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Official United States Share the Road Plaque Road Sign

Federal MUTCD Specifications

Standard Code
W16-1P
Sign Category
Warning
Shape
Horizontal Rectangle
Color Scheme
Yellow with 'SHARE THE ROAD' Text

Warning Road Sign (W16-1P)

Share the Road Plaque Sign Meaning & Driving Rules

Supplemental plaque mounted below bicycle or pedestrian signs reminding motorists that cyclists have equal rights to the lane.

Required Driver Action & Right-of-Way Protocol

Share the lane respectfully. Wait behind the bicyclist until there is a clear, legal passing opportunity.

Detailed Overview & Purpose

The Share the Road plaque (W16-1P) reminds motor vehicle drivers that bicyclists are legal road users who may occupy the full travel lane when shoulders are narrow or obstacles exist.

Motorists must share the road courteously and pass only when safe with at least 3 feet of clearance.

Key Standard & Origin: Bicycles are legally classified as vehicles under traffic law in all 50 states and have the same road rights as motor cars.

Where You'll Find This Sign

Mounted below bicycle crossing (W11-1) signs along narrow roads and bike corridors.

Common Driver Mistakes to Avoid

Honking at cyclists or trying to squeeze past them in the same lane without changing lanes.

How This Sign Appears on the DMV Knowledge & Road Test

Tests bicycle sharing-the-road laws and minimum passing distance rules.

Legal Penalties and Moving Violations

Harassing cyclists or unsafe passing carries traffic violation citations.

DMV Knowledge Check

When you encounter the official Share the Road Plaque (W16-1P) on a roadway, what is your legal duty?

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