MOT Flagging Operations & Procedures 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under MUTCD standards, what color background is used on a FLAGGER AHEAD warning sign?
- Red
- Orange
- Yellow (Correct answer)
- White
Correct answer: Yellow
FLAGGER AHEAD (W20-7a) is a permanent warning sign with a yellow background, not the orange used for temporary traffic control signs.
Question 2: At night, a flagger's retroreflective vest must meet at least which ANSI/ISEA performance class?
- Class 1
- Class 2
- Class 3 (Correct answer)
- Class 4
Correct answer: Class 3
Night flagging operations require Class 3 high-visibility safety apparel per MUTCD and ANSI/ISEA 107 standards.
Question 3: What is the primary purpose of a termination area in a temporary traffic control zone?
- To provide space for construction equipment storage
- To transition traffic back to normal roadway conditions (Correct answer)
- To house the flagger's staging and rest area
- To mark the beginning of the work space
Correct answer: To transition traffic back to normal roadway conditions
The termination area is the downstream end of the work zone where traffic returns to its normal path.
Question 4: A flagger is using a two-way radio. How should they communicate the release of traffic to the opposite flagger?
- By honking a vehicle horn twice
- By using pre-established code words or phrases (Correct answer)
- By waving the flag in the opposite flagger's direction
- By calling the project supervisor for approval
Correct answer: By using pre-established code words or phrases
Radio communication between flaggers must use pre-established, clear code words or phrases to avoid miscommunication.
Question 5: Which condition requires a flagger to immediately suspend operations and notify the supervisor?
- Light pedestrian traffic near the work zone
- A missing or damaged ROAD WORK AHEAD sign (Correct answer)
- A construction vehicle temporarily blocking the flagger's view
- Overcast but dry weather conditions
Correct answer: A missing or damaged ROAD WORK AHEAD sign
Missing or damaged advance warning signs create an unsafe condition that must be reported and corrected before flagging continues.
Question 6: What spacing rule applies when a flagger must stand on a two-lane road to control traffic in both directions simultaneously?
- It is always prohibited; two flaggers must be used (Correct answer)
- One flagger may control both directions if the work zone is under 300 feet
- One flagger may work both directions only on roads with no center line
- Two flaggers are preferred but one may substitute if wearing Class 3 PPE
Correct answer: It is always prohibited; two flaggers must be used
A single flagger controlling traffic in both directions on a two-lane road simultaneously is prohibited; separate flaggers must be stationed at each end.
Question 7: When directing traffic to STOP using a hand signal (without a paddle), the flagger should:
- Extend one arm outward with the palm facing down
- Raise one arm vertically with the palm facing traffic (Correct answer)
- Cross both arms above the head
- Point toward the work zone with an outstretched arm
Correct answer: Raise one arm vertically with the palm facing traffic
The standard STOP hand signal is one arm raised vertically with the palm facing the approaching traffic.
MOT Flagging Operations & Procedures 3
Under MUTCD standards, what color background is used on a FLAGGER AHEAD warning sign?