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Official United States Work Zone Speed Limit Road Sign

Federal MUTCD Specifications

Standard Code
R2-5b
Sign Category
Regulatory
Shape
Vertical Rectangle
Color Scheme
White and Orange Multi-Panel Sign

Regulatory Road Sign (R2-5b)

Work Zone Speed Limit Sign Meaning & Driving Rules

Mandates enforceable lower speed limits inside an active construction or road work zone.

Required Driver Action & Right-of-Way Protocol

Reduce speed to the posted work zone limit. Maintain increased following distance and watch for workers.

Detailed Overview & Purpose

The Work Zone Speed Limit sign (R2-5b) establishes a legally binding speed reduction through construction areas. Fines for violating work zone speed limits are doubled or tripled under state law in all 50 states.

Key Standard & Origin: Fines double in work zones even if workers are not actively visible in the roadway.

Where You'll Find This Sign

Entry points and corridors of active highway construction zones.

Common Driver Mistakes to Avoid

Assuming the work zone speed limit only applies during standard daylight working hours.

How This Sign Appears on the DMV Knowledge & Road Test

Mandatory exam question on doubled work zone fines and worker safety rules.

Legal Penalties and Moving Violations

Speeding in a work zone carries statutory doubled/tripled fines ($300–$1,000+).

DMV Knowledge Check

When you encounter the official Work Zone Speed Limit (R2-5b) on a roadway, what is your legal duty?

Prepare for Your State Permit Exam

Take full 2026 practice tests covering mandatory road signs, traffic laws, and state-specific driving rules.

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