Warning, school and work zone signs

Key points

1. Warning signs are yellow with a black legend and warn of hazardous conditions ahead.

   Source: Handbook p. 11

   “Warning signs are used to warn you of potentially hazardous conditions ahead so that you will proceed with extra caution. These signs are yellow with a black legend.”
   North Dakota Noncommercial Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 11

2. Curve and turn signs are often paired with an advisory speed for the curve.

   Source: Handbook p. 11

   “They are often supplemented with an advisory speed sign showing the maximum recommended speed to negotiate the curve or turn.”
   North Dakota Noncommercial Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 11

3. Pedestrian and school signs may be fluorescent yellow green or standard yellow.

   Source: Handbook p. 12

   “School Signs May be fluorescent yellow-green or standard yellow in color.”
   North Dakota Noncommercial Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 12

4. The round yellow Railroad Advance Warning sign means a crossing is near: slow down so you can stop.

   Source: Handbook p. 12

   “The Railroad Advance Warning sign is round with black lettering on a yellow background. The sign indicates that you are nearing a railroad crossing. You should slow down so that you can safely stop if a train is coming.”
   North Dakota Noncommercial Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 12

5. An orange triangle with a red border marks vehicles moving 25 mph or less.

   Source: Handbook p. 12

   “This sign is mounted on the rear of vehicles or equipment being towed at a speed of 25 miles per hour or less.”
   North Dakota Noncommercial Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 12

6. Most work zone signs are orange, diamond shaped and have a black legend.

   Source: Handbook p. 13

   “Most signs in work areas are diamond shaped. A few signs are rectangular. These signs are orange with a black legend.”
   North Dakota Noncommercial Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 13

7. Barricade stripes sloping down to the right mean keep right; sloping down to the left mean keep left.

   Source: Handbook p. 13

   “Stripes sloping downward to the right mean the driver shouldkeep to the right. Conversely, stripes sloping downward to the left mean keep to the left.”
   North Dakota Noncommercial Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 13

8. 98 percent of work zone fatalities are travelers, not workers.

   Source: Handbook p. 14

   “98 percent of Work Zone fatalities are travelers.”
   North Dakota Noncommercial Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 14

9. Drive at slower speeds where deer crossing signs are posted.

   Source: Handbook p. 25

   “Drive at slower speeds in areas where deer crossing signs are posted.”
   North Dakota Noncommercial Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 25

Numbers to know

Recognize these signs

3 questions from the North Dakota practice test

1. 1. What color and legend do North Dakota warning signs use?

   1. Green with a white legend
   2. Blue with a white legend
   3. Yellow with a black legend
   4. White with a red legend
   Show answer

   Yellow with a black legend. North Dakota warning signs are yellow with a black legend. This color and lettering combination helps drivers recognize information about hazards before reaching the condition. Blue and white are commonly associated with services, while green and white identify guide information such as directions. A white sign with red lettering is not the warning-sign pattern described here. When the yellow and black combination appears, read the symbol or message and adjust speed and attention for what lies ahead.

2. 2. What does the round yellow railroad advance warning sign tell you?

   1. A school crossing is immediately open
   2. A railroad crossing is nearing
   3. A construction lane must be entered
   4. A hospital is located on the next block
   Show answer

   A railroad crossing is nearing. The round yellow railroad advance warning sign means a railroad crossing is ahead. It calls for slower approach and readiness to stop if a train is coming. A school, construction, or hospital message uses different sign meanings and does not explain this circular symbol. Treat the warning as an early search cue: look for the crossing devices, listen for a train, and make sure the tracks are clear before proceeding. Never let the familiar road pattern replace that check.

3. 3. What colors may be used for North Dakota school warning signs?

   1. Orange or white only
   2. Fluorescent yellow green or standard yellow
   3. Blue or brown depending on the school district
   4. Red and black only
   Show answer

   Fluorescent yellow green or standard yellow. School warning signs may use either fluorescent yellow green or standard yellow. These colors call attention to a school or school crosswalk so drivers can lower speed and watch for children. Orange is associated with construction and maintenance work zones, while blue and brown identify service or recreational information in other sign categories. When the school sign appears, use the color as an early warning cue, then scan the roadway and crossing area for children and pedestrians.

Source: the North Dakota Noncommercial Driver License Manual, Signs, Signals, and Road Markings. 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.