Construction Zone Traffic Control (C-31) · Lesson 4 of 6

Flagger Equipment, Signals and Night Visibility

"Flagger Equipment, Signals and Night Visibility" is lesson 4 of 6 in the Construction Zone Traffic Control (C-31) Learning Hub. It opens with "The STOP/SLOW Paddle Is the Primary Device" and works through 5 short steps, then a worked example you can check yourself against.

Open the free trialSee pricing

One-time purchase, no subscription. Law & Business included.

Steps in this lesson

  1. The STOP/SLOW Paddle Is the Primary Device
  2. Flags and Flashlights Are Emergency Tools
  3. The Three Paddle Signals
  4. Garments and Night Visibility
  5. Station Lighting, Warning Signs and Training

The worked example in the course applies this lesson to a realistic job in 6 steps, from "A second flagger uses a red flag as the normal signaling device and carries no paddle" through "An advance warning sign precedes the flagger station".

What you'll be able to do

  • Explain the main idea of "Flagger Equipment, Signals and Night Visibility" in plain language you can use on the exam.
  • Apply this step with confidence: "The Three Paddle Signals".
  • Apply this step with confidence: "Garments and Night Visibility".
  • Apply this step with confidence: "Station Lighting, Warning Signs and Training".
  • Test yourself on the worked example and the quick-check quiz inside the classroom.
Flagger Equipment and Night VisibilityHAND-SIGNALING DEVICES18 in minSTOP6 ft minpaddle bottomto pavementEMERGENCY ONLYflag 24 x 24 inminstaff about36 inSTOP/SLOW paddle (preferred)red flagNIGHT FLAGGING AUDITPASSPaddle 24 x 24 in, bottom 6 ft upFAILRed flag used as normal deviceFAILVest not retroreflective at nightFAILFlagger station not litFAILNo written training recordPASSAdvance warning sign before station2 pass, 4 fail: do not keep the lane open until fixedFlags: emergency only. Night: retroreflective garments seen at 1,000 ft, lit station.Training records kept under IIPP Section 3203.Source: CA MUTCD 2026 Sections 6D.02-6D.06, 6C.05; Title 8 CCR 1598, 1599, 1523(b)CC
The diagram for this lesson, exactly as it appears in the Learning Hub.

The first steps of this lesson

Step 1: The STOP/SLOW Paddle Is the Primary Device

CA MUTCD 2026 Section 6D.02 says the STOP/SLOW paddle (R1-1 on one face, W20-8 on the other) should be the primary and preferred hand-signaling device because it gives drivers more positive guidance than a red flag. It must be octagonal on a rigid handle and must be retroreflectorized when used at night. Figure 6D-1 shows a paddle at least 18 inches wide, and the bottom of the paddle should be at least 6 feet above the pavement when mounted on a rigid staff. A 24 x 24 inch paddle may be used where greater emphasis is needed and speeds are 30 mph or more. If flashing lights are added, STOP-face lights are all white or all red, SLOW-face lights are all white or all yellow, at 50 to 60 flashes per minute.

Step 2: Flags and Flashlights Are Emergency Tools

Section 6D.03: flag use is limited to emergency situations. A flag must be red or fluorescent orange-red, at least 24 inches square, fastened to a staff approximately 36 inches long, and retroreflectorized at night. A flag is never used to wave drivers on: to let stopped traffic proceed the flagger lowers the flag out of view and motions with the free hand (Section 6D.05, paragraph 05). Section 6D.04 allows a flashlight with a red glow cone only for emergency flagging at night in a non-illuminated station, held in the left hand to supplement the paddle or flag. Section 6D.05 paragraph 02 prohibits controlling a one-lane, two-way operation with hand movements alone, except for emergency responders at incident scenes or uniformed law enforcement.

The remaining 3 steps, the worked example and the quiz are in the course. This is a preview. The full lesson, with the step-by-step explanations, a worked example and a quick-check quiz, is inside the classroom.

More lessons for this trade

Browse all lesson previews

Ready to practice for real?

Try the real classroom free, no sign-up, or get the full course for your trade.

Open the free trialSee pricing

Independent exam preparation. Contractors Classroom is not affiliated with the Contractors State License Board, and no course can guarantee a passing result.