R2-1 Speed Limit
Posts the maximum legal speed for the roadway, establishing the enforceable speed limit drivers must not exceed.
- Sign Name
- Speed Limit
- General Meaning
- Posts the maximum legal speed for the roadway, establishing the enforceable speed limit drivers must not exceed.
- MUTCD Code
- R2-1
- Typical Use
- At the point where the regulation applies, per CA MUTCD Part 2B.
- Sign Category
- Regulatory Signs
Specifications
- Standard Shape
- Rectangle (Vertical)
- Background Color
- White
- Legend / Symbol
- Black legend
- Border
- Black
- Reflectivity
- High Intensity (for nighttime visibility)
- Compliance
- MUTCD / CA MUTCD
Standard Sizes (inches)
- Conventional Rectangle (Vertical)24"–48" tall
- Expressway Rectangle (Vertical)36"–60" tall
- Freeway Rectangle (Vertical)48"–72" tall
Material / Application Notes
Posting reduced work-zone speed limits. Confirm placement and supplemental plaques against the applicable CA MUTCD standard.
View this sign on the Federal MUTCD (FHWA)California Notes
California-specific application notes and adoptions may differ. Review California requirements where applicable.
What It Means / When This Sign Is Used
In the field, R2-1 Speed Limit is typically positioned at the point of regulation within the activity area. Common deployments include posting reduced work-zone speed limits; established under the proper speed-setting authority; used with work-zone warning signing. Always confirm its size, retroreflective sheeting, spacing, and placement against the CA MUTCD 2026 and the reviewing agency before finalizing the traffic control plan.
Learn more about Speed Limit sign requirementsWhen & Where It's Used
- Posting reduced work-zone speed limits
- Established under the proper speed-setting authority
- Used with work-zone warning signing
Placement on a Traffic Control Plan
- Where it sits
- At the point where the regulation applies, per CA MUTCD Part 2B.
- CA MUTCD reference
- CA MUTCD Part 2B (Regulatory Signs)
- Typical minimum size
- 24" × 30"
California / Field Use Notes
Used in California where a reduced work-zone speed limit is established through the proper authority, posted to set the temporary limit through the area.
In Los Angeles, temporary regulatory changes (speed, one-way, turn or entry restrictions) generally involve LADOT review, and on state highways Caltrans District 7. Regulatory authority cannot be created by signing alone — confirm the change is authorized by the agency with jurisdiction over the roadway.
Common Plan Review Comments
- Temporary regulatory control not warranted or conflicts with existing control.
- Reduced speed limit posted without proper speed-setting authorization.
- Wrong-way protection (DO NOT ENTER / WRONG WAY) missing at closed approaches.
- Sign size not appropriate for the facility.
Confirm any reduced limit is properly authorized and posted; speed cannot be lowered by signing alone. Public Ready reviews work-zone speed documentation.
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View All R-Series Signs
Educational reference only. This is not an official Caltrans, FHWA, or local agency publication and is not legal or engineering advice. Always verify sign selection, size, placement, spacing, and application against the current CA MUTCD 2026, Caltrans sign specifications, Standard Plans, project documents, and the reviewing agency’s requirements. Local jurisdictions may impose additional requirements, and final selection, placement, and dimensions may require engineering judgment or agency approval. Written against California MUTCD 2026 (effective January 18, 2026) and the Federal MUTCD 11th Edition. Official sources last verified June 2026.
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