Road signs/Dead End Sign
Dead End Sign: what it means and what to do
A dead end sign means the road ahead has no through route. You will have to turn around, so look for a place to do it safely.
What it looks like
A yellow diamond with the words DEAD END. A similar NO OUTLET sign marks a neighbourhood whose only entrance is also its exit.
What to do
- Slow down and look for a safe place to turn around, such as a driveway or a turnaround at the end.
- Do not count on the road continuing, even if a map suggests it does.
Quick check: Dead End Sign
Two questions to test what you just read.
Quick check 1
What does the dead end sign mean?
On the permit test
Tests that use it ask what the words mean and what you will have to do.
How it differs from similar signs
| Sign | How to recognise it | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Dead End Sign | Yellow diamond warning sign reading DEAD END | A dead end sign means the road ahead has no through route. |
| T Intersection Sign | Yellow diamond warning sign with a black T-shaped intersection symbol | A T intersection sign means your road ends ahead at a T: it does not continue straight through, and you will have to turn left or right. |
| Road Work Ahead Sign | Orange diamond sign reading ROAD WORK AHEAD | A road work ahead sign means workers or equipment are on or near the road ahead. |
| Stop Ahead Sign | Yellow diamond warning sign with a red stop sign symbol and an arrow | A stop ahead sign means a stop sign is coming up that you may not be able to see yet, because of a curve, a hill or something blocking the view. |
See them side by side
Common questions
The road does not go through. At the end you can only turn around and go back.
All road signs Practice your state’s permit test free
Sources, checked 2026-10-08: Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (FHWA). Written in our own words; follow your state’s manual for the exact wording.