Flagger Ahead Sign (W20-7): What It Means

Flagger symbol sign (W20-7), left, and FLAGGER word sign (W20-7a), right. Illustration drawn by Safe Pass Traffic; not to scale.

The Flagger Ahead sign (W20-7) is an orange diamond warning sign showing a person holding a STOP/SLOW paddle. It tells you a flagger is stationed ahead to control traffic, so be ready to stop and follow that person’s directions.

What it means

Under Section 6H.15 of the California MUTCD 2026 Edition, the Flagger (W20-7) symbol sign should be used in advance of any point where a flagger is stationed to control road users. A distance legend may be shown on a supplemental plaque below the sign. The FLAGGER (W20-7a) word message sign, with a distance legend, may be substituted for the symbol version.

Like other orange diamonds, it is a warning sign. It does not tell you to stop by itself. The flagger does that, usually with a STOP/SLOW paddle, which the manual calls the primary and preferred hand-signaling device. When the flagger shows the STOP face, you stop. When the flagger turns the paddle to SLOW and motions you ahead, you proceed with caution.

What drivers often get wrong

Treating SLOW as “go at normal speed.” The SLOW face means proceed carefully through the work area, often past workers and equipment or in a single shared lane.
Not expecting a stop. The Flagger sign is often paired with BE PREPARED TO STOP (W3-4). Queues can form suddenly, especially on two-lane roads where both directions take turns.
Watching the paddle but not the flagger’s hand. To stop you, the flagger holds the STOP face toward you with the free hand raised, palm toward you. To release you, the flagger shows SLOW and motions with the free hand.
Assuming fines are always doubled. Under California Vehicle Code 42009, doubled fines for listed offenses apply in a highway construction or maintenance area when traffic is regulated or restricted under CVC 21367 or when workers are actually performing work. Where a flagger is working, workers are clearly present.

Where it goes in a work zone

The Flagger sign belongs in the advance warning area, ahead of the flagger station. Section 6H.02 says advance warning signs are placed ahead of the transition and activity areas at distances that vary with road type, conditions and speed. When a series of signs is used, ROAD WORK AHEAD (W20-1) should be the first one drivers see. On a typical flagging layout, drivers might see ROAD WORK AHEAD, then ONE LANE ROAD (W20-4) where traffic must share a single lane, then BE PREPARED TO STOP, then the Flagger sign. The exact order and spacing come from the approved traffic control plan.

What contractors need to know

Show the Flagger sign on the plan for every approach where a flagger is stationed, including side streets or driveways that feed into the work area if the permitting agency requires it.
Decide whether you will use the symbol sign (W20-7) or the word sign (W20-7a) with a distance legend. Some agencies prefer one or the other.
If an Automated Flagger Assistance Device (AFAD) is used instead of a hand-held paddle, the manual covers it in Sections 6L.02 to 6L.04. When an AFAD is used, the advance signing should include ROAD WORK AHEAD, ONE LANE ROAD and BE PREPARED TO STOP, and those signs shall be removed or covered when the AFAD is not in use.
Plan how flagger signs will be handled during hours when no flagger is on duty, and confirm the approach with the permitting agency. A sign warning of a flagger who is not there teaches drivers to ignore it.

Related signs

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to stop when I see the Flagger Ahead sign?

Not at the sign itself. It warns you that a flagger is ahead. Slow down, be ready to stop, and follow the flagger’s paddle and hand signals when you reach them.

What is the difference between W20-7 and W20-7a?

W20-7 is the symbol version showing a flagger with a paddle. W20-7a is the word version reading FLAGGER with a distance legend. The manual allows the word sign to be substituted for the symbol sign.

Can a flagger use hand signals instead of a paddle?

The STOP/SLOW paddle is the preferred device. Red flags are limited to emergency situations, and hand movements alone are prohibited for controlling traffic in one-lane, two-way operations, except by emergency responders or uniformed police.

Sources

Need this sign on a traffic control plan?

Safe Pass Traffic prepares PE & TE stamped traffic control plans, striping plans and typical plans for projects statewide in California, and helps with the permit submittal. We draw the plan that shows where the flagger station and its advance signs go; your contractor or traffic control provider supplies the flaggers and sets the signs in the field. Call or text (714) 362-1348 or request a quote.