Keep Left Sign
Keep to the left side of obstruction or divider
What to do
Pass on the left side of island, median, or obstruction.
Tips
Follow arrow direction around obstacle.
Test yourself
You see this sign while driving. What do you have to do?
Show the answer
Pass on the left side of island, median, or obstruction.
Common mistake
Not following directional arrow
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
This sign means:
- A. Pass on either side of the obstruction
- B. Enter a left-turn-only lane
- C. Pass to the left of the obstruction
- D. Turn left at the next intersection
Show answer
C. Pass to the left of the obstruction — Keep Left signs mark a specific side to pass an obstruction, traffic island, or median — you must follow the arrow's direction rather than choosing either side.
Universal rule · checked against MUTCD 11th Edition, Revision 1 (December 2025) — Section 2B.39 — Keep Right and Keep Left Signs (R4-7 and R4-8 Series) · verified 2026-07-27
Frequently asked questions
What does the Keep Left Sign mean?
Keep to the left side of obstruction or divider
What should you do at a Keep Left Sign?
Pass on the left side of island, median, or obstruction.
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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