Texas Driver Handbook 2017

Chapter 5: Signals, Signs, and Markers 

Texas Driver Handbook

Barrels

Barrels that are engineered to act as an impact cushion reduce the seriousness of crashes. These barrels are usually installed in front 

of a solid obstacle and in areas of high crash frequency.

Hearing Impaired

If you see this flag on the back of a bicycle, slow down, as the bicycle operator may be hearing impaired. This sign may also be 

displayed on vehicles to alert others the driver may be hearing impaired.

Construction and Maintenance Devices

Various traffic control devices are used in construction and maintenance work areas to direct drivers, bicyclists, or 

pedestrians safely through the work zone and to provide for the safety of the workers.

The most commonly used traffic control devices are signs, barricades, vertical panels, drums, cones, tubes,  

flashing arrow panels, and flag individuals. Orange is the basic color for these devices.

When you are in a construction and maintenance work area, be prepared:

1.  To slow down or stop as you approach workers and equipment

2.  To change lanes

3.  For unexpected movements of workers and equipment

Construction and Maintenance Signs

Construction and maintenance signs are used to alert drivers of unusual or potentially dangerous conditions in or near work areas. 

Most signs in work areas are diamond shaped, but a few are rectangular.

Table 23: Construction and Maintenance Signs

Sign

Sign

Sign

Sign

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 Special 

Note:

Traffic f

ines doub

le 

for violat

ions 

that occ

ur in 

construc

tion zone

s 

where wo

rkers are 

present.

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Chapter 5: Signals, Signs, and Markers 

Texas Driver Handbook

Channelizing Devices

Barricades, vertical panels, drums, cones, and tubes are the most commonly used devices to alert drivers of unusual or potentially 

dangerous conditions in highway and street work areas, and to guide drivers safely through the work zone. At night channelizing 

devices are often equipped with flashing or steady burn lights.

When you encounter any type of channelizing device:

1.  Slow down and prepare to change lanes when it is safe to do so.

2.  Be prepared for drivers who wait until the last second to move to the open lane.

3.  Maintain reduced speed until you clear the construction area. There should be a sign indicating you are leaving the construction 

area.

4.  Return to the normal driving lane only after checking traffic behind you.

Passing Traffic

The diagonal stripes on the barricade or vertical panel guide the driver towards the direction to where the traffic is to pass.

Pass to the Right  

Stripes sloping downward to the right means the driver should bear to the right.

Pass to the Left

Stripes sloping downward to the left means the driver should bear to the left.

Flashing Arrow Panels

Large flashing or sequencing arrow panels may be used in work zones day and night to guide 

drivers into certain traffic lanes and to inform them part of the road ahead is closed.

Flag Person

A flag person is often provided in roadway work zones to stop, slow, or guide traffic safely through the area. A flag person wears an 

orange vest, shirt, or jacket and uses stop/slow paddles or red flags to direct traffic through work zones.

1.  A flag person is used in cases of extreme hazard.

2.  A flag person’s instructions must be obeyed.

3.  When instructed to stop, do so in your lane and do not veer right or left.

4.  Do not attempt to go forward until the flag person instructs you to do so.

5.  Proceed with caution, expect the unexpected.

6.  Always be on the lookout for oncoming vehicles in your lane of traffic.

STOP

SLOW

Automated Flagger Assistance Device (AFAD)

An automated flagger assistance device (AFAD) is used to control road users through temporary traffic zones. An AFAD is de-

signed to be remotely operated, allowing a flag person to be positioned out of the lane of traffic.

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Chapter 5: Signals, Signs, and Markers 

Texas Driver Handbook

Obey Warning Signs and Barricades

It is a violation to disobey the instructions, signals, warnings, or markings of a warning sign, or to drive around a barricade.

The offense is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of $1 to $200. Fines double in a construction or maintenance work zone when 

workers are present.

The offense is a Class B misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $2,000 and/or up to 180 days in jail when a warning sign or 

barricade has been placed at a location where water is over any portion of a road, street, or highway.

Slow-Moving Vehicle Emblem

This emblem is required for all slow-moving vehicles. Slow-moving vehicles are those designed to operate at a maximum speed of 

25 mph or less, and the term includes all vehicles, farm and other machinery, and any other road machinery drawn by either animals 

or slow moving motor vehicles.

a.  The use of this emblem is prohibited on anything other than a slow-moving vehicle. It must not be used on other vehicles or on 

stationary objects.

b.  Exceptions. The following do not need the special emblem:

1)  A vehicle being used in actual construction work while traveling within the limits of a construction area marked as required 

by the Texas Transportation Commission;

2)  An implement or machinery being towed by a slow-moving vehicle bearing an emblem, if this emblem remains visible.

SLOW MOVING VEHICLE EMBLEM

REAR

HAZARD WARNING LIGHTS 

(FLASHERS) RED OR AMBER

RED TAIL LIGHT

RED REFLECTOR

Image source: Some images in this chapter are courtesy of The MUTCD, 2009 Edition, published by FHWA at mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/pdfs/2009/pdf_index.htm

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