The place names, route numbers and distances shown are the examples used in the federal reference drawing. On the road, this sign carries the local ones.
MUTCD D12-5 · Guide and destination signs
Call 511 for travel information (with pictograph)
What it means
Indicates to call 511 for travel information (with pictograph).
What to do about it
It is a guide sign: guide signs give directions, distances and services. They do not impose a rule, but reading them early keeps you out of last-minute lane changes. (MUTCD D12-5.)
Practice this on the real test format
Signs are the part of the DMV written test people fail on, because reading them is a skill rather than a fact to memorize. Aprobify drills all 1034 of them, and tells you why each answer is what it is.
Get the appSign designations follow the MUTCD and the California MUTCD published by Caltrans; meanings are checked against the California Driver's Handbook (DL 600, rev. 6/2025). Edited by Fernando Aguilera. Aprobify is not affiliated with the California DMV.
Signs in the same family
These sit next to it in the guide and destination signs series — the ones most easily mixed up with it.
- D12-1bP Plaque indicating urgent message when sign is flashing
- D12-2 Provides carpool information and contact details
- D12-3 CB radio channel 9 is monitored for emergencies
- D12-4 Call 911 for emergencies
- D12-5a Call 511 for travel information (text only)
- D12-6 Roadside assistance information and contact
