Construction and Work Zone Signs
Construction and Work Zone Signs
Work zones change faster than permanent signs can follow, so they rely on orange. Orange diamonds warn, orange rectangles direct, and temporary markings and flaggers override what was there before. The exam focuses on obeying the temporary system even when it contradicts what you remember about the road.
Core rules
- Orange diamond: a warning - road work ahead, lane closed, shoulder work, uneven pavement, flagger ahead.
- Orange rectangle: direction and information - detour, lane shift, END ROAD WORK, and reduced speed postings.
- Flagger: a person holding a STOP/SLOW paddle has the authority of a signal. Stop at the paddle and stay stopped until it turns to SLOW.
- Temporary signals and markings: orange or black-on-orange lines replace the permanent lane lines. Follow them, not faded paint.
- Fines: Michigan doubles fines for moving violations in a work zone when workers are present, and penalties increase further for injuring a highway worker.
- Move Over Law: on Michigan freeways, move over a lane or slow down for police, fire, ambulance, tow trucks, and road maintenance vehicles displaying flashing lights.
Worked example
On I-75 you pass a ROAD WORK AHEAD diamond, then a LANE CLOSED 1/2 MILE panel, then orange diagonal arrows pushing traffic left. The permanent white dashes still point straight into the closed lane. The orange arrows are the current instruction: merge left smoothly and early rather than waiting until the taper forces an abrupt move at speed.
Traps
Following old white lines through a shifted lane. Creeping forward after the paddle drops to SLOW without checking that the lane is clear. Assuming the work-zone limit ends at the last cone rather than at the END ROAD WORK sign. Watching traffic instead of the detour panel and missing the turn.