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Official United States End Preferential Lane Road Sign

Federal MUTCD Specifications

Standard Code
R3-12
Sign Category
Regulatory
Shape
Vertical Rectangle
Color Scheme
White with Diamond & 'ENDS' Text

Regulatory Road Sign (R3-12)

End Preferential Lane Sign Meaning & Driving Rules

Designates the end of any preferential lane status (bus, carpool, bike, or taxi lane).

Required Driver Action & Right-of-Way Protocol

Resume normal multi-lane driving practices.

Detailed Overview & Purpose

The End Preferential Lane sign (R3-12) marks the formal end of special lane designations.

Key Standard & Origin: Signals drivers that special occupancy or vehicle class rules no longer apply.

Where You'll Find This Sign

Freeway exits, transit mall ends, and city boundaries.

Common Driver Mistakes to Avoid

Abruptly changing lanes when preferential status ends without checking blind spots.

How This Sign Appears on the DMV Knowledge & Road Test

Tests preferential lane terminology.

Legal Penalties and Moving Violations

Standard traffic laws apply.

DMV Knowledge Check

When you encounter the official End Preferential Lane (R3-12) on a roadway, what is your legal duty?

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