Work zone sign · MUTCD M4-8
Detour
You are on a detour route that bypasses a closed road or work zone. The arrow shows which way to turn or go.
- Shape
- Orange rectangle with an arrow
- Color
- Orange background, black letters, border and arrow
What to do
Follow the DETOUR signs and arrows at each turn. Keep following them until you are back on your original road.
Where you see it
At the start of the detour and at each turn along it.
Test trap
Do not mix it up with "Detour Ahead", which is a warning. Missing one marker can leave you lost, so keep following the next sign.
Memory tip: Orange arrow: follow it until you are back.
Practice question
An orange DETOUR sign with an arrow means you should:
- Stop and turn around
- Pull over and wait for a flagger
- Keep driving straight on the closed road
- Follow the arrow along the alternate route
Answer: D. Keep following detour signs until you are back on your road.
Massachusetts RMV Driver's Manual (rev. April 2026), p. 96