What is the background color for work area signs?

The background color for work area signs is orange. This color is specifically chosen to draw attention and alert drivers that they are approaching a construction or maintenance zone where special caution is required. Orange indicates a temporary condition that may affect roadway safety, signaling to operators that they should be prepared to slow down or take other precautions.

Yellow, while a color used for cautionary signs about general hazards or advisories, does not communicate the specific urgency associated with work zones. Red is reserved for stop signs and prohibitive instructions, while white is typically used for regulatory signage, such as speed limits and pedestrian crossings. Understanding the purpose behind these colors helps ensure safety on the road, emphasizing the importance of being vigilant in areas marked by orange signs.