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South Carolina driving lesson · Signs, Signals & Markings

Work zone signs, flaggers & barriers

A 2-minute lesson from the South Carolina course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.

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Read time
2 minutes
Course unit
Signs, Signals & Markings
Checkpoint questions
4
Source pages
66, 67, 68

Orange means work zone. These signs warn that people are working on or near the road for construction, maintenance or emergency operations, and that conditions may change suddenly.

Know the rule

Work zone signs are generally diamond- or rectangular-shaped and orange with black letters or symbols.

Handbook p. 66 ↗

Work zone signs warn of:

  • Workers ahead
  • A reduced speed zone
  • Detours
  • Slow-moving construction equipment
  • Poor or suddenly changing road surfaces
Handbook p. 66 ↗
Flagger ahead
Flagger Ahead
Workers ahead
Workers Ahead

Know the rule

A person with a sign or flag may direct which way to travel, or tell you to slow down or stop. You must follow their instructions.

Handbook p. 67 ↗
Flagger stop and slow paddles
Flaggers use STOP/SLOW paddles

Know the rule

Barriers such as drums, cones and tubes (panels) keep traffic out of hazardous work areas and closed roads, and help guide you through.

Handbook p. 67 ↗
Channelizing devices (composite)
Barrel, cone, tube, barrier and Road Closed

Know the rule

Temporary traffic signals may be used in work zones. Stop at the white line if there is one.

Handbook p. 67 ↗

Know the rule

Give construction workers a "brake": reduce speed, be prepared to stop suddenly, and don't tailgate in work zones.

Handbook p. 68 ↗

Know the rule

Endangering a highway worker can bring a fine and points on your driving record (SC Code §56-5-1535).

Handbook p. 68 ↗

Put it into practice

You round a curve and see an orange Flagger Ahead sign, then a worker holding a STOP paddle. Stop, even if the lane looks clear, and wait until the flagger turns the paddle to SLOW or waves you on.

Check your understanding

Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.

Work zone signs are generally what shape?
  1. Octagonal
  2. Round
  3. Downward-pointing triangle
  4. Diamond or rectangular

Answer: Diamond or rectangular

Work zone signs are generally diamond- or rectangular-shaped and orange with black letters or symbols.

Handbook p. 66 ↗
In a work zone, if a flagger signals you to stop, you should:
  1. Follow their instructions
  2. Follow them only if a sign confirms it
  3. Follow the posted speed signs instead
  4. Proceed if no other cars are visible

Answer: Follow their instructions

Traffic in a work zone may be controlled by a person with a sign or flag, and you must follow their instructions.

Handbook p. 67 ↗
In a work zone, barriers such as drums, cones, and tubes are used to:
  1. Mark where workers park
  2. Keep traffic out of hazardous areas
  3. Show the reduced speed limit
  4. Mark lanes for trucks only

Answer: Keep traffic out of hazardous areas

Barriers such as drums, cones, and tubes are used to keep traffic out of hazardous work zones.

Handbook p. 67 ↗
Temporary traffic signals are never used in work zones.
  1. True
  2. False

Answer: False

Temporary traffic signals may be used in work zones; stop at the white line if one is present.

Handbook p. 67 ↗
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