Work zone signs
Road Work Ahead sign
A work zone is ahead. Slow down, watch for workers and follow flaggers. Fines are often higher.
What it looks like
Orange diamond with three lines of black letters reading ROAD WORK AHEAD.
- Type
- Work zone
- Federal design code
- MUTCD W20-1
From real handbooks
How permit tests ask about it
11 of our verified questions in 11 states show this sign. A few of them, each from a different handbook where we can:
1.You pass this sign. No special speed limit is posted for the work area ahead. How should you drive through it?
- AAs fast as traffic allows, to clear the area quickly
- BAt the normal speed limit, since no lower limit is posted
- CAt normal speed unless you can see workers
- DAt a reduced speed, obeying any flag persons
Show the answer
✓ D. At a reduced speed, obeying any flag persons
Even if no work area speed limit is posted, you must drive at a reduced speed through a work zone and always obey flag persons.
Source: New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21) (No revision date in extractable text), page 30
2.What does this sign mean?
- ADetour to the next exit now
- BThe road ahead is closed for good
- CRoad work is ahead; slow down or move over
- DWorkers have left the area
Show the answer
✓ C. Road work is ahead; slow down or move over
Road Work Ahead warns of construction ahead; slow down or move over.
Source: Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook (BDS126) (2026), page 30
3.What color are most warning signs in work zones, like this one?
- ABlue
- BOrange
- CYellow
- DGreen
Show the answer
✓ B. Orange
Work zone warning signs are usually orange, and most are diamond shaped.