Rules of the road
Lesson 7 · Trucks, bikes and buses

What does an orange triangle on a vehicle mean?

Short answer

It marks a slow-moving vehicle, usually going 25 mph or less, like a tractor or horse-drawn buggy. Slow down early and pass only where it is legal and safe.

Watch it play out

How to do it

  1. Slow down as soon as you see the triangle.
  2. Keep a safe distance; farm equipment may be wider than it looks.
  3. Watch for it to turn into fields or driveways, sometimes without much warning.
  4. Pass only in a legal passing zone with a clear view.

Why the rule works this way

At highway speed you can close the gap to a 20 mph tractor in seconds. The sign is there to give you time to react.

Common mistakes

  • Not noticing how fast you are catching up.
  • Passing on a solid line out of impatience.

Questions people ask

What vehicles use the sign?

Farm tractors, construction equipment, horse-drawn buggies and some road maintenance vehicles.