Skip to content
DMV One Way

Road work ahead sign

W20-1 / Work zone signs

A ROAD WORK AHEAD sign warns of a temporary work area. Expect changing lane layouts, workers, equipment or stopped traffic. Some versions show a distance instead of AHEAD, giving you time to prepare before reaching the work.

Study links for this sign have not been mapped yet.

Road work ahead sign (W20-1)
An orange diamond with black ROAD WORK lettering and either AHEAD or a distance.

What should you do?

Look well ahead, increase space and follow temporary signs, posted speed limits and flagger directions. Make lane changes early and smoothly when instructed.

A useful distinction

The orange warning sign is not itself a numerical speed limit. Separate regulatory signs may set a temporary limit.

Signs to learn alongside this one

Speed limit sign (R2-1)

Speed limit

R2-1

Study links not yet mapped

Meaning & what to do
Merging traffic sign (W4-1)

Merging traffic

W4-1

  • 0 handbook slides
  • 2 questions
Meaning & what to do
Slippery when wet sign (W8-5)

Slippery when wet

W8-5

  • 3 handbook slides
  • 2 questions
Meaning & what to do

Sources & scope

Independent educational summaries by DMV One Way. Sign designs follow MUTCD conventions; state and local rules can add restrictions. Use your current state handbook and the signs on the road for the rules that apply to your trip.

Sources checked . Current guide illustrations: public-domain FHWA Standard Highway Signs. Historical illustrations: DMV One Way archive.

All road signs
DMV One WaySay hello
© 2026 DMV One Way

An independent learning resource. Not affiliated with a DMV or any government agency.

EN · ES · FR