Construction and Work Zone Signs
Construction and work zone signs warn of temporary conditions and changed traffic patterns. Maryland uses orange for work-zone warning and guidance signs, and rectangular orange or black-on-white signs for temporary regulations. Work zones can change daily, so temporary signs, markings, and flaggers override the normal permanent layout.
Core rules
- Orange diamond signs warn of road work, lane closures, detours, or a flagger ahead. Orange rectangular signs may give temporary speed limits or lane instructions.
- A flagger controls traffic. You must obey the flagger's signaling device, such as a SLOW paddle or STOP paddle, even if no other sign is present.
- Temporary traffic signals and channelizing devices may replace permanent signals and lane lines. Follow the temporary pattern.
- Work-zone speed limits are enforceable when posted. Maryland law provides enhanced penalties for certain moving violations in work zones when workers are present.
- Detour signs route traffic around a closure. Follow the detour markers rather than trying to rejoin the normal route early.
- End Road Work signs mark the end of the temporary condition, but not necessarily the end of all traffic controls; watch for restored permanent signs.
Worked example
You pass an orange ROAD WORK 1 MILE sign, then a FLAGGER AHEAD sign. A flagger holds a STOP paddle. You must stop and wait, even if the permanent signal is green or the lane looks clear. When the flagger turns the paddle to SLOW, proceed only at a cautious speed and be ready for workers, equipment, or a narrowed lane. The flagger's instruction controls your movement.
Traps that cost marks
Do not treat orange signs as ordinary yellow warnings; orange signals temporary work-zone conditions. Do not follow old lane lines through a shifted pattern. Do not pass a flagger or ignore a STOP paddle because you have not seen workers. A posted work-zone speed limit applies even if you do not see a worker at that moment, unless the sign states otherwise.
Key points
- Orange signs mark construction and work-zone conditions.
- Obey flaggers and their STOP or SLOW paddles.
- Temporary markings and signals override the normal pattern.
- Posted work-zone speed limits are enforceable.
- Detour signs route you around a closure.
- End Road Work marks the end of that condition, not every restriction.