Chevron Signs: W1-8 Sizes, Spacing on Curves and Mounting
Updated · By the Cone to Curb editors
A chevron sign is the MUTCD's Chevron Alignment sign (W1-8): a black chevron on a yellow vertical rectangle with no border, set in a row on the outside of a curve so drivers can see its shape at night. It's 18 x 24 inches on conventional roads, 30 x 36 on expressways and 36 x 48 on freeways, mounted at least 4 feet up and spaced by the curve's radius.
| Road | W1-8 size |
|---|---|
| Conventional road (single or multi-lane) | 18 x 24 |
| Expressway | 30 x 36 |
| Freeway | 36 x 48 |
| Oversized | 24 x 30 |
Sizes in inches, from MUTCD Table 2C-1. There's no smaller minimum size.
When a curve needs chevrons
The MUTCD decides with two charts in Table 2C-4. Chart A says whether a curve needs devices at all, by road type and traffic:
| Road type | Under 1,000 AADT | 1,000 to 2,999 | 3,000 to 3,999 | 4,000 and up |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freeways and expressways | Required | Required | Required | Required |
| Arterial or collector without markings | Optional | Recommended | Required | Required |
| Arterial or collector with markings | Optional | Recommended | Recommended | Required |
| All other roads | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
Chart B then picks the devices from the difference between the speed limit and the curve's advisory speed:
| Speed difference | Devices |
|---|---|
| 5 mph | Pavement markings or an advance curve warning sign |
| 10 mph | Advance curve warning sign |
| 15 mph | Delineators and an advance curve warning sign |
| 20 mph or more | Chevrons and an advance curve warning sign |
Chevrons are also allowed instead of, or in addition to, delineators on any curve (2C.08).
Spacing on the curve
Measure from the point where the curve begins and space signs so drivers always see at least two:
| Advisory speed | Curve radius | Chevron spacing |
|---|---|---|
| 15 mph or less | Under 200 ft | 40 ft |
| 20 to 30 mph | 200 to 400 ft | 80 ft |
| 35 to 45 mph | 401 to 700 ft | 120 ft |
| 50 to 60 mph | 701 to 1,250 ft | 160 ft |
| Over 60 mph | Over 1,250 ft | 200 ft |
From MUTCD Table 2C-5. To estimate how many to order, divide the curve's length by the spacing and add one.
Mounting rules (2C.08)
- On the outside of the curve, in line with and about at a right angle to approaching traffic.
- At least 4 feet from the bottom of the sign to the near edge of the traveled way. That's lower than most warning signs, so drivers see them in their headlights.
- Yellow LEDs outlining the chevron are allowed for extra visibility.
Where chevrons don't belong
- On the far side of a T-intersection to show that the road ends. That's the job of the Two-Direction Large Arrow sign.
- To mark an obstruction such as a guardrail end. That's an object marker's job.
- Pointing right in the central island of a roundabout or a neighborhood traffic circle.
Mistakes we see
- Mounting chevrons at 7 feet like other signs. They work best low; 4 feet is the minimum.
- Spacing too wide on a sharp curve. Drivers lose the pattern.
- Chevrons on the inside of the curve. They go on the outside.
What it costs
Ballpark U.S. prices in late 2026: $30 to $70 for an 18 x 24 W1-8 with high-intensity sheeting, $70 to $150 for 30 x 36, more for prismatic sheeting, plus a post per sign.
Where to buy
Sign shops and traffic safety distributors; agencies often buy chevrons in sets with posts and breakaway bases. Ask for the code, size and sheeting type.