Work Zone, Guide and Service Signs

Key points

1. Orange means you are nearing or in a work zone.

   Source: Handbook p. 23

   “THE COLOR ORANGE tells you that you are nearing or in a work zone.”
   Oklahoma Driver Manual, Handbook p. 23

2. You must slow to the posted speed in construction zones, and speeding fines double when workers or equipment are present.

   Source: Handbook p. 23

   “You must slow down to the posted speed. Speeding fines are doubled in a construction or maintenance zone when workers or equipment are present.”
   Oklahoma Driver Manual, Handbook p. 23

3. Disobeying work zone signs is a misdemeanor with a fine of $100.00 to $1,000.00 and up to 30 days in jail.

   Source: Handbook p. 24

   “misdemeanor punishable by a fine between $100.00 to $1,000.00 and/or up to 30 days in jail”
   Oklahoma Driver Manual, Handbook p. 24

4. Flagpersons direct traffic with red signs or flags, and the law demands that you obey them.

   Source: Handbook p. 24

   “They hold red signs or flags to direct traffic. The law demands that you obey them.”
   Oklahoma Driver Manual, Handbook p. 24

5. When a flagperson tells you to stop, stop in your lane without veering right or left.

   Source: Handbook p. 24

   “When instructed to stop, stop in your lane. Don’t veer right or left.”
   Oklahoma Driver Manual, Handbook p. 24

6. Guide signs give travel information such as highways, distances and exits.

   Source: Handbook p. 25

   “GUIDE SIGNS give you travel information. They identify highways, show distances, mark exits, point to parks and recreation areas and more.”
   Oklahoma Driver Manual, Handbook p. 25

7. Mileposts mark every mile on interstates, starting at the state line.

   Source: Handbook p. 25

   “Mileposts mark every mile on interstate highways starting at the state line.”
   Oklahoma Driver Manual, Handbook p. 25

8. Blue service signs show where service stations, restaurants and motels are.

   Source: Handbook p. 25

   “SERVICE SIGNS give information and directions about facilities. They show where service stations, restaurants and motels are available.”
   Oklahoma Driver Manual, Handbook p. 25

Numbers to know

Recognize these signs

3 questions from the Oklahoma practice test

1. 1. What does the color orange mean on Oklahoma construction and maintenance signs?

   1. A hospital or fuel service is ahead
   2. You are nearing or in a work zone
   3. A recreational route begins
   4. A permanent speed limit is ending
   Show answer

   You are nearing or in a work zone. Orange signals that a driver is nearing or in a work zone. The manual connects that color with signs, barricades, and channeling devices used to guide traffic and protect workers and flagpersons. Blue service signs identify facilities, while recreational and speed information use different sign purposes. The right response is to slow as posted, watch for lane changes, and follow directions. Treat orange as a temporary roadway danger cue, not as a destination marker.

2. 2. What information do Oklahoma guide signs commonly provide?

   1. Required tire pressure
   2. Only temporary work-zone penalties
   3. The driver's BAC result
   4. Highway routes, distances, and exits
   Show answer

   Highway routes, distances, and exits. Guide signs provide travel information. The manual says they identify highways, show distances, mark exits, and point toward parks and recreation areas. Work-zone penalties, an alcohol result, and tire pressure are not guide-sign functions. When reading a green, white, or brown guide sign, use it to understand where the roadway leads and which lane or exit may serve the planned route. The cue is navigation information rather than a command or vehicle measurement.

3. 3. What information is commonly provided by blue service signs?

   1. Locations of facilities such as service stations, restaurants, and motels
   2. The maximum speed for the current road
   3. A warning that a curve is immediately ahead
   4. The number of tracks at a railroad crossing
   Show answer

   Locations of facilities such as service stations, restaurants, and motels. Blue service signs direct drivers to facilities and identify where practical roadside services are available. The manual lists service stations, restaurants, and motels as examples. A speed limit is a regulatory message, a curve warning uses the warning-sign system, and track counts appear with railroad crossing information. Blue does not mean that a facility is in the immediate lane or that a driver may stop wherever the sign appears. Use the information to plan a safe exit or stopping location.

Source: the Oklahoma Driver Manual, Chapter 4: Signs, Signals and 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.