Maine Road Signs: BMV Exam, 15 mph School Zones & Doubled Fines

What is the school zone speed limit in Maine and when does it apply? What happens if you illegally pass a school bus in Maine? What does a flashing yellow light mean in Maine? The Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles knowledge test has 30 questions, and you must answer at least 24 correctly. Maine's school-zone limit is 15 mph during recess and specified school opening and closing periods, and work-zone speeding fines are doubled. A first offense for illegally passing a stopped school bus carries a minimum $250 fine; a second offense within 3 years requires a 30-day license suspension. MaineDOT places moose and deer crossing signs where wildlife concentrations are high and collisions are common.

1. From Acadia Coastal Roads to the Western Mountains: Why Maine BMV Written Exam Puts Signs First

Maine roads run from Portland busy urban grid and the foggy coastal Route 1 to the Downeast fishing communities, Baxter State Park wilderness routes, and the steep Western Maine mountain highways near Bethel and Rangeley. The Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), under the Secretary of State, has administered driver licensing since 1905. The written exam covers highway signs, Maine drinking and driving laws, and traffic rules. all from the official manual. Exams are offered on a scheduled basis at all BMV branch offices. Special emphasis is placed on understanding Maine drunk driving laws.

2. Reading Maine Road Signs by Shape and Color: Critical on Fog-Prone Coastal Routes and Rural Two-Lanes

On Maine fog-bound coastal highways, low-visibility mountain passes, and dark rural roads, shape and color identify a signs category before the text is readable. Maine written exam tests highway signs specifically. master this table before your scheduled BMV branch visit.

Shape	Diagram	Meaning	Example Sign
Octagon (8-sided)		STOP. come to a complete stop, wheels fully stopped, check all directions, then proceed when clear
Triangle (inverted)		Yield slow down, check traffic; if clear proceed, if not stop and wait until safe to go
Diamond		Hazard ahead; slow down, stay alert, and be ready to stop or steer
Rectangle (vertical)		Regulatory or instructional information; obey the posted requirement
Rectangle (horizontal)		Informational sign; read it and use it to navigate or plan your route
Pentagon (5-sided)		School zone ahead; reduce speed and watch for children crossing
Round (circle)		Railroad crossing ahead; slow down, look both ways, and prepare to stop
Pennant		No passing zone; do not attempt to overtake any vehicle ahead
Orange (any shape)		Construction or work zone ahead; slow down, stay alert, and obey all posted signs
Blue (any shape)		Motorist services nearby; exit if you need fuel, food, or medical care
Brown (any shape)		Park or scenic area ahead; follow directional signs to reach it

3. Maine Regulatory Signs: Violations That Can Suspend Your BMV License or Privilege

Regulatory signs carry legal force in Maine, and drivers must obey official traffic-control devices. Passing a stopped school bus with red lights flashing is punishable by a minimum $250 fine for a first offense and a mandatory 30-day license suspension for a second offense within 3 years. White rectangular signs, prohibitory signs, and lane-control signs are covered in the Maine Driver's License Manual.

STOP Sign

Come to a full stop and yield before proceeding

YIELD Sign

Slow down and give right-of-way; stop if needed before proceeding

Speed Limit Sign

Do not exceed this speed; adjust for road and weather conditions

Do Not Enter Sign

Entry prohibited; turn around or find an alternate route

Wrong Way Sign

You have entered a one-way road against traffic

No U-Turn Sign

U-turns are prohibited at this location

No Left Turn Sign

Do not turn left here; continue straight or turn right

No Right Turn Sign

Do not turn right here; continue straight or turn left

One Way Sign

All traffic flows one direction; do not enter going the wrong way

Keep Right Sign

Move to the right side of the island or obstruction

No Passing Zone Sign

Do not pass here; wait until the no-passing zone ends

Do Not Pass Sign

Do not overtake any vehicle ahead until passing is permitted again

No Turn on Red Sign

Wait for a green signal before turning; do not turn on red

No Left Turn on Red Sign

Wait for green before turning left; no turn on red permitted

No Right Turn on Red Sign

Wait for green before turning right; no turn on red permitted

Turn Left Only Sign

You must turn left from this lane; going straight is not allowed

Turn Right Only Sign

You must turn right from this lane; going straight is not allowed

Straight or Turn Right Sign

From this lane you may only go straight or turn right

Minimum Speed Limit Sign

Do not drive below the posted minimum speed unless a lower speed is necessary for safe operation

Slower Traffic Keep Right Sign

Move to the right lane if you are driving slower than traffic

No Parking Sign

Parking prohibited here; find a legal parking area nearby

No Trucks Sign

Trucks prohibited on this road; use an alternate truck route

No Bicycles Sign

Cyclists must not enter; use an alternate route

No Pedestrian Crossing Sign

Pedestrians must not cross here; use the nearest crosswalk

Reserved Parking Sign

Park here only if you qualify; others must find a different spot

Four Way Stop Sign

Stop completely, then take turns in order of arrival

Stop Except Right Turn Sign

Traffic must stop except for the permitted right-turn movement; right-turning traffic must still yield as required

Left Turn Yield on Green Sign

Yield to all oncoming traffic before completing your left turn

Lane Use Control Sign

Follow the sign; only the shown movement is permitted from this lane

Restricted Lane Ahead Sign

Check eligibility before entering; unauthorized use is a violation

4. Maine Warning Signs: Moose Crossings, Coastal Fog Zones & Mountain Grade Warnings

Diamond-shaped warning signs flag hazards ahead. MaineDOT says locations for Maine moose and deer crossing signs are selected based on high wildlife concentrations and where collisions are common. Orange signs mark construction and maintenance work zones where speeding fines are doubled.

Left Curve

A curve to the left is ahead; reduce speed

Right Curve

A curve to the right is ahead; reduce speed

Sharp Left Turn

A very sharp left turn is ahead; slow down

Sharp Right Turn

A very sharp right turn is ahead; slow down

Winding Road

Multiple curves ahead; reduce speed and stay in your lane throughout

Set of Curves (Left-Right)

Multiple curves ahead curving left then right; reduce speed

Set of Curves (Right-Left)

Multiple curves ahead curving right then left; reduce speed

Sharp Turns (Left-Right)

Successive sharp turns ahead; slow down significantly

Slippery When Wet

Wet road is slippery; reduce speed and increase following distance

Deer Crossing

Animals frequently cross here; slow down and scan both sides of the road

Pedestrian Crossing

Crosswalk ahead; when traffic-control devices are not operating, yield to pedestrians crossing or showing visible intent to enter the marked crosswalk

Bicycle Crossing

Cyclists may cross here; slow down, watch for bicycles, and yield when required

School Zone / Crossing

Children may be present; slow to posted speed

School Crossing Ahead

School crosswalk ahead; yield to crossing guard and children

Divided Highway Begins

Road splits ahead; keep right and stay in your lane

Divided Highway Ends

Two-way traffic resumes ahead; stay right and watch oncoming traffic

Merging Traffic

Traffic is merging from another lane; adjust speed to allow safe entry

Added Lane

An additional lane begins ahead; entering traffic has its own lane

Lane Ends Ahead

Your lane ends soon; check mirrors, signal, and merge now

Lane Ends Merge Left

Your lane ends; signal and move left before the lane disappears

Left Lane Ends

Left lane ends ahead; signal and move right before it closes

Road Narrows

Road gets narrower ahead; reduce speed and stay in your lane

Narrow Bridge Ahead

Bridge is narrower than the road; slow down and stay in your lane

Low Clearance

Overhead clearance is restricted; do not proceed if your vehicle is too tall

Railroad Crossing (RR)

Tracks ahead; slow down, look both ways, and stop if a train is coming

Hill / Steep Grade (Downgrade)

Steep hill ahead; reduce speed now and use a lower gear if needed

Bump

A bump is ahead; slow down before reaching it

Dip

Dip in the road ahead; reduce speed to avoid bottoming out

Loose Gravel

Loose gravel on road; reduce speed and increase following distance

Pavement Ends

Paved surface ends ahead; slow down before the surface changes

Shoulder Drop Off

Edge of road drops steeply; stay away from the shoulder

Watch for Ice on Bridges

Bridge may be icy; reduce speed and avoid sudden braking or steering

Two Way Traffic Ahead

Divided road ends; move to the right and watch for oncoming traffic

Cross Road

Intersection ahead; slow down and scan left and right before crossing

Cross Traffic

Traffic crosses from both sides; slow down and be ready to yield or stop

T Intersection

Your road ends ahead; slow down and prepare to turn left or right

Side Road

A side road joins ahead; watch for vehicles entering from the right or left

Highway Intersection Ahead

A major intersection is approaching; reduce speed and be ready to yield

Road Entering Curve

A road merges on a curve ahead; watch for vehicles entering

Roundabout

Yield to traffic already in the roundabout; then enter and keep right

Truck Rollover

High rollover risk for trucks on this curve or ramp; reduce speed

Weave Area

Lanes are entering and exiting; stay alert, check mirrors, and adjust speed

Advisory Speed

Recommended speed for the curve or condition ahead; reduce speed as conditions require

Traffic Signal Ahead

A traffic light is ahead; reduce speed and be ready to stop

5. Maine Guide & Informational Signs: Navigating I-95, I-295, Route 1 & Maine Scenic Byways

Guide signs do not regulate driving. they show destinations, distances, and services. Green = highway navigation. Blue = motorist services. Brown = parks and recreation.

Interstate Route Marker

You are on this interstate highway; note the number for navigation

US Route Marker

You are on this US highway; note the number for navigation

State Route Marker

You are on this state route; note the number for navigation

Exit Sign (Exit Only)

This lane becomes exit-only; move out of it if you are not exiting

Mile Marker

Marks your location on the route; note it for emergency or navigation use

Services Sign

Services available at next exit; move right if you need to stop

Hospital Sign (H)

Hospital is nearby; follow signs if you need emergency care

Diesel

Diesel fuel available ahead; exit if your vehicle needs it

Park / Recreation Sign

Park or recreation area nearby; exit and follow directional signs

6. Maine Traffic Signals: What the BMV Written Exam Requires You to Know

What does a flashing yellow light mean in Maine? Flashing red means stop and proceed only when the way is clear. Flashing yellow means slow down and proceed with caution. The Maine BMV knowledge test includes the meaning of traffic signs and signals.

Maine lane-control signals: a steady red X means do not drive in the lane; a steady yellow X means clear the lane because the signal is about to change to red; a flashing yellow X means the lane may be used only for a left turn; and a green arrow means the lane may be used.

Standard Traffic Lights

Steady Red

Stop before entering the intersection; after stopping, a right turn on red is permitted unless posted otherwise, and you must yield to pedestrians and traffic

Steady Yellow

Slow down and prepare to stop; do not speed up to beat the light

Steady Green

Proceed straight or turn right or left where permitted when the way is clear; yield to pedestrians and traffic lawfully in the intersection

Green Arrow (left)

Proceed only in the arrow direction; yield to pedestrians

Steady Yellow Arrow

The protected turning movement is ending and a red signal will follow

Steady Red Arrow

Do not enter the intersection to make the movement shown by the arrow

Circular Green (no arrow)

Go straight or turn right or left where permitted; yield to pedestrians and traffic lawfully in the intersection

Flashing Signals

Flashing Red

Treat as a stop sign; stop fully, then proceed when safe and clear

Flashing Yellow

Slow down, check for hazards, and proceed with caution

Flashing Red Beacon

Treat the overhead beacon as a stop sign

Pedestrian Signals

WALK / White Walking Figure & DONT WALK / Orange Hand

White figure = cross now; orange hand = do not start crossing

Flashing Orange Hand + Countdown

Crossing phase ending; finish if started, do not begin

Key test point: Flashing red = stop, then proceed when safe. Flashing yellow = slow down and proceed with caution.

7. Maine Pavement Markings: Lane Lines, Bicycle Lane Rules & the 3-Foot Passing Law

Yellow center lines separate traffic moving in opposite directions, while white lane lines separate traffic moving in the same direction. Edge lines are different: a solid white line marks the right edge of the roadway, and a solid yellow line marks the left edge of a one-way or divided roadway. The Maine Driver's License Manual also covers lane lines, road arrows, bicycle-lane markings, and pavement symbols.

Line Colors

Yellow lines

Separate opposing traffic; never cross a solid yellow line to pass

White lines

Mark your lane boundaries; stay within the white lines

Line Types

Broken yellow line (Single)

You may pass on your side if it is safe and clear ahead

Solid yellow + broken yellow

Pass only from the broken-line side when it is safe; do not pass from the solid side

Double solid yellow lines

Passing is not allowed in either direction; the lines may be crossed when necessary to enter a driveway or other entrance

Broken white line

You may change lanes if it is safe; always check mirrors and signal first

Solid white line

When separating same-direction lanes, crossing is discouraged; a solid white line also may mark the right roadway edge

Double solid white lines

Do not cross double solid white lines except where necessary to enter the roadway from a driveway or other entrance

Center Turn Lane

For left turns only; signal, enter the lane, and turn; do not use it to travel

Center Turning Lane (sign)

For left turns only; signal, enter, and turn; do not drive through it

Pavement Symbols & Special Markings

Arrows in lane

You must follow the arrow direction from this lane

Stop line (wide white bar)

Stop completely behind this line; do not roll past it

Stop Here on Red

Stop at this painted line; do not inch forward past it

Crosswalk lines

Pedestrian crossing zone; obey traffic signals and yield to pedestrians as required

Broken white line (pavement)

You may change lanes if it is safe; check mirrors and signal first

Solid white line (pavement)

When separating same-direction lanes, crossing is discouraged; a solid white line also may mark the right roadway edge

Double solid white lines (pavement)

Do not cross double solid white lines except where necessary to enter the roadway from a driveway or other entrance

Railroad crossing markings (X + RR)

Tracks ahead; slow down, look both ways, and be ready to stop

Diagonal yellow lines (gore area)

Do not enter or drive through this area; it is off-limits to traffic

Bicycle lane marking

Do not stop, park, or drive in the bicycle lane except when entering or leaving an alley or driveway

HOV / Carpool lane diamond

Use this lane only if you have the required number of occupants

Key test point: Yellow center lines separate opposing traffic and white lane lines separate same-direction traffic. Edge lines use solid white on the right and solid yellow on the left side of one-way or divided roadways.

8. Maine Work Zone Signs: Speeding Fines Doubled and Short-Term Signals Require Full Stops

Orange signs mark active construction, maintenance, and survey work zones throughout Maine road network. Fines for speeding in a work zone are doubled in Maine. If there is a short-term traffic signal, stop at the white line. Slow down and be ready to stop quickly. do not tailgate.

Road Work Ahead

Construction zone begins ahead; reduce speed and stay alert

Flagger Ahead

A person is directing traffic; obey their signals

Workers Ahead

Road workers are present; slow down and be ready to stop

Active Work Zone

You are in an active work zone; drive with extra caution

End of Active Work Zone

Work zone ends; resume normal speed and check posted limit

Lane Closed Ahead

A travel lane ends ahead; merge early

Road Closed

Road is completely closed; follow detour signs

Orange barrels / cones

Active work zone boundaries; stay within marked lanes

Channelizing devices (barricades)

Follow the barricades; do not drive through or around them

• You must obey a flaggers directions even if they conflict with existing signs or signals.
• Maine law doubles fines for speeding in work zones. slow down and be ready to stop quickly.
• If there is a short-term traffic signal in the work zone, stop at the white line if one is present.
• Do not tailgate in work zones. Barrels, cones, tubes, and barriers guide you through. never bypass them.

Key test point: Orange warning signs are used for construction and maintenance work zones. Slow down, stay alert, and follow flaggers and temporary traffic controls.

9. Maine Railroad Crossings: When Required, Stop 15-50 Feet From the Nearest Rail

How far should you stop from railroad tracks in Maine? When a warning device, lowered gate, flagger, approaching train, sign, or law requires a stop, Maine law requires stopping not less than 15 feet and not more than 50 feet from the nearest rail. A driver passing the railroad warning sign must reduce speed at 100 feet from the nearest rail, look in both directions, and proceed cautiously.

Stop Line

Stop here completely when required before proceeding

RR Crossbuck Sign (X-shaped)

Located at the crossing; yield to trains

Railroad Crossing (at crossing)

You are at the crossing; stop if lights flash or gate lowers

Crossing Gates

Lower when a train is coming; never drive around a lowered gate

Pavement markings (X + RR)

Tracks ahead marked on pavement; slow down and prepare to stop

Flashing Red Lights

A train is approaching; stop and wait until fully clear

• The round yellow advance warning sign means a railroad crossing is ahead. At 100 feet from the nearest rail, reduce speed, look in both directions, and proceed cautiously.
• When a stop is required by a signal, lowered gate, flagger, approaching train, sign, or law, stop 15-50 feet from the nearest rail.
• Do not proceed while a gate is lowered or a warning device indicates a train is approaching. Cross only after it is safe.
• Never enter a railroad crossing unless there is enough room beyond the tracks for your vehicle to clear them completely.
• Certain passenger buses and hazardous-material or cargo-tank vehicles have mandatory-stop requirements at railroad crossings, subject to Maine's statutory exceptions.

Key test point: When Maine law requires a railroad stop, stop 15-50 feet from the nearest rail.

10. Maine School Zone Speed: 15 mph, Doubled Fines & School Bus Stop Rules

Pentagon-shaped school signs are yellow or fluorescent yellow-green. Maine sets the school zone speed at 15 mph during recess; when children are going to or leaving school during opening or closing hours; when school speed-limit signs are flashing during those hours; and at other times designated by a qualifying municipal traffic ordinance. For this rule, opening and closing hours are 1/2 hour before and 1/2 hour after the beginning of the school day, and 1/2 hour before and 1/2 hour after the end of the school day. School-zone speeding fines are doubled.

School Zone

School ahead; reduce speed and watch for children

School Speed Limit

Obey the reduced speed limit posted in school zones

Speed Limit Lights Flashing

When the school speed-limit signs are flashing during school opening or closing hours, obey the 15 mph school-zone limit

School Crossing Ahead

School crosswalk ahead; yield to crossing guard and children

• Maine school zone speed limit is 15 mph during recess and during the statutory opening and closing periods: 1/2 hour before and after the start of the school day and 1/2 hour before and after the end of the school day. The rule also applies when school speed-limit signs are flashing during those hours and at qualifying additional times set by municipal ordinance.
• School-zone speeding fines are doubled in Maine.
• On a way, in a parking area, or on school property, drivers meeting or overtaking a school bus from either direction must stop before reaching the bus when it is stopped with red lights flashing to receive or discharge passengers.
• Do not proceed until the school bus resumes motion or the school bus driver signals you to proceed.
• On a roadway separated by curbing or another physical barrier, a driver traveling in a lane separated from the bus by that barrier need not stop. Maine also has a limited-access-highway loading-zone exception where pedestrians are not permitted to cross.
• Passing a stopped school bus in violation of Maine law carries a minimum $250 fine for a first offense and a mandatory 30-day license suspension for a second offense within 3 years.
• At school crossings where there is a crossing guard, stop and yield as directed.

Key test point: Maine's school-zone limit is 15 mph during the periods specified by law, and a painted center line alone is not the school-bus exception; the separated-roadway exception requires curbing or another physical barrier.

11. Pedestrian & Bike Signs in Maine: 3-Foot Mandatory Passing Law and Nearly 900,000 Bikes on the Road

When traffic-control devices are not in operation, Maine drivers must yield to a pedestrian crossing within a marked crosswalk or showing visible intent to enter it. Drivers must also yield to pedestrians on sidewalks. Maine law requires at least 3 feet of clearance when passing a pedestrian on a public way or shoulder and at least 3 feet when passing a bicyclist or roller skier traveling in the same direction. There are nearly 900,000 bicycles in Maine, most ridden on public roadways.

Pedestrian Crossing Sign

Crosswalk ahead; when traffic-control devices are not operating, yield to pedestrians crossing or showing visible intent to enter the marked crosswalk

Bicycle Crossing Sign

Cyclists may cross here; slow down, watch for bicycles, and yield when required

No Bicycles

Cyclists must not enter; use an alternate route

No Pedestrian Crossing

Pedestrians must not cross here; use the nearest crosswalk

• When traffic-control devices are not in operation, a driver must yield to a pedestrian crossing within a marked crosswalk or showing visible intent to enter it. At signal-controlled crossings, obey the traffic and pedestrian signals.
• Maine law requires at least 3 feet of clearance when passing a pedestrian walking on a public way or shoulder.
• Maine law requires at least 3 feet of passing space between your vehicle and a bicyclist or roller skier traveling in the same direction. Return to your lane only when safely clear.
• Do not stop, park, or drive in a bicycle lane unless entering or leaving an alley or driveway.
• Fluorescent yellow-green may be used for school, pedestrian, and bicycle warning signs.

Key test point: For a marked crosswalk without operating traffic-control devices, yield to a pedestrian who is crossing or has shown visible intent to enter. Maine also requires at least 3 feet when passing a pedestrian on the roadway or shoulder and when passing a bicyclist.

12. How to Pass Maine BMV Written Exam: Moose Signs, School Zones & Bus Laws

• Know the Maine BMV knowledge test format. The test has 30 questions, and you must answer at least 24 correctly to pass. Questions include rules of the road, signs, pedestrian and bicycle safety, OUI laws, and distracted driving.
• Know Maine unposted speed limits. Outside any business, residential, or built-up area: 45 mph. Business/residential/built-up areas: 25 mph. School zones: 15 mph during the periods specified by Maine law.
• School zone fines are doubled. Know both the 15 mph limit and when the statutory school-zone periods apply.
• School bus stop rule. On a way, in a parking area, or on school property, stop before reaching a school bus stopped with red lights flashing when meeting or overtaking it from either direction. The separated-roadway exception requires curbing or another physical barrier. A first offense carries a minimum $250 fine; a second offense within 3 years requires a 30-day license suspension.
• Work zone speeding fines are doubled. Slow down and obey flaggers, temporary signals, signs, cones, drums, and barriers.
• Railroad: 15-50 feet. When Maine law requires a stop at a railroad crossing, stop 15-50 feet from the nearest rail.
• 3-foot passing clearance. Leave at least 3 feet when passing a bicyclist or roller skier traveling in the same direction and when passing a pedestrian on the roadway or shoulder.
• Flashing signals. Flashing red = full stop, then proceed when safe. Flashing yellow = slow down and proceed with caution.
• Moose and deer crossing signs identify real wildlife-risk locations. MaineDOT selects these sign locations based on high wildlife concentrations and where collisions are common.