Fresh Oil (Tar) sign

What to do

Slow down; the surface may be slippery and can splash your vehicle.

Slow down and keep your distance so you do not slide or throw tar and chips onto your car or the vehicle behind you.

Where it's used

Section 6H.19 says the FRESH OIL (TAR) (W21-2) sign should be used to warn drivers of a new surface treatment on the road. It is a black-on-orange diamond work zone word sign. It is usually placed ahead of the treated section, often together with other work zone signs such as LOOSE GRAVEL or a lower speed.

Don't confuse it with

• Slippery When Wet: Slippery When Wet is a permanent yellow sign about slick pavement, while FRESH OIL is a temporary orange sign about a new surface treatment.
• Loose Gravel: LOOSE GRAVEL warns of loose stones, which may follow an oil-and-chip treatment, rather than wet oil or tar.