Warning Road Sign (W2-1)
Cross Road (4-Way Intersection) Sign Meaning & Driving Rules
Warns of a four-way crossroad intersection ahead where crossing traffic may enter or cross your lane.
Required Driver Action & Right-of-Way Protocol
Check left and right, hover your foot over the brake pedal if sightlines are obstructed, and be prepared to yield if a crossing vehicle pulls out.
Detailed Overview & Purpose
The Cross Road sign (W2-1) alerts drivers to an upcoming four-way intersection. It is used on rural roads, undivided highways, and high-speed approaches where trees, terrain, or distance make the intersection hard to spot in advance.
Even if through-traffic has the right-of-way, cross-traffic may fail to stop or misjudge approaching speeds. Scan left, right, and left again as you approach.
Key Standard & Origin: The plus-sign crossroad symbol is one of the oldest standardized traffic signs in the world, dating back to early 1920s road systems.
Where You'll Find This Sign
Posted 200–750 feet before four-way intersections on rural and semi-rural highways.
Common Driver Mistakes to Avoid
Assuming crossing vehicles will always stop at their stop signs, leading to intersection T-bone collisions.
How This Sign Appears on the DMV Knowledge & Road Test
Tests right-of-way rules at 4-way intersections (first to arrive, driver on right).
Legal Penalties and Moving Violations
Failure to yield at an intersection carries 2 to 3 points and fines up to $300.
When you encounter the official Cross Road (4-Way Intersection) (W2-1) on a roadway, what is your legal duty?
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