Work Zones

Key points

1. Work zone crashes rose more than 70% from 2018 to 2021.

   Source: Handbook p. 16

   “From 2018 to 2021, Work Zone crashes rose by more than 70% in Arkansas”
   Arkansas Driver License Study Guide, Handbook p. 16

2. If no reduced limit is posted in a work zone, obey the normal posted limit.

   Source: Handbook p. 17

   “If there are no reduced speed limits posted, drivers should obey the normally posted speed limit.”
   Arkansas Driver License Study Guide, Handbook p. 17

3. Flashing green lights on work vehicles mark an active work zone; slow down.

   Source: Handbook p. 18

   “The presence of these lights indicates an active Work Zone (either Standard or Mobile), and drivers should exercise caution and slow down when they are seen.”
   Arkansas Driver License Study Guide, Handbook p. 18

4. When workers are present, fines for any moving violation in a work zone double.

   Source: Handbook p. 19

   “If a driver receives a citation for any moving traffic violation in a Work Zone, they will pay double the fine.”
   Arkansas Driver License Study Guide, Handbook p. 19

5. Doubled work zone fines can be as high as $5,000.

   Source: Handbook p. 19

   “Depending on the traffic violation, doubled fines can be as high as $5,000.”
   Arkansas Driver License Study Guide, Handbook p. 19

6. A flagger's instructions overrule any other traffic signals or devices.

   Source: Handbook p. 22

   “Their instructions overrule any other traffic signals or devices.”
   Arkansas Driver License Study Guide, Handbook p. 22

7. Merge early, ideally a mile or more before a lane closure.

   Source: Handbook p. 20

   “ideally a mile or more before the closure.”
   Arkansas Driver License Study Guide, Handbook p. 20

8. Speed cameras are used in interstate work zones.

   Source: Handbook p. 19

   “Additionally, speed enforcement cameras are used in Interstate Work Zones in Arkansas.”
   Arkansas Driver License Study Guide, Handbook p. 19

Numbers to know

Recognize these signs

3 questions from the Arkansas practice test

1. 1. When do the Arkansas work zone rules in this section apply?

   1. Only when a work zone is closed to all traffic
   2. When workers are present in a work zone
   3. Only after a driver receives a second citation there
   4. Whenever a vehicle is parked on a shoulder
   Show answer

   When workers are present in a work zone. The section is specifically headed as applying when workers are present in a work zone. That condition is different from closing the road, receiving multiple citations, or seeing any vehicle on a shoulder. Drivers should slow down, watch the work area, and follow signs, flaggers, barrels, and cones when the condition exists. The heading is the key cue for the rule's scope. A mobile or active project still requires attention when workers are present, even if traffic continues through the area.

2. 2. How much did Arkansas work zone crashes rise from 2018 to 2021, according to the study guide?

   1. By about 5 percent
   2. By more than 70 percent
   3. They fell by half
   4. They stayed flat
   Show answer

   By more than 70 percent. From 2018 to 2021, work zone crashes rose by more than 70 percent in Arkansas, and in 2024 there were more than 1,600 work zone crashes resulting in more than 53 serious injuries or fatalities. Construction and maintenance workers are at high risk from vehicles moving through the area. Fines double in work zones, including mobile work zones marked on the back of ARDOT vehicles.

3. 3. How much more likely are distracted teens who text while driving to crash, according to research cited in the Arkansas guide?

   1. 23 times more likely
   2. Twice as likely
   3. No more likely
   4. Half as likely
   Show answer

   23 times more likely. National research has found that distracted teens who are texting while driving are 23 times more likely to be involved in a crash, and those crashes are often more serious because the driver reacts late or not at all. Sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for about five seconds, a football field at 55 mph. Arkansas bans all cell phone use for drivers under 18.

Source: the Arkansas Driver License Study Guide, Chapter 2: Work Zone Safety. This lesson is a plain English summary, not the law itself; where it differs, the manual and the statute govern. Last checked 2026-09-27.