Work zone devices — Illinois Permit Test

Cones, drums, barricades and vertical panels mark a path for a driver to follow through construction and maintenance zones and warn of an existing hazard.

They are the lane when the painted one no longer applies. Following them is safer than following the markings underneath.

Warning Cones, Drums, and Barricades These devices are used to protect you from dangerous locations by marking a path for you to follow in construction and maintenance zones. They also are used to warn motorists of an existing hazard.

Warning lights draw attention to drums and barricades at night, and arrow boards warn of an upcoming lane closure and show which way to merge.

At night the cones are only visible in your headlights. The lights and the board are what work at a distance.

Arrow boards warn the motorist of an upcoming lane closure or caution when construction is ahead and the direction to merge or move.

A flagger sign warns that a flagger is ahead working close to traffic, and a driver must slow down, obey their signals and stop if signaled to.

The flagger is a person standing in the road with a sign. Their instruction is an order in the same way a signal is.

Flagger This sign warns that there is a flagger ahead. Use caution when approaching a flagger, as the individual will be working close to traffic. Slow down and be prepared to obey the signals of the flagger. You must stop if signaled to do so.

What do Illinois cones, drums and barricades mark?

A path to follow through the work zone. They are the lane when the painted one no longer applies. Following them is safer than following the markings underneath. Illinois Rules of the Road 2026, p.73: “Warning Cones, Drums, and Barricades These devices are used to protect you from dangerous locations by marking a path for you to follow in construction and maintenance zones. They also are used to warn motorists of an existing hazard.”