Hairpin Curve Sign
Very sharp curve ahead requiring significant speed reduction
What to do
Slow down substantially. Use lower gear if needed.
Tips
Common on mountain roads. Take very slowly.
Test yourself
You see this sign while driving. What do you have to do?
Show the answer
Slow down substantially. Use lower gear if needed.
Common mistake
Not reducing speed enough for sharp turn
About warning signs
Warning signs are diamond-shaped and yellow with black symbols. They alert you to hazards ahead — curves, intersections, crossings — so you have time to slow down. On the DMV written test, expect several questions asking what a specific warning sign means and what action it calls for.
Practice the rule this sign carries
How should you drive through a sharp curve?
- A. Enter the curve at full speed and brake mid-curve if needed
- B. Slow down before the curve and hold steady through it
- C. Accelerate mid-curve to generate centrifugal force for stability
- D. Brake hard just before the curve's apex
Show answer
B. Slow down before the curve and hold steady through it — Brake before a curve — not during. Braking in a curve shifts weight, reduces rear tire traction, and can cause sliding. Enter at a safe speed, then maintain or gently accelerate through the curve.
Universal rule · checked against NHTSA Safe Driving — Curve Driving · verified 2026-07-28
Frequently asked questions
What does the Hairpin Curve Sign mean?
Very sharp curve ahead requiring significant speed reduction
What should you do at a Hairpin Curve Sign?
Slow down substantially. Use lower gear if needed.
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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