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Official United States Keep Left of Divider Road Sign

Federal MUTCD Specifications

Standard Code
R4-8
Sign Category
Regulatory
Shape
Vertical Rectangle
Color Scheme
White with Black Diagonal Left Arrow

Regulatory Road Sign (R4-8)

Keep Left of Divider Sign Meaning & Driving Rules

Directs traffic to pass to the left of a traffic island, construction barrier, or roadway divider.

Required Driver Action & Right-of-Way Protocol

Guide vehicle to the left side of the divider or traffic island.

Detailed Overview & Purpose

The Keep Left sign (R4-8) is the counterpart to Keep Right. It is used in one-way systems, toll plazas, and construction diversions to channel traffic to the left side of an island or barrier.

Key Standard & Origin: Much less common than Keep Right, this sign is only used where traffic is legally channeled to the left.

Where You'll Find This Sign

One-way street splits, toll plaza channelization, and construction diversions.

Common Driver Mistakes to Avoid

Defaulting to the right and hitting an obstacle when the sign explicitly commands Keep Left.

How This Sign Appears on the DMV Knowledge & Road Test

Tests directional regulatory sign comprehension.

Legal Penalties and Moving Violations

Failing to obey channelization commands carries moving violation citations.

DMV Knowledge Check

When you encounter the official Keep Left of Divider (R4-8) on a roadway, what is your legal duty?

Prepare for Your State Permit Exam

Take full 2026 practice tests covering mandatory road signs, traffic laws, and state-specific driving rules.

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