SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/drive-flagger-paddle

What two words appear on the standard paddle used by work-zone flaggers?

STOP on one side, SLOW on the other.

  1. STOP and SLOW ✔
  2. GO and WAIT
  3. YIELD and MERGE

Why: Flaggers use a STOP/SLOW paddle to control traffic through work zones. Obey the flagger's paddle even if it differs from other signs or signals.

Huh, didn't know that: The national manual prefers the paddle over red flags because it gives drivers clearer directions.

The dad joke
Why did the flagger get promoted? She knew how to handle a paddle in rough traffic.
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References

Answer: STOP and SLOW. Flaggers use a STOP/SLOW paddle to control traffic through work zones. Obey the flagger's paddle even if it differs from other signs or signals.

  1. MUTCD 11th Edition with Revision 1, Section 6D.02 mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/pdfs/11th_Editionr1/mutcd11theditionr1hl.pdf
    the STOP/SLOW paddle gives road users more positive guidance than red flags.
    Checked 2026-10-09.
  2. New York State Driver's Manual, Chapter 4 dmv.ny.gov/new-york-state-drivers-manual-and-practice-tests/chapter-4-traffic-control
    you must always obey the flag persons.
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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