Work zone signs · W20-7
Flagger sign
Archive file: W20-07 Flagger/W20-07 Flagger 30x30.svg
FHWA public-use information
What it means
A flagger controls traffic ahead.
Source: FHWA MUTCD — MUTCD 11th Edition with Revision 1 (December 2025), Section 6H.15, paragraph 01, PDF page 847.
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Meaning
Flagger warns that a person is directing traffic ahead. Expect instructions to stop or move slowly through the work area. The sign gives advance notice; the flagger’s paddle or flag supplies the instruction you must follow when you reach that control point.
What to do
In Pennsylvania, pay close attention to the flagger as you approach and travel through the work zone. Obey the person’s directions even when they differ from an ordinary traffic device: PennDOT explicitly gives flagger instructions priority over conventional traffic controls.
Where it is used
Federal guidance puts the Flagger warning before the place where the person is stationed. A distance plaque may identify how far ahead the control point is. Use that advance notice to prepare for traffic control rather than assuming the roadway remains open at its usual speed.
A sign to tell apart
Workers warns of people working in or near the road. Flagger specifically warns of someone controlling traffic. Both require attention in the work area, but recognizing a flagger means preparing to receive and obey a direction, rather than only watching for workers beside your lane.
Practice with explanations
These are original learning questions based on the cited handbooks. Read each answer and its explanation below.
1. What does the Flagger warning prepare a Pennsylvania driver to encounter?
- A person controlling traffic ahead.
- A road reserved only for pedestrians.
- A school bus loading area.
Answer: A. A person controlling traffic ahead.
Flaggers use a paddle or red flag to tell drivers to stop or move slowly. Watch for their directions.
2. A Pennsylvania work-zone flagger’s direction conflicts with an ordinary traffic control device. Which should you follow?
- The ordinary device in every case.
- Whichever lets you pass the work zone faster.
- The flagger’s direction.
Answer: C. The flagger’s direction.
PennDOT gives flaggers authority over conventional traffic control devices in this situation.
State source coverage
Handbook coverage and sample questions do not prove that a sign will appear on your exam. Even a published test scope cannot guarantee an individual exam question.
Pennsylvania
Handbook coverage
PennDOT explains this sign in its Pennsylvania Driver’s Manual. This is handbook coverage; it does not establish that this particular sign will appear on your Knowledge Test.
Pennsylvania permit sources · Practice with Pennsylvania questions
Federal sign and assembly options
The federal manual permits a word-message FLAGGER sign with a distance in place of the symbol sign. It also permits a separate distance plaque beneath the symbol. Both provide advance notice of the person directing traffic.
- Official source · MUTCD 11th Edition with Revision 1, Section 6H.15, paragraph 03 · PDF page 847 · Checked
- Official source · MUTCD 11th Edition with Revision 1, Section 6H.15, paragraph 02 · PDF page 847 · Checked
State-specific variations have not been independently established for this study.
Verified question coverage
These free state-bank questions were independently verified. This does not establish complete state-bank readiness, app availability or what will appear on your permit exam.
California
1 free question uses this sign in Steerlet's verified question data.
California permit sources · General California permit practice (does not include this sign)
The linked 20-question permit quizzes do not currently include this sign.
Practice this sign in the federal 20-sign quiz. That tool uses MUTCD questions and is separate from the state-bank questions listed here.
This meaning is a federal MUTCD reference. Check your state's handbook for its rules and sign coverage; this page does not establish what appears on a state permit exam.
Try the free road sign quiz or find your state's handbook.
