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 right turn on red at those intersections. Variable speed limit signs are legally enforceable and change based on weather or traffic. Work zone fines are doubled in all zones.

Table of Contents

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. 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. 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 all tested on the Oregon 35-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. 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 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. black-tailed deer and elk are common road hazards on Oregon Cascade Range highways, Coast Range routes, and rural Eastern Oregon corridors

Pedestrian Crossing

Crosswalk ahead; watch for foot traffic

Bicycle Crossing

Cyclists frequently cross here; slow down and yield to bikes

School Zone / Crossing

Oregon school speed zone is 20 mph, triggered by flashing yellow light, school hours (7am-5pm on school days), or children present at any time

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. 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

Identifies the interstate number (e.g., I-5, I-84, I-205, I-405 Portland)

US Route Marker

Marks US highways (e.g., US-101 Pacific Coast, US-97 Cascade Corridor, US-26, US-20)

State Route Marker

Identifies Oregon state routes (e.g., OR-18 Willamette Valley, OR-138 Umpqua Scenic, OR-62 Crater Lake, OR-99W)

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. Oregon Traffic Signals: Bike Box Red Lights, No Right Turn on Red and Variable Speed Enforcement

Flashing red = stop sign. Flashing yellow = yield. Oregon test covers all signal types. plus bike box signals: when a traffic signal is red at a bike box intersection, you must stop behind the green box and no right turn on red is allowed. Variable speed limit signs (digital black-and-white) change the enforceable speed limit in real time.

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. At bike box intersections: stop behind the green box; no right turn on red. All tested on the Oregon DMV exam.

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

Yellow lines separate opposing traffic. White lines separate same-direction traffic. Oregon test covers lane lines, road arrows, and unique pavement markings: green-painted bike boxes at intersections, sharrow (shared lane) markings indicating cyclists may occupy the full lane, and green 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

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. 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 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 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.

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

Oregon requires stopping at the stop line or at least 15 feet from the nearest rail; driving around a gate while it moves is illegal; no parking within 50 feet of nearest rail

• 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" clause is Oregon law and is tested.
• 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 tested on the Oregon DMV exam.

10. Oregon School Zone Speed (20 mph): Three Separate Triggers: Flashing Light, School Hours, or Children Present

Pentagon-shaped school zone signs in Oregon mark the beginning of school zones. The school speed zone is 20 mph and is enforced under three separate triggers: (1) a yellow light on the sign is flashing; (2) it is between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. on a day school is in session; or (3) children are present at the crosswalk at any day or time. If unsure whether school is in session, slow to 20 mph.

School Zone

School ahead. be alert for children, reduce speed

School Speed Limit

Oregon school speed zone is 20 mph, active when: yellow light flashes, school hours 7am-5pm on school days, OR children present at crosswalk any time

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

• Oregon school speed zones are 20 mph under three triggers: flashing yellow light on sign; school hours 7am-5pm on school days (if unsure, slow to 20); or children present at the crosswalk at any time.
• 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.
• On a 4-lane road with a painted median or turn lane: when a school bus is stopped with red lights flashing, only traffic behind the bus must stop. oncoming traffic may proceed.
• 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 Right Turn on Red and the 35 mph Passing Rule

Pedestrians have right-of-way in all Oregon crosswalks. Oregon has some of the most detailed bicycle rules of any state: green-painted bike boxes at intersections (stop behind the box; no right 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 sign types use fluorescent yellow-green and are tested on the Oregon DMV exam.

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 have right-of-way in all Oregon crosswalks. marked or unmarked.
• 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 right turn on red at these intersections. 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: Pedestrians always have right-of-way at crosswalks. marked or unmarked. This rule appears on virtually every state DMV exam.

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. Practice questions are in the back of 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, no right on red. Green boxes at intersections = stop behind the line. No right turn on red. On green, yield to cyclists before turning right. This is a Portland-area and statewide sign type that appears on the test.
• 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. That "while moving" condition is Oregon-specific and is tested.
• School zone: three triggers. Flashing yellow light. School hours 7am-5pm on school days. Children present at any time. If unsure if it is a school day, slow to 20 mph. that is the Oregon manuals explicit guidance.
• 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 and yield.
• Visit OregonDMV.com. Office locations, the full 2024-2025 Oregon Driver Manual, and the DMV2U online testing portal are all at the Oregon DMV website.

Oregon DMV Driver License