Stop signs, roundabout signs and work zones

Key points

1. At a stop sign, stop before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection.

   Source: Handbook p. 31

   “Every driver of a vehicle approaching a stop sign shall stop before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection.”
   Rhode Island Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 31

2. A yellow diamond sign with arrows around a circle warns of a roundabout ahead.

   Source: Handbook p. 39

   “Prior to entering a roundabout, the motorist should observe the yellow diamond shaped warning sign for an arrow with a circle pattern”
   Rhode Island Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 39

3. Roundabouts use yield signs, directional signs and pavement markings instead of stop signs or signals.

   Source: Handbook p. 39

   “This type of traffic control does not have stop signs or traffic signals; instead, it utilizes yield signs, directional signs and pavement markings to guide traffic through the intersection.”
   Rhode Island Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 39

4. Construction signs are orange, diamond or rectangular, and appear before, within and after work zones.

   Source: Handbook p. 71

   “Construction signs are orange in color, diamond or rectangular in shape, and posted prior to, within, and after the work zones.”
   Rhode Island Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 71

5. Flaggers have legal authority to control traffic in a work zone.

   Source: Handbook p. 71

   “Flaggers have the legal authority to control traffic.”
   Rhode Island Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 71

6. Do not tailgate in a work zone: most work zone crashes are rear end collisions.

   Source: Handbook p. 71

   “Do not tailgate; most work zone crashes are rear-end collisions.”
   Rhode Island Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 71

7. A No Turn on Red sign means you may not turn right on the red light.

   Source: Handbook p. 55

   “Drivers of motor vehicles in Rhode Island are permitted, but not required, to turn right at a red light after a full stop unless there is a “no turn on red” sign posted.”
   Rhode Island Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 55

Recognize these signs

3 questions from the Rhode Island practice test

1. 1. In a Rhode Island work zone, what color and shapes identify construction signs?

   1. White, pentagonal or oval
   2. Blue, circular or octagonal
   3. Green, triangular or square
   4. Orange, diamond or rectangular
   Show answer

   Orange, diamond or rectangular. Construction signs in Rhode Island work zones are orange and may be diamond or rectangular. The other combinations borrow colors or shapes associated with unrelated sign functions and are not the construction-sign description in the manual. This visual cue helps a driver recognize warnings before, within, and after a work zone. When approaching roadwork, look for the orange panel first, then read the message and respond to the hazard it identifies.

2. 2. What does the yellow diamond sign with arrows around a circle warn a driver about?

   
   1. A one-way street ending ahead
   2. A railroad crossing with a stopped train
   3. A roundabout ahead
   4. A school bus loading zone only
   Show answer

   A roundabout ahead. The manual describes a yellow diamond warning sign showing an arrow with a circle pattern and two or more arrows pointing away from the circle. That symbol announces roundabout exits and prepares the driver for circular, counterclockwise traffic. It is not the railroad crossing symbol, a one-way termination notice, or a message limited to school buses. Once the sign appears, reduce speed, identify the entrance, and plan your lane position before reaching the circle.

3. 3. Which letters on signs and roadway markings warn a driver that a railroad crossing is ahead?

   1. XING
   2. RC
   3. XR
   4. X or RR
   Show answer

   X or RR. The railroad crossing advice tells drivers to watch for signs and roadway markings that show a crossing is ahead, marked with an X or the letters RR. Xing appears separately in the manual’s list of other roadway markings, next to crosswalks, so it is not the railroad marking. Treat the X or RR as an early alert to look for trains. If red signals begin to flash or gates are being lowered, stop, look, and listen, and never try to beat a train or go around lowered gates.

Source: the Rhode Island Driver's Manual, XVII. Appendices. 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.