California DMV Permit Test (Class C)Traffic Signs and SignalsMedium
You are driving on a road with multiple lanes in your direction. You see a white rectangular sign with the words 'THRU TRAFFIC MUST EXIT' and a downward-pointing arrow. What does this sign mean?
- AThrough traffic is prohibited from using this particular lane.
- BAll traffic must exit the freeway at the next off-ramp.
- COnly through traffic should continue straight; local traffic must exit.
- DDrivers who intend to continue straight on the main road must use the designated exit ramp to stay on the route.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Drivers who intend to continue straight on the main road must use the designated exit ramp to stay on the route.
This sign is a regulatory guide sign indicating that the main road (for 'thru traffic') is about to become an exit, and drivers wishing to continue on the same route number must take the exit ramp.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. The sign is not prohibiting through traffic from a lane but rather directing it to an exit to maintain its route.
- B. This sign specifically refers to 'thru traffic', implying that the route itself is changing, not that all traffic must exit permanently.
- C. The sign states 'THRU TRAFFIC MUST EXIT', meaning the main route is diverting via the exit, not that local traffic must exit.
Thru Traffic Must Exit Sign
A regulatory guide sign indicating that the main route for through traffic is diverting via an exit ramp, and drivers wishing to stay on that route must take the exit.
- Used when the physical alignment of a route changes.
- Essential for drivers to maintain their intended route.
- Often seen before a major interchange or construction detour.
Memory trick: Regulatory guide signs tell you the rules for where you're going.