Warning sign · MUTCD W21-1
Workers Ahead (Work Zone)
People are working on or next to the road ahead. Orange is the color of temporary work-zone signs.
- Shape
- Diamond
- Color
- Orange background, black figure of a worker with a shovel
What to do
Slow down to the posted work-zone speed and stay alert for workers, equipment and sudden lane shifts. Obey flaggers as you would a traffic signal, and do not change lanes or pass inside the work zone unless signs say you may. Keep a bigger gap behind the vehicle ahead because traffic may stop suddenly.
Where you see it
In advance of and throughout road construction and maintenance areas, often with a flagger or lane-closure signs nearby.
Test trap
Orange means a temporary work zone, not a permanent hazard; yellow is the color for permanent warnings. Fines are usually doubled in work zones, and a flagger's instructions override normal signs and signals.
Memory tip: Orange = people at work — slow down and give them room.
Practice question
An orange diamond sign showing a person with a shovel means:
- Workers are on or near the road ahead
- Snow removal area
- Garden center ahead
- Road closed permanently
Answer: A. People are working ahead; slow down and obey flaggers and work-zone signs.
MUTCD sign meanings (as taught in state driver handbooks)