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 to your license if you illegally pass a school bus in Maine? Are moose crossing signs advisory or do they carry legal weight? The Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles tests on 15 mph school zones active half an hour before and after school, automatic suspension for bus violations, and doubled work zone fines. Moose crossing signs on Routes 2, 201, and 15 identify genuine high-collision zones.

Table of Contents

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. always and only
Triangle (inverted)		Yield to other traffic
Diamond		Warning - hazard ahead
Rectangle (vertical)		Regulatory - rules of the road
Rectangle (horizontal)		Guide or informational
Pentagon (5-sided)		School zone or crossing - exclusively
Round (circle)		Railroad crossing advance warning - exclusively
Pennant		No passing zone - exclusively
Orange (any shape)		Construction and work zone warnings
Blue (any shape)		Motorist services - gas, food, lodging, hospitals
Brown (any shape)		Recreation areas, parks, and scenic routes

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

Regulatory signs carry legal force in Maine. violations are moving offenses that add points and can trigger suspension. Passing a stopped school bus with red lights flashing is an automatic license suspension offense in Maine. White rectangular signs, prohibitory signs, and lane-control signs are all covered on the Maine written exam.

STOP Sign

Come to a full stop; yield to all traffic and pedestrians before proceeding

YIELD Sign

Slow down and give right-of-way to cross traffic or pedestrians

Speed Limit Sign

Maximum legal speed under ideal conditions

Do Not Enter Sign

You are going the wrong way; do not proceed

Wrong Way Sign

You have entered a one-way road going against traffic

No U-Turn Sign

U-turns are prohibited at this location

No Left Turn Sign

Left turns are not allowed

No Right Turn Sign

Right turns are not allowed

One Way Sign

Traffic moves in one direction only

Keep Right Sign

Stay to the right of an island or obstruction

No Passing Zone Sign

Passing is forbidden in this stretch. pennant-shaped sign

Do Not Pass Sign

Passing prohibited. do not overtake vehicles ahead

No Turn on Red Sign

No turns permitted on a red light at this intersection

No Left Turn on Red Sign

Left turn on red is prohibited here

No Right Turn on Red Sign

Right turn on red is prohibited here

Turn Left Only Sign

You must turn left from this lane

Turn Right Only Sign

You must turn right from this lane

Straight or Turn Right Sign

You may go straight or turn right from this lane

Minimum Speed Limit Sign

You must drive at least this speed on this road

Slower Traffic Keep Right Sign

Slower vehicles must use the right lane

No Parking Sign

Parking is prohibited in this area

No Trucks Sign

Commercial trucks are prohibited on this road

No Bicycles Sign

Bicycles are not permitted on this road

No Pedestrian Crossing Sign

Pedestrians must not cross here

Reserved Parking Sign

Parking reserved for designated users (e.g., accessible parking)

Four Way Stop Sign

All four directions must stop at this intersection

Stop Except Right Turn Sign

All traffic must stop except those turning right

Left Turn Yield on Green Sign

Left-turning vehicles must yield to oncoming traffic on green

Lane Use Control Sign

Indicates which movements are permitted or prohibited from a specific lane

Restricted Lane Ahead Sign

An upcoming lane has restrictions on who may use it

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

Diamond-shaped warning signs flag hazards ahead. on Maine roads that means moose crossing warnings on Routes 2 and 201, fog advisory signs on the Downeast Coast, steep grade warnings on the Western Maine mountain roads, and railroad grade crossings on rural branch lines. Orange signs mark 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 coming; slow down significantly

Sharp Right Turn

A very sharp right turn is coming; slow down significantly

Winding Road

Series of curves ahead

Set of Curves (Left-Right)

Multiple curves ahead, first curving left then right

Set of Curves (Right-Left)

Multiple curves ahead, first curving right then left

Sharp Turns (Left-Right)

Successive sharp turns ahead. left then right

Slippery When Wet

Road surface becomes slick in rain; reduce speed

Deer Crossing

Wildlife frequently cross here. Maine has one of the highest moose-vehicle collision rates in the nation; moose and deer are especially dangerous on rural routes at dawn and dusk

Pedestrian Crossing

Crosswalk ahead; watch for foot traffic

Bicycle Crossing

Cyclists frequently cross here; slow down and yield to bikes

School Zone / Crossing

Children may be present. Maine school zone speed is 15 mph during recess and opening/closing hours (1/2 hr before start to 1/2 hr after end of school day); fines are doubled for violations

School Crossing Ahead

A school crosswalk is approaching; watch for children and crossing guards

Divided Highway Begins

Road splits into two one-way sections; keep right

Divided Highway Ends

Two-way traffic resumes

Merging Traffic

Another lane of traffic is joining yours

Added Lane

A new lane is being added ahead. merging traffic does not need to yield

Lane Ends Ahead

Your lane ends ahead. merge safely into the adjacent lane

Lane Ends Merge Left

Your lane ends. move to the left lane

Left Lane Ends

The left lane ends ahead. merge right

Road Narrows

The road becomes narrower ahead; stay alert

Narrow Bridge Ahead

Bridge ahead is narrower than the road. proceed carefully

Low Clearance

Bridge or overhead obstruction with limited height clearance

Railroad Crossing (RR)

Tracks ahead; look and listen for trains

Hill / Steep Grade (Downgrade)

Downgrade ahead; trucks should check brakes

Bump

A raised bump or speed hump is ahead; slow down

Dip

A dip in the road is ahead; reduce speed

Loose Gravel

Road surface has loose gravel. reduce speed and increase following distance

Pavement Ends

Paved road ends ahead; expect gravel or dirt surface

Shoulder Drop Off

Road shoulder drops off steeply. avoid driving on the edge

Watch for Ice on Bridges

Bridges freeze before road surfaces. reduce speed in cold weather

Two Way Traffic Ahead

Divided road ends. two-way traffic begins ahead

Cross Road

An intersection with a crossing road is ahead

Cross Traffic

Traffic crosses your path ahead. be prepared to yield

T Intersection

The road ends at a T. you must turn left or right

Side Road

A side road enters the highway ahead at an angle

Highway Intersection Ahead

A highway intersection is approaching; be prepared to yield or stop

Road Entering Curve

A road enters from the side on a curve ahead. watch for merging traffic

Roundabout

A roundabout is ahead. yield to circulating traffic and travel counterclockwise

Truck Rollover

High risk of truck rollover on this curve or ramp. trucks reduce speed significantly

Weave Area

Traffic is entering and exiting simultaneously. expect lane changes and merging

Advisory Speed

Recommended safe speed for a curve or hazard. not legally enforced but strongly advised

Traffic Signal Ahead

A traffic light is ahead. be prepared 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

Identifies the interstate number (e.g., I-95, I-295, I-395)

US Route Marker

Marks US highways (e.g., US-1 Coastal Route, US-2 Western Mountains, US-302)

State Route Marker

Identifies Maine state routes (e.g., ME-9 Airline Road, ME-17, ME-27 to Carrabassett Valley)

Exit Sign (Exit Only)

Shows upcoming freeway exit and distance

Mile Marker

Indicates distance from the state line or route origin

Services Sign

Points to nearby gas, food, lodging, or medical facilities

Hospital Sign (H)

Indicates direction to the nearest hospital

Diesel

Indicates diesel fuel is available at the next service area

Park / Recreation Sign

Directs to state parks, campsites, and scenic areas

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

Flashing red = stop sign. Flashing yellow = yield. The Maine BMV written exam covers all signal types: standard lights, arrow signals, flashing signals, and pedestrian signals. Work zone short-term traffic signals require stopping at the white line.

Standard Traffic Lights

Steady Red

Come to a complete stop behind the stop line. Wait until green.

Steady Yellow

Prepare to stop. the light is about to turn red. Do not speed up to beat it.

Steady Green

Proceed if the intersection is clear. You must still yield to pedestrians and cross traffic.

Green Arrow (left)

You may proceed only in the direction of the arrow. Oncoming traffic is stopped.

Yellow Arrow (no left)

The protected turn is ending. Prepare to stop or yield if you have not yet entered the intersection.

Red Arrow (no left)

Do not turn in the direction of the arrow. Wait for a green arrow or green light.

Green. no left arrow

Proceed straight or right. left turn not permitted on this phase.

Opposing Traffic Extended Green

Oncoming traffic has an extended green phase. wait before turning left.

Flashing Signals

Flashing Red

Treat as a STOP sign, come to a complete stop, then proceed when safe.

Flashing Yellow

Treat as a YIELD sign, slow down, look carefully, and proceed with caution.

Flashing Red Beacon

Overhead flashing red beacon. treat as a stop sign. Come to a full stop, then proceed when safe.

Flashing Green Arrow

You may turn in the direction of the arrow after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians.

Pedestrian Signals

WALK / White Walking Figure & DONT WALK / Orange Hand

White walking figure = pedestrians may cross. Orange hand = do not start crossing; if already crossing, finish quickly.

Flashing Orange Hand + Countdown

Crossing phase is ending. Pedestrians who have started may finish; others should not begin.

Key test point: Flashing red = stop sign. Flashing yellow = yield. This is one of the most commonly tested signal questions on the Maine BMV written exam.

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

Yellow lines separate opposing traffic. White lines separate same-direction traffic. The Maine BMV written exam covers lane lines, road arrows, curb markings, bike lane markings, and pavement symbols. including Maine mandatory 3-foot passing clearance for bicyclists.

Line Colors

Yellow lines

Separate traffic moving in opposite directions

White lines

Separate traffic moving in the same direction, or mark the edge of the road

Line Types

Broken yellow line (Single)

Passing allowed when safe on your side

Solid yellow + broken yellow

Passing allowed only on the broken-line side

Double solid yellow lines

No passing in either direction

Broken white line

Lane changes permitted when safe

Solid white line

Do not cross. lane edge, crosswalk, or stop line

Double solid white lines

Do not change lanes. often used near intersections or toll areas

Center Turn Lane

Shared left-turn lane. used to begin or complete a left turn only

Center Turning Lane (sign)

Overhead or posted sign marking a shared center left-turn lane

Pavement Symbols & Special Markings

Arrows in lane

Indicate which direction(s) you may travel from that lane

Stop line (wide white bar)

Stop your vehicle completely behind this line at red lights and stop signs

Stop Here on Red

Painted instruction on pavement. stop at this marked line on red

Crosswalk lines

Mark the pedestrian crossing area. yield to pedestrians within these lines

Broken white line (pavement)

Lane changes permitted when safe

Solid white line (pavement)

Do not cross. lane edge, crosswalk, or stop line

Double solid white lines (pavement)

Do not change lanes. often used near intersections or toll areas

Railroad crossing markings (X + RR)

Advance warning of tracks ahead. painted on pavement before the crossing

Diagonal yellow lines (gore area)

Do not drive in this area. marks a traffic island or diverging zone

Bicycle lane marking

White painted lane reserved for cyclists. do not drive or park in it

HOV / Carpool lane diamond

Lane restricted to vehicles with 2 or more occupants during posted hours

Yellow curb

No parking or stopping at any time

Red curb

No stopping, standing, or parking. fire zone

White curb

Passenger loading/unloading only. brief stops permitted

Key test point: Yellow lines always separate opposing traffic. White lines always separate same-direction traffic. This is a foundational rule that appears on nearly every DMV exam.

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 be alert

Flagger Ahead

A person is directing traffic. obey their signals immediately

Workers Ahead

Road workers are present. slow down and be prepared to stop

Active Work Zone

You are in an active work zone. fines doubled, drive with extra caution

End of Active Work Zone

Work zone ends. normal speed and rules resume

Work Zone Headlights

Headlights required in this work zone

Lane Closed Ahead

A travel lane ends ahead. merge early and do not pass in the closed lane

Road Closed

Road is completely closed. do not enter, follow detour signs

Orange barrels / cones

Mark lane boundaries and closures in active work zones

Channelizing devices (barricades)

Direct traffic around obstacles or closed areas

• 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 always means construction or work zone. If you see orange, reduce speed and increase following distance immediately.

9. Maine Railroad Crossings: Stop Before the Tracks and Never on Them

When approaching a railroad crossing and needing to stop for traffic or a signal, always stop before the tracks. never on them. Wait until the train is well down the track or until railroad devices indicate it is safe. Be alert for buses, school buses, and tank trucks that must stop at all railroad crossings.

Advance Warning Sign

Railroad crossing ahead. the first sign you see. Begin slowing down.

RR Crossbuck Sign (X-shaped)

Located at the crossing itself. yield to trains. Treat as a yield sign if no gates or lights.

Railroad Crossing (at crossing)

Marks the exact railroad crossing location

Crossing Gates

Lower when a train is coming. never drive around or under a lowered gate

Pavement markings (X + RR)

Painted on the road surface before the crossing as an advance warning

Flashing Red Lights

A train is approaching, stop and wait. Do not proceed until lights stop and it is fully clear.

Stop Line

Stop here, before the railroad tracks, never on them; if forced to stop near crossing in heavy traffic, stop before reaching the tracks

• The round yellow advance warning sign is always the first sign you see approaching a railroad crossing.
• If you must stop for traffic or a signal near a crossing, stop before the tracks. not on them.
• Never start to cross until the train is well down the track or railroad devices confirm it is safe.
• Look both ways even if the warning sign is not flashing. it may not be working.
• Buses, school buses, and tank trucks must stop at all railroad crossings. expect those stops and slow down early when following them.

Key test point: Always stop before the tracks, never on them. Buses and school buses must stop at all crossings regardless of signals. both facts appear on the Maine written exam.

10. Maine School Zone Speed: 15 mph, Doubled Fines & the Undivided Highway School Bus Stop Rule

Pentagon-shaped, fluorescent yellow-green signs mark school zones. Maine sets the school zone speed at 15 mph during recess, or when children are going to or from school during opening or closing hours (1/2 hour before the start of the school day to 1/2 hour after the end). A fine twice the usual amount is imposed for exceeding the posted speed limit in a school zone.

School Zone

School ahead. be alert for children, reduce speed

School Speed Limit

Maine school zone speed is 15 mph during recess and during the 1/2 hour before/after school starts and ends; fines are doubled for violations

Speed Limit Lights Flashing

Speed limit applies only when the flashing lights are active

School Crossing Ahead

Crosswalk used by schoolchildren ahead. yield to crossing guard and students

• Maine school zone speed is 15 mph during recess and the 1/2 hour before/after school opening and closing. it is hard to know exactly when these periods are, so use extreme care whenever near a school.
• A fine twice the usual amount is imposed for exceeding the speed limit in a school zone.
• It is illegal to pass a stopped school bus with red lights flashing on school property, on any undivided highway, or in a parking area in Maine.
• You must bring your vehicle to a complete stop to the front or rear of the bus and wait until children are clear and the bus is in motion or the driver signals you to proceed.
• If the roadway has a solid divider between you and the bus, you do not have to stop.
• Passing a stopped school bus with red lights flashing is an automatic license suspension offense in Maine.
• At school crossings where there is a crossing guard, stop and yield as signaled.

Key test point: The pentagon shape is used exclusively for school signs. No other sign category uses this shape. making it one of the easiest shapes to identify on the exam.

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

Pedestrians have right-of-way at all crosswalks. and in Maine, when crossing a sidewalk you must yield to all pedestrians and bicyclists. Maine law requires leaving at least 3 feet of passing space between your vehicle and a bicyclist when overtaking. return to your lane only when well clear. There are nearly 900,000 bicycles in Maine, most ridden on public roadways.

Pedestrian Crossing Sign

A marked crosswalk is ahead. watch for pedestrians crossing

Bicycle Crossing Sign

Cyclists frequently cross here. reduce speed and yield to bikes

No Bicycles

Bicycles are prohibited on this road or path

No Pedestrian Crossing

Pedestrians must not cross here

• Pedestrians always have the right-of-way in marked crosswalks. yield and stop as necessary.
• Maine law requires at least 3 feet of passing space between your vehicle and a bicyclist when overtaking. Return to your lane only when well clear of the cyclist.
• Yield to bicyclists at intersections just like pedestrians and other vehicles. Do not stop, park, or drive in a bicycle lane unless entering or leaving an alley or driveway.
• Bicyclists may be traveling faster than you expect. experienced cyclists can easily exceed 30 mph. Look carefully before turning or opening a car door.
• Anticipate hazards cyclists avoid: potholes, debris, drain grates. Give them adequate space to maneuver.
• Fluorescent yellow-green is used for both school and pedestrian/bike signs. the shape distinguishes between them.

Key test point: Pedestrians always have right-of-way at crosswalks. marked or unmarked. This rule appears on virtually every state DMV exam.

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

• Schedule your exam at a branch office. Written exams and vision screenings are offered on a scheduled basis at all Maine Motor Vehicle branch offices. Two forms of identification are required.
• Know Maine unposted speed limits. Outside any business, residential, or built-up area: 45 mph. Business/residential/built-up areas: 25 mph. School zone during recess/opening/closing hours: 15 mph, with doubled fines.
• School zone fines are doubled. The Maine manual explicitly states a fine twice the usual amount is imposed for speeding in a school zone. Know both the speed (15 mph) and the penalty.
• School bus: undivided highway rule. Illegal to pass a stopped school bus with red lights flashing on school property, any undivided highway, or parking area. Solid divider = you may pass. Violation = automatic license suspension.
• Work zone speeding fines are doubled. Maine law doubles speeding fines in work zones. specifically tested.
• Railroad: stop before the tracks. Never stop on tracks. Buses and school buses must stop at all crossings. expect those stops when following them.
• 3 feet for cyclists. mandatory in Maine. Leave at least 3 feet between your vehicle and a bicyclist when passing. There are nearly 900,000 bicycles in Maine.
• Special emphasis on drinking and driving. The Maine exam has special emphasis on Maine drinking and driving laws. study Section 1 of the manual thoroughly.
• Flashing signals. Flashing red = full stop, then proceed when safe. Flashing yellow = slow and yield.
• Moose and deer crossing signs are serious in Maine. Maine has one of the highest moose-vehicle collision rates in the country. these warning signs on rural routes demand real speed reductions.

Maine BMV Driver License