New Hampshire Road Signs: DMV 40-Question Exam & $250-$500 Manned 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 with a 40-minute limit that auto-terminates when more than 8 questions are answered incorrectly. School zone speed is 10 mph below the usual posted limit during the times set by state law. Bicycle passing clearance: 3 feet at 30 mph or below, plus one additional foot for every 10 mph above 30.

1. New Hampshire 40-Question Touch-Screen DMV Test: 40 Minutes and Automatic End After More Than 8 Wrong

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. If more than 8 questions are answered incorrectly, the test automatically ends. Automated oral testing with headphones is available for anyone requiring this service; notify the customer service representative before starting. The DMV also lists written and audible testing in English, American Sign Language (ASL), French, Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic, Farsi, and Mandarin Chinese.

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. 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)		Legal requirement; obey this sign or face fines and points on your record
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. 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). RSA 265:9 requires drivers to obey applicable official traffic control devices unless otherwise directed by a traffic or police officer. White rectangular signs, prohibitory signs, and lane-control signs are part of the traffic-control material drivers must know.

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

Stop fully before proceeding; right turns may go after stopping

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. 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. Under RSA 265:6-a, speeding in a manned construction or maintenance zone on a state or interstate highway carries a fine of $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 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; yield to any pedestrian in or entering the crosswalk

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

A new lane is added ahead; stay in your lane and let merging traffic in

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. 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

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. New Hampshire Traffic Signals: Flashing Lights, Arrow Signals and Lane-Control Signals

Flashing red = stop sign. Flashing yellow = caution; proceed only with caution. The NH DMV knowledge test covers traffic signals, including standard lights, arrow signals, flashing signals, and pedestrian signals. A school bus uses amber warning lights before a stop; slow down and prepare to stop before the red lights activate.

If a New Hampshire traffic signal is not working, RSA 265:9 requires drivers to follow the rules that apply to an intersection without an operating traffic-control device or to a 4-way stop, including yielding as required.

New Hampshire lane-control signals: a green indication means the lane may be used; a steady yellow indication warns that a lane-control change is being made; a steady red indication means do not enter or travel in that lane; and a flashing yellow indication means the lane may be used only to approach and make a left turn.

Standard Traffic Lights

Steady Red

Stop behind the stop line, crosswalk, or intersection; after stopping, a right turn may be made unless prohibited, after yielding as required

Steady Yellow

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

Steady Green

Proceed through the intersection; yield to pedestrians and cross traffic

Green Arrow (left)

Proceed only in the arrow direction; yield to pedestrians

Yellow Arrow

The related green movement is ending or a red indication is about to appear; slow down and proceed only as permitted

Red Arrow

Stop and do not make the arrow movement unless another indication permits it; a right turn on a red arrow may be made after stopping unless prohibited, after yielding as required

Circular Green (no arrow)

Proceed straight or turn right or left unless a sign prohibits the turn; yield to traffic and pedestrians lawfully in the intersection or crosswalk

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 = proceed only with caution. A school bus uses amber warning lights before stopping; slow down and prepare before the red lights activate.

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

Yellow lane-divider lines separate traffic moving in opposite directions, while white lane lines separate traffic moving in the same direction. Edge markings are white on two-way roads and on the right edge of one-way roads, and yellow on the left edge of one-way roads. The NH DMV manual covers lane lines, edge markings, stop lines, crosswalks, and other pavement markings.

Line Colors

Yellow lines

Yellow lane-divider lines separate opposing traffic; do not pass over a solid yellow line on your side

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; stay in your lane

Broken white line

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

Solid white line

Drivers are prohibited from changing lanes or passing another vehicle over a solid white line

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 area; yield to pedestrians crossing as required by New Hampshire law

Broken white line (pavement)

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

Solid white line (pavement)

Drivers are prohibited from changing lanes or passing another vehicle over a solid white line

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 enter or drive through this area; it is off-limits to traffic

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

Key test point: Yellow lane-divider lines separate opposing traffic and white lane lines separate same-direction traffic. A yellow edge line can mark the left edge of a one-way road.

8. New Hampshire Work Zone Signs: $250-$500 Speeding Fine in Manned State or Interstate Zones

New Hampshire work-zone warning signs are generally diamond or rectangular and orange with black letters or symbols. Under RSA 265:6-a, speeding in a highway construction or maintenance zone on a state or interstate highway that is manned by workers carries a fine of not less than $250 and not more than $500. Slow down, obey work-zone signs, and follow any flagperson directing traffic through the construction area.

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 flagperson directing traffic in a construction, maintenance, or utility work area. If the flagperson is displaying a stop signal, stop at least 25 feet before reaching the flagperson and do not proceed until directed.
• For speeding in a construction or maintenance zone on a state or interstate highway that is manned by workers, RSA 265:6-a sets a fine of not less than $250 and not more than $500.
• Obey all posted work zone speed limits and signs. Where workers are on the roadway or close enough to be endangered by passing traffic, RSA 265:60 sets the speed at least 10 mph below the usual posted limit. Slow down and 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 Away and Check Every Track

At a New Hampshire railroad crossing, stop within 15 to 50 feet of the nearest rail when required by a flashing signal, lowered gate, an approaching train or railroad vehicle that creates an immediate hazard, or a posted stop sign. If there is more than one track, do not cross until you have a clear view in both directions. Vehicles that are legally required to stop at all railroad crossings must cross in a gear that does not require shifting and must not shift gears while on the tracks.

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 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.
• Vehicles that are legally required to stop at all railroad grade crossings must cross in a gear that does not require shifting and must not shift gears while traversing the tracks.
• Vehicles required by New Hampshire law to stop at railroad crossings include motor vehicles carrying passengers for hire, school buses carrying school children, and vehicles carrying explosive substances or flammable liquids as cargo.
• Some NH railroad crossings are designated "exempt" and are plainly marked as such.

Key test point: When a railroad stop is required in New Hampshire, stop within 15 to 50 feet of the nearest rail. Never drive through, around, or under a closed or moving crossing gate, and check that all tracks are clear before proceeding.

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; reduce speed and watch for children

School Speed Limit

Obey the reduced speed limit posted in school zones

School Speed Limit / Beacon

Obey the posted school-zone speed and the times or beacon conditions shown on the sign

School Crossing Ahead

School crosswalk ahead; yield to crossing guard and children

• 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.
• You are not required to stop when traveling on the opposite roadway of a divided highway. New Hampshire also has a controlled-access-highway exception when a school bus is stopped in a loading zone adjacent to the roadway where pedestrians are not permitted to cross.
• Stay stopped until the bus starts again or the driver stops operating the flashing red lights.
• If you see a school bus with flashing amber warning lights, the bus is approaching a stop; slow down and be ready to stop when the red lights activate.

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

When traffic-control signals are not in place or not operating, New Hampshire drivers must yield, slowing or stopping if needed, to a pedestrian in a crosswalk when the pedestrian is on the drivers half of the roadway or is approaching so closely from the opposite half as to be in danger. 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.

Pedestrian Crossing Sign

Pedestrian crossing ahead; slow down and yield or stop for pedestrians as required

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

• When traffic-control signals are not in place or not operating, drivers must yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk when the pedestrian is on the drivers half of the roadway or is approaching so closely from the opposite half as to be in danger. Pedestrians may not suddenly enter the path of a vehicle that is so close as to create an immediate hazard.
• 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: At New Hampshire crosswalks without an operating traffic-control signal, drivers must yield as required by RSA 265:35; pedestrians crossing outside a marked crosswalk or an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection generally must yield to vehicles.

12. How to Pass New Hampshire 40-Question Touch-Screen DMV Test Before It Auto-Terminates

• More than 8 incorrect answers = automatic end. The NH automated knowledge test has 40 multiple-choice questions, a 40-minute limit, and automatically ends if more than 8 questions are answered incorrectly.
• Automated oral testing is available. Headphones are available for anyone requiring this service; notify the customer service representative before the test starts. The DMV also lists written and audible options in multiple languages.
• 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. Stop when required for a school bus displaying flashing red lights. The opposite roadway of a divided highway is exempt, and a controlled-access-highway loading-zone exception also applies where pedestrians are not permitted to cross. Amber warning lights mean the bus is approaching a stop.
• Work zone speeding: $250 to $500 in qualifying zones. This fine range applies to speeding in a construction or maintenance zone on a state or interstate highway that is manned by workers.
• Railroad: stop 15 to 50 feet away when required. Do not proceed until it is safe and all tracks are clear. Vehicles that are legally required to stop at every railroad crossing must not shift gears while traversing the tracks.
• 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 residence districts: 30 mph. Rural residence districts and qualifying Class V highways: 35 mph. Unimproved rural highways: 45 mph. Other locations: 55 mph. The interstate system and specified divided turnpikes are generally 65 mph, while I-93 from mile marker 45 to the Vermont border is 70 mph.
• Flashing signals. Flashing red = full stop. Flashing yellow = proceed only with caution. School-bus amber warning lights = the bus is approaching a stop, so slow down and prepare for the red lights.
• Moose crossing signs. On White Mountain and North Country routes, a moose or animal-crossing warning sign means slow down, scan both sides of the road, and be prepared for animals entering the roadway.