Roadwork ahead sign
What the Roadwork ahead sign means: Work is going on in the road ahead, so slow down and watch for changed conditions.
- Group
- Roadwork signs
- Does this group carry the law
- Enforceable, and it overrides the permanent signs underneath it.
- In the sign deck
- 3 questions ask about this sign
What to do when you see it
- Slow down as soon as you see the sign, not once you can see the work.
- Expect a changed layout: shifted lanes, temporary line marking, gravel and unsealed edges.
- Follow the temporary signs and any traffic controller, which take priority over the permanent signs and the paint.
- Leave a bigger gap, since traffic through a work zone stops without warning.
Where you see it
On the approach to any work zone, from a few hundred metres out on urban roads and much further out on highways.
Across the states and territories
Orange signs for temporary conditions are used nationally. Penalties for speeding in a work zone, and whether they increase when workers are present, are set by each state and territory, so the fine differs even where the sign does not.
Tell it apart from these
- Roadwork aheadthis pageWorkers ahead
Roadwork ahead is about the site. Workers ahead is about people standing in it, which is why the speed matters more.
Workers ahead: People are working on or beside the road ahead, so slow down and give them room.
- Roadwork aheadthis pageDetour
Roadwork means the road is open in a changed form. A detour means it is closed.
Detour: The road ahead is closed, so follow the arrows on these signs along the marked alternative route.
How the knowledge tests use it
Questions test that temporary signs override permanent ones, including line marking and posted limits.
What does this sign mean?
Orange signs mark temporary conditions. From here on you can expect changed lanes, uneven surfaces, loose stones, plant crossing the road and workers on foot.
State and territory driver handbooks, roadworks
Common questions
- What does the Roadwork ahead sign mean?
- Work is going on in the road ahead, so slow down and watch for changed conditions.
- What should you do when you see a Roadwork ahead sign?
- Slow down as soon as you see the sign, not once you can see the work. Expect a changed layout: shifted lanes, temporary line marking, gravel and unsealed edges. Follow the temporary signs and any traffic controller, which take priority over the permanent signs and the paint. Leave a bigger gap, since traffic through a work zone stops without warning.
- Where is the Roadwork ahead sign used?
- On the approach to any work zone, from a few hundred metres out on urban roads and much further out on highways.
- What is the Roadwork ahead sign confused with?
- Workers ahead: Roadwork ahead is about the site. Workers ahead is about people standing in it, which is why the speed matters more. Detour: Roadwork means the road is open in a changed form. A detour means it is closed.
- How do the knowledge tests ask about the Roadwork ahead sign?
- Questions test that temporary signs override permanent ones, including line marking and posted limits.
Try it in a question
Original practice questions, not the official bank. How we write and check them.
More roadwork signs
Orange plate with a black legend or symbol.