Be Prepared to Stop Sign
You may need to stop ahead for traffic control
In short: A Be Prepared to Stop sign warns that you may need to stop ahead — typically for a flagger, work-zone traffic control, or a signal hidden by the road's curve or crest. Reduce speed, increase following distance, and be ready to stop completely.
What to do
Reduce speed and be ready to stop if flagged.
Tips
Common before flagging operations.
Test yourself
You see this sign while driving. What do you have to do?
Show the answer
Reduce speed and be ready to stop if flagged.
Common mistake
Not being prepared to stop
How to recognize this sign
Also searched as be prepared to stop signs, prepare to stop sign, or be prepared to stop ahead.
About construction signs
Construction and work-zone signs are orange with black symbols. They mark temporary conditions — lane shifts, flaggers, reduced speeds — and fines are often doubled in work zones. Test questions focus on how to respond safely around workers and equipment.
Practice the rule this sign carries
A 'Flagger Ahead' sign in a construction zone means:
- A. A flagger is ahead — follow their directions
- B. A warning flag marks the work zone edge
- C. The road is one lane ahead — traffic alternates
- D. Signals replace the flagger ahead
Show answer
A. A flagger is ahead — follow their directions — A 'Flagger Ahead' sign warns that a person controlling traffic (flagger) is at an upcoming point in the work zone. Reduce speed and be prepared to stop — flaggers have full legal authority to control traffic.
Universal rule · checked against MUTCD 11th Edition, Revision 1 (December 2025) — Section 6H.15 — Flagger Signs (W20-7 and W20-7a) · verified 2026-07-27
Frequently asked questions
What does the Be Prepared to Stop Sign mean?
You may need to stop ahead for traffic control
What should you do at a Be Prepared to Stop Sign?
Reduce speed and be ready to stop if flagged.
Reference standard: Federal Highway Administration Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices ↗. State and local agencies may add rules or operating times, so follow the complete posted sign where you drive. How DMV Prep sources content.
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