New Hampshire Road Signs: DMV 40-Question Exam & $250 Work Zone Fines

How does the New Hampshire bicycle passing clearance change with speed? What is the school zone speed limit in Manchester, Nashua, or Concord? What happens when you miss more than 8 questions on the NH knowledge test? The NH Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) at nh.gov/dmv gives a 40-question touch-screen test that auto-terminates when you miss more than 8. with a 10-day wait to retest. School zone speed is 10 mph below the usual road limit. Bicycle passing clearance: 3 feet at 30 mph or below, plus one additional foot for every 10 mph above 30.

Table of Contents

1. New Hampshire 40-Question Touch-Screen DMV Test: and What Happens When It Auto-Terminates at Question 33

New Hampshire roads connect Manchester urban grid, Nashua Massachusetts border commuter routes, the White Mountains winding highway corridors, the Lakes Regions seasonal rural roads, and Portsmouths coastal seacoast. The NH Division of Motor Vehicles at nh.gov/dmv uses a touch-screen computer test with 40 questions and a 40-minute time limit. Miss more than 8 and the test auto-terminates. you cannot retest for at least 10 days. Automated oral testing with headphones is available for those who do not read English. notify the licensing representative before starting. There are no trick questions; one correct answer per question. Walk in. no appointment needed for written tests.

2. New Hampshire Sign Shapes: What the 40-Question Touch-Screen Test Expects You to Recognize Instantly

On New Hampshire mountain curves, fog-prone coastal routes, and narrow Lakes Region roads, sign shape and color register before text does. The NH DMV knowledge test covers sign identification. know every shape and color in this table before your touch-screen session.

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. New Hampshire Regulatory Signs: Violations Under RSA That Go on Your NH DMV Driving Record

Regulatory signs carry legal force in New Hampshire under the Revised Statutes Annotated (RSA), violations are moving offenses recorded on your NH DMV driving record. White rectangular signs, prohibitory signs, and lane-control signs are tested on the NH 40-question knowledge 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. Yellow Diamond Warning Signs on NH Roads: White Mountain Curves, Moose Crossings and Railroad Approaches

Diamond-shaped warning signs alert drivers to hazards before they arrive. on New Hampshire roads that means moose crossing signs on US-3 and Route 16 through the White Mountains, sharp curve warnings on Franconia Notch approach routes, railroad grade crossing advances, and school zone signs preceding a speed reduction calculated from the roads existing posted limit. Orange marks work zones where fines run $250 to $500.

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. New Hampshire has some of the highest moose-vehicle collision rates in New England; moose and deer are serious hazards on White Mountain and North Country 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

NH school zone = 10 mph below the usual posted speed for that road, from 45 min before opening to 45 min after closing. not a fixed 20 or 25 mph

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. NH Guide Signs: I-93, I-89, US-3 White Mountains and Every Exit from the Seacoast to the North Country

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-93, I-89, I-293, I-95 Seacoast)

US Route Marker

Marks US highways (e.g., US-3 White Mountains, US-1 Seacoast, US-302 Crawford Notch, US-4)

State Route Marker

Identifies NH state routes (e.g., NH-16 Kancamagus approach, NH-112 Kancamagus Highway, NH-9, NH-25)

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. New Hampshire Traffic Signals: What the 40-Question Test Covers and What Yellow Flashing Bus Lights Mean

Flashing red = stop sign. Flashing yellow = yield. The NH DMV knowledge test covers all signal types: standard lights, arrow signals, flashing signals, and pedestrian signals. A school bus with flashing yellow lights means it is about to stop. slow down and prepare to stop before the red lights activate.

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. A school bus with yellow flashing lights is about to stop. slow and prepare before red lights activate. All three rules are tested on the NH knowledge exam.

7. New Hampshire Pavement Markings: Lane Lines, Railroad Crossing Symbols and the Speed-Scaled Bike Clearance Rule

Yellow lines separate opposing traffic. White lines separate same-direction traffic. The NH DMV test covers lane lines, road arrows, curb markings, and pavement symbols. including New Hampshire unique speed-scaled bicycle clearance rule that changes with your driving speed.

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. New Hampshire Work Zone Fines: $250 to $500 for Speeding: One of the Tightest Fine Bands in New England

Orange signs mark every active work zone on New Hampshire highway and road network. The NH manual states the fine for speeding in a work zone explicitly: not less than $250.00 and not more than $500.00. Slow down, obey work zone signs, and follow any flaggers directing traffic through the construction area.

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.
• New Hampshire work zone speeding fines are not less than $250.00 and not more than $500.00, explicitly stated in the NH Driver Manual.
• Obey all posted work zone speed limits and signs. Slow down when approaching and maintain a safe following distance. do not tailgate.
• Never drive through or around a lane closure barrier. wait for the flagger or follow detour signs.

Key test point: Orange always means construction or work zone. If you see orange, reduce speed and increase following distance immediately.

9. New Hampshire Railroad Crossings: Stop 15 to 50 Feet Out, Do not Shift Gears, and Watch for a Second Train

At New Hampshire railroad crossings with stop signs, lights, or other stop devices, you must stop not less than 15 feet, not more than 50 feet from the nearest rail. Do not shift gears while crossing tracks. you might stall. If there is more than one track, wait for a clear view in both directions after the first train passes before starting across.

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

NH requires stopping not less than 15 feet, not more than 50 feet from the nearest rail; do not shift gears crossing tracks; check for a second train after the first passes

• The round yellow advance warning sign is the first sign you see approaching an NH railroad crossing. slow down and look both ways, even if warning lights are not flashing.
• At crossings with stop signs, lights, or other stop devices, stop not less than 15 feet, not more than 50 feet from the nearest rail.
• Do not proceed until lights stop flashing or trains have passed. If there is more than one track, wait until you have a clear view in both directions before starting across. another train could be coming.
• Do not shift gears while crossing railroad tracks. you might stall your vehicle on the tracks.
• Buses carrying passengers and trucks carrying flammable or dangerous material must stop before crossing even if no train is visible. be ready to stop behind these vehicles.
• Some NH railroad crossings are designated "exempt" and are plainly marked as such.

Key test point: New Hampshire railroad stop zone is 15 to 50 feet from the nearest rail. Do not shift gears on the tracks. Always look even when warning lights are not flashing. both rules are tested on the NH knowledge exam.

10. New Hampshire School Zone Speed Formula: 10 mph Below the Roads Posted Limit, Not a Fixed Number

Pentagon-shaped, fluorescent yellow-green signs mark NH school zones. New Hampshire school zone speed is not a fixed 20 or 25 mph. it is 10 miles per hour below the usual posted speed limit for that specific road, in effect from 45 minutes before school opening until opening, and from closing until 45 minutes after closing. The school bus stop distance in NH is at least 25 feet.

School Zone

School ahead. be alert for children, reduce speed

School Speed Limit

NH school zone = 10 mph below the usual posted limit for that road; in effect 45 min before opening through 45 min after closing on school days

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

• NH school zone speed = the roads usual posted speed minus 10 mph. On a 30 mph road, school zone = 20 mph. On a 40 mph road, school zone = 30 mph. The posted school zone sign will indicate this. watch for it.
• School zone hours: from 45 minutes before school opening until opening, and from closing until 45 minutes after closing.
• Whenever you approach a school bus from any direction that has stopped to pick up or let off passengers with flashing red lights, stop your vehicle at least 25 feet from the bus.
• The only exception: you are on the other side of a divided highway.
• Stay stopped until the bus starts again or the driver stops operating the flashing red lights.
• If you see a bus with flashing yellow lights, the bus is about to stop and activate red lights. slow down and be ready to stop.

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. New Hampshire Bike Passing Law: 3 Feet at 30 mph, But Add One Foot for Every 10 mph After That

Pedestrians have right-of-way at all crosswalks in New Hampshire. The NH bicycle passing law is speed-graduated: 3 feet at 30 mph or below, plus one additional foot of clearance for every 10 mph above 30 mph. At 40 mph = 4 feet. At 50 mph = 5 feet. At 60 mph = 6 feet. If there is no room to pass because of oncoming traffic, wait until traffic has passed before overtaking the cyclist.

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 New Hampshire crosswalks. marked or unmarked.
• NH bicycle passing clearance is speed-graduated: 3 feet at 30 mph or below, then add 1 additional foot per 10 mph above 30. (40 mph = 4 ft; 50 mph = 5 ft; 60 mph = 6 ft.) If oncoming traffic prevents a safe pass, wait until the road is clear.
• When meeting an oncoming bicyclist at night, always dim your headlights.
• Be extra alert for cyclists during morning and afternoon commute times when bicyclists are traveling between home, work, school, or play.
• 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 New Hampshire 40-Question Touch-Screen DMV Test Before It Auto-Terminates

• Miss more than 8 = auto-terminate, 10-day wait. The NH test stops automatically if you miss more than 8 questions. you cannot continue and must wait at least 10 days to retest. Study carefully before showing up. No appointment needed for written tests at any DMV office.
• Oral testing available. just ask. Automated oral testing with headphones is available for non-English readers. Notify the licensing representative before your test starts.
• NH school zone speed = road speed minus 10 mph. Not a fixed 20 or 25 mph. On a 35 mph road, the school zone is 25 mph. On a 45 mph road, it is 35 mph. Know the formula. it is tested. Hours: 45 minutes before opening through 45 minutes after closing.
• School bus = stop at least 25 feet away. From any direction. Exception: other side of a divided highway. Yellow flashing lights = about to stop, slow now.
• Work zone speeding: $250 to $500. This is an explicitly stated NH fine range. not just "increased fines." Both ends of the range appear in the manual and may appear on the test.
• Railroad: 15 to 50 feet, do not shift gears. Stop in that range. Do not shift gears while crossing. stalling on tracks is dangerous. If more than one track, wait for a clear view after the first train before crossing.
• Bicycle passing is speed-graduated. 3 feet at 30 mph or below. Add 1 foot per 10 mph above 30. At 50 mph you owe cyclists 5 feet. If oncoming traffic blocks a safe pass, wait. This is a tested NH-specific rule.
• NH speed limits. Business/urban residential: 30 mph. Rural residential: 35 mph. Towing a trailer: 45 mph. Other areas including unposted interstates: 55 mph. Specific interstate sections: 65 mph where posted.
• Flashing signals. Flashing red = full stop. Flashing yellow = slow and yield. Yellow bus lights = about to stop, prepare now.
• Moose signs are serious in NH. New Hampshire has some of the highest moose-vehicle collision rates in New England. diamond-shaped moose crossing signs on White Mountain and North Country routes require real speed reductions.

New Hampshire DMV Driver License