Keep Left Sign: Meaning and What to Do
The white rectangle with a black arrow curving to the left around a solid shape tells you to pass an obstruction on its left side. The shape stands for the island, median nose, or barrier ahead; the arrow shows the side of it you must take.
Keep Left Sign
Keep Left is less common than Keep Right because most American roads put the obstruction to the driver's left. It appears where a lane splits around a work zone, where a one-way street divides, or where a ramp leaves from the left.
What to do when you see the keep left sign
Move to the left of the obstruction ahead before you reach it, signaling if you need to change lanes. Do not straddle or pass on the right; the right side may be a closed lane, oncoming traffic, or a curb. Slow down if the sign appears in a work zone or at a narrow gap.
The signs it is confused with
The mirror-image Keep Right sign is the obvious pairing; tests show one and ask which side to pass on. Neither sign is the same as the Large Arrow or Chevron warning signs, which are yellow and describe the road's curve rather than an object in your path.
Signs are one topic of ten on every test
Every state practice test covers signs, signals, and markings among its ten topics, with every answer explained. Pick your state and see how its exam asks about signs like this one; it is free, with no sign-up.
Choose your stateQuestions about the keep left sign
What does the keep left sign mean?
Pass the obstruction ahead on its left side. The arrow curves around the symbol of the island or barrier you must stay left of.
What is the black shape on the sign?
It represents the obstruction: a median, island, or barrier. The arrow shows which side of it traffic must use.
Where would I see keep left instead of keep right?
At a left-side ramp, a split around a work zone, or a divided one-way street, anywhere the obstruction sits to the right of the through lane.
Is keep left a regulatory sign?
Yes. White with black legend means it is the law, not a suggestion; passing on the wrong side is a violation.
How does this sign appear on the written test?
As a paired choice with Keep Right, testing whether you read the arrow correctly rather than guessing from habit.