Work zones — Michigan Permit Test

Warning signs in construction, maintenance or other work areas are diamond-shaped with black lettering on an orange or yellow background.

The shape and color warn you before you can read the words that a work zone is ahead.

Warning signs in construction, maintenance or other designated work areas are diamond-shaped with black lettering on an orange or yellow background.

Construction workers have the authority to direct traffic in work zones, and their directions must be followed even if they conflict with an existing traffic control device.

The worker can see what is happening right now in the zone, which a fixed signal cannot.

Construction workers also have the authority to direct traffic in work zones and their directions should be followed even if they conflict with an existing traffic control device.

Some work zones limit speeds to 45 mph when workers are present and let traffic return to the normal posted speed when workers are absent.

The lower limit protects people. When nobody is working, traffic may move at full speed again.

Work zones may limit speeds to 45 mph when workers are present, yet allow traffic to return to the normally posted speed when workers are absent.

Fines are doubled for all moving violations in work zones.

Higher fines push drivers to slow down where workers have almost no protection.

Fines are doubled for all moving violations in work zones.

In a work zone, speeding 10 mph or less over the posted limit is three points.

Even a small speed over the limit costs more in a work zone than on an open road.

Three points for speeding 10 mph or less over the posted limit.

In a work zone, speeding more than 10 mph but not more than 15 mph over the limit is four points.

The points climb with the speed, because the danger to workers climbs with it.

Four points for speeding more than 10 mph but not more than 15 mph over the limit.

In a work zone, speeding more than 15 mph over the limit is five points.

At high speed a driver has almost no time to avoid a worker who steps into the lane.

Five points for speeding more than 15 mph over the limit.

If you cause injury or death to anyone in a work zone, you may face fines of up to $7,500 and imprisonment of up to 15 years.

Workers have no armor between them and passing cars, so harming one is punished severely.

If you cause the injury or death to any person in a work zone, you may face fines of up to $7,500, and imprisonment of up to 15 years.

When lanes merge in a construction zone, follow the directions on the signs about when and how to merge.

Different projects merge traffic in different ways, and the signs tell you which one this zone uses.

Drivers should follow the directions on the signs, instructing them when and how to merge.

State and local road agencies may equip maintenance vehicles with flashing green lights, used only when road work is taking place; when you see them, slow down and drive with caution.

Green lights mean crews are working right there, so slow down and give them room.

Motorists should know that when they see flashing green lights on a local or state maintenance vehicle to slow down and drive with caution.

Private contractors are not allowed to display green lights on their vehicles.

Green lights are kept for public road crews, so drivers always know what they mean.

Private contractors are not allowed to display green lights on their vehicles.

What do warning signs in work areas look like?

Diamond-shaped, black lettering on orange or yellow. The shape and color warn you before you can read the words that a work zone is ahead. What Every Driver Must Know, p.26: “Warning signs in construction, maintenance or other designated work areas are diamond-shaped with black lettering on an orange or yellow background.”