Construction and Work Zone Signs
Work zones change the rules temporarily, and the signs that govern them override the permanent signs they replace. Orange is the signature color: orange diamonds warn of work ahead, lane shifts, flaggers, and pavement changes, while orange rectangles carry regulatory messages such as reduced speed limits. A flagger symbol sign means a person ahead controls traffic; obey the flagger's signals as you would a signal light. Channelizing devices such as cones, drums, and barricades mark the path; a barricade with diagonal stripes closes a route.
Speed in work zones is a frequent test point. Posted work-zone speed limits are legal limits, and fines for moving violations in work zones are commonly enhanced when workers are present. Even without a reduced plaque, driving too fast for the narrowed, shifted, or unpaved conditions can be cited. Watch for temporary pavement markings, which may be wider or a different color than permanent lines, and follow them over the faded permanent markings. When a pilot car leads, follow it at the instructed distance and do not pass.
Traps: assuming the permanent speed limit still applies once a work-zone limit is posted; ignoring a flagger because no workers are visible; driving over freshly painted or raised temporary markings; and treating an orange warning diamond as a permanent condition.
Rule of thumb: in a work zone, the most restrictive posted limit and the most recent instruction (sign, flagger, or pilot car) govern. Slow before the first cone, not after.