You are driving on a road with multiple lanes in the same direction. You see a white rectangular sign with the words 'THRU TRAFFIC MUST EXIT' and an arrow pointing to the right. What does this sign indicate?
- AOnly through traffic must exit at the next ramp; local traffic may continue.
- BThe right lane is for exiting traffic only, and through traffic must merge left.
- CAll traffic must exit at the next ramp.
- DThrough traffic should prepare to merge right onto another highway.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Only through traffic must exit at the next ramp; local traffic may continue.
This sign is a regulatory guide sign. It specifically directs 'thru traffic' (those intending to continue on the main route) to exit, implying that the main highway designation is changing or ending. Local traffic or traffic intending to access a different route may have other options. It distinguishes between through traffic and other traffic, which is a key nuance.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Incorrect; while it might involve the right lane, the core message is about 'thru traffic' needing to exit, not just a lane designation.
- C. Incorrect; the sign specifies 'thru traffic', not 'all traffic'.
- D. Incorrect; it doesn't indicate merging onto *another* highway, but rather that the *current* thru route is exiting.
'THRU TRAFFIC MUST EXIT' Sign
A white rectangular sign with 'THRU TRAFFIC MUST EXIT' indicates that drivers wishing to continue on the primary route must use the upcoming exit. This often means the main road designation is changing or ending, and through traffic will exit to continue on the same route number.
- Regulatory guide sign.
- Directs main-route traffic to an exit.
- Implies the main road's designation is changing or splitting.
- Distinguishes 'thru traffic' from other traffic.
Memory trick: White signs tell you what you must do.