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Loose Gravel: What It Means & What To Do

Loose Gravel (W8-7) - diamond yellow with black warning sign: The road surface is covered with loose gravel
MUTCD CodeW8-7
CategoryWarning Signs
ShapeDiamond
ColorYellow with black

What Does the Loose Gravel Mean?

The road surface is covered with loose gravel. Slow down enough to keep full control of your vehicle.

About This Sign

The surface of the road is covered with loose gravel. Go slow enough to keep complete control of your vehicle. Do not apply brakes suddenly or make sharp turns. Loose gravel lengthens your stopping distance and can throw stones at vehicles behind you.

Where you will see it

You see this sign where the road surface is covered with loose gravel. It warns you before you reach it so you can slow down and keep full control of your vehicle.

What to do

  • Slow down enough to keep full control of your vehicle.
  • Do not brake suddenly or make sharp turns.
  • Leave extra space ahead, since loose gravel lengthens your stopping distance.

A common mistake

Braking hard or turning sharply on gravel. Loose stones lengthen your stopping distance, and they can also be thrown at vehicles behind you.

What to remember for the test

Remember the key points: slow down, avoid sudden braking and sharp turns, and expect a longer stopping distance on loose gravel.

Other Warning Signs

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Loose Gravel mean?

The road surface is covered with loose gravel. Slow down enough to keep full control of your vehicle.

What shape and color is the Loose Gravel?

The Loose Gravel uses the Diamond shape and Yellow with black coloring.

Practice Road Sign Questions

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