Deer crossing sign
A yellow diamond with a leaping deer. It warns of a stretch of road where deer often cross.
How to read it
The MUTCD groups it with its non-vehicular warning signs, for places where animals, people on foot or riders may enter the road unexpectedly. Pennsylvania's manual says it is posted where deer cross often and crashes with deer have happened. Florida's handbook shows other animals too, with the animal pictured being one common in the area, and says crossings are most likely at twilight and at night.
Rules vary by state and country. This explains the sign's standard meaning in the U.S. Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices; it isn't legal advice.
Where this symbol came from
oldsymbols.comDeer symbolismIn Christian legend a stag with a crucifix between its antlers turned the hunters Eustace and Hubert to God; in Buddhist art two deer beside the wheel of the teaching recall the Deer Park where the Buddha first taught. Cherokee hunters asked pardon of the Little Deer, chief of the deer, for every deer they killed.Read next
- Next in Road signsPedestrian crossing signA diamond with a walking figure. It warns of a place where people on foot may cross the road.
- The same shape in Army ranksFirst sergeant (E-8)Three chevrons above three arcs with a diamond between them are the insignia of a first sergeant (1SG), pay grade E-8 in the US Army and the senior NCO of a company.
More road signs
The same shape elsewhere
Browse symbols drawn with diamonds.
Sources
- MUTCD 2009 Edition, Chapter 2C: Warning Signs and Object Markers, MUTCD 2009, Part 2, U.S. Federal Highway Administration, Section 2C.50
- Pennsylvania Driver's Manual, Chapter 2: Signals, Signs and Pavement Markings, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, p. 16
- Official Florida Driver License Handbook, rev. 08/2023, Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, p. 51
Researched, edited and approved by Rory Hansen before publishing. Last reviewed September 25, 2026. How we research
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