[Image shows letterhead. (See PDF version to view images.) Summary of text on image: U.S. DOT, FHWA, Oct. 10, 2001 ]

Sergeant Timothy J. Bradshaw Traffic Division Supervisor Coconut Creek Public Safety 4800 West Copans Road Coconut Creek, FL 33063

Dear Sergeant Bradshaw:

Thank you for your July 19 letter requesting an interpretation of the use of stop lines in conjunction with the "Do Not Block Intersection" sign (Section 3B. 16 of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices).

As Ms. Cherie L. Kittle mentioned to you in a recent phone conversation regarding the status of your request for interpretation, your request was forwarded to two members of the National Committee on Uniform Traffic Control (NCUTCD) for their opinion on the use of stop lines along with the Do Not Block Intersection Signs. Mr. Lee Billingsley has informed me that his staff met with you recently to discuss this issue. We concur with their opinion that the use of stop lines in conjunction with Do Not Block Intersection signs is inappropriate.

We agree with Mr. Billingsley's findings that enforcement of the Do Not Block Intersection signs is critical in situations you describe. As mentioned previously, since this may be a prevalent situation, we have suggested that the NCUTCD Markings Technical Committee add this topic to their agenda for their next meeting in January 2002.

Thank you for your patience. We realize this is not the answer you were hoping for; however, we at Federal Highway Administration believe uniformity is an important principle to follow in the selection and application of traffic control devices. The use of a standard device where it is not appropriate is as objectionable as a nonstandard device since such misuse might result in disrespect at those locations where the device is needed and appropriate.

For references purposes, we have assigned your request the following official interpretation number and title: "Ill-I 50(t) - Stop Line With Do Not Block Intersection Sign."

If you have any questions, please call Ms. Kittle at 202-366-2188.

Sincerely yours,

Shelley J. Row, P.E. Director, Office of Transportation Operations