Warning Signs (curves, intersections, merges, narrow bridges, hills, road surface conditions)
What this domain tests
Warning signs alert drivers to a change in road conditions ahead. In Maine they are normally yellow diamonds with black symbols, supplemented by plaques. The exam checks curve and chevron signs, intersection warnings, merge signs, narrow-bridge signs, hill/grade signs, and road-surface warnings such as slippery when wet. Maine rural roads also use deer and moose warning signs, so read the symbol carefully rather than assuming a generic hazard.
Core rules
- Yellow diamond = warning. The symbol shows the hazard; a rectangular yellow plaque below may give distance or an advisory speed.
- A curve sign shows the direction of the bend; a chevron sign is placed at the curve itself and reinforces the direction.
- Merge signs show traffic joining from the right or left; be prepared to adjust speed and lane position.
- Narrow bridge and lane-narrowing signs warn that shoulders or lanes shrink; large vehicles may need extra room.
- Hill signs warn of a steep grade; truck escape ramps and downgrade warnings may follow.
- Slippery-when-wet, loose gravel, and frost-heave signs warn of surface conditions that reduce traction.
Worked example
A yellow diamond shows a reverse curve symbol, and below it a yellow plaque reads 35 MPH. The diamond warns of a curve ahead; the plaque is an advisory speed, not a posted legal limit. The safe action is to slow before the curve, not to brake sharply in it. If a chevron appears at the bend, it confirms the direction and is not a separate speed limit.
Traps that cost marks
- Reading an advisory speed plaque as a regulatory speed limit.
- Confusing a curve warning with a chevron; the chevron marks the curve alignment, not the approach.
- Ignoring a merge sign because the joining road looks empty.
- Assuming every yellow diamond means the same thing; the symbol and plaque carry the specific message.