Oregon Road Signs: Bike Boxes, Variable Speed Signs & DMV Test

What are Oregon bike boxes and what does the green paint mean at intersections? Does Oregon enforce digital variable speed limit signs? What is the fee for the Oregon DMV knowledge test? The Oregon DMV at OregonDMV.com charges $7 for a 35-question test (28 correct required). Green-painted bike boxes at intersections mean cyclists stage in front. no turns are allowed at those intersections when the traffic signal is red. Variable speed limit signs are legally enforceable and change based on weather or traffic. Work zone fines are doubled in all zones.

1. Oregon DMVs 35-Question Test, $7 Fee and Digital Variable Speed Signs That Can Change While You Drive

Oregon roads run from Portland urban freeway network and the Columbia River Gorge to Eugene Willamette Valley corridors, the Cascade Range mountain passes, and the Oregon Coast Highway. The Oregon DMV at OregonDMV.com tests your vision, knowledge, and driving ability for an original license. The knowledge test has 35 multiple-choice questions. you need 28 correct. The $7 test fee applies. Take it online at DMV2U.Oregon.gov anytime; after 4 online attempts you must test at a DMV office. In-person tests available at most DMV offices; drive tests by appointment only.

2. Oregon Sign Shapes: Variable Speed Signs, Bike Box Markings and What the 35-Question DMV Test Covers

Oregon uses both standard signs and digital variable speed signs. black-and-white signs that display a changing speed limit based on real-time weather, traffic, or visibility conditions. These are legally enforceable like any posted speed limit. On Oregon mountain passes, coastal fog zones, and urban bike corridors, sign recognition happens fast. Know every row in this table before your test.

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 instruction; 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. Oregon Regulatory Signs: Violations That Affect Your Driving Privilege and Doubled Fines in Work Zones

Regulatory signs carry legal force in Oregon. violations are moving offenses that affect your driving privilege. Work zone violations face doubled fines under Oregon law. White rectangular signs, prohibitory signs, and lane-control signs are covered in the Oregon Driver Manual used to prepare for the 35-question knowledge exam.

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

You must drive at least this speed; move right if driving slower

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 turning right may turn without stopping; other traffic must stop and yield right of way

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. Oregon Warning Signs: Cascade Pass Grades, Columbia Gorge Wind, Coastal Fog and Railroad Approaches

Diamond-shaped yellow warning signs flag hazards before you reach them. on Oregon roads that means steep grade warnings on Cascade mountain passes, high-wind advisory signs on Columbia Gorge approaches, fog zones on the Oregon Coast Highway, railroad crossing advances across the Willamette Valley rail network, and school zone signs preceding a 20 mph reduction. Orange marks work zones where fines are doubled in all zones, even when workers are not visible.

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; stop for pedestrians crossing as required by Oregon law

Bicycle Crossing

Cyclists cross here; slow down and yield before proceeding

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

Two roadways join; entering traffic has its own added lane, so no merge is required

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; stay centered and reduce speed

Narrow Bridge Ahead

Bridge is narrower than the road; slow down and stay centered

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

Speed bump 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

Trucks must slow significantly; high rollover risk on this curve

Weave Area

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

Advisory Speed

Safe speed for this curve; slow to the posted advisory speed

Traffic Signal Ahead

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

5. Oregon Guide Signs: I-5, I-84 Columbia Gorge, US-101 Coast Highway and Every Exit to Crater Lake

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 leads to an exit only; stay 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. Oregon Traffic Signals: Bike Box Red Lights, No Turns on Red and Variable Speed Enforcement

Flashing red = stop sign. Flashing yellow = slow down and proceed with caution. The Oregon Driver Manual covers these signal types. plus bike box rules: when a traffic signal is red at a bike box intersection, you must stop behind the bike box and no turns are allowed on red. Variable speed limit signs (digital black-and-white) change the enforceable speed limit in real time.

Standard Traffic Lights

Steady Red

Stop and remain stopped; after a complete stop, permitted turns on red may be made unless a sign or police officer prohibits them

Steady Yellow

The signal is about to turn red; stop before entering if you can do so safely, otherwise drive carefully through

Steady Green

Straight, left, and right movements are permitted unless prohibited; left turns yield to pedestrians and oncoming traffic, and right turns yield to pedestrians

Green Arrow (left)

Proceed only in the arrow direction; yield to pedestrians

Steady Yellow Arrow

The signal is about to turn red; stop before entering if you can do so safely, otherwise drive carefully through

Red Arrow

Stop and remain stopped until the signal changes, except for the same turns on red allowed at a steady red signal

Steady Circular Green

Straight, left, and right movements are permitted unless prohibited; yield as required before turning

Opposing Traffic Extended Green

Oncoming traffic still has green; wait and do not turn left yet

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 sign. Flashing yellow = slow down and proceed with caution. At bike box intersections, stop behind the bike box and do not turn while the signal is red.

7. Oregon Pavement Markings: Green Bike Boxes, Sharrow Symbols and the 35 mph Bicycle Passing Rule

Yellow center lines separate opposing traffic, while yellow also marks the left edge of one-way roads and ramps, two-way left turn lanes, and painted medians. White markings separate same-direction lanes, mark the right edge, and are also used for crosswalks, stop lines, symbols, and words. The Oregon Driver Manual covers lane lines, road arrows, bike boxes, sharrow markings, and bike lanes. Above 35 mph, you may only pass a cyclist if you leave enough distance to prevent contact if they fall.

Line Colors

Yellow lines

Yellow center lines separate opposing traffic; a solid yellow line on your side means you may not 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; you may cross to turn left into or out of a roadway after yielding to oncoming traffic

Broken white line

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

Solid white line

A solid white line is used as an edge or fog line; a wide solid white line guides specific lanes and may be crossed, but crossing is discouraged

Double solid white lines

Do not change lanes here; stay in your current lane

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; stop for pedestrians crossing as required by Oregon law

Broken white line (pavement)

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

Solid white line (pavement)

A solid white line is used as an edge or fog line; a wide solid white line may guide turn or bike lanes and may be crossed, but crossing is discouraged

Double solid white lines (pavement)

Do not change lanes here; stay in your current lane

Railroad crossing markings (X + RR)

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

Diagonal yellow lines (gore area)

Do not drive in or turn across these stripes; they mark fixed objects or areas where vehicle use is not allowed

Bicycle lane marking

Reserved for cyclists only; do not drive or park in this lane

HOV / Carpool lane diamond

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

Oregon-specific pavement markings: A row of white triangles is a yield line. Solid red pavement marks a Transit Only lane for vehicles such as buses, light rail, or bicycles as posted; striped red markings show where other vehicles may enter the transit lane to turn, park, or enter a driveway. Green pavement may be used to make bicycle lanes more visible.

Key test point: Yellow center lines separate opposing traffic, but yellow also marks the left edge of one-way roads and ramps and is used for two-way left turn lanes and painted medians. White markings separate same-direction lanes and also mark right edges, crosswalks, stop lines, symbols, and words.

8. Oregon Work Zone Signs: Fines Doubled in ALL Zones: Even When Workers Are Not Visible

Orange traffic control devices define every Oregon work zone. Oregon law is clear: traffic fines are doubled in all work zones. The temporary speed posted in a work zone applies at all times, even if workers are not visible. The reduced speed limit stays in effect until you see an End Work Zone Speed Limit sign or another posted speed limit sign. Yield to workers.

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

Work Zone Headlights

Turn on your headlights now; required by law in this work zone

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 flaggers and automated devices in Oregon work zones even if their direction conflicts with existing signs.
• Oregon fines are doubled in all work zones, the temporary speed limit applies even when workers are not visible, until you see an End Work Zone sign.
• Work zones can change traffic flow. expect signs, cones, flaggers, and lane markings to guide you through.
• Never drive around or under a crossing gate at railroad crossings within a work zone. it is against the law and extremely dangerous.

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

9. Oregon Railroad Crossings: Stop at Least 15 Feet Out and Never Drive Around a Gate: Even While It is Moving

When required to stop at an Oregon railroad crossing, stop at the stop line. if there is no stop line, stop at least 15 feet from the nearest rail. It is against the law to drive around or under a crossing gate while it is down, or while it is being raised or lowered. At crossings with multiple tracks, look carefully for a second train from either direction before crossing.

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 Railroad Advance sign is the first sign. a railroad crossing is ahead. Slow down and prepare to stop.
• Stop at least 15 feet from the nearest rail when: flashing red lights activate, a stop sign is posted, a flagger signals, or an approaching train is clearly visible or dangerously close.
• It is against the law to drive around or under a crossing gate while it is down or while it is being raised or lowered, this specific "while moving" rule is stated in the Oregon Driver Manual.
• All school buses, hazmat vehicles, and some school activity vehicles must stop at railroad tracks. be prepared to stop when following these vehicles.
• Trains are closer than they appear and cannot stop quickly. One train may be blocking the view of another. always look both ways.

Key test point: Oregon prohibits driving around a gate even while it is being raised or lowered. Stop at least 15 feet from the nearest rail. Both rules are included in the Oregon Driver Manual.

10. Oregon School Zone Speed (20 mph): When Flashing, During School Hours, or When Children Are Present

Pentagon-shaped school zone signs in Oregon mark the beginning of school zones. A school speed zone is 20 mph and begins at the SCHOOL SPEED LIMIT 20 sign, ending at the END SCHOOL ZONE sign or another posted speed sign. Depending on the posted school-speed sign, the 20 mph limit applies when a yellow light is flashing, between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. on a day school is in session, or any day and time when children are present at the crosswalk. If unsure whether school is in session where school-hours signs apply, slow to 20 mph.

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

Obey the posted speed limit only when the lights are flashing

School Crossing Ahead

School crosswalk ahead; yield to crossing guard and children

• Oregon school speed zones are 20 mph as directed by the posted school-speed sign: when the yellow light is flashing; between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. on a school day where school-hours signs are used; or any day and time when children are present where that condition is posted.
• Stop and yield to children when they enter the crosswalk or when a school crossing guard signals you to stop. Remain stopped until children clear the crosswalk completely.
• A painted median strip or turn lane does not create two separate roads. when a school bus is stopped with red lights flashing, all lanes of traffic must stop. On a divided highway with two roads separated by an unpaved median strip or barrier, only traffic on the same side as the bus must stop.
• School buses and some school activity vehicles must stop at railroad tracks. treat them the same as school buses.

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. Oregon Pedestrian and Bike Signs: Bike Boxes, Sharrows, No Turns on Red and the 35 mph Passing Rule

Oregon drivers must stop for pedestrians crossing at marked or unmarked crosswalks. Oregon has detailed bicycle rules: green-painted bike boxes at intersections (stop behind the box; no turns on red), sharrow markings, designated bike lanes, and a speed-based passing rule. above 35 mph, you may only pass a cyclist if you leave enough distance to prevent contact if they fall. Both school and pedestrian/bicycle warning signs may use fluorescent yellow-green, with shape and symbol helping distinguish their purpose.

Pedestrian Crossing Sign

Crosswalk ahead; stop for pedestrians crossing as required by Oregon law

Bicycle Crossing Sign

Cyclists cross here; slow down and yield before proceeding

No Bicycles

Cyclists must not enter; use an alternate route

No Pedestrian Crossing

Pedestrians must not cross here; use the nearest crosswalk

• Drivers must stop for pedestrians crossing at marked or unmarked Oregon crosswalks. You are not required to stop if the pedestrian is in a crosswalk on the other side of a safety island.
• Bike boxes: green painted boxes at intersections where cyclists stage in front of traffic. You must stop behind the box when the light is red. No turns are allowed at these intersections when the traffic signal is red. On green, signal and yield to cyclists on the right before turning.
• Sharrow markings: two chevrons above a bicycle symbol painted on the road indicate cyclists may be in the lane. Yield as needed.
• Do not drive or park in a bike lane. Do not move into a bike lane in preparation for a turn. You may cross a bike lane only when turning or entering/leaving a driveway or alley.
• At speeds greater than 35 mph, you may only pass a cyclist in your lane if you leave enough distance to prevent contact if the cyclist falls into your path.
• Yield to cyclists in bike lanes or on sidewalks before turning across them. same as for other vehicle types.
• Fluorescent yellow-green is used for both school and pedestrian/bike signs. the shape distinguishes between them.

Key test point: Oregon drivers must stop for pedestrians crossing at marked or unmarked crosswalks. A crosswalk exists at every intersection even when no lines are painted, unless the crossing is closed or otherwise controlled.

12. How to Pass Oregon 35-Question DMV Test: Bike Boxes, Variable Speed Signs and the Gate Rule Nobody Expects

• 35 questions, 28 correct required. $7 fee. Take it online at DMV2U.Oregon.gov anytime. After 4 online attempts, you must test at a DMV office. Sample test questions are included in the Oregon Driver Manual.
• Variable speed signs are enforceable. Black-and-white digital signs that say "speed limit" are legally enforceable. the speed they display is the limit right now, based on real-time conditions. Yellow advisory signs recommend a speed but are not a posted limit.
• Work zone fines are doubled in ALL zones. Oregon is explicit. the temporary speed applies even when workers are not visible, and stays in effect until you see an End Work Zone or another speed limit sign.
• Bike boxes: stop behind the box; no turns on red. Green boxes at intersections mean motorists stop behind the box when the signal is red. On green, yield to cyclists before turning right. Bike boxes are covered in the current Oregon Driver Manual.
• 35 mph bicycle passing rule. Above 35 mph, you may only pass a cyclist in your lane if you leave enough distance to prevent contact if they fall. If you cannot, slow down and wait.
• Railroad gate rule: also applies while gate is moving. You cannot drive around or under a gate while it is down OR while it is being raised or lowered. The current Oregon Driver Manual specifically states that the rule applies while the gate is being raised or lowered.
• School zone: follow the posted condition. Depending on the school-speed sign, 20 mph applies when the yellow light is flashing, between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. on a school day, or when children are present. If unsure whether it is a school day where school-hours signs apply, slow to 20 mph.
• Oregon speed limits. Alleys/narrow residential: 15 mph. Business districts/school zones: 20 mph. Residential/parks: 25 mph. All other roads: 55 mph unless posted.
• Flashing signals. Flashing red = full stop. Flashing yellow = slow down and proceed with caution.
• Visit OregonDMV.com. Office locations, the current Oregon Driver Manual, and the DMV2U online testing portal are all at the Oregon DMV website.