Warning, railroad and work zone signs

Key points

1. Warning signs warn of danger ahead; they are usually yellow diamonds with black letters or symbols.

   Source: Handbook p. 6-4

   “Warning Signs These signs warn of danger ahead. They are usually diamond shaped. They are usually yellow with black lettering or symbols.”
   Maine Driver's License Manual, Handbook p. 6-4

2. A round yellow sign with an X and RR means slow down, look and listen for a train, and be ready to stop.

   Source: Handbook p. 6-5

   “A round yellow warning sign with an “X” symbol and black “RR.” The sign cautions you to slow down, look and listen for a train or railroad vehicle. Be prepared to stop.”
   Maine Driver's License Manual, Handbook p. 6-5

3. At a white X shaped crossbuck, if a train is coming you must stop behind the stop line or before the tracks.

   Source: Handbook p. 6-5

   “A white, X-shaped sign with “Railroad Crossing.” If a train or railroad vehicle is coming you must stop behind the stop line or before the tracks.”
   Maine Driver's License Manual, Handbook p. 6-5

4. Cross tracks quickly after looking both ways, and never stop on them.

   Source: Handbook p. 6-5

   “When crossing railroad tracks, look both ways and cross the tracks quickly. Do not stop on the railroad tracks.”
   Maine Driver's License Manual, Handbook p. 6-5

5. If red lights are flashing at a crossing, stop at least 15 feet away and do not drive around a gate.

   Source: Handbook p. 8-3

   “If red lights are flashing, stop at least 15 feet from the crossing and wait until they go out or until you see that the way is clear in both directions. Do not drive around any railroad crossing gate or barrier.”
   Maine Driver's License Manual, Handbook p. 8-3

6. Work zone signs are orange diamonds or rectangles with black letters or symbols.

   Source: Handbook p. 6-5

   “Work Zone Signs Are orange diamond or rectangular shaped signs with black letters or symbols.”
   Maine Driver's License Manual, Handbook p. 6-5

7. You must do as a flagger directs in a work zone.

   Source: Handbook p. 6-5

   “A flagger may direct traffic in a work zone. You must do as the flagger directs.”
   Maine Driver's License Manual, Handbook p. 6-5

8. Fines for speeding in a work zone are doubled.

   Source: Handbook p. 6-6

   “Fines for speeding in a work zone are doubled.”
   Maine Driver's License Manual, Handbook p. 6-6

9. A 5 sided sign means a school zone, where you must slow to 15 mph at the posted times.

   Source: Handbook p. 8-3

   “A 5-sided sign means you are in a school zone and must slow to 15 mph during recess, or when children are going to or leaving school”
   Maine Driver's License Manual, Handbook p. 8-3

Numbers to know

Recognize these signs

3 questions from the Maine practice test

1. 1. What shape and color identify most Maine warning signs?

   1. Blue circle
   2. Yellow diamond
   3. Green rectangle
   4. White octagon
   Show answer

   Yellow diamond. Most Maine warning signs are yellow and shaped like a diamond. That combination tells the driver to expect a hazard or roadway change and to prepare before reaching it. A blue circle, green rectangle, or white octagon identifies a different sign category or function. Use both visual features together rather than relying on color alone. When the yellow diamond appears, scan past the sign, compare the symbol with the road ahead, and adjust speed if the approaching condition requires more time to react.

2. 2. At this railroad crossbuck, what must you do if a train or railroad vehicle is coming?

   
   1. Cross quickly without looking if no lights flash
   2. Drive around the gate if the crossing looks clear
   3. Stop on the tracks until the train passes
   4. Stop behind the stop line or before the tracks
   Show answer

   Stop behind the stop line or before the tracks. Maine's white X-shaped railroad crossing sign marks the crossing itself. When a train or railroad vehicle is coming, the driver must stop behind the stop line or before the tracks. Driving around a gate is unsafe and prohibited, while stopping on the tracks creates a dangerous obstruction. A dark signal does not remove the need to look and listen. Keep the vehicle clear of the rails and wait for a safe indication before crossing, especially where more than one track may be present.

3. 3. What does an orange diamond or rectangular work zone sign warn drivers about?

   1. A recreational area with no traffic changes
   2. A hospital or emergency room entrance
   3. Road work and people working on or near the road
   4. A permanent route number and county boundary
   Show answer

   Road work and people working on or near the road. Orange work zone signs identify road construction or maintenance activity and warn that workers may be close to moving traffic. They can accompany messages about reduced speed, detours, machinery, or surface changes. The color does not identify hospitals, recreation sites, or route numbers. Once the warning appears, reduce speed, watch for cones and barriers, and be prepared to stop or follow a flagger. Work zones can remain hazardous even when no workers are immediately visible.

Source: the Maine Driver's License Manual, Section 6: Rules of the Road. 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.