Regulatory, guide, work zone and railroad signs

Key points

1. Some regulatory signs have a red circle with a red slash over a symbol, which prohibits that action.

   Source: Handbook p. 22

   “Some regulatory signs have a red circle with a red slash over a symbol, which prohibit certain actions.”
   New Hampshire Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 22

2. Black and white speed limit signs show the maximum legal speed in ideal conditions.

   Source: Handbook p. 22

   “Speed Limit Signs These black and white signs indicate the maximum legal speed allowed in ideal conditions.”
   New Hampshire Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 22

3. Guide signs are square or rectangular and green, brown or blue.

   Source: Handbook p. 22

   “These signs are square and rectangular and are green, brown, or blue.”
   New Hampshire Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 22

4. Even numbered interstates run west and east, odd numbered ones run north and south.

   Source: Handbook p. 22

   “Even numbers are west/east routes and odd numbers are north/south routes.”
   New Hampshire Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 22

5. A three digit route with an even first number goes through or around a city; an odd first number leads into a city.

   Source: Handbook p. 22

   “Three numbered routes with an odd first number are routes into a city. Three numbered routes with an even first number go through or around a city.”
   New Hampshire Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 22

6. When a train approaches, stop behind the stop line or not less than 15 feet nor more than 50 feet from the nearest rail.

   Source: Handbook p. 22

   “a driver must stop behind the stop line or not less than 15 feet, nor more than 50 feet from the nearest rail of the track.”
   New Hampshire Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 22

7. Buses carrying passengers and trucks with flammable or hazardous material must stop before any railroad crossing.

   Source: Handbook p. 22

   “The law requires buses that carry passengers and trucks carrying flammable or hazardous material to stop before any railroad crossing, even if there is no sign of a train coming.”
   New Hampshire Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 22

8. In work zones, you must follow the instructions of a person directing traffic with a sign or flag.

   Source: Handbook p. 23

   “In work zones, traffic may be controlled by a person with a sign or flag to tell drivers which direction to travel, to slow down or stop. Drivers must follow their instructions.”
   New Hampshire Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 23

9. Fines may be doubled in a work zone when it is clearly marked.

   Source: Handbook p. 23

   “Fines may be doubled in a work zone; however, this will be clearly marked before entering the work zone.”
   New Hampshire Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 23

Numbers to know

Recognize these signs

3 questions from the New Hampshire practice test

1. 1. Where is this white X-shaped crossbuck sign placed according to the New Hampshire manual?

   
   1. Well before the crossing as advance warning
   2. At the railroad crossing itself, to indicate where the crossing is
   3. At the end of a no passing zone
   4. Only at crossings with gates
   Show answer

   At the railroad crossing itself, to indicate where the crossing is. The manual assigns the X shape a specific meaning: a crossbuck indicates where a railroad crossing is. It marks the crossing itself, while the round yellow sign with the X and RR letters is the advance warning placed along the road before the crossing. At the crossbuck, look and listen for a train. When a train or railroad vehicle is approaching, stop behind the stop line or not less than 15 feet nor more than 50 feet from the nearest rail.

2. 2. How are interstate route numbers coded in New Hampshire and nationally?

   1. Odd numbers run west and east; even numbers run north and south
   2. Even numbers run west and east; odd numbers run north and south
   3. Low numbers are toll roads
   4. Three digit routes are always toll roads
   Show answer

   Even numbers run west and east; odd numbers run north and south. Interstate routes are numbered by code. Even numbers are west and east routes and odd numbers are north and south routes. Three digit routes follow a second rule: an odd first number marks a route into a city, and an even first number marks a route that goes through or around a city. The shape and color of route signs also tell you the type of road, whether interstate, US route, state route, or local road.

3. 3. What color and shape are New Hampshire work zone signs?

   1. Yellow with black letters, always diamond
   2. Orange with black letters or symbols, generally diamond or rectangular
   3. Red and white rectangles
   4. Blue and white squares
   Show answer

   Orange with black letters or symbols, generally diamond or rectangular. Work zone signs are generally diamond or rectangular shaped and orange with black letters or symbols. These construction, maintenance or emergency operation signs alert drivers that people are working on or near the roadway and warn of workers ahead, reduced speed, detours, slow moving equipment and poor or suddenly changing road surfaces. Yellow signs are ordinary warnings, red is prohibition, and blue is driver services. Always reduce speed in a work zone even without a posted change.

Source: the New Hampshire Driver's 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.