in
Source: Federal Highway Administration, MUTCD 11th Edition (December 2023), Part 2, Table 2C-1; Table 2C-3, Condition B, potential stop, verified 2026-09-26.
Where you will see it
Suggested advance placement distance by posted speed (MUTCD guidance, MUTCD 11th Edition (December 2023), Part 2, Table 2C-1; Table 2C-3, Condition B, potential stop, verified 2026-09-26):
- 35 mph: 250 ft
- 45 mph: 360 ft
- 55 mph: 495 ft
What the test wants you to know
The mistake people make
The plus shape means a four way intersection is coming, not that you have the right of way there. Check for a stop or yield sign as you approach.
The sign people confuse it with
Cross Road gets mixed up with Side Road more than any other pairing in this category. Put them side by side and the difference is obvious, which is exactly why it is worth doing once rather than meeting them cold in the exam.
Cross Road
A road crosses ahead.
Side Road
Another road joins yours from the side ahead.
