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Pavement Ends: What It Means & What To Do

Pavement Ends (W8-3) - diamond yellow with black warning sign: The hard-surfaced pavement changes to an earth road or low-type surface
MUTCD CodeW8-3
CategoryWarning Signs
ShapeDiamond
ColorYellow with black

What Does the Pavement Ends Mean?

The hard-surfaced pavement changes to an earth road or low-type surface. Slow down.

About This Sign

The hard-surfaced pavement changes to an earth road or low-type surface. Slow down. Traction and stopping distance both change at the transition, and the unpaved surface may be loose, rutted or soft after rain.

Where you will see it

You see this sign where a hard-surfaced paved road changes to an earth road or another low-type surface, so the way your vehicle handles will change.

What to do

  • Slow down before the pavement ends.
  • Allow longer stopping distance on the new surface.
  • Watch for loose, rutted or soft ground, especially after rain.

A common mistake

Drivers keep their speed because the road looks the same. Traction and stopping distance both change at the transition, and an unpaved surface can be loose or soft.

What to remember for the test

Remember this sign warns of the end of hard-surfaced pavement, not the end of the road. The action is to slow down.

Other Warning Signs

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Pavement Ends mean?

The hard-surfaced pavement changes to an earth road or low-type surface. Slow down.

What shape and color is the Pavement Ends?

The Pavement Ends uses the Diamond shape and Yellow with black coloring.

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