Do Not Pass Sign
Passing is prohibited in this zone
In short: A Do Not Pass sign means passing other vehicles is prohibited in the zone ahead, usually because hills, curves, or intersections hide oncoming traffic. Stay in your lane until you see a Pass With Care sign or the solid yellow line ends.
What to do
Stay in your lane. Do not attempt to pass other vehicles.
Tips
Common in no-passing zones with yellow center line markings.
Test yourself
You see this sign while driving. What do you have to do?
Show the answer
Stay in your lane. Do not attempt to pass other vehicles.
Common mistake
Attempting to pass when sign is present
How to recognize this sign
Also searched as do not pass, no passing sign, or do not pass sign meaning.
Do not confuse it: The white rectangular Do Not Pass sign is regulatory — breaking it is a violation. The yellow pennant No Passing Zone sign warns the zone is beginning.
About regulatory signs
Regulatory signs are usually white rectangles with black or red markings, and they carry the force of law — speed limits, turn restrictions, right-of-way. Ignoring one is a traffic violation. The written test regularly checks whether you know exactly what a regulatory sign requires you to do.
Practice questions about this sign
What does this sign tell you?
- A. Passing is allowed only for trucks
- B. Passing other vehicles is prohibited in this section of road
- C. You must reduce speed but may still pass
- D. The road ahead is closed to all traffic
Show answer
B. Passing other vehicles is prohibited in this section of road — A DO NOT PASS sign marks a zone, usually with limited sight distance, where crossing into the oncoming lane to pass another vehicle is illegal.
Universal rule · checked against MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 2 — Signs (General) — Traffic Signs — General · verified 2026-08-01
Frequently asked questions
What does the Do Not Pass Sign mean?
Passing is prohibited in this zone
What should you do at a Do Not Pass Sign?
Stay in your lane. Do not attempt to pass other vehicles.
Reference standard: Federal Highway Administration Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices ↗. State and local agencies may add rules or operating times, so follow the complete posted sign where you drive. How DMV Prep sources content.
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