Change List for the 2009 Edition of the MUTCD
Part 2

CHAPTER 2A. GENERAL

Section 2A.01 Function and Purpose of Signs

Support:

This Manual contains Standards, Guidance, and Options for the signing within the right-of-way of all types of highways, and private roads open to public travel. The functions of signs are to provide regulations, warnings, and guidance information for road users. Both Words, and symbols, and arrows are used to convey the messages. Signs are not typically used to confirm rules of the road.

Detailed sign requirements are located in the following Chapters of Part 2:

Chapter 2B—Regulatory Signs, Barricades, and Gates
Chapter 2C—Warning Signs and Object Markers
Chapter 2D—Guide Signs (for Conventional Roads)
Chapter 2E—Guide Signs (for Freeways and Expressways)
Chapter 2F—Toll Road Signs
Chapter 2G—Preferential and Managed Lane Signs
Chapter 2H—General Information Signs
Chapter 2I—General Service Signs
Chapter 2F 2J—Specific Service (Logo) Signs
Chapter 2G 2K—Tourist-Oriented Directional Signs
Chapter 2L—Changeable Message Signs
Chapter 2H 2M—Recreational and Cultural Interest Area Signs
Chapter 2I 2N—Emergency Management Signs

Standard:

Because the requirements and standards for signs depend on the particular type of highway upon which they are to be used, the following definitions for freeway, expressway, conventional road, and special purpose road given in Section 1A.13 shall apply: in Part 2.

Freeway—a divided highway with full control of access;
Expressway—a divided highway with partial control of access;
Conventional Road—a street or highway other than a low-volume road (as defined in Section 5A.01), a freeway, or an expressway; and
Special Purpose Road—a low-volume, low-speed road that serves recreational areas or resource development activities, or that provides local access.

Section 2A.02 Definitions

Support:

Definitions and acronyms that are applicable to signs are given in Sections 1A.13 and 2A.01 1A.14.

Section 2A.03 Standardization of Application

Support:

It is recognized that urban traffic conditions differ from those in rural environments, and in many instances signs are applied and located differently. Where pertinent and practical, this Manual sets forth separate recommendations for urban and rural conditions.

Guidance:

Signs should be used only where justified by engineering judgment or studies, as noted provided in Section 1A.09.

Results from traffic engineering studies of physical and traffic factors should indicate the locations where signs are deemed necessary or desirable.

Roadway geometric design and sign application should be coordinated so that signing can be effectively placed to give the road user any necessary regulatory, warning, guidance, and other information.

Standard:

Each standard sign shall be displayed only for the specific purpose as prescribed in this Manual. Determination of the particular signs to be applied to a specific condition shall be made in accordance with the criteria provisions set forth in Part 2. Before any new highway, private road open to public travel (see definition in Section 1A.13), detour, or temporary route is opened to traffic public travel, all necessary signs shall be in place. Signs required by road conditions or restrictions shall be removed when those conditions cease to exist or the restrictions are withdrawn.

Section 2A.04 Excessive Use of Signs

Guidance:

Regulatory and warning signs should be used conservatively because these signs, if used to excess, tend to lose their effectiveness. If used, route signs and directional guide signs should be used frequently because they their use promotes reasonably safe and efficient operations by keeping road users informed of their location.

Section 2A.05 Classification of Signs

Standard:

Signs shall be defined by their function as follows:

Regulatory signs give notice of traffic laws or regulations.
Warning signs give notice of a situation that might not be readily apparent.
Guide signs show route designations, destinations, directions, distances, services, points of interest, and other geographical, recreational, or cultural information.

Support:

Object markers are defined in Section 2C.63.

Section 2A.06 Design of Signs

Support:

This Manual shows many typical standard signs and object markers approved for use on streets, highways, bikeways, and pedestrian crossings.

In the specifications for individual signs and object markers, the general appearance of the legend, color, and size are shown in the accompanying tables and illustrations, and are not always detailed in the text.

Detailed drawings of standard signs, object markers, and alphabets, symbols, and arrows (see Figure 2D-2) are shown in the "Standard Highway Signs and Markings" book. Section 1A.11 contains information regarding how to obtain this publication.

The basic requirements of a highway sign are that it be legible to those for whom it is intended and that it be understandable in time to permit a proper response. Desirable attributes include:

High visibility by day and night; and
High legibility (adequately sized letters, or symbols, or arrows, and a short legend for quick comprehension by a road user approaching a sign).

Standardized colors and shapes are specified so that the several classes of traffic signs can be promptly recognized. Simplicity and uniformity in design, position, and application are important.

Standard:

The term legend shall include all word messages and symbol and arrow designs that are intended to convey specific meanings.

Uniformity in design shall include shape, color, dimensions, legends, borders, and illumination or retroreflectivity.

Standardization of these designs does not preclude further improvement by minor changes in the proportion or orientation of symbols, width of borders, or layout of word messages, but all shapes and colors shall be as indicated. this text was relocated from below

All symbols shall be unmistakably similar to, or mirror images of, the adopted symbol signs, all of which are shown in the "Standard Highway Signs and Markings" book (see Section 1A.11). Symbols and colors shall not be modified unless otherwise provided in this Manual. All symbols and colors for signs not shown in the "Standard Highway Signs and Markings" book shall follow the procedures for experimentation and change described in Section 1A.10. this paragraph was relocated from Section 1A.03

Option:

Although the standard design of symbol signs cannot be modified, the orientation of the symbol may be changed to better reflect the direction of travel, if appropriate.this paragraph was relocated from Section 1A.03

Standard:

Where a standard word message is applicable, the wording shall be as herein provided in this Manual. Standardization of these designs does not preclude further improvement by minor changes in the proportion or orientation of symbols, width of borders, or layout of word messages, but all shapes and colors shall be as indicated. this text was relocated to above

In situations where word messages are required other than those herein provided in this Manual, the signs shall be of the same shape and color as standard signs of the same functional type.

Option:

State and local highway agencies may develop special word message signs in situations where roadway conditions make it necessary to provide road users with additional regulatory, warning, or guidance information, such as when road users need to be notified of special regulations or warned about a situation that might not be readily apparent. Unlike colors that have not been assigned or symbols that have not been approved for signs, new word message signs may be used without the need for experimentation. this paragraph was relocated within this Section – the added text was relocated and edited from Section 1A.03

Standard:

Except as stated provided in the Option below Paragraph 16 and except for the Carpool Information (D12-2) sign (see Section 2I.11), Internet addresses and e-mail addresses, including domain names and uniform resource locators (URL), shall not be shown displayed on any sign, supplemental plaque, sign panel (including logo sign panels on Specific Service signs), or changeable message sign.

Guidance:

Unless otherwise stated provided in this Manual for a specific sign, and except as stated provided in the Option below Paragraph 16, telephone numbers of more than four characters should not be shown displayed on any sign, supplemental plaque, sign panel (including logo sign panels on Specific service signs), or changeable message sign.

Option:

Internet addresses, e-mail addresses, or telephone numbers with more than four characters may be shown displayed on signs, supplemental plaques, sign panels, and changeable message signs that are intended for viewing only by pedestrians, bicyclists, occupants of parked vehicles, or drivers of vehicles on low-speed roadways where engineering judgment indicates that an area is available for drivers can reasonably safely to stop out of the traffic flow to read the message.

Standard:

Pictographs (see definition in Section 1A.13) shall not be displayed on signs except as specifically provided in this Manual. Pictographs shall be simple, dignified, and devoid of any advertising. When used to represent a political jurisdiction (such as a State, county, or municipal corporation) the pictograph shall be the official designation adopted by the jurisdiction. When used to represent a college or university, the pictograph shall be the official seal adopted by the institution. Pictorial representations of university or college programs shall not be permitted to be displayed on a sign.

Section 2A.07 Changeable Message Signs the text from this Section has been relocated to new Chapter 2L

Section 2A.08 2A.07 Retroreflectivity and Illumination

Support:

There are many materials currently available for retroreflection and various methods currently available for the illumination of signs and object markers. New materials and methods continue to emerge. New materials and methods can be used as long as the signs and object markers meet the standard requirements for color, both by day and by night.

Standard:

Regulatory, warning, and guide signs and object markers shall be retroreflective (see Section 2A.08) or illuminated to show the same shape and similar color by both day and night, unless specifically stated otherwise provided in the text discussion in this Manual of for a particular sign or group of signs.

The requirements for sign illumination shall not be considered to be satisfied by street or highway lighting.

Guidance:

All overhead sign installations should be illuminated unless an engineering study shows that retroreflection will perform effectively without illumination.

Option:

Sign elements may be illuminated by the means shown in Table 2A-1.

Retroreflection of sign elements may be accomplished by the means shown in Table 2A-2.

Light Emitting Diode (LED) units may be used individually within the face legend or symbol of a sign and in the border of a sign, except for changeable message signs, to improve the conspicuity, increase the legibility of sign legends and borders, or provide a changeable message. Individual LED pixels may be used in the border of a sign.

Standard:

A module of multiple LED units used as a closely-spaced, single light source shall only be used within the sign face for legends or symbols.

Except as provided in Paragraphs 11 and 12, neither individual LEDs nor groups of LEDs shall be placed within the background area of a sign.

If used, the LEDs shall have a maximum diameter of 1/4 inch and shall be the same color as the sign legend, border, or background. following colors based on the type of sign:

White or red, if used with STOP or YIELD signs.
White, if used with regulatory signs other than STOP or YIELD signs.
White or yellow, if used with warning signs.
White, if used with guide signs.
White, yellow, or orange, if used with temporary traffic control signs.
White or yellow, if used with school area signs.

If flashed, all LED units shall flash simultaneously at a rate of more than 50 and less than 60 times per minute.

The uniformity of the sign design shall be maintained without any decrease in visibility, legibility, or driver comprehension during either daytime or nighttime conditions.

Option:

For STOP and YIELD signs, LEDs may be placed within the border or within one border width within the background of the sign.

For STOP/SLOW paddles (see Section 6E.03) used by flaggers and the STOP paddles (see Section 7D.05) used by adult crossing guards, individual LEDs or groups of LEDs may be used.

Support:

Other methods of enhancing the conspicuity of standard signs are described in Section 2A.15.

Information regarding the use of retroreflective material on the sign support is contained in Section 2A.21.

Section 2A.09 2A.08 Maintaining Minimum Retroreflectivity

Support:

Retroreflectivity is one of several factors associated with maintaining nighttime sign visibility (see Section 2A.22).

Standard:

Public agencies or officials having jurisdiction shall use an assessment or management method that is designed to maintain sign retroreflectivity at or above the minimum levels in Table 2A-3.

Support:

Compliance with the above Standard in Paragraph 2 is achieved by having a method in place and using the method to maintain the minimum levels established in Table 2A-3. Provided that an assessment or management method is being used, an agency or official having jurisdiction would be in compliance with the above Standard in Paragraph 2 even if there are some individual signs that do not meet the minimum retroreflectivity levels at a particular point in time.

Guidance:

Except for those signs specifically identified in the Option in this Section Paragraph 6, one or more of the following assessment or management methods should be used to maintain sign retroreflectivity:

Visual Nighttime Inspection—The retroreflectivity of an existing sign is assessed by a trained sign inspector conducting a visual inspection from a moving vehicle during nighttime conditions. Signs that are visually identified by the inspector to have retroreflectivity below the minimum levels should be replaced.
Measured Sign Retroreflectivity—Sign retroreflectivity is measured using a retroreflectometer. Signs with retroreflectivity below the minimum levels should be replaced.
Expected Sign Life—When signs are installed, the installation date is labeled or recorded so that the age of a sign is known. The age of the sign is compared to the expected sign life. The expected sign life is based on the experience of sign retroreflectivity degradation in a geographic area compared to the minimum levels. Signs older than the expected life should be replaced.
Blanket Replacement—All signs in an area/corridor, or of a given type, should be replaced at specified intervals. This eliminates the need to assess retroreflectivity or track the life of individual signs. The replacement interval is based on the expected sign life, compared to the minimum levels, for the shortest-life material used on the affected signs.
Control Signs—Replacement of signs in the field is based on the performance of a sample of control signs. The control signs might be a small sample located in a maintenance yard or a sample of signs in the field. The control signs are monitored to determine the end of retroreflective life for the associated signs. All field signs represented by the control sample should be replaced before the retroreflectivity levels of the control sample reach the minimum levels.
Other Methods—Other methods developed based on engineering studies can be used.

Support:

Additional information about these methods is contained in the 2007 Edition of FHWA's "Maintaining Traffic Sign Retroreflectivity" (see Section 1A.11).

Option:

Highway agencies may exclude the following signs from the retroreflectivity maintenance guidelines described in this Section:

Parking, Standing, and Stopping signs (R7 and R8 series)
Walking/Hitchhiking/Crossing signs (R9 series, R10-1 through R10-4b)
Adopt-A-Highway Acknowledgment signs
All signs with blue or brown backgrounds
Bikeway signs that are intended for exclusive use by bicyclists or pedestrians

Section 2A.10 2A.09 Shapes

Standard:

Particular shapes, as shown in Table 2A-4, shall be used exclusively for specific signs or series of signs, unless specifically stated otherwise provided in the text discussion in this Manual for a particular sign or class of signs.

Section 2A.11 2A.10 Sign Colors

Standard:

The colors to be used on standard signs and their specific use on these signs shall be as indicated provided in the applicable Sections of this Manual. The color coordinates and values shall be as described in 23 CFR, Part 655, Subpart F, Appendix.

Support:

As a quick reference, common uses of sign colors are shown in Table 2A-5. Color schemes on specific signs are shown in the illustrations located in each appropriate Section Chapter.

Whenever white is specified herein in this Manual or in the "Standard Highway Signs and Markings" book (see Section 1A.11) as a color, it is understood to include silver-colored retroreflective coatings or elements that reflect white light.

The colors coral, purple, and light blue are being reserved for uses that will be determined in the future by the Federal Highway Administration.

Information regarding color coding of destinations on guide signs, including community wayfinding signs, is contained in Section 2D.03 Chapter 2D.

Option:

The approved fluorescent version of the standard red, yellow, green, or orange color may be used as an alternative to the corresponding standard color.

Section 2A.12 2A.11 Dimensions

Support:

Sign sizes for use on the different classes of highways are shown in Sections 2B.03, 2C.04, 2D.04, 5A.03, 6F.02, 7B.01, 8B.02, and 9B.02, and in the "Standard Highway Signs" book (see Section 1A.11).

The "Standard Highway Signs and Markings" book (see Section 1A.11) prescribes design details for up to five different sizes depending on the type of traffic facility, including bikeways. Smaller sizes are designed to be used on bikeways and some other off-road applications. Larger sizes are designed for use on freeways and expressways, and can also be used to enhance road user safety and convenience on other facilities, especially on multi-lane divided highways and on undivided highways having five or more lanes of traffic and/or high speeds. The intermediate sizes are designed to be used on other highway types.

Standard:

The sign dimensions prescribed in the sign size tables in the various Parts and Chapters in this Manual and in the "Standard Highway Signs and Markings" book (see Section 1A.11) shall be used unless engineering judgment determines that other sizes are appropriate. Except as provided in Paragraph 3, where engineering judgment determines that sizes smaller than the prescribed dimensions are appropriate for use, the sign dimensions shall not be less than the minimum dimensions specified in this Manual. The sizes shown in the Minimum columns that are smaller than the sizes shown in the Conventional Road columns in the various sign size tables in this Manual shall only be used on low-speed roadways, alleys, and private roads open to public travel where the reduced legend size would be adequate for the regulation or warning or where physical conditions preclude the use of larger sizes.

Option:

For alleys with restrictive physical conditions and vehicle usage that limits installation of the minimum size sign (or the Conventional Road size sign if no Minimum size is shown), both the sign height and the sign width may be decreased by up to 6 inches.

Guidance:

The sizes shown in the Freeway and Expressway columns in the various sign size tables in this Manual should be used on freeways and expressways, and for other higher-speed applications based upon engineering judgment, to provide larger signs for increased visibility and recognition.

The sizes shown in the Oversized columns in the various sign size tables in this Manual size should be used for those special applications where speed, volume, or other factors result in conditions where increased emphasis, improved recognition, or increased legibility is needed, as determined by engineering judgment or study.

Increases above the prescribed sizes should be used where greater legibility or emphasis is needed. Wherever practical If signs larger than the prescribed sizes are used, the overall sign dimensions should be increased in 6-inch increments.

Standard:

Where engineering judgment determines that sizes larger that are different than the prescribed dimensions are appropriate for use, standard shapes and colors shall be used and standard proportions shall be retained as much as practical.

Guidance:

When supplemental plaques are installed with larger sized signs, a corresponding increase in the size of the plaque and its legend should also be made. The resulting plaque size should be approximately in the same relative proportion to the larger sized sign as the conventional sized plaque is to the conventional sized sign.

Section 2A.13 2A.12 Symbols

Standard:

Symbol designs shall in all cases be unmistakably similar to those shown in this Manual and in the "Standard Highway Signs and Markings" book (see Section 1A.11).

Support:

New symbol designs shall be are adopted by the Federal Highway Administration based on research evaluations to determine road user comprehension, sign conspicuity, and sign legibility.

Support:

Sometimes a change from word messages to symbols requires significant time for public education and transition. Therefore, this Manual sometimes includes the practice of using educational plaques to accompany some new symbol signs.

Guidance:

New warning or regulatory symbol signs not readily recognizable by the public should be accompanied by an educational plaque.

Option:

Educational plaques may be left in place as long as they are in serviceable condition.

State and/or local highway agencies may conduct research studies to determine road user comprehension, sign conspicuity, and sign legibility.

Guidance:

Although most standard symbols are oriented facing left, mirror images of these symbols may should be used where the reverse orientation might better convey to road users a direction of movement.

Standard:

A symbol used for a given category of signs (regulatory, warning, or guide) shall not be used for a different category of signs, except as specifically authorized in this Manual.

Except as provided in Paragraph 11, a recreational and cultural interest area symbol (see Chapter 2M) shall not be used on streets or highways outside of recreational and cultural interest areas.

A recreational and cultural interest area guide sign symbol (see Chapter 2M) shall not be used on any regulatory or warning sign on any street, road, or highway.

Option:

A recreational and cultural interest area guide sign symbol (see Section 2M.04) may be used on a highway guide sign outside of a recreational and cultural interest area to supplement a comparable word message for which there is no approved symbol for that message in Chapters 2B through 2I or 2N.

Support:

Section 2M.07 contains provisions for the use of recreational and cultural interest area symbols to indicate prohibited activities or items in non-road applications.

Section 2A.14 2A.13 Word Messages

Standard:

Except as noted provided in Section 2A.06, all word messages shall use standard wording and letters as shown in this Manual and in the "Standard Highway Signs and Markings" book (see Section 1A.11).

Guidance:

Word messages should be as brief as possible and the lettering should be large enough to provide the necessary legibility distance. A minimum specific ratio, such as of 1 inch of letter height per 40 30 feet of legibility distance, should be used.

Support:

Some research indicates that a ratio of 1 inch of letter height per 33 feet of legibility distance could be beneficial.

Guidance:

Abbreviations (see Section 1A.15) should be kept to a minimum, and should include only those that are commonly recognized and understood, such as AVE (for Avenue), BLVD (for Boulevard), N (for North), or JCT (for Junction).

Word messages should not contain periods, apostrophes, question marks, ampersands, or other punctuation or characters that are not letters, numerals, or hyphens unless necessary to avoid confusion.

The solidus (slanted line or forward slash) is intended to be used for fractions only and should not be used to separate words on the same line of legend. Instead, a hyphen should be used for this purpose, such as "TRUCKS - BUSES."

Standard:

Fractions shall be displayed with the numerator and denominator diagonally arranged about the solidus (slanted line or forward slash). The overall height of the fraction is measured from the top of the numerator to the bottom of the denominator, each of which is vertically aligned with the upper and lower ends of the solidus. The overall height of the fraction shall be determined by the height of the numerals within the fraction, and shall be 1.5 times the height of an individual numeral within the fraction.

Support:

The "Standard Highway Signs and Markings" book (see Section 1A.11) contains details regarding the layouts of fractions on signs.

Guidance:

When initials are used to represent an abbreviation for separate words (such as "U S" for a United States route), the initials should be separated by a space of between 1/2 and 3/4 of the letter height of the initials.

When an Interstate route is displayed in text form instead of using the route shield, a hyphen should be used for clarity, such as "I-50."

Standard:

All sign lettering shall be in capital upper-case letters as provided in the "Standard Highway Signs and Markings" book (see Section 1A.11), except as indicated in the Option below unless otherwise provided in this Manual for a particular sign or type of message.

Option:

Word messages on street name signs and destinations The sign lettering for names of places, streets, and highways on guide signs may shall be composed of a combination of lower-case letters with initial upper-case letters.

Support:

Letter height is expressed in terms of the height of an upper-case letter. For mixed-case legends (those composed of an initial upper-case letter followed by lower-case letters), the height of the lower-case letters is derived from the specified height of the initial upper-case letter based on a prescribed ratio. Letter heights for mixed-case legends might be expressed in terms of both the upper- and lower-case letters, or in terms of the initial upper-case letter alone. When the height of a lower-case letter is specified or determined from the prescribed ratio, the reference is to the nominal loop height of the letter. The term loop height refers to the portion of a lower-case letter that excludes any ascending or descending stems or tails of the letter, such as with the letters "d" or "q." The nominal loop height is equal to the actual height of a non-rounded lower-case letter whose form does not include ascending or descending stems or tails, such as the letter "x." The rounded portions of a lower-case letter extend slightly above and below the baselines projected from the top and bottom of such a non-rounded letter so that the appearance of a uniform letter height within a word is achieved. The actual loop height of a rounded lower-case letter is slightly greater than the nominal loop height and this additional height is excluded from the expression of the lower-case letter height.

Standard:

When a mixed-case legend is used, the height of the lower-case letters shall be 3/4 of the height of the initial upper-case letter.

The unique letter forms for each of the Standard Alphabet series shall not be stretched, compressed, warped, or otherwise manipulated.

Support:

Section 2D.04 contains information regarding the acceptable methods of modifying the length of a word for a given letter height and series.

Section 2A.15 2A.14 Sign Borders

Standard:

Unless specifically stated otherwise provided, each sign illustrated herein in this Manual shall have a border of the same color as the legend, at or just inside the edge.

The corners of all sign borders shall be rounded, except for STOP signs.

Guidance:

A dark border on a light background should be set in from the edge, while a light border on a dark background should extend to the edge of the panel sign. A border for 30-inch signs with a light background should be from 1/2 to 3/4 inch in width, 1/2 inch from the edge. For similar signs with a light border, a width of 1 inch should be used. For other sizes, the border width should be of similar proportions, but should not exceed the stroke-width of the major lettering of the sign. On signs exceeding 72 x 120 inches in size, the border should be 2 inches wide, or on larger signs, 3 inches wide. Except for STOP signs and as otherwise provided in Section 2E.16, the corners of the sign should be rounded to fit a radius that is concentric with that of the border.

Section 2A.15 Enhanced Conspicuity for Standard Signs

Option:

Based upon engineering judgment, where the improvement of the conspicuity of a standard regulatory, warning, or guide sign is desired, any of the following methods may be used, as appropriate, to enhance the sign's conspicuity (see Figure 2A-1):

Increasing the size of a standard regulatory, warning, or guide sign.
Doubling-up of a standard regulatory, warning, or guide sign by adding a second identical sign on the left-hand side of the roadway.
Adding a solid yellow or fluorescent yellow rectangular "header panel" above a standard regulatory sign, with the width of the panel corresponding to the width of the standard regulatory sign. A legend of "NOTICE," "STATE LAW," or other appropriate text may be added in black letters within the header panel for a period of time determined by engineering judgment.
Adding a NEW plaque (see Section 2C.62) above a new standard regulatory or warning sign, for a period of time determined by engineering judgment, to call attention to the new sign.
Adding one or more red or orange flags (cloth or retroreflective sheeting) above a standard regulatory or warning sign, with the flags oriented so as to be at 45 degrees to the vertical.
Adding a solid yellow, a solid fluorescent yellow, or a diagonally striped black and yellow (or black and fluorescent yellow) strip of retroreflective sheeting at least 3 inches wide around the perimeter of a standard warning sign. This may be accomplished by affixing the standard warning sign on a background that is 6 inches larger than the size of the standard warning sign.
Adding a warning beacon (see Section 4L.03) to a standard regulatory (other than a STOP or a Speed Limit sign), warning, or guide sign.
Adding a speed limit sign beacon (see Section 4L.04) to a standard Speed Limit sign.
Adding a stop beacon (see Section 4L.05) to a STOP sign.
Adding light emitting diode (LED) units within the symbol or legend of a sign or border of a standard regulatory, warning, or guide sign, as provided in Section 2A.07.
Adding a strip of retroreflective material to the sign support in compliance with the provisions of Section 2A.21.
Using other methods that are specifically allowed for certain signs as described elsewhere in this Manual.

Support:

Sign conspicuity improvements can also be achieved by removing non-essential and illegal signs from the right-of-way (see Section 1A.08), and by relocating signs to provide better spacing.

Standard:

The NEW plaque (see Section 2C.62) shall not be used alone.

Strobe lights shall not be used to enhance the conspicuity of highway signs.

Section 2A.16 Standardization of Location

Support:

Standardization of position cannot always be attained in practice. Examples of heights and lateral locations of signs for typical installations are illustrated in Figure 2A-2, and examples of locations for some typical signs at intersections are illustrated in Figures 2A-3 and 2A-4.

Examples of advance signing on an intersection approach are illustrated in Figure 2A-4. Chapters 2B, 2C, and 2D contain provisions regarding the application of regulatory, warning, and guide signs, respectively.

Standard:

Signs requiring different separate decisions by the road user shall be spaced sufficiently far apart for the required appropriate decisions to be made reasonably safely. One of the factors considered when determining the appropriate spacing shall be the posted or 85^th-percentile speed.

Guidance:

Signs should be located on the right-hand side of the roadway where they are easily recognized and understood by road users. Signs in other locations should be considered only as supplementary to signs in the normal locations, except as otherwise indicated provided in this Manual.

Signs should be individually installed on separate posts or mountings except where:

One sign supplements another;
Route or directional signs are grouped to clarify information to motorists;
Regulatory signs that do not conflict with each other are grouped, such as Turn prohibition signs posted with one way signs, street name signs posted with a stop or yield sign, or a parking regulation sign posted with a speed limit sign; or
Street name signs are posted with a stop or yield sign.

Signs should be located so that they:

Are outside the clear zone unless placed on a breakaway or yielding support (see Section 2A.19),
Optimize nighttime visibility,
Minimize the effects of mud splatter and debris,
Do not obscure each other,
Do not obscure the sight distance to approaching vehicles on the major street for drivers who are stopped on minor-street approaches, and
Are not hidden from view.

Support:

The clear zone is the total roadside border area, starting at the edge of the traveled way, available for use by errant vehicles. The width of the clear zone is dependent upon traffic volumes, speeds, and roadside geometry. Additional information can be found in AASHTO's "Roadside Design Guide" (see Section 1A.11).

Guidance:

With the increase in traffic volumes and the desire to provide road users regulatory, warning, and guidance information, an order of priority for sign installation should be established.

Support:

An order of priority is especially critical where space is limited for sign installation and there is a demand for several different types of signs. Overloading road users with too much information is not desirable.

Guidance:

Because regulatory and warning information is more critical to the road user than guidance information, regulatory and warning signing whose location is critical should be displayed rather than guide signing in cases where conflicts occur. Community wayfinding and acknowledgment guide signs should have a lower priority as to placement than other guide signs. Information of a less critical nature should be moved to less critical locations or omitted.

Option:

Under some circumstances, such as on curves to the right, signs may be placed on median islands or on the left-hand side of the road. A supplementary sign located on the left-hand side of the roadway may be used on a multi-lane road where traffic in a lane to the right lane might obstruct the view to the right.

Guidance:

In urban areas where crosswalks exist, signs should not be placed within 4 feet in advance of the crosswalk (see Drawing D in Figure 2A-3).

Section 2A.17 Overhead Sign Installations

Guidance:

Overhead signs should be used on freeways and expressways, at locations where some degree of lane-use control is desirable, and at locations where space is not available at the roadside.

Support:

The operational requirements of the present highway system are such that overhead signs have value at many locations. The factors to be considered for the installation of overhead sign displays are not definable in specific numerical terms.

Option:

The following conditions (not in priority order) may be considered in an engineering study to determine if overhead signs would be beneficial:

Traffic volume at or near capacity,
Complex interchange design,
Three or more lanes in each direction,
Restricted sight distance,
Closely-spaced interchanges,
Multi-lane exits,
Large percentage of trucks,
Street lighting background,
High-speed traffic,
Consistency of sign message location through a series of interchanges,
Insufficient space for ground- post-mounted signs,
Junction of two freeways, and
Left exit ramps.

Over-crossing structures may serve for the be used to support of overhead signs.

Support:

and Under some circumstances, the use of over-crossing structures as sign supports may might be the only practical solution that will provide adequate viewing distance. The use of such structures as sign supports may might eliminate the need for the foundations and sign supports along the roadside.

Section 2A.18 Mounting Height paragraphs have been rearranged within this Section to improve clarity

Support Standard:

The provisions of this Section shall apply unless specifically stated otherwise for a particular sign or object marker elsewhere in this Manual.

Support:

The mounting height requirements for object markers are provided in Chapter 2C.

In addition to the provisions of this Section, information affecting the minimum mounting height of signs as a function of crash performance can be found in AASHTO's "Roadside Design Guide" (see Section 1A.11).

Standard:

The minimum height, measured vertically from the bottom of the sign to the elevation of the near edge of the pavement, of signs installed at the side of the road in rural districts areas shall be at least 5 feet, measured from the bottom of the sign to the near edge of the pavement (see Figure 2A-2).

The minimum height, measured vertically from the bottom of the sign to the top of the curb, or in the absence of curb, measured vertically from the bottom of the sign to the elevation of the near edge of the traveled way, of signs installed at the side of the road in business, commercial, or residential areas where parking or pedestrian movements are likely to occur, or where the view of the sign might be obstructed, the clearance to the bottom of the sign shall be at least 7 feet (see Figure 2A-2).

Option:

The height to the bottom of a secondary sign mounted below another sign may be 1 foot less than the height specified above in Paragraphs 4 and 5.

Standard:

The minimum height, measured vertically from the bottom of the sign to the sidewalk, of signs installed above sidewalks shall be 7 feet.

If the bottom of a secondary sign that is mounted below another sign is mounted lower than 7 feet above a pedestrian sidewalk or pathway (see Section 6D.02), the secondary sign shall not project more than 4 inches into the pedestrian facility.

Option:

Where Signs that are placed 30 feet or more from the edge of the traveled way, the may be installed with a minimum height to the bottom of such signs may be of 5 feet, above the level measured vertically from the bottom of the sign to the elevation of the near edge of the pavement edge.

Standard:

Directional signs on freeways and expressways shall be installed with a minimum height of 7 feet, measured vertically from the bottom of the sign to the elevation of the near edge of the pavement. All route signs, warning signs, and regulatory signs on freeways and expressways shall be at least installed with a minimum height of 7 feet, measured vertically from the bottom of the sign to above the level elevation of the near edge of the pavement edge. If a secondary sign is mounted below another sign on a freeway or expressway, the major sign shall be installed at least with a minimum height of 8 feet and the secondary sign at least shall be installed with a minimum height of 5 feet, measured vertically from the bottom of the sign to above the level elevation of the near edge of the pavement edge. sentences were rearranged

Where large signs having an area exceeding 50 square feet are installed on multiple breakaway posts, the clearance from the ground to the bottom of the sign shall be at least 7 feet. repeated from Section 6F.03

Option:

A route sign assembly consisting of a route sign and auxiliary signs (see Section 2D.31) may be treated as a single sign for the purposes of this Section.

The mounting height may be adjusted when supports are located near the edge of the right-of-way on a steep backslope in order to avoid the sometimes less desirable alternative of placing the sign closer to the roadway.

Support:

Without this flexibility regarding steep backslopes, some agencies might decide to relocate the sign closer to the road, which might be less desirable.

Standard:

Overhead mounted signs shall provide a vertical clearance of not less than 17 feet to the sign, light fixture, or sign bridge, over the entire width of the pavement and shoulders except where the structure on which the overhead signs are to be mounted or other structures along the roadway near the sign structure have a lesser vertical clearance is used for the design of other structures.

Option:

If the vertical clearance of other structures along the roadway near the sign structure is less than 16 feet, the vertical clearance to an overhead sign structures or supports may be as low as 1 foot higher than the vertical clearance of the other structures in order to improve the visibility of the overhead signs.

In special cases it may be necessary to reduce the clearance to overhead signs because of substandard dimensions in tunnels and other major structures such as double-deck bridges.

Support:

Figure 2A-2 illustrates some examples of the mounting height requirements contained in this Section.

Section 2A.19 Lateral Offset

Standard:

For overhead sign supports, the minimum lateral offset from the edge of the shoulder (or if no shoulder exists, from the edge of the pavement) to the near edge of overhead sign supports (cantilever or sign bridges) shall be 6 feet. Overhead sign supports shall have a barrier or crash cushion to shield them if they are within the clear zone.

Ground- Post-mounted sign and object marker supports shall be crashworthy (breakaway, yielding, or shielded with a longitudinal barrier or crash cushion) if within the clear zone.

Guidance:

For ground- post-mounted signs, the minimum lateral offset should be 12 feet from the edge of the traveled way. If a shoulder wider than 6 feet exists, the minimum lateral offset for ground- post-mounted signs should be 6 feet from the edge of the shoulder.

Support:

The minimum lateral offset requirements for object markers are provided in Chapter 2C.

The minimum lateral offset is intended to keep trucks and cars that use the shoulders from striking the signs or supports.

Guidance:

All supports should be located as far as practical from the edge of the shoulder. Advantage should be taken to place signs behind existing roadside barriers, on over-crossing structures, or other locations that minimize the exposure of the traffic to sign supports.

Option:

Where permitted, signs may be placed on existing supports used for other purposes, such as highway traffic signal supports, highway lighting supports, and utility poles.

Standard:

If signs are placed on existing supports, they shall meet other placement criteria contained in this Manual.

Option:

Lesser lateral offsets may be used on connecting roadways or ramps at interchanges, but not less than 6 feet from the edge of the traveled way.

On conventional roads in areas where lateral offsets are limited it is impractical to locate a sign with the lateral offset prescribed by this Section, a minimum lateral offset of at least 2 feet may be used.

A minimum lateral offset of at least 1 foot from the face of the curb may be used in urban business, commercial or residential areas where sidewalk width is limited or where existing poles are close to the curb.

Guidance:

Overhead sign supports and post-mounted sign and object marker supports should not intrude into the usable width of a sidewalk or other pedestrian facility.

Support:

Figures 2A-2 and 2A-3 illustrate some examples of the lateral offset requirements contained in this Section.

Section 2A.20 Orientation

Guidance:

Unless otherwise stated provided in this Manual, signs should be vertically mounted at right angles to the direction of, and facing, the traffic that they are intended to serve.

Where mirror reflection from the sign face is encountered to such a degree as to reduce legibility, the sign should be turned slightly away from the road. Signs that are placed 30 feet or more from the pavement edge should be turned toward the road. On curved alignments, the angle of placement should be determined by the direction of approaching traffic rather than by the roadway edge at the point where the sign is located.

Option:

On grades, sign faces may be tilted forward or back from the vertical position to improve the viewing angle.

Section 2A.21 Posts and Mountings

Standard:

Sign posts, foundations, and mountings shall be so constructed as to hold signs in a proper and permanent position, and to resist swaying in the wind or displacement by vandalism.

Support:

The latest edition of AASHTO's "Specifications for Structural Supports for Highway Signs, Luminaires, and Traffic Signals" contains additional information regarding posts and mounting (see Page i for AASHTO's address).

Option:

Where engineering judgment indicates a need to draw attention to the sign during nighttime conditions, a strip of retroreflective material may be used on regulatory and warning sign supports.

Standard:

If a strip of retroreflective material is used on the sign support, it shall be at least 2 inches in width, it shall be placed for the full length of the support from the sign to within 2 feet above the edge of the roadway, and its color shall match the background color of the sign, except that the color of the strip for the YIELD and DO NOT ENTER signs shall be red.

Section 2A.22 Maintenance

Guidance:

Maintenance activities should consider proper position, cleanliness, legibility, and daytime and nighttime visibility (see Section 2A.09). Damaged or deteriorated signs, gates, or object markers should be replaced.

To assure adequate maintenance, a schedule for inspecting (both day and night), cleaning, and replacing signs, gates, and object markers should be established. Employees of highway, law enforcement, and other public agencies whose duties require that they travel on the roadways should be encouraged to report any damaged, deteriorated, or obscured signs, gates, or object markers at the first opportunity.

Steps should be taken to see that weeds, trees, shrubbery, and construction, maintenance, and utility materials and equipment do not obscure the face of any sign or object marker.

A regular schedule of replacement of lighting elements for illuminated signs should be maintained.

Section 2A.23 Median Opening Treatments for Divided Highways with Wide Medians

Guidance:

Where divided highways are separated by median widths at the median opening itself of 30 feet or more, median openings should be signed as two separate intersections.

CHAPTER 2B. REGULATORY SIGNS, BARRICADES, AND GATES

Section 2B.01 Application of Regulatory Signs

Standard:

Regulatory signs shall be used to inform road users of selected traffic laws or regulations and indicate the applicability of the legal requirements.

Regulatory signs shall be installed at or near where the regulations apply. The signs shall clearly indicate the requirements imposed by the regulations and shall be designed and installed to provide adequate visibility and legibility in order to obtain compliance.

Regulatory signs shall be retroreflective or illuminated (see Section 2A.07) to show the same shape and similar color by both day and night, unless specifically stated otherwise in the text discussion in this Manual of for a particular sign or group of signs (see Section 2A.08).

The requirements for sign illumination shall not be considered to be satisfied by street, or highway, or strobe lighting.

Support:

Section 1A.09 contains information regarding the assistance that is available to jurisdictions that do not have engineers on their staffs who are trained and/or experienced in traffic control devices.

Section 2B.02 Design of Regulatory Signs

Support Standard:

Most Regulatory signs are shall be rectangular, with the longer dimension vertical unless specifically designated otherwise. The shapes and colors of regulatory signs are listed in Tables 2A-4 and 2A-5, respectively. Exceptions are specifically noted in the following Sections. Regulatory signs shall be designed in accordance with the sizes, shapes, colors, and legends contained in the "Standard Highway Signs and Markings" book (see Section 1A.11).

Option: these two paragraphs were relocated from Section 2B.54

Regulatory word message signs other than those classified and specified in this Manual and the "Standard Highways Signs and Markings" book (see Section 1A.11) may be developed to aid the enforcement of other laws or regulations.

Except for symbols on regulatory signs, minor modifications may be made to the design provided that the essential appearance characteristics are met.

Support:

The use of educational plaques to supplement symbol signs is described in Section 2A.12.

Guidance:

Changeable message signs displaying a regulatory message incorporating a prohibitory message that includes a red circle and slash on a static sign should display a red symbol that approximates the same red circle and slash as closely as possible.

Section 2B.03 Size of Regulatory Signs

Standard:

Except as provided in Section 2A.11, the sizes for regulatory signs shall be as shown in Table 2B-1.

Guidance:

The Freeway and Expressway sizes should be used for higher-speed applications to provide larger signs for increased visibility and recognition.

Option:

The Minimum size may be used on low-speed roadways where the reduced legend size would be adequate for the regulation or where physical conditions preclude the use of the other sizes.

The Oversized size may be used for those special applications where speed, volume, or other factors result in conditions where increased emphasis, improved recognition, or increased legibility would be desirable.

Signs larger than those shown in Table 2B-1 may be used (see Section 2A.12).

Support:

Section 2A.11 contains information regarding the applicability of the various columns in Table 2B-1.

Standard:

Except as provided in Paragraphs 4 and 5, the minimum sizes for regulatory signs facing traffic on multi-lane conventional roads shall be as shown in the Multi-lane column of Table 2B-1.

Option:

Where the posted speed limit is 35 mph or less on a multi-lane highway or street, other than for a STOP sign, the minimum size shown in the Single Lane column in Table 2B-1 may be used.

Where a regulatory sign, other than a STOP sign, is placed on the left-hand side of a multi-lane roadway in addition to the installation of the same regulatory sign on the right-hand side or the roadway, the size shown in the Single Lane column in Table 2B-1 may be used for both the sign on the right-hand side and the sign on the left-hand side of the roadway.

Standard:

A minimum size of 36 x 36 inches shall be used for STOP signs that face multi-lane approaches.

Where side roads intersect a multi-lane street or highway that has a speed limit of 45 mph or higher, the minimum size of the STOP signs facing the side road approaches, even if the side road only has one approach lane, shall be 36 x 36 inches.

Where side roads intersect a multi-lane street or highway that has a speed limit of 40 MPH or lower, the minimum size of the STOP signs facing the side road approaches shall be as shown in the Single Lane or Multi-lane columns of Table 2B-1 based on the number of approach lanes on the side street approach.

Guidance:

The minimum sizes for regulatory signs facing traffic on exit and entrance ramps should be as shown in the column of Table 2B-1 that corresponds to the mainline roadway classification (Expressway or Freeway). If a minimum size is not provided in the Freeway column, the minimum size in the Expressway column should be used. If a minimum size is not provided in the Freeway or Expressway Column, the size in the Oversized column should be used.

Section 2B.04 Right-of-Way at Intersections

Support:

State or local laws written in accordance with the "Uniform Vehicle Code" (see Section 1A.11) establish the right-of-way rule at intersections having no regulatory traffic control signs such that the driver of a vehicle approaching an intersection must yield the right-of-way to any vehicle or pedestrian already in the intersection. When two vehicles approach an intersection from different streets or highways at approximately the same time, the right-of-way rule requires the driver of the vehicle on the left to yield the right-of-way to the vehicle on the right. The right-of-way can be modified at through streets or highways by placing YIELD (R1-2) signs (see Sections 2B.08 and 2B.09) or STOP (R1-1) signs (see Sections 2B.05 through 2B.07) on one or more approaches.

Guidance:

Engineering judgment should be used to establish intersection control. The following factors should be considered:

Vehicular, bicycle, and pedestrian traffic volumes on all approaches;
Number and angle of approaches;
Approach speeds;
Sight distance available on each approach; and
Reported crash experience.

YIELD or STOP signs should be used at an intersection if engineering judgment indicates that one or more of the following conditions exist: relocated from Section 2B.05

An intersection of a less important road with a main road where application of the normal right-of-way rule would not be expected to provide reasonable compliance with the law;
A street entering a designated through highway or street; and/or
An unsignalized intersection in a signalized area. and/or
High speeds, restricted view, or crash records indicate a need for control by the STOP sign.

In addition, the use of YIELD or STOP signs should be considered at the intersection of two minor streets or local roads where the intersection has more than three approaches and where one or more of the following conditions exist:

The combined vehicular, bicycle, and pedestrian volume entering the intersection from all approaches averages more than 2,000 units per day;
The ability to see conflicting traffic on an approach is not sufficient to allow a road user to stop or yield in compliance with the normal right-of-way rule if such stopping or yielding is necessary; and/or
Crash records indicate that five or more crashes that involve the failure to yield the right-of-way at the intersection under the normal right-of-way rule have been reported within a 3-year period, or that three or more such crashes have been reported within a 2-year period.

YIELD or STOP signs should not be used for speed control. relocated from Section 2B.05

Support:

Section 2B.07 contains provisions regarding the application of multi-way STOP control at an intersection.

Guidance:

Once the decision has been made to install two-way stop control an intersection, the decision regarding the appropriate street to stop roadway to control should be based on engineering judgment. In most cases, the street roadway carrying the lowest volume of traffic should be stopped controlled. relocated from Section 2B.05

A YIELD or STOP sign should not be installed on the major street higher volume roadway unless justified by an traffic engineering study. relocated from Section 2B.05

Support:

The following are considerations that might influence the decision regarding the appropriate street roadway upon which to install a YIELD or STOP sign where two streets roadways with relatively equal volumes and/or characteristics intersect: relocated from Section 2B.05

StoppingControlling the direction that conflicts the most with established pedestrian crossing activity or school walking routes;
StoppingControlling the direction that has obscured vision, dips, or bumps that already require drivers to use lower operating speeds; and
Stopping the direction that has the longest distance of uninterrupted flow approaching the intersection; and
StoppingControlling the direction that has the best sight distance from a controlled position to observe conflicting traffic.

Standard:

Because the potential for conflicting commands could create driver confusion, YIELD or STOP signs shall not be installed at intersections where used in conjunction with any traffic control signals are installed and operating operation, except as noted in Section 4D.01. in the following cases: relocated from Section 2B.05

If the signal indication for an approach is a flashing red at all times;
If a minor street or driveway is located within or adjacent to the area controlled by the traffic control signal, but does not require separate traffic signal control because an extremely low potential for conflict exists; or
If a channelized turn lane is separated from the adjacent travel lanes by an island and the channelized turn lane is not controlled by a traffic control signal.

Except as provided in Section 2B.09, STOP signs and YIELD signs shall not be installed on different approaches to the same unsignalized intersection if those approaches conflict with or oppose each other.

Portable or part-time STOP or YIELD signs shall not be used except for emergency and temporary traffic control zone purposes. relocated from Section 2B.05

A portable or part-time (folding) STOP sign that is manually placed into view and manually removed from view shall not be used during a power outage to control a signalized approach unless the maintaining agency establishes that the signal indication that will first be displayed to that approach upon restoration of power is a flashing red signal indication and that the portable STOP sign will be manually removed from view prior to stop-and-go operation of the traffic control signal.

Option:

A portable or part-time (folding) STOP sign that is electrically or mechanically operated such that it only displays the STOP message during a power outage and ceases to display the STOP message upon restoration of power may be used during a power outage to control a signalized approach.

Support:

Section 9B.03 contains provisions regarding the assignment of priority at a shared-use path/roadway intersection.

Section 2B.04 2B.05 STOP Sign (R1-1) and ALL WAY Plaque (R1-3P)

Standard:

When a sign is used to indicate that traffic is it is determined that a full stop is always required to stop on an approach to an intersection, a STOP (R1-1) sign (see Figure 2B-1) shall be used.

The STOP sign shall be an octagon with a white legend and border on a red background.

Secondary legends shall not be used on STOP sign faces. If appropriate, a supplemental plaque (R1-3 or R1-4) shall be used to display a secondary legend. If the number of approach legs controlled by STOP signs at an intersection is three or more, the numeral on the supplemental plaque, if used, shall correspond to the actual number of legs controlled by STOP signs.

At intersections where all approaches are controlled by STOP signs (see Section 2B.07), an ALL WAY supplemental plaque (R1-3P or R1-4) shall be mounted below each STOP sign. Such The ALL WAY plaques (see Figure 2B-1) shall have a white legend and border on a red background. the 2^nd sentence was relocated from the previous paragraph

The ALL WAY plaque shall only be used if all intersection approaches are controlled by STOP signs.

Supplemental plaques with legends such as 2-WAY, 3-WAY, 4-WAY, or other numbers of ways shall not be used with STOP signs.

Option:

The ALL WAY (R1-4) supplemental plaque may be used instead of the 4-WAY (R1-3) supplemental plaque.

Support:

The use of the CROSS TRAFFIC DOES NOT STOP (W4-4P) plaque (and other plaques with variations of this word message) is described in Section 2C.59.

Guidance:

Plaques with the appropriate alternative messages of TRAFFIC FROM LEFT (RIGHT) DOES NOT STOP (W4-4aP) or ONCOMING TRAFFIC DOES NOT STOP (W4-4bP) should be used at intersections where STOP signs control all but one approach to the intersection, unless the only non-stopped approach is from a one-way street.

Option:

An EXCEPT RIGHT TURN (R1-10P) plaque (see Figure 2B-1) may be mounted below the STOP sign if an engineering study determines that a special combination of geometry and traffic volumes is present that makes it possible for right-turning traffic on the approach to be permitted to enter the intersection without stopping.

Support:

The design and application of Stop Beacons are described in Section 4L.05.

Section 2B.05 2B.06 STOP Sign Applications many paragraphs have been relocated to the new Section 2B.04

Guidance:

STOP signs should be installed in a manner that minimizes the numbers of vehicles having to stop. At intersections where a full stop is not necessary at all times, consideration should first be given to using less restrictive measures such as YIELD signs (see Sections 2B.08 and 2B.09).

The use of STOP signs on the minor-street approaches should be considered if engineering judgment indicates that a stop is always required because of one or more of the following conditions:

The vehicular traffic volumes on the through street or highway exceed 6,000 vehicles per day;
A restricted view exists that requires road users to stop in order to adequately observe conflicting traffic on the through street or highway; and/or
Crash records indicate that three or more crashes that are susceptible to correction by the installation of a STOP sign have been reported within a 12-month period, or that five or more such crashes have been reported within a 2-year period. Such crashes include right-angle collisions involving road users on the minor-street approach failing to yield the right-of-way to traffic on the through street or highway.

Support:

The use of the STOP signs at highway-railroad grade crossings is described in Sections 8B.04 and 8B.05. The use of the STOP sign at highway-light rail transit grade crossings is described in Section 10C.04.

Section 2B.06 STOP Sign Placement most of the text from this Section has been incorporated into Section 2B.10

Standard:

The STOP sign shall be installed on the right side of the approach to which it applies. When the STOP sign is installed at this required location and the sign visibility is restricted, a Stop Ahead sign (see Section 2C.29) shall be installed in advance of the STOP sign.

The STOP sign shall be located as close as practical to the intersection it regulates, while optimizing its visibility to the road user it is intended to regulate.

STOP signs and YIELD signs shall not be mounted on the same post.

Guidance:

Other than a DO NOT ENTER sign, no sign should be mounted back-to-back with a STOP sign in a manner that obscures the shape of the STOP sign.

Support:

Section 2A.16 contains additional information about separate and combined mounting of other signs with STOP signs.

Guidance:

Stop lines, when used to supplement a STOP sign, should be located at the point where the road user should stop (see Section 3B.16).

If only one STOP sign is installed on an approach, the STOP sign should not be placed on the far side of the intersection.

Where two roads intersect at an acute angle, the STOP sign should be positioned at an angle, or shielded, so that the legend is out of view of traffic to which it does not apply.

Where there is a marked crosswalk at the intersection, the STOP sign should be installed in advance of the crosswalk line nearest to the approaching traffic.

Option:

At wide-throat intersections or where two or more approach lanes of traffic exist on the signed approach, observance of the stop control may be improved by the installation of an additional STOP sign on the left side of the road and/or the use of a stop line. At channelized intersections, the additional STOP sign may be effectively placed on a channelizing island.

Support:

Figure 2A-2 shows examples of some typical placements of STOP signs.

Section 2B.07 Multi-Way Stop Applications

Support:

Multi-way stop control can be useful as a safety measure at intersections if certain traffic conditions exist. Safety concerns associated with multi-way stops include pedestrians, bicyclists, and all road users expecting other road users to stop. Multi-way stop control is used where the volume of traffic on the intersecting roads is approximately equal.

The restrictions on the use of STOP signs described in Section 2B.04 also apply to multi-way stop applications.

Guidance:

The decision to install multi-way stop control should be based on an engineering study.

The following criteria should be considered in the engineering study for a multi-way STOP sign installation:

Where traffic control signals are justified, the multi-way stop is an interim measure that can be installed quickly to control traffic while arrangements are being made for the installation of the traffic control signal.
A crash problem, as indicated by 5 Five or more reported crashes in a 12-month period that are susceptible to correction by a multi-way stop installation. Such crashes include right-turn and left-turn collisions as well as right-angle collisions.
Minimum volumes:
1. The vehicular volume entering the intersection from the major street approaches (total of both approaches) averages at least 300 vehicles per hour for any 8 hours of an average day; and
2. The combined vehicular, pedestrian, and bicycle volume entering the intersection from the minor street approaches (total of both approaches) averages at least 200 units per hour for the same 8 hours, with an average delay to minor-street vehicular traffic of at least 30 seconds per vehicle during the highest hour; but
3. If the 85^th-percentile approach speed of the major-street traffic exceeds 40 mph, the minimum vehicular volume warrants are 70 percent of the above values provided in Items 1 and 2.
Where no single criterion is satisfied, but where Criteria B, C.1, and C.2 are all satisfied to 80 percent of the minimum values. Criterion C.3 is excluded from this condition.

Option:

Other criteria that may be considered in an engineering study include:

The need to control left-turn conflicts;
The need to control vehicle/pedestrian conflicts near locations that generate high pedestrian volumes;
Locations where a road user, after stopping, cannot see conflicting traffic and is not able to reasonably safely negotiate the intersection unless conflicting cross traffic is also required to stop; and
An intersection of two residential neighborhood collector (through) streets of similar design and operating characteristics where multi-way stop control would improve traffic operational characteristics of the intersection.

Section 2B.08 YIELD Sign (R1-2)

Standard:

The YIELD (R1-2) sign (see Figure 2B-1) shall be a downward-pointing equilateral triangle with a wide red border and the legend YIELD in red on a white background.

Support:

The YIELD sign assigns right-of-way to traffic on certain approaches to an intersection. Vehicles controlled by a YIELD sign need to slow down to a speed that is reasonable for the existing conditions or stop when necessary to avoid interfering with conflicting traffic.

Section 2B.09 YIELD Sign Applications

Option:

YIELD signs may be used instead of STOP signs if engineering judgment indicates that one or more of the following conditions exist installed:

When the ability to see all potentially conflicting traffic is sufficient to allow a road user traveling at the posted speed, the 85^th-percentile speed, or the statutory speed to pass through the intersection or to stop in a reasonably safe manner On the approaches to a through street or highway where conditions are such that a full stop is not always required.
If controlling a merge-type movement on the entering roadway where acceleration geometry and/or sight distance is not adequate for merging traffic operation.
At the second crossroad of a divided highway, where the median width at the intersection is 30 feet or greater. In this case, a STOP or YIELD sign may be installed at the entrance to the first roadway of a divided highway, and a YIELD sign may be installed at the entrance to the second roadway.
For a channelized turn lane that is separated from the adjacent travel lanes by an island, even if the adjacent lanes at the intersection are controlled by a highway traffic control signal or by a STOP sign.
At an intersection where a special problem exists and where engineering judgment indicates the problem to be susceptible to correction by the use of the YIELD sign.
Facing the entering roadway for a merge-type movement if engineering judgment indicates that control is needed because acceleration geometry and/or sight distance is not adequate for merging traffic operation.

Standard:

A YIELD (R1-2) sign shall be used to assign right-of-way at the entrance to a roundabout intersection. YIELD signs at roundabouts shall be used to control the approach roadways and shall not be used to control the circulatory roadway.

Other than for all of the approaches to a roundabout, YIELD signs shall not be placed on all of the approaches to an intersection.

Section 2B.10 STOP Sign or YIELD Sign Placement this Section was edited to include the STOP sign provisions from Section 2B.06

Standard:

The STOP or YIELD sign shall be installed on the near side of the intersection on the right-hand side of the approach to which it applies. YIELD signs shall be placed on both the left and right sides of approaches to roundabout intersections with more than one lane on the signed approach where raised splitter islands are available on the left side of the approach. When the STOP or YIELD sign is installed at this required location and the sign visibility is restricted, a Stop Ahead sign (see Section 2C.36) shall be installed in advance of the STOP sign or a Yield Ahead sign (see Section 2C.36) shall be installed in advance of the YIELD sign.

The STOP or YIELD sign shall be located as close as practical to the intersection it regulates, while optimizing its visibility to the road user it is intended to regulate.

STOP signs and YIELD signs shall not be mounted on the same post.

No items other than inventory stickers, sign installation dates, and bar codes shall be affixed to the fronts of STOP or YIELD signs, and the placement of these items shall be in the border of the sign.

No items other than official traffic control signs, inventory stickers, sign installation dates, anti-vandalism stickers, and bar codes shall be mounted on the backs of STOP or YIELD signs.

No items other than retroreflective strips (see Section 2A.21) or official traffic control signs shall be mounted on the fronts or backs of STOP or YIELD signs supports.

Guidance:

STOP or YIELD signs should not be placed farther than 50 feet from the edge of the pavement of the intersected roadway (see Drawing F in Figure 2A-3).

Other than a DO NOT ENTER sign, no sign should be A sign that is mounted back-to-back with a STOP or YIELD sign in a manner that obscures the shape should stay within the edges of the STOP or YIELD sign. If necessary, the size of the STOP or YIELD sign should be increased so that any other sign installed back-to-back with a STOP or YIELD sign remains within the edges of the STOP or YIELD sign.

Option:

Where drivers proceeding straight ahead must yield to traffic approaching from the opposite direction, such as at a one-lane bridge, a TO ONCOMING TRAFFIC (R1-2aP) plaque may be mounted below the YIELD sign.

Support:

Figure 2A-3 shows examples of some typical placements of STOP signs and YIELD signs.

Section 2A.16 contains additional information about separate and combined mounting of other signs with STOP or YIELD signs.

Guidance:

Stop lines that are used to supplement a STOP sign should be located as described in Section 3B.16. Yield lines, when that are used to supplement a YIELD sign, should be located at a point where the road user should yield (see Section 3B.16) as described in Section 3B.16.

Where there is a marked crosswalk at the intersection, the STOP sign should be installed in advance of the crosswalk line nearest to the approaching traffic.

Except at roundabouts intersections, where there is a marked crosswalk at the intersection, the YIELD sign should be installed in advance of the crosswalk line nearest to the approaching traffic.

Where two roads intersect at an acute angle, the STOP or YIELD sign should be positioned at an angle, or shielded, so that the legend is out of view of traffic to which it does not apply.

At a roundabout intersection, to prevent circulating vehicles from yielding unnecessarily, the face of the YIELD sign should not be visible from the circulatory roadway.

If a raised splitter island is available on the left-hand side of a multi-lane roundabout approach, an additional YIELD sign should be placed on the left-hand side of the approach.

Option:

If a raised splitter island is available on the left-hand side of a single lane roundabout approach, an additional YIELD sign may be placed on the left-hand side of the approach.

At wide-throat intersections or where two or more approach lanes of traffic exist on the signed approach, observance of the yield right-of-way control may be improved by the installation of an additional STOP or YIELD sign on the left-hand side of the road and/or the use of a stop or yield line. At channelized intersections or at divided roadways separated by a median, the additional STOP or YIELD sign may be effectively placed on a channelizing island or in the median. An additional STOP or YIELD sign may also be placed overhead facing the approach at the intersection to improve observance of the right-of-way control.

Standard:

More than one STOP sign or more than one YIELD sign shall not be placed on the same support facing in the same direction.

Option:

For a yield-controlled channelized right-turn movement onto a roadway without an acceleration lane and for an entrance ramp onto a freeway or expressway without an acceleration lane, a NO MERGE AREA (W4-5P) supplemental plaque (see Section 2C.40) may be mounted below a Yield Ahead (W3-2) sign and/or below a YIELD (R1-2) sign when engineering judgment indicates that road users would expect an acceleration lane to be present.

Section 2B.11 Yield Here To Pedestrians Signs and Stop Here For Pedestrians Signs (R1-5, R1-5a Series)

Standard:

Yield Here To (Stop Here For) Pedestrians (R1-5, R1-5a, R1-5b, or R1-5c) signs (see Figure 2B-2) shall be used if yield (stop) lines are used in advance of an unsignalized marked midblock crosswalk that crosses an uncontrolled multi-lane approach, Yield Here To Pedestrians (R1-5 or R1-5a) signs (see Figure 2B-2) shall be. The Stop Here for Pedestrians signs shall only be used where the law specifically requires that a driver must stop for a pedestrian in a crosswalk. The legend STATE LAW may be displayed at the top of the R1-5, R1-5a, R1-5b, and R1-5c signs, if applicable.

Guidance:

If yield (stop) lines and Yield Here To (Stop Here For) Pedestrians signs are used in advance of a crosswalk that crosses an uncontrolled multi-lane approach, they should be placed 20 to 50 feet in advance of the nearest crosswalk line (see Section 3B.16 and Figure 3B-17), and parking should be prohibited in the area between the yield (stop) line and the crosswalk.

Yield (stop) lines and Yield Here To (Stop Here For) Pedestrians signs should not be used in advance of crosswalks that cross an approach to or departure from a roundabout.

Option:

Yield Here To (Stop Here For) Pedestrians signs may be used in advance of a crosswalk that crosses an uncontrolled multi-lane approach to indicate to road users where to yield (stop) even if yield (stop) lines are not used.

A Pedestrian Crossing (W11-2) warning sign may be placed overhead or may be post-mounted with a diagonal downward pointing arrow (W16-7P) plaque at the crosswalk location where Yield Here To (Stop Here For) Pedestrians signs have been installed in advance of the crosswalk.

Standard:

If a W11-2 sign has been post-mounted at the crosswalk location where a Yield Here To (Stop Here For) Pedestrians sign is used on the approach, the Yield Here To (Stop Here For) Pedestrians sign shall not be placed on the same post as or block the road user's view of the W11-2 sign.

Option:

An advance Pedestrian Crossing (W11-2) warning sign with an AHEAD or a distance supplemental plaque may be used in conjunction with a Yield Here To (Stop Here For) Pedestrians sign on the approach to the same crosswalk.

In-Street Pedestrian Crossing signs and Yield Here To (Stop Here For) Pedestrians signs may be used together at the same crosswalk.

Section 2B.12 In-Street and Overhead Pedestrian Crossing Signs (R1-6, R1-6a, R1-9, and R1-9a)

Option:

The In-Street Pedestrian Crossing (R1-6 or R1-6a) sign (see Figure 2B-2) or the Overhead Pedestrian Crossing (R1-9 or R1-9a) sign (see Figure 2B-2) may be used to remind road users of laws regarding right-of-way at an unsignalized pedestrian crossing crosswalk. The legend STATE LAW may be shown displayed at the top of the R1-6, R1-6a, R1-9, and R1-9a signs, if applicable. On the R1-6 and R1-6a signs, the legends STOP FOR or YIELD TO may be used in conjunction with instead of the appropriate STOP sign or YIELD sign symbol.

Highway agencies may develop and apply criteria for determining the applicability of In-Street Pedestrian Crossing signs.

Standard:

If used, the In-Street Pedestrian Crossing sign shall be placed in the roadway at the crosswalk location on the center line, on a lane line, or on a median island. The In-Street Pedestrian Crossing sign shall not be post-mounted on the left-hand or right-hand side of the roadway.

If used, the Overhead Pedestrian Crossing sign shall be placed over the roadway at the crosswalk location.

An In-Street or Overhead Pedestrian Crossing sign shall not be placed in advance of the crosswalk to educate road users about the State law prior to reaching the crosswalk, nor shall it be installed as an educational display that is not near any crosswalk.

Guidance:

If an island (see Chapter 3I) is available, the In-Street Pedestrian Crossing sign, if used, should be placed on the island.

Option:

If a Pedestrian Crossing (W11-2) warning sign is used in combination with an In-Street or an Overhead Pedestrian Crossing sign, the W11-2 sign with a diagonal downward pointing arrow (W16-7P) plaque may be post-mounted on the right-hand side of the roadway at the crosswalk location.

Standard:

The In-Street Pedestrian Crossing sign and the Overhead Pedestrian Crossing sign shall not be used at signalized locations.

The STOP FOR legend shall only be used in States where the State law specifically requires that a driver must stop for a pedestrian in a crosswalk.

If used, The In-Street Pedestrian Crossing sign shall have a black legend (except for the red STOP or YIELD sign symbols) and border on either a white and/or fluorescent yellow-green background, surrounded by an outer yellow or fluorescent yellow-green background area (see Figure 2B-2). The Overhead Pedestrian Crossing sign shall have a black legend and border on a yellow or fluorescent yellow-green background at the top of the sign and a black legend and border on a white background at the bottom of the sign (see Figure 2B-2).

If Unless the In-Street Pedestrian Crossing sign is placed in the roadway on a physical island, the sign support shall comply with the breakaway requirements of the latest edition of AASHTO's "Specification for Structural Supports for Highway Signs, Luminaires, and Traffic Signals" (see Page i) be designed to bend over and then bounce back to its normal vertical position when struck by a vehicle.

Support:

The Provisions of Section 2A.18 concerning mounting height are not applicable for the In-Street Pedestrian Crossing sign.

Standard:

The top of an In-Street Pedestrian Crossing sign shall be a maximum of 4 feet above the pavement surface. The top of an In-Street Pedestrian Crossing sign placed in an island shall be a maximum of 4 feet above the island surface.

Option:

The In-Street Pedestrian Crossing sign may be used seasonably to prevent damage in winter because of plowing operations, and may be removed at night if the pedestrian activity at night is minimal.

In-Street Pedestrian Crossing signs, Overhead Pedestrian Crossing signs, and Yield Here To (Stop Here For) Pedestrians signs may be used together at the same crosswalk.

Section 2B.13 Speed Limit Sign (R2-1)

Standard:

After Speed zones (other than statutory speed limits) shall only be established on the basis of an engineering study that has been made performed in accordance with established traffic engineering practices. The engineering study shall include an analysis of the current speed distribution of free-flowing vehicles.

The Speed Limit (R2-1) sign (see Figure 2B-3) shall display the limit established by law, ordinance, regulation, or as adopted by the authorized agency based on the engineering study. The speed limits shown displayed shall be in multiples of 5 mph.

Speed Limit (R2-1) signs, indicating speed limits for which posting is required by law, shall be located at the points of change from one speed limit to another. relocated from Section 2B.18

At the downstream end of the section to which a speed limit applies, a Speed Limit sign showing the next speed limit shall be installed. Additional Speed Limit signs shall be installed beyond major intersections and at other locations where it is necessary to remind road users of the speed limit that is applicable. relocated from Section 2B.18

Speed Limit signs indicating the statutory speed limits shall be installed at entrances to the State and, where appropriate, at jurisdictional boundaries of metropolitan in urban areas. relocated from Section 2B.18

Support:

In general, the maximum speed limits applicable to rural and urban roads are established:

Statutorily – a maximum speed limit applicable to a particular class of road, such as freeways or city streets, that is established by State law; or
As altered speed zones – based on engineering studies.

State statutory limits might restrict the maximum speed limit that can be established on a particular road, notwithstanding what an engineering study might indicate.

Option:

If a jurisdiction has a policy of installing Speed Limit signs in accordance with statutory requirements only on the streets that enter a city, neighborhood, or residential area to indicate the speed limit that is applicable to the entire city, neighborhood, or residential area unless otherwise posted, a CITYWIDE (R2-5aP), NEIGHBORHOOD (R2-5bP), or RESIDENTIAL (R2-5cP) plaque may be mounted above the Speed Limit sign and an UNLESS OTHERWISE POSTED (R2-5P) plaque may be mounted below the Speed Limit sign (see Figure 2B-3).

Guidance:

A Reduced Speed Limit Ahead (W3-5 or W3-5a) sign (see Section 2C.38) should be used to inform road users of a reduced speed zone where the speed limit is being reduced by more than 10 mph, or where engineering judgment indicates the need for advance notice to comply with the posted speed limit ahead.

At least once every 5 years, States and local agencies should conduct engineering studies to reevaluate non-statutory speed limits on segments of their roadways that have undergone a significant changes in roadway characteristics or surrounding land use since the last review, such as the addition or elimination of parking or driveways, changes in the number of travel lanes, changes in the configuration of bicycle lanes, changes in traffic control signal coordination, or significant changes in traffic volumes.

No more than three speed limits should be displayed on any one Speed Limit sign or assembly.

When a speed limit within a speed zone is to be posted, it should be within 5 mph of the 85^th-percentile speed of free-flowing traffic.

Speed studies for signalized intersection approaches should be taken outside the influence area of the traffic control signal, which is generally considered to be approximately 1/2 mile, to avoid obtaining skewed results for the 85^th-percentile speed.

Support:

Advance warning signs and other traffic control devices to attract the motorist's attention to a signalized intersection are usually more effective than a reduced speed limit zone.

Guidance:

An advisory speed plaque (see Section 2C.08) mounted below a warning sign should be used to warn road users of an advisory speed for a roadway condition. A Speed Limit sign should not be used for this situation.

Option:

Other factors that may be considered when establishing or reevaluating speed limits are the following:

Road characteristics, shoulder condition, grade, alignment, and sight distance;
The pace speed;
Roadside development and environment;
Parking practices and pedestrian activity; and
Reported crash experience for at least a 12-month period.

Two types of Speed Limit signs may be used: one to designate passenger car speeds, including any nighttime information or minimum speed limit that might apply; and the other to show any special speed limits for trucks and other vehicles.

A changeable message sign that changes the speed limit for traffic and ambient conditions may be installed provided that the appropriate speed limit is shown displayed at the proper times.

A changeable message sign that displays to approaching drivers the speed at which they are traveling may be installed in conjunction with a Speed Limit sign.

Guidance:

If a changeable message sign displaying approach speeds is installed, the legend YOUR SPEED XX MPH or such similar legend should be shown displayed. The color of the changeable message legend should be a yellow legend on a black background or the reverse of these colors.

Support:

Advisory Speed signs and plaques are discussed in Sections 2C.08 and 2C.14. and Temporary Traffic Control Zone Speed signs are discussed in Part 6. The WORK ZONE (G20-5aP) plaque intended for installation above a Speed Limit sign is discussed in Section 6F.12. School Speed Limit signs are discussed in Section 7B.15.

Section 2B.14 Truck Speed Limit Sign Plaque (R2-2P)

Standard:

Where a special speed limit applies to trucks or other vehicles, the legend TRUCKS XX or such similar legend shall be shown displayed on the same panel as below the legend SPEED LIMIT XX on the same sign or on a separate R2-2P sign plaque (see Figure 2B-3) below the standard legend.

Section 2B.15 Night Speed Limit Sign Plaque (R2-3P)

Standard:

Where different speed limits are prescribed for day and night, both limits shall be posted.

Guidance:

A Night Speed Limit (R2-3P) sign plaque (see Figure 2B-3) should be reversed using a white retroreflectorized legend and border on a black background.

Option:

A Night Speed Limit sign plaque may be combined with or installed below the standard Speed Limit (R2-1) sign.

Section 2B.16 Minimum Speed Limit Sign Plaque (R2-4P)

Standard:

A Minimum Speed Limit (R2-4P) sign plaque (see Figure 2B-3) shall be displayed only in combination with a Speed Limit sign.

Option:

Where engineering judgment determines that slow speeds on a highway might impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic, the Minimum Speed Limit sign plaque may be installed below a Speed Limit (R2-1) sign to indicate the minimum legal speed. If desired, these two signs the Speed Limit sign and the Minimum Speed Limit plaque may be combined on the R2-4a sign (see Figure 2B-3).

Section 2B.17 FINES Higher Fines Signs and Plaque (R2-6P, R2-10, and R2-11)

Option Standard:

If increased fines are imposed for traffic violations within a designated zone of a roadway, a BEGIN HIGHER FINES ZONE (R2-10) sign (see Figure 2B-3) or the a FINES HIGHER (R2-6P) plaque (see Figure 2B-3) may shall be used to advise provide notice to road users when increased fines are imposed for traffic violations within designated roadway segments. If used, the FINES HIGHER plaque shall be mounted below an applicable regulatory or warning sign in a temporary traffic control zone, a school zone, or other applicable designated zone.

If an R2-10 sign or an R2-6P plaque is posted to provide notice of increased fines for traffic violations, an END HIGHER FINES ZONE (R2-11) sign (see Figure 2B-3) shall be installed at the downstream end of the zone to provide notice to road users of the termination of the increased fines zone.

Guidance:

If used, the BEGIN HIGHER FINES ZONE sign or FINES HIGHER plaque should be located at the beginning of the temporary traffic control zone, school zone, or other applicable designated zone and just beyond any interchanges, major intersections, or other major traffic generators.

The FINES HIGHER plaque may be mounted below an applicable regulatory or warning sign in a temporary traffic control zone, a school zone, or other applicable designated zones.

Standard:

The FINES Higher Fines signs and plaque shall be a rectangle with have a black legend and border on a white rectangular background. All supplemental plaques mounted below the FINES Higher Fines signs and plaque shall be rectangles with have a black legends and borders on a white rectangular backgrounds.

The FINES HIGHER plaque shall include a SCHOOL, WORK ZONE, or other applicable designated zone plaque mounted above the applicable regulatory or warning sign. The SCHOOL supplemental plaque shall be rectangular in shape with a black legend and border on a yellow or fluorescent yellow-green background (same as the S4-3 plaque). The WORK ZONE supplemental plaque shall be rectangular in shape with a black legend and border on an orange background.

Guidance:

Agencies should limit the use of the FINES Higher Fines signs and plaque to locations where work is actually underway, or to locations where the roadway, shoulder, or other conditions, including the presence of a school zone and/or a reduced school speed limit zone, require a speed reduction or extra caution on the part of the road user.

Option:

Alternate legends such as BEGIN (or END) DOUBLE FINES ZONE may also be used for the R2-10 and R2-11 signs.

The legend FINES HIGHER on the R2-6P plaque may be replaced by multiple values such as FINES DOUBLE (R2-6aP) or FINES TRIPLE, or by a specific value such as $150 $XX FINE (R2-6bP), or another legend appropriate to the specific regulation (see Figure 2B-3).

The following may be mounted below the FINES HIGHER an R2-10 sign or R2-6P plaque:

A supplemental plaque specifying the times that the higher fines are in effect (similar to the S4-1P plaque shown in Figure 7B-1), or
A supplemental plaque WHEN CHILDREN (WORKERS) ARE PRESENT, or
A supplemental plaque WHEN FLASHING (similar to the S4-4P plaque shown in Figure 7B-1) if used in conjunction with a yellow flashing beacon.

Support:

Section 6F.12 contains information regarding other signs and plaques associated with increased fines for traffic violations in temporary traffic control zones. Section 7B.10 contains information regarding other signs and plaques associated with increased fines for traffic violations in designated school zones.

Section 2B.18 Location of Speed Limit Signs these three paragraphs were incorporated into Section 2B.13

Standard:

Speed Limit (R2-1) signs, indicating speed limits for which posting is required by law, shall be located at the points of change from one speed limit to another.

At the end of the section to which a speed limit applies, a Speed Limit sign showing the next speed limit shall be installed. Additional Speed Limit signs shall be installed beyond major intersections and at other locations where it is necessary to remind road users of the speed limit that is applicable.

Speed Limit signs indicating the statutory speed limits shall be installed at entrances to the State and at jurisdictional boundaries of metropolitan areas.

Section 2B.19 2B.18 Turn Movement Prohibition Signs (R3-1 through R3-4, and R3-18, and R3-27)

Standard:

Except as noted provided in the Option Paragraphs 11 and 13, where turns specific movements are prohibited, Turn Movement Prohibition signs shall be installed.

Guidance:

Turn Movement Prohibition signs should be placed where they will be most easily seen by road users who might be intending to turn make the movement.

If No Right Turn (R3-1) signs (see Figure 2B-4) are used, at least one should be placed either over the roadway or at a right-hand corner of the intersection.

If No Left Turn (R3-2) signs (see Figure 2B-4) are used, at least one should be placed either over the roadway, at the far left-hand corner of the intersection, on a median, or in conjunction with the STOP sign or YIELD sign located on the near right-hand corner.

Except as noted provided in the Option Item C of Paragraph 9 for signalized locations, if NO TURNS (R3-3) signs (see Figure 2B-4) are used, two signs should be used, one at a location specified for a No Right Turn sign and one at a location specified for a No Left Turn sign.

If No U-Turn (R3-4) signs (see Figure 2B-4) or combination No U-Turn/No Left Turn (R3-18) signs (see Figure 2B-4) are used, at least one should be used at a location specified for No Left Turn signs. this paragraph and the next paragraph were combined

If combination No U-Turn/No Left Turn (R3-18) signs (see Figure 2B-3) are used, at least one should be used at a location specified for No Left Turn signs.

Option:

If both left turns and U-turns are prohibited, the combination No U-Turn/No Left Turn (R3-18) sign (see Figure 2B-4) may be used instead of separate R3-2 and R3-4 signs.

Guidance:

If No Straight Through (R3-27) signs (see Figure 2B-4) are used, at least one should be placed either over the roadway or at a location where it can be seen by road users who might be intending to travel straight through the intersection.

If turn prohibition signs are installed in conjunction with traffic control signals are present:

The No Right Turn sign may should be installed adjacent to a signal face viewed by road users in the right-hand lane.
The No Left Turn (or No U-Turn or combination No U-Turn/No Left Turn) sign may should be installed adjacent to a signal face viewed by road users in the left-hand lane.
A NO TURNS sign may should be placed adjacent to a signal face viewed by all road users on that approach, or two signs may should be used.

Option:

If turn prohibition signs are installed in conjunction with traffic control signals are present, an additional Turn Movement Prohibition sign may be ground post-mounted to supplement the sign mounted overhead.

Where ONE WAY signs are used (see Section 2B.40), Turn Prohibition No Left Turn and No Right Turn signs may be omitted.

When the movement restriction applies during certain time periods only, the following Turn Movement Prohibition signing alternatives may be used and are listed in order of preference:

Changeable message signs, especially at signalized intersections.
Permanently mounted signs incorporating a supplementary legend showing the hours and days during which the prohibition is applicable.
Portable signs, installed by proper authority, located off the roadway at each corner of the intersection. The portable signs are only to be used during the time that the turn movement prohibition is applicable.

Turn Movement Prohibition signs may be omitted at a ramp entrance to an expressway or a channelized intersection where the design is such as to indicate clearly the one-way traffic movement on the ramp or turning lane.

Standard:

The No Left Turn (R3-2) sign, the No U-Turn (R3-4) sign, and the combination No U-Turn/No Left Turn (R3-18) sign shall not be used at approaches to roundabouts to prohibit drivers from turning left onto the circulatory roadway of a roundabout.

Support:

At roundabouts, the use of R3-2, R3-4, or R3-18 signs to prohibit left turns onto the circulatory roadway might confuse drivers about the possible legal turning movements around the roundabout. Roundabout Directional Arrow (R6-4 series) signs (see Section 2B.43) and/or ONE WAY (R6-1R or R6-2R) signs are the appropriate signs to indicate the travel direction within a roundabout.

Section 2B.20 2B.19 Intersection Lane Control Signs (R3-5 through R3-8)

Standard:

Intersection Lane Control signs, if used, shall require road users in certain lanes to turn, shall permit turns from a lane where such turns would otherwise not be permitted, shall require a road user to stay in the same lane and proceed straight through an intersection, or shall indicate permitted movements from a lane.

Intersection Lane Control signs (see Figure 2B-4) shall have three applications:

Mandatory Movement Lane Control (R3-5, R3-5a, and R3-7) signs,
Optional Movement Lane Control (R3-6) sign, and
Advance Intersection Lane Control (R3-8 series) signs.

Guidance:

When Intersection Lane Control signs are mounted overhead, each sign should be placed over the lane or a projection of the lane to which it applies.

On signalized approaches where through lanes that become mandatory turn lanes, multiple-lane turns that include shared lanes for through and turning movements, or other lane-use regulations are present that would be unexpected by unfamiliar road users, overhead lane control signs should be installed at the signalized location over the appropriate lanes or projections thereof and in advance of the intersection over the appropriate lanes.

Where overhead mounting on the approach is impractical for the advance and/or intersection lane-use signs, one of the following alternatives should be employed:

At locations where through lanes become mandatory turn lanes, a mandatory movement lane control (R3-7) sign should be post-mounted on the left-hand side of the roadway where a through lane is becoming a mandatory left-turn lane on a one-way street or where a median of sufficient width for the signs is available, or on the right-hand side of the roadway where a through lane is becoming a mandatory right-turn lane.
At locations where a through lane is becoming a mandatory left-turn lane on a two-way street where a median of sufficient width for the signs is not available, and at locations where multiple-lane turns that include shared lanes for through and turning movements are present, an Advance Intersection Lane Control (R3-8 series) sign should be post-mounted in a prominent location in advance of the intersection, and consideration should be given to the use of an oversized version in accordance with Table 2B-1.

Standard:

Use of an overhead sign for one approach lane shall not require installation of overhead signs for the other lanes of that approach.

Option:

Where the number of through lanes on an approach is two or less, the Intersection Lane Control signs (R3-5, R3-6, or R3-8) may be overhead or ground post-mounted.

Intersection Lane Control signs may be omitted where:

Turning bays have A turn bay has been provided by physical construction or pavement markings, and
Only the road users using such turning bays are permitted to make a similar turn in that direction.

At roundabouts, Intersection Lane Control (R3-5, R3-6, and R3-8 series) signs may display any of the arrow symbol options shown in Figure 2B-5.

Section 2B.21 2B.20 Mandatory Movement Lane Control Signs (R3-5, R3-5a, and R3-7, and R3-20)

Standard:

If used, the Mandatory Movement Lane Control (R3-5, R3-5a, and R3-7) signs (see Figure 2B-4) shall indicate only those the single vehicle movements that are is required from each the lane. If used, the Mandatory Movement Lane Control sign and shall be located in advance of the intersection, such as near the upstream end of the mandatory movement lane, and/or at the intersection where the regulation applies. When the mandatory movement applies to lanes exclusively designated for HOV traffic, the R3-5cP supplemental plaque shall be used. When the mandatory movement applies to lanes that are not HOV facilities, but are lanes exclusively designated for buses and/or taxis, the word message R3-5dP and/or R3-5gP supplemental plaques shall be used.

The Mandatory Movement Lane Control (R3-7) sign shall include the legend RIGHT (LEFT) LANE MUST TURN RIGHT (LEFT). The Mandatory Movement Lane Control symbol signs (R3-5 and R3-5a) symbol signs shall include the legend ONLY.

The R3-7 word message sign shall be for ground post-mounting only.

Where the number of lanes available to through traffic on an approach is three or more, Mandatory Movement Lane Control (R3-5 and R3-5a) symbol signs, if used, shall be mounted overhead over the specific lanes to which they apply (see Section 2B.19).

Guidance:

If the R3-5 or R3-5a sign is ground post-mounted on an multi-lane approach with two or fewer through lanes, a supplemental plaque (see Figure 2B-4), such as LEFT LANE (R3-5bP), HOV 2+ (R3-5cP), TAXI LANE (R3-5dP), CENTER LANE (R3-5eP), RIGHT LANE (R3-5fP), BUS LANE (R3-5gP), or LEFT 2 BOTH LANES, indicating the lane with the appropriate movement shall should be added below above the sign to indicate the specific lane to which the mandatory movement applies. If Mandatory Lane Movement Control (R3-5) symbol signs with supplemental R3-5bP or R3-5fP plaques are used, they should be mounted adjacent to and along only the full width portion of the turn lane.

Guidance:

The use of the Mandatory Movement Lane Control (R3-7) word message sign should be limited to only locations that are adjacent to the full-width portion of a mandatory turn lane. The R3-7 sign should not be installed adjacent to a through lane in advance of a turn bay taper or adjacent to a turn bay taper.

Mandatory Movement Lane Control signs should be accompanied by lane-use arrow markings, especially where traffic volumes are high, where there is a high percentage of commercial vehicles, or where other distractions exist.

Option:

The Straight Through Only (R3-5a) sign may be used to require a road user in a particular lane to proceed straight through an intersection.

When the Mandatory Movement Lane Control sign for a left-turn lane is installed back-to-back with a Keep Right (R4-7) sign, the dimensions of the Mandatory Movement Lane Control (R3-5) sign may be the same as the Keep Right sign.

Except for the R3-7 sign, Mandatory Movement Lane Control signs may be overhead or ground mounted. replaced by new 2^nd paragraph of Standard above

The diamond symbol may be used instead of the word message HOV on the R3-5cP supplemental plaque.

The BEGIN RIGHT TURN LANE (R3-20R) sign (see Figure 2B-4) may be post-mounted on the right-hand side of the roadway at the upstream end of the turn lane taper of a mandatory right-turn lane. The BEGIN LEFT TURN LANE (R3-20L) sign (see Figure 2B-4) may be post-mounted on a median (or on the left-hand side of the roadway for a one-way street) at the upstream end of the turn lane taper of a mandatory left-turn lane.

Section 2B.22 2B.21 Optional Movement Lane Control Sign (R3-6)

Standard:

If used, the Optional Movement Lane Control (R3-6) sign (see Figure 2B-4) shall be used for two or more movements from a specific lane or to emphasize permitted movements. If used, the Optional Movement Lane Control sign shall be located in advance of the intersection, such as near the upstream end of an adjacent mandatory movement lane, and/or at the intersection where the regulation applies.

If used, the Optional Movement Lane Control sign shall indicate all permissible movements from specific lanes.

Optional Movement Lane Control signs shall be used for two or more movements from a specific lane where a movement, not normally allowed, is permitted.

The Optional Movement Lane Control sign shall not be used alone to effect a turn prohibition.

Where the number of lanes available to through traffic on an approach is three or more, an Optional Movement Lane Control (R3-6) sign, if used, shall be mounted overhead over the specific lane to which it applies (see Section 2B.19).

Guidance:

If the Optional Movement Lane Control sign is post-mounted on an approach with two or fewer through lanes, a supplemental plaque (see Figure 2B-4), such as LEFT LANE (R3-5bP), HOV 2+ (R3-5cP), TAXI LANE (R3-5dP), CENTER LANE (R3-5eP), RIGHT LANE (R3-5fP), or BUS LANE (R3-5gP), should be added above the R3-6 sign to indicate the specific lane from which the optional movements can be made.

Option:

The word message OK may be used within the border in combination with the arrow symbols of the R3-6 sign.

Standard:

Because more than one movement is permitted from the lane, the word message ONLY shall not be used on an Optional Movement Lane Control sign.

Section 2B.23 2B.22 Advance Intersection Lane Control Signs (R3-8 Series)

Option:

Advance Intersection Lane Control (R3-8, R3-8a, and R3-8b) signs (see Figure 2B-4) may be used to indicate the configuration of all lanes ahead.

The word messages ONLY, OK, THRU, ALL, or HOV 2+ may be used within the border in combination with the arrow symbols of the R3-8 sign series. The HOV 2+ (R3-5cP) supplemental plaque may be installed at the top outside border of the R3-8 sign over the applicable lane designation on the sign. The diamond symbol may be used instead of the word message HOV. The minimum allowable vehicle occupancy requirement may vary based on the level established for a particular facility.

Guidance:

If used, an Advance Intersection Lane Control sign should be placed at an adequate distance in advance of the intersection so that road users can select the appropriate lane (see Figure 2A-4). If used, the Advance Intersection Lane Control sign should be installed either in advance of the tapers or at the beginning of the turn lane.

Option:

An Advance Intersection Lane Control sign may be repeated closer to the intersection for additional emphasis.

Standard:

Where three or more approach lanes are available to traffic, Advance Intersection Lane Control (R3-8 series) signs, if used, shall be post-mounted in advance of the intersection and shall not be mounted overhead (see Section 2B.19).

Section 2B.23 RIGHT (LEFT) LANE MUST EXIT Sign (R3-33)

Option:

A RIGHT (LEFT) LANE MUST EXIT (R3-33) sign (see Figure 2B-4) may be used to supplement an overhead EXIT ONLY guide sign to inform road users that traffic in the right-hand (left-hand) lane of a roadway that is approaching a grade-separated interchange is required to depart the roadway on the exit ramp at the next interchange.

Support:

Section 2C.43 contains information regarding a warning sign that can be used in advance of lane drops at grade-separated interchanges.

Section 2B.24 Two-Way Left Turn Only Signs (R3-9a, R3-9b)

Guidance:

Two-Way Left Turn Only (R3-9a or R3-9b) signs (see Figure 2B-6) should be used in conjunction with the required pavement markings where a non-reversible lane is reserved for the exclusive use of left-turning vehicles in either direction and is not used for passing, overtaking, or through travel.

Option:

The ground- post-mounted R3-9b sign may be used as an alternate to or a supplement to the overhead-mounted R3-9a sign. The legend BEGIN or END may be used within the border of the main sign itself, or on a an R3-9cP or R3-9dP plaque (see Figure 2B-6) mounted immediately above it.

Support:

Signing is especially helpful to drivers in areas where the two-way left turn only maneuver is new, in areas subject to environmental conditions that frequently obscure the pavement markings, and on peripheral streets with two-way left turn only lanes leading to an extensive system of routes with two-way left turn only lanes.

Section 2B.25 BEGIN and END Plaques (R3-9cP, R3-9dP)

Option:

The BEGIN (R3-9cP) or END (R3-9dP) plaque (see Figure 2B-6) may be used to supplement a regulatory sign to inform road users of the location where a regulatory condition begins or ends.

Standard:

If used, the BEGIN or END plaque shall be mounted directly above a regulatory sign.

Section 2B.26 Reversible Lane Control Signs (R3-9d, R3-9f R3-9e through R3-9i)

Option:

A reversible lane may be used for through traffic (with left turns either permitted or prohibited) in alternating directions during different periods of the day, and the lane may be used for exclusive left turns in one or both directions during other periods of the day as well. Reversible Lane Control (R3-9d, R3-9f R3-9e through R3-9i) signs (see Figure 2B-6) may be either be static type or changeable message type. These signs may be either ground post-mounted or overhead mounted.

Standard:

Ground- Post-mounted Reversible Lane Control signs shall be used only as a supplement to overhead signs or signals. Ground- Post-mounted signs shall be identical in design to the overhead signs and an additional legend such as CENTER LANE shall be added to the sign (R3-9f) to indicate which lane is controlled. For both word messages and symbols, this legend shall be at the top of the sign.

Where it is determined by an engineering study that lane-use control signals or physical barriers are not necessary, the lane shall be controlled by overhead Reversible Lane Control signs (see Figure 2B-7).

Option:

Reversing traffic flow may be controlled with pavement markings and Reversible Lane Control signs (without the use of lane control signals), when all of the following conditions are met:

Only one lane is being reversed,
An engineering study indicates that the use of Reversible Lane Control signs alone would result in an acceptable level of safety and efficiency, and
There are no unusual or complex operations in the reversible lane pattern.

Standard:

Reversible Lane Control signs shall contain the legend or symbols designating the allowable uses of the lane and the time periods such uses are allowed. Where symbols and legends are used, their meanings shall be as shown in Table 2B-2.

Reversible Lane Control signs shall consist of a white background with a black legend and border, except for the R3-9d sign, where the color red is used.

Symbol signs, such as the R3-9d sign, shall consist of the appropriate symbol in the upper portion of the sign with the appropriate times of the day and days of the week below it. All times of the day and days of the week shall be accounted for on the sign to eliminate confusion to the road user.

In situations where more than one message is conveyed to the road user, such as on the R3-9d sign, the sign legend shall be arranged as follows:

The prohibition or restriction message is the primary legend and shall be on the top for word message signs and to the far left for symbol signs,
The permissive use message shall be shown displayed as the second legend, and
The OTHER TIMES message shall be shown displayed at the bottom for word message signs and to the far right for symbol signs.

Option:

The symbol signs may also include a downward pointing arrow with the legend THIS LANE. The term OTHER TIMES may be used for either the symbol or word message sign.

Standard:

A Reversible Lane Control sign shall be mounted over the center of the lane that is being reversed and shall be perpendicular to the roadway alignment.

If the vertical or horizontal alignment is curved to the degree that a driver would be unable to see at least one sign, and preferably two signs, then additional overhead signs shall be installed. The placement of the signs shall be such that the driver will have a definite indication of the lanes specifically reserved for use at any given time. Special consideration shall be given to major generators introducing traffic between the normal sign placement.

Transitions at the entry to and exit from a section of roadway with reversible lanes shall be carefully reviewed, and advance signs shall be installed to notify or warn drivers of the boundaries of the reversible lane controls. The R3-9g or R3-9h signs shall be used for this purpose.

Option:

More than one sign may be used at the termination of the reversible lane to emphasize the importance of the message (R3-9i).

Standard:

Flashing beacons, if used to accentuate the overhead Reversible Lane Control signs, shall comply with the applicable requirements for flashing beacons in Chapter 4L.

When used in conjunction with Reversible Lane Control signs, the Turn Prohibition signs (R3-1 to R3-4, R3-18) shall be mounted overhead and separate from the Reversible Lane Control signs. The Turn Prohibition signs shall be designed and installed in accordance with Section 2B.18.

Guidance:

For additional emphasis, a supplemental plaque stating the distance of the prohibition, such as NEXT 1 MILE, should be added to the Turn Prohibition signs that are used in conjunction with Reversible Lane Control signs.

If used, overhead signs should be located at intervals not greater than 1/4 mile. The bottom of the overhead Reversible Lane Control signs should not be more than 19 feet above the pavement grade.

Where more than one sign is used at the termination of a reversible lane, they should be at least 250 feet apart. Longer distances between signs are appropriate for streets with speeds over 35 mph, but the separation should not exceed 1,000 feet.

Because left-turning vehicles have a significant impact on the safety and efficiency of a reversible lane operation, if an exclusive left-turn lane or two-way left-turn lane cannot be incorporated into the lane-use pattern for a particular peak or off-peak period, consideration should be given to prohibiting left turns and U-turns during that time period.

Section 2B.27 Jughandle Signs (R3-23, R3-24, R3-25, and R3-26 Series)

Support:

A jughandle turn is a left-turn or U-turn that because of special geometry is made by initially making a right turn. This type of turn can increase the operational efficiency of a roadway by eliminating the need for exclusive left-turn lanes and can increase the operational efficiency of a traffic control signal by eliminating the need for protected left-turn phases. A jughandle turn can also provide an opportunity for trucks and commercial vehicles to make a U-turn where the median and roadway are not of sufficient width to accommodate a traditional U-turn by these vehicles.

Figure 2B-8 shows the various signs that can be used for signing jughandle turns. Figure 2B-9 shows examples of regulatory and destination guide signing for various types of jughandle turns.

Standard:

On multi-lane roadways, since road users generally anticipate that they need to be in the left-hand lane when approaching a location where they desire to turn left or make a U-turn, an ALL TURNS FROM RIGHT LANE (R3-23) or a U TURN FROM RIGHT LANE (R3-23a) sign (see Figure 2B-9) shall be installed in advance of the location to inform drivers that left turns and/or U-turns will be made from the right-hand lane.

Option:

Where a median of sufficient width is available, supplemental regulatory or guide signs may also be placed on the left-hand side of the roadway.

Standard:

An R3-24 series sign with an upward diagonal arrow pointing to the right if the jughandle entrance is designed as an exit ramp (see Drawings A and B of Figure 2B-9) or an R3-25 series sign with a horizontal arrow pointing to the right if the jughandle entrance is designed as an intersection shall be installed on the right-hand side of the roadway at the entrance to the jughandle. The legend on the sign shall be ALL TURNS, U TURN, or U AND LEFT TURNS, as appropriate.

If the jughandle is designed such that the jughandle entrance is downstream of the location where the turn would normally have been made (see Drawing C of Figure 2B-9), an R3-26 series sign with an arrow pointing straight upward shall be installed on the right-hand side of the roadway at the intersection to inform road users that they need to proceed straight through the intersection in order to make a left turn or U-turn. The legend on the sign shall be U TURN or U AND LEFT TURNS, as appropriate.

Support:

The R3-24, R3-25, and R3-26 series of signs are designed to be mounted below conventional guide signs.

Section 2C.14 contains information regarding the use of advisory exit and ramp speed signs for exit ramps.

Section 2D.39 contains information regarding the use of guide signs for jughandles.

Section 2B.29 2B.28 DO NOT PASS Sign (R4-1)

Option:

The Do Not Pass (R4-1) sign (see Figure 2B-10) may be used in addition to pavement markings (see Section 3B.02) to emphasize the restriction on passing. The Do Not Pass sign may be used at the beginning of, and at intervals within, a zone through which sight distance is restricted or where other conditions make overtaking and passing inappropriate.

If signing is needed on the left-hand side of the roadway for additional emphasis, NO PASSING ZONE (W14-3) signs may be used (see Section 2C.45).

Support:

Standards for determining the location and extent of no-passing zone pavement markings are set forth in Section 3B.02.

Section 2B.30 2B.29 PASS WITH CARE Sign (R4-2)

Guidance:

The PASS WITH CARE (R4-2) sign (see Figure 2B-10) should be installed at the downstream end of a no-passing zone if a Do Not Pass sign has been installed at the beginning upstream end of the zone.

Section 2B.31 2B.30 KEEP RIGHT EXCEPT TO PASS Sign (R4-16) and SLOWER TRAFFIC KEEP RIGHT Sign (R4-3)

Option:

The KEEP RIGHT EXCEPT TO PASS (R4-16) sign (see Figure 2B-10) may be used on multi-lane roadways to direct drivers to stay in the right-hand lane except when they are passing another vehicle.

Guidance:

If used, the KEEP RIGHT EXCEPT TO PASS sign should be installed just beyond the beginning of a multi-lane roadway and at selected locations along multi-lane roadways for additional emphasis.

Option:

The SLOWER TRAFFIC KEEP RIGHT (R4-3) sign (see Figure 2B-10) may be used on multi-lane roadways to reduce unnecessary lane changing.

Guidance:

If used, the SLOWER TRAFFIC KEEP RIGHT sign should be installed just beyond the beginning of a multi-lane pavement, and at selected locations where there is a tendency on the part of some road users to drive in the left-hand lane (or lanes) below the normal speed of traffic. This sign should not be used on the approach to an interchange or through an interchange area.

Section 2B.32 2B.31 Slow Moving Traffic TRUCKS USE RIGHT LANE Signs (R4-5, R4-6)

Support:

The Slow Moving Traffic Lane signs (see Figure 2B-8) are used to direct vehicles into an extra lane that has been provided for slow-moving vehicles.

Guidance:

If an extra lane has been provided for trucks and other slow-moving traffic, a SLOWER TRAFFIC KEEP RIGHT (R4-3) sign (see Figure 2B-10), TRUCKS USE RIGHT LANE (R4-5) sign (see Figure 2B-10), or other appropriate sign should be installed at the beginning of the lane. A TRUCK LANE (R4-6) sign, with the appropriate distance shown should be installed in advance of the lane.

Option:

The SLOWER TRAFFIC KEEP RIGHT sign may be used as a supplement or as an alternative to the TRUCKS USE RIGHT LANE sign. Both signs may be used on multi-lane roadways to improve capacity and reduce lane changing.

The TRUCKS USE RIGHT LANE (R4-5) sign may be used on multi-lane roadways to reduce unnecessary lane changing.

Guidance:

If an extra lane has been provided for trucks and other slow-moving traffic, a Lane Ends sign (see Section 2C.42) should be installed in advance of the point where the extra lane ends. Appropriate pavement markings should be installed at both the beginning upstream and the downstream ends of the extra lane (see Section 3B.09 and Figure 3B-13).

Support:

Section 2D.51 contains information regarding advance information signs for extra lanes that have been provided for trucks and other slow-moving traffic.

Section 2B.33 2B.32 Keep Right and Keep Left Signs (R4-7, R4-8)

Option:

The Keep Right (R4-7) sign (see Figure 2B-10) may be used at locations where it is necessary for traffic to pass only to the right-hand side of a roadway feature or obstruction. The Keep Left (R4-8) sign (see Figure 2B-10) may be used at locations where it is necessary for traffic to pass only to the left-hand side of a roadway feature or obstruction.

Guidance:

At locations where it is not readily apparent that traffic is required to keep to the right, a Keep Right sign should be used.

If used, the Keep Right sign should be installed as close as practical to approach ends of raised medians, parkways, islands, and underpass piers, and at other locations where it is not readily apparent that traffic is required to keep to the right. The sign should be mounted on the face of or just in front of a pier or other obstruction separating opposite directions of traffic in the center of the highway such that traffic will have to pass to the right-hand side of the sign.

Standard:

The Keep Right sign shall not be installed on the right-hand side of the roadway in a position where traffic must pass to the left-hand side of the sign.

Option:

The Keep Right sign may be omitted at intermediate ends of divisional islands and medians.

Word message KEEP RIGHT (LEFT) with an arrow (R4-7a or R4-7b) signs (see Figure 2B-10) may be used instead of the R4-7 or R4-8 symbol signs.

Where the obstruction obscures the Keep Right sign, the minimum placement height may be increased for better sign visibility.

A narrow Keep Right (R4-7c) sign (see Figure 2B-10) may be installed on the approach end of a median island that is less than 4 feet wide at the point where the sign is to be located.

Standard:

A narrow Keep Right (R4-7c) sign shall not be installed on a median island that has a width of 4 feet or more at the point where the sign is to be located.

Section 2B.33 STAY IN LANE Sign (R4-9)

Option:

A STAY IN LANE (R4-9) sign (see Figure 2B-10) may be used on multi-lane highways to direct road users to stay in their lane until conditions permit shifting to another lane.

Guidance:

If a STAY IN LANE sign is used, it should be accompanied by a double solid white lane line(s) to prohibit lane changing.

Section 2B.34 RUNAWAY VEHICLES ONLY Sign (R4-10)

Guidance:

A RUNAWAY VEHICLES ONLY (R4-10) sign (see Figure 2B-10) should be installed near a truck escape (or runaway truck) ramp entrance to discourage other road users from entering the ramp.

Section 2B.35 Slow Vehicle Turn-Out Signs (R4-12, R4-13, and R4-14)

Support:

On two-lane highways in areas where traffic volumes and/or vertical or horizontal curvature make passing difficult, turn-out areas are sometimes provided for the purpose of giving a group of faster vehicles an opportunity to pass a slow-moving vehicle.

Option:

A SLOW VEHICLES WITH XX OR MORE FOLLOWING VEHICLES MUST USE TURN-OUT (R4-12) sign (see Figure 2B-10) may be installed in advance of a turn-out area to inform drivers who are driving so slow that they have accumulated a specific number of vehicles behind them that they are required by the traffic laws of that State to use the turn-out to allow the vehicles following them to pass.

Support:

The specific number of vehicles displayed on the R4-12 sign provides law enforcement personnel with the information they need to enforce this regulation.

Option:

If an R4-12 sign has been installed in advance of a turn-out area, a SLOW VEHICLES MUST USE TURN-OUT AHEAD (R4-13) sign (see Figure 2B-10) may also be installed downstream from the R4-12 sign, but upstream from the turn-out area, to remind slow drivers that they are required to use a turn-out that is a short distance ahead.

Standard:

If an R4-12 sign has been installed in advance of a turn-out area, a SLOW VEHICLES MUST TURN OUT (with arrow) (R4-14) sign (see Figure 2B-10) shall be installed at the entry point of the turn-out area.

Support:

Section 2D.52 contains information regarding advance information signs for slow vehicle turn-out areas.

Section 2B.36 DO NOT DRIVE ON SHOULDER Sign (R4-17) and DO NOT PASS ON SHOULDER Sign (R4-18)

Option:

The DO NOT DRIVE ON SHOULDER (R4-17) sign (see Figure 2B-10) may be installed to inform road users that using the shoulder of a roadway as a travel lane is prohibited.

The DO NOT PASS ON SHOULDER (R4-18) sign (see Figure 2B-10) may be installed to inform road users that using the shoulder of a roadway to pass other vehicles is prohibited.

Section 2B.34 2B.37 DO NOT ENTER Sign (R5-1)

Standard:

The DO NOT ENTER (R5-1) sign (see Figure 2B-11) shall be used where traffic is prohibited from entering a restricted roadway.

Guidance:

The DO NOT ENTER sign, if used, should be placed directly in view of a road user at the point where a road user could wrongly enter a divided highway, one-way roadway, or ramp (see Figure 2B-12). The sign should be mounted on the right-hand side of the roadway, facing traffic that might enter the roadway or ramp in the wrong direction.

If the DO NOT ENTER sign would be visible to traffic to which it does not apply, the sign should be turned away from, or shielded from, the view of that traffic.

Option:

The DO NOT ENTER sign may be installed where it is necessary to emphasize the one-way traffic movement on a ramp or turning lane.

A second DO NOT ENTER sign on the left-hand side of the roadway may be used, particularly where traffic approaches from an intersecting roadway (see Figure 2B-12).

Support:

Section 2B.41 contains information regarding an optional lower mounting height for DO NOT ENTER signs that are located along an exit ramp facing a road user who is traveling in the wrong direction.

Section 2B.35 2B.38 WRONG WAY Sign (R5-1a)

Option:

The WRONG WAY (R5-1a) sign (see Figure 2B-11) may be used as a supplement to the DO NOT ENTER sign where an exit ramp intersects a crossroad or a crossroad intersects a one-way roadway in a manner that does not physically discourage or prevent wrong-way entry (see Figure 2B-12).

Guidance:

If used, the WRONG WAY sign should be placed at a location along the exit ramp or the one-way roadway farther from the crossroad than the DO NOT ENTER sign (see Section 2B.41).

Support:

Section 2B.41 contains information regarding an optional lower mounting height for WRONG WAY signs that are located along an exit ramp facing a road user who is traveling in the wrong direction.

Section 2B.36 2B.39 Selective Exclusion Signs

Support:

Selective Exclusion signs (see Figure 2B-11) give notice to road users that State or local statutes or ordinances exclude designated types of traffic from using particular roadways or facilities.

Standard:

If used, Selective Exclusion signs shall clearly indicate the type of traffic that is excluded.

Support:

Typical exclusion messages include:

No Trucks (R5-2),
NO MOTOR VEHICLES (R5-3),
NO COMMERCIAL VEHICLES EXCLUDED (R5-4),
NO TRUCKS (VEHICLES) WITH LUGS PROHIBITED (R5-5),
No Bicycles (R5-6),
NO NON-MOTORIZED TRAFFIC PROHIBITED (R5-7),
NO MOTOR-DRIVEN CYCLES PROHIBITED (R5-8), and
No Pedestrians (R9-3),
No Skaters (R9-13),
No Equestrians (R9-14), and
No Hazardous Material Prohibited (R14-3) (see Section 2B.62).

Option:

Appropriate combinations or groupings of these legends into a single sign, such as NO PEDESTRIANS BICYCLES MOTOR-DRIVEN CYCLES PROHIBITED (R5-10a), or NO PEDESTRIANS AND OR BICYCLES PROHIBITED (R5-10b) may be used.

Guidance:

If an exclusion is governed by vehicle weight, a Weight Limit sign (see Section 2B.59) should be used instead of a Selective Exclusion sign.

If used on a freeway or expressway ramp, the NO PEDESTRIANS OR BICYCLES (R5-10b) sign should be installed in a location where it is clearly visible to any pedestrian or bicyclist attempting to enter the limited access facility from a street intersecting the exit ramp.

The Selective Exclusion sign should be placed on the right-hand side of the roadway at an appropriate distance from the intersection so as to be clearly visible to all road users turning into the roadway that has the exclusion. The NO PEDESTRIANS PROHIBITED (R5-10c) or No Pedestrian Crossing (R9-3a) sign (see Section 2B.51) should be installed so as to be clearly visible to pedestrians who are at a location where an alternative route is available.

Option:

The NO PEDESTRIANS PROHIBITED (R5-10c) or No Pedestrian Crossing (R9-3a) sign may also be used at underpasses or elsewhere where pedestrian facilities are not provided.

The NO TRUCKS (R5-2a) word message sign may be used as an alternate to the No Trucks (R5-2) symbol sign.

The AUTHORIZED VEHICLES ONLY (R5-11) sign may be used at median openings and other locations to prohibit vehicles from using the median opening or facility unless they have special permission (such as law enforcement vehicles or emergency vehicles) or are performing official business (such as highway agency vehicles).

Section 2B.37 2B.40 ONE WAY Signs (R6-1, R6-2)

Standard:

Except as noted provided in the Option Paragraph 6, the ONE WAY (R6-1 or R6-2) sign (see Figure 2B-13) shall be used to indicate streets or roadways upon which vehicular traffic is allowed to travel in one direction only.

ONE WAY signs shall be placed parallel to the one-way street at all alleys and roadways that intersect one-way roadways as shown in Figures 2B-14 through 2B-15.

Guidance:

Where At an intersection with a divided highways are separated by that has a median widths at the intersection itself of 30 feet or more, ONE WAY signs should shall be placed, visible to each crossroad approach, on the near right, and far left corners of each intersection with the directional roadways as shown in (see Figures 2B-12 and 2B-15).

At an intersection with a divided highway that has a median width at the intersection itself of less than 30 feet, Keep Right (R4-7) signs and/or ONE WAY signs shall be installed (see Figures 2B-16 and 2B-17). If Keep Right signs are installed, they shall be placed as close as practical to the approach ends of the medians and shall be visible to traffic on the divided highway and each crossroad approach. If ONE WAY signs are installed, they shall be placed on the near right and far left corners of the intersection and shall be visible to each crossroad approach.

Option:

At an intersection with a divided highway that has a median width at the intersection itself of less than 30 feet, ONE WAY signs may also be placed on the far right corner of the intersection as shown in Figures 2B-16 and 2B-17.

ONE WAY signs may be omitted on the one-way roadways of divided highways, where the design of interchanges indicates the direction of traffic on the separate roadways.

ONE WAY signs may be omitted (see Figure 2B-14) at intersections with divided highways that have median widths at the intersection itself of less than 30 feet.

Standard:

If used at unsignalized intersections with one-way streets, ONE WAY signs shall be placed on the near right and the far left corners of the intersection facing traffic entering or crossing the one-way street (see Figure 2B-14).

If used at signalized intersections with one-way streets, ONE WAY signs shall be placed either near the appropriate signal faces, on the poles holding the traffic signals, on the mast arm or span wire holding the signals, or at the locations specified for unsignalized intersections.

At unsignalized T-intersections where the roadway at the top of the T-intersection is a one-way roadway, ONE WAY signs shall be placed on the near right and the far side of the intersection facing traffic on the stem approach (see Figure 2B-14).

At signalized T-intersections where the roadway at the top of the T-intersection is a one-way roadway, ONE WAY signs shall be placed near the appropriate signal faces, on the poles holding the traffic signals, on the mast arm or span wire holding the signals, or at the locations specified for unsignalized intersections.

Option:

Where the central island of a roundabout allows for the installation of signs, ONE WAY signs may be used instead of or in addition to Roundabout Directional Arrow (R6-4 series) signs (see Section 2B.43) to direct traffic counter-clockwise around the central island.

Guidance:

Where used on the central island of a roundabout, the mounting height of a ONE WAY sign should be at least 4 feet, measured vertically from the bottom of the sign to the elevation of the near edge of the traveled way.

Support:

Using ONE WAY signs on the central island of a roundabout might result in some drivers incorrectly concluding that the cross street is a one-way street. Using Roundabout Directional Arrow signs might reduce this confusion. However, using ONE WAY signs might be necessary in States that have defined a roundabout as a series of T-intersections.

Option:

The BEGIN ONE WAY (R6-6) sign (see Figure 2B-13) may be used notify road users of the beginning point of a one direction of travel restriction on the street or roadway. The END ONE WAY (R6-7) sign (see Figure 2B-13) may be used notify road users of the ending point of a one direction of travel restriction on the street or roadway.

Section 2B.41 Wrong-Way Traffic Control at Interchange Ramps text was relocated from Section 2E.50

Standard:

At interchange exit ramp terminals where the ramp intersects a crossroad in such a manner that wrong-way entry could inadvertently be made, the following signs shall be used (see Figure 2B-18):

At least one ONE WAY sign for each direction of travel on the crossroad shall be placed where the exit ramp intersects the crossroad.
At least one DO NOT ENTER sign shall be conspicuously placed near the downstream end of the exit ramp in positions appropriate for full view of a road user starting to enter wrongly from the crossroad.
At least one WRONG WAY sign shall be placed on the exit ramp facing a road user traveling in the wrong direction.

Guidance:

In addition, the following pavement markings should be used (see Figure 2B-18):

On two-lane paved crossroads at interchanges, double solid yellow lines should be used as a centerline center line for an adequate distance on both sides approaching the ramp intersections.
Where crossroad channelization or ramp geometrics do not make wrong-way movements difficult, a lane-use arrow should be placed in each lane of an exit ramp near the crossroad terminal where it will be clearly visible to a potential wrong-way road user.

Option:

The following traffic control devices may be used to supplement the above signs and pavement markings described in Paragraphs 1 and 2:

Additional ONE WAY signs may be placed, especially on two-lane rural crossroads, appropriately in advance of the ramp intersection to supplement the required ONE WAY sign(s).
Additional WRONG WAY signs may be used.
Slender, elongated wrong-way arrow pavement markings (see Figure 3B-24) intended primarily to warn wrong-way road users that they are traveling in the wrong direction may be placed upstream from the ramp terminus (see Figure 2B-18) to indicate the correct direction of traffic flow. Wrong-way arrow pavement markings may also be placed on the exit ramp at appropriate locations near the crossroad junction to indicate wrong-way movement. The wrong-way arrow markings may consist of pavement markings or bidirectional red-and-white raised pavement markers or other units that show red to wrong-way road users and white to other road users (see Figure 3B-24).
Lane-use arrow pavement markings may be placed on the exit ramp and crossroad near their intersection to indicate the permissive direction of flow.
Guide signs or may be used on entrance ramps near the crossroad to inform road users of the freeway or expressway entrance, as appropriate (see Figure 2E-37). relocated to Section 2D.46
Freeway entrance signs (see Section 2D.46) may be used.

Guidance:

On interchange entrance ramps where the ramp merges with the through roadway and the design of the interchange does not clearly make evident the direction of traffic on the separate roadways or ramps, a ONE WAY sign visible to traffic on the entrance ramp and through roadway should be placed on each side of the through roadway near the entrance ramp merging point as illustrated in Figure 2B-19.

Option:

At locations where engineering judgment determines that a special need exists, other standard warning or prohibitive methods and devices may be used as a deterrent to the wrong-way movement.

Where there are no parked cars, pedestrian activity or other obstructions such as snow or vegetation, and if an engineering study indicates that a lower mounting height would address wrong-way movements on freeway or expressway exit ramps, a DO NOT ENTER sign(s) and/or a WRONG WAY sign(s) that is located along the exit ramp facing a road user who is traveling in the wrong direction may be installed at a minimum mounting height of 3 feet, measured vertically from the bottom of the sign to the elevation of the near edge of the pavement.

Support:

Section 2B.41 contains further information on signing to avoid wrong-way movements at at-grade intersections on expressways.

Section 2B.38 2B.42 Divided Highway Crossing Signs (R6-3, R6-3a)

Option Standard:

On unsignalized minor-street approaches from which both left turns and right turns are permitted onto a divided highway that has a median width at the intersection itself of 30 feet or more, except as provided in Paragraph 2, a The Divided Highway Crossing (R6-3 or R6-3a) sign (see Figure 2B-13) may shall be used to advise road users that they are approaching an intersection with a divided highway (see Figure 2B-15).

Option:

If the divided highway that has a median width at the intersection itself of 30 feet or more has a traffic volume of less than 400 AADT and a speed limit of 25 mph or less, the Divided Highway Crossing signs facing the unsignalized minor-street approaches may be omitted.

A Divided Highway Crossing sign may be used on signalized minor-street approaches from which both left turns and right turns are permitted onto a divided highway to advise road users that they are approaching an intersection with a divided highway.

Standard:

When the If a Divided Highway Crossing sign is used at a four-legged intersection, the R6-3 sign shall be used. When If used at a T-intersection, the R6-3a sign shall be used.

Option:

The Divided Highway Crossing sign may shall be located on the near right corner of the intersection, and may be mounted beneath a STOP or YIELD sign or on a separate support.

Option:

An additional Divided Highway Crossing sign may be installed on the left-hand side of the approach to supplement the Divided Highway Crossing sign on the near right corner of the intersection.

Section 2B.43 Roundabout Directional Arrow Signs (R6-4, R6-4a, and R6-4b)

Guidance:

Where the central island of a roundabout allows for the installation of signs, Roundabout Directional Arrow (R6-4 series) signs (see Figure 2B-20) should be used in the central island to direct traffic counter-clockwise around the central island, except as provided in Paragraph 11 in Section 2B.40.

Standard:

The R6-4 sign shall be a horizontal rectangle with two black chevron symbols pointing to the right on a white background. The R6-4a sign shall be a horizontal rectangle with three black chevron symbols pointing to the right on a white background. The R6-4b sign shall be a horizontal rectangle with four black chevron symbols pointing to the right on a white background. No border shall be used on the Roundabout Directional Arrow signs.

Roundabout Directional Arrow signs shall be used only at roundabouts and other circular intersections.

Guidance:

When used on the central island of a roundabout, the mounting height of a Roundabout Directional Arrow sign should be at least 4 feet, measured vertically from the bottom of the sign to the elevation of the near edge of the traveled way.

Option:

More than one Roundabout Directional Arrow sign and/or R6-4a or R6-4b signs may be used facing high-speed approaches, facing approaches with limited visibility, or in other circumstances as determined by engineering judgment where increased sign visibility would be appropriate.

Section 2B.44 Roundabout Circulation Plaque (R6-5P)

Guidance:

Where the central island of a roundabout does not provide a reasonable place to install a sign, Roundabout Circulation (R6-5P) plaques (see Figure 2B-20) should be placed below the YIELD signs on each approach.

Option:

At roundabouts where Roundabout Directional Arrow signs and/or ONE WAY signs have been installed in the central island, Roundabout Circulation plaques may be placed below the YIELD signs on approaches to roundabouts to supplement the central island signs.

The Roundabout Circulation plaque may be used at any type of circular intersection.

Section 2B.45 Examples of Roundabout Signing

Support:

Figures 2B-21 through 2B-23 illustrate examples of regulatory and warning signing for roundabouts of various configurations.

Section 2D.38 contains information regarding guide signing at roundabouts and Chapter 3C contains information regarding pavement markings at roundabouts.

Section 2B.39 2B.46 Parking, Standing, and Stopping Signs (R7 and R8 Series)

Support:

Signs governing the parking, stopping, and standing of vehicles cover a wide variety of regulations, and only general guidance can be provided here. The word "standing" when used on the R7 and R8 series of signs refers to the practice of a driver keeping the vehicle in a stationary position while continuing to occupy the vehicle. Typical examples of parking, stopping, and standing signs and plaques (see Figures 2B-24 and 2B-25) are as follows:

NO PARKING ANY TIME (R7-1);
NO PARKING 8:30 X:XX AM TO 5:30 X:XX PM (R7-2, R7-2a);
NO PARKING EXCEPT SUNDAYS AND HOLIDAYS (R7-3);
NO STANDING ANY TIME (R7-4);
ONE XX HOUR PARKING 9 X:XX AM-7 X:XX PM (R7-5);
NO PARKING LOADING ZONE (R7-6);
NO PARKING BUS STOP (R7-7, R7-107, R7-107a);
RESERVED PARKING for persons with disabilities (R7-8);
VAN ACCESSIBLE (R7-8P);
Pay Station (R7-20);
Pay Parking (R7-21, R7-21a, R7-22);
Parking Permitted X:XX AM TO X:XX PM (R7-23);
Parking Permitted XX HOUR(S) XX AM – XX PM (R7-23a);
XX HR PARKING X:XX AM TO X:XX PM (R7-108);
NO PARKING ANYTIME/XX HOUR PARKING X:XX AM – X:XX PM (R7-200, R7-200a);
TOW-AWAY ZONE (R7-201P, R7-201aP);
THIS SIDE OF SIGN (R7-202P);
EMERGENCY SNOW ROUTE NO PARKING IF OVER XX INCHES (R7-203);
NO PARKING ON PAVEMENT (R8-1);
NO PARKING EXCEPT ON SHOULDER (R8-2);
K. NO PARKING (R8-3);
No Parking (R8-3, R8-3a); and
EXCEPT SUNDAYS AND HOLIDAYS (R8-3bP);
ON PAVEMENT (R8-3cP);
ON BRIDGE (R8-3dP);
ON TRACKS (R8-3eP);
EXCEPT ON SHOULDER (R8-3fP);
LOADING ZONE (R8-3gP);
X:XX AM TO X:XX PM (R8-3hP);
EMERGENCY PARKING ONLY (R8-4);
NO STOPPING ON PAVEMENT (R8-5);
NO STOPPING EXCEPT ON SHOULDER (R8-6); and
EMERGENCY STOPPING ONLY (R8-7).

Section 2B.40 2B.47 Design of Parking, Standing, and Stopping Signs

Support:

Discussions of parking signs and parking regulations in this Section apply not only to parking, but also to standing and stopping.

Standard:

The legend on parking signs shall state applicable regulations. Parking signs (see Figures 2B-24 and 2B-25) shall conform to comply with the standards of shape, color, and location.

Where parking is prohibited at all times or at specific times, the basic design for parking signs shall have a red legend and border on a white background (Parking Prohibition signs), except that the R8-4 and R8-7 signs and the alternate design for the R7-201aP plaque shall have a black legend and border on a white background, and the R8-3 sign shall have a black legend and border and a red circle and slash on a white background.

Where only limited-time parking or parking in a particular manner are permitted, the signs shall have a green legend and border on a white background (Permissive Parking signs).

Guidance:

Parking signs should display the following information from top to bottom of the sign, in the order listed:

The restriction or prohibition;
The times of the day that it is applicable, if not at all hours; and
The days of the week that it is applicable, if not every day.

If the parking restriction applies to a limited area or zone, the limits of the restriction should be shown by arrows or supplemental plaques. If arrows are used and if the sign is at the end of a parking zone, there should be a single-headed arrow pointing in the direction that the regulation is in effect. If the sign is at an intermediate point in a zone, there should be a double-headed arrow pointing both ways. When a single sign is used at the transition point between two parking zones, it should display a right and left arrow pointing in the direction that the respective restrictions apply.

Where special parking restrictions are imposed during heavy snowfall, Snow Emergency Snow Route (R7-203) signs (see Figure 2B-24) should be installed. The legend will vary according to the regulations, but the signs should be vertical rectangles, having a white background with the upper part of the plate a red background.

Standard:

When used to direct drivers to van-accessible parking facilities, a VAN ACCESSIBLE (R7-8a) plaque (see Figure 2B-16) should be mounted below the D4-1 sign. Where parking spaces that are reserved for persons with disabilities are designated to accommodate wheelchair vans, a VAN ACCESSIBLE (R7-8b R7-8P) plaque (see Figure 2B-16) should shall be mounted below the R7-8 sign. The R7-8 sign (see Figure 2B-24) shall have a green legend and border and a white wheelchair symbol on a blue square, all on a white background. The R7-8P plaque (see Figure 2B-24) shall have a green legend and border on a white background.

Option:

To minimize the number of parking signs, blanket regulations that apply to a given district may, if legal, be posted at district boundary lines.

As an alternate to the use of arrows to show designated restriction zones, word messages such as BEGIN, END, HERE TO CORNER, HERE TO ALLEY, THIS SIDE OF SIGN, or BETWEEN SIGNS may be used.

Where parking is prohibited during certain hours and time-limited parking or parking in a particular manner is permitted during certain other time periods, the red Parking Prohibition and green Permissive Parking signs may be designed as follows:

Two 12 x 18-inch parking signs may be used with the red Parking Prohibition sign installed above or to the left of the green Permissive Parking sign; or
The red Parking Prohibition sign and the green Permissive Parking sign may be combined (see Figure 2B-24) to form an R7-200 sign on a single 24 x 18-inch sign, or an R7-200a sign on a single 12 x 30-inch sign.

At the transition point between two parking zones, a single sign or two signs mounted side by side may be used.

The words NO PARKING may be used as an alternative to the No Parking symbol. The supplemental educational plaque, NO PARKING, with a red legend and border on a white background, may be used above signs incorporating the No Parking symbol.

Alternate designs for the R7-107 sign may be developed such as the R7-107a sign (see Figure 2B-24). Alternate designs may include, on a single panel sign, a transit logo, an approved bus symbol, a parking prohibition, the words BUS STOP, and an arrow. The preferred bus symbol color is black, but other dark colors may be used. Additionally, the transit logo may be shown displayed on the bus face in the appropriate colors instead of placing the logo separately. The reverse side of the sign may contain bus routing information.

To make the parking regulations more effective and to improve public relations by giving a definite warning, a TOW-AWAY ZONE (R7-201P) sign plaque (see Figure 2B-24) reading TOW-AWAY ZONE (R7-201) may be appended to, or incorporated in, any parking prohibition sign. The Tow-Away Zone (R7-201aP) symbol sign plaque may be used instead of the R7-201P word message sign plaque. The R7-201aP sign plaque may have either a black or red legend and border on a white background.

Guidance:

If a fee is charged for parking and a midblock pay station is used instead of individual parking meters for each parking space, pay parking signs should be used. Pay Parking (R7-22) signs (see Figure 2B-24) should be used to define the area where the pay station parking applies. Pay Station (R7-20) signs (see Figure 2B-24) should be used at the pay station or to direct road users to the pay station.

Standard:

If the pay parking is subject to a maximum time limit, the appropriate time limit (number of hours or minutes) shall be displayed on the Pay Parking (R7-21 or R7-21a) and Pay Station (R7-20) signs.

Option:

In rural areas (see Figure 2B-25), the legends NO PARKING ON PAVEMENT (R8-1) or NO STOPPING ON PAVEMENT (R8-5) is are generally suitable and may be used. If a roadway has paved shoulders, the NO PARKING EXCEPT ON SHOULDER sign (R8-2) or the NO STOPPING EXCEPT ON SHOULDER sign (R8-6) may be used as it is these signs would be less likely to cause confusion. The R8-3a symbol sign or the word message NO PARKING (R8-3a) sign may be used to prohibit any parking along a given highway. Word message supplemental plaques (see Figure 2B-17), such as ON PAVEMENT (R8-3c) or ON BRIDGE (R8-3d), may be mounted below the R8-3 or R8-3a sign. These word message supplemental plaques may include legends such as EXCEPT SUNDAYS AND HOLIDAYS (R8-3bP), ON PAVEMENT (R8-3cP), ON BRIDGE (R8-3dP), ON TRACKS (R8-3eP), EXCEPT ON SHOULDERS (R8-3fP), LOADING ZONE (with arrow) (R8-3gP), and X:XX AM TO X:XX PM (with arrow) (R8-3hP).

Colors that are in compliance with the provisions of Section 2A.10 may be used for color coding of parking time limits.

Guidance:

If colors are used for color coding of parking time limits, the colors green, red, and black should be the only colors that are used.

Section 2B.41 2B.48 Placement of Parking, Stopping, and Standing Signs

Guidance:

When signs with arrows are used to indicate the extent of the restricted zones, the signs should be set at an angle of not less than 30 degrees or more than 45 degrees with the line of traffic flow in order to be visible to approaching traffic.

Spacing of signs should be based on legibility and sign orientation.

If the zone is unusually long, signs showing a double arrow should be used at intermediate points within the zone.

Standard:

If the signs are mounted at an angle of 90 degrees to the curb line, two signs shall be mounted back to back at the transition point between two parking zones, each with the an appended message THIS SIDE OF SIGN (R7-202P) supplemental plaque.

Guidance:

If the signs are mounted at an angle of 90 degrees to the curb line, At intermediate points within a zone, a single signs without any arrows or appended plaques should be used at intermediate points within a parking zone, facing in the direction of approaching traffic. Otherwise the standards of placement should be the same as for signs using directional arrows.

Section 2B.42 2B.49 Emergency Restriction Signs (R8-4, R8-7, R8-8)

Option:

The EMERGENCY PARKING ONLY (R8-4) sign (see Figure 2B-25) or the EMERGENCY STOPPING ONLY (R8-7) sign (see Figure 2B-25) may be used to discourage or prohibit shoulder parking, particularly where scenic or other attractions create a tendency for road users to stop temporarily, even though a turnout or rest areas have not been provided.

The DO NOT STOP ON TRACKS (R8-8) sign (see Figure 8B-1) may be used to discourage or prohibit parking or stopping on railroad or light rail transit tracks (see Section 8B.09).

Standard:

Emergency Restriction signs shall be rectangular and shall have a red or black legend and border on a white background.

Section 2B.43 2B.50 WALK ON LEFT FACING TRAFFIC and No Hitchhiking Signs (R9-1, R9-4, R9-4a)

Option:

The WALK ON LEFT FACING TRAFFIC (R9-1) sign (see Figure 2B-26) may be used on highways where no sidewalks are provided.

Standard:

If used, the WALK ON LEFT FACING TRAFFIC sign shall be installed on the right-hand side of the road where pedestrians walk on the pavement or shoulder in the absence of pedestrian pathways or sidewalks.

Option:

The No Hitchhiking (R9-4a) sign (see Figure 2B-26) may be used to prohibit standing in or adjacent to the roadway for the purpose of soliciting a ride. The R9-4a word message sign (see Figure 2B-26) may be used as an alternate to the R9-4a symbol sign.

Section 2B.44 2B.51 Pedestrian Crossing Signs (R9-2, R9-3)

Option:

Pedestrian Crossing signs (see Figure 2B-26) may be used to limit pedestrian crossing to specific locations.

Standard:

If used, Pedestrian Crossing signs shall be installed to face pedestrian approaches.

Option:

Where crosswalks are clearly defined, the CROSS ONLY AT CROSSWALKS (R9-2) sign may be used to discourage jaywalking or unauthorized crossing prohibit pedestrians from crossing at locations away from crosswalks.

The No Pedestrian Crossing (R9-3a) sign may be used to prohibit pedestrians from crossing a roadway at an undesirable location or in front of a school or other public building where a crossing is not designated.

The NO PEDESTRIAN CROSSING (R9-3a) word message sign may be used as an alternate to the R9-3a symbol sign. The USE CROSSWALK (R9-3bP) supplemental plaque, along with an arrow, may be installed below either sign to designate the direction of the crossing.

Support:

One of the most frequent uses of the Pedestrian Crossing signs is at signalized intersections that have three crossings that can be used and one leg that cannot be crossed.

Guidance:

The R9-3bP sign plaque should not be installed in combination with educational plaques.

Section 2B.52 Traffic Signal Pedestrian and Bicycle Actuation Signs (R10-1 through R10-4, and R10-24 through R10-26) this text was relocated from Section 2B.45

Standard:

Traffic Signal signs applicable to pedestrian actuation (see Figure 2B-26) or bicyclist actuation (see Figure 9B-2) shall be mounted immediately above or incorporated into the pedestrian pushbutton detector units (see Section 4E.08).

Support:

Traffic Signal signs applicable to pedestrians include:

CROSS ONLY ON GREEN LIGHT ONLY (symbolic circular green) (R10-1);
CROSS ONLY ON WALK (symbolic walk indication) SIGNAL ONLY (R10-2);
Push Button for GREEN LIGHT Walk Signal (R10-3 series); and
Push Button for WALK SIGNAL Green Signal (R10-4 series).

Option:

The following signs may be used as an alternate for the R10-3 and R10-4 signs:

Push Button to Cross Street (arrow), PUSH BUTTON Wait for GREEN LIGHT Walk Signal (R10-3a); or
Push Button to Cross Street (arrow), PUSH BUTTON WALK SIGNAL Wait for Green Signal (R10-4a).

The name of the street to be crossed may be substituted for the word STREET in the legends on the R10-3a and R10-4a signs.

Guidance:

The finger in the pushbutton symbol on the R10-3, R10-3a, R10-4, and R10-4a signs should point in the same direction as the arrow on the sign.

Option:

The symbol sign R10-2a may be used as an alternate to sign R10-2. Where symbol-type pedestrian signal indications are used, an educational sign (R10-3b) may be used instead of the R10-3 sign to improve pedestrian understanding of pedestrian indications at signalized intersections. Where word-type pedestrian signal indications are being retained for the remainder of their useful service life, the legends WALK/DONT WALK may be substituted for the symbols on the educational sign R10-3b, thus creating educational sign R10-3c. The R10-3d educational sign may be used if to inform pedestrians that the pedestrian clearance time is sufficient only for the pedestrian to cross to the median at locations where pedestrians cross in two stages using a median refuge island. The diagrammatic sign R10-4b may also be used as an alternate to sign R10-4. At intersections where pedestrians cross in two stages using a median refuge island, the word message "CROSS TO MEDIAN" may be placed on the near corner of the refuge island along with the educational plaque. The R10-3e educational sign may be used where countdown pedestrian signals have been provided. In order to assist the pedestrian in understanding which pushbutton to push, the R10-3f to R10-3i educational signs that provide the name of the street to be crossed may be used instead of the R10-3b to R10-3e educational signs.

The R10-24 or R10-26 sign (see Section 9B.11) may be used where a pushbutton detector has been installed exclusively to actuate a green phase for bicyclists.

The R10-25 sign (see Figure 2B-26) may be used where a pushbutton detector has been installed for pedestrians to activate In-Roadway Warning Lights (see Chapter 4N) or flashing beacons that have been added to the pedestrian warning signs.

Support:

Section 4E.08 contains information regarding the application of the R10-32P plaque.

Section 2B.45 2B.53 Traffic Signal Signs (R10-1 R10-5 through R10-21 R10-30)

Option:

To supplement traffic signal control, Traffic Signal signs R10-1 R10-5 through R10-21 R10-30 may be used to regulate road users.

Guidance:

When used, Traffic Signal signs should be located adjacent to the signal face to which they apply.

Traffic Signal signs (see Figure 2B-27) may be installed at certain locations to clarify signal control. Among the legends that may be used for this purpose are LEFT ON GREEN ARROW ONLY (R10-5), STOP HERE ON RED (R10-6 or R10-6a) for observance of stop lines, DO NOT BLOCK INTERSECTION (R10-7) for avoidance of traffic obstructions, USE LANE(S) WITH GREEN ARROW (R10-8) for obedience to Lane Control lane-use control signals (see Chapter 4M), LEFT TURN YIELD ON GREEN (symbolic circular green ball) (R10-12), and LEFT TURN SIGNAL YIELD ON GREEN (symbolic circular green ball) (R10-21) (see Section 4D.06) LEFT TURN YIELD ON FLASHING RED ARROW AFTER STOP (R10-27).

Guidance:

If used, the LEFT ON GREEN ARROW ONLY (R10-5) sign, the LEFT TURN YIELD ON GREEN (symbolic circular green) (R10-12) sign, or the LEFT TURN YIELD ON FLASHING RED ARROW AFTER STOP (R10-27) sign should be located adjacent to the left-turn signal face.

Option:

If needed for additional emphasis, an additional LEFT TURN YIELD ON GREEN (symbolic circular green) (R10-12) sign with an AT SIGNAL (R10-31P) supplemental plaque (see Figure 2B-27) may be installed in advance of the intersection.

In situations where traffic control signals are coordinated for progressive timing, the Traffic Signal Speed (I1-1) sign may be used (see Section 2H.03).

Standard:

The CROSSWALK STOP ON RED (symbolic circular red) (R10-23) sign (see Figure 2B-27) shall only be used in conjunction with pedestrian hybrid beacons (see Section 4F.02).

The EMERGENCY SIGNAL (R10-13) sign (see Figure 2B-27) shall be used in conjunction with emergency-vehicle traffic control signals (see Section 4G.02).

The EMERGENCY SIGNAL—STOP ON FLASHING RED (R10-14 or R10-14a) sign (see Figure 2B-27) shall be used in conjunction with emergency-vehicle hybrid beacons (see Section 4G.04).

Option:

In order to remind drivers who are making turns to yield to pedestrians, especially at intersections where right turn on red is permitted and pedestrian crosswalks are marked, a TURNING TRAFFIC MUST YIELD TO PEDESTRIANS Turning Vehicles Yield to Pedestrians (R10-15) sign (see Figure 2B-27) may be used.

A U-TURN YIELD TO RIGHT TURN (R10-16) sign (see Figure 2B-27) may be installed near the left-turn signal face if U-turns are allowed on a protected left-turn movement on an approach from which drivers making a right turn from the conflicting approach to their left are a right-turn GREEN ARROW signal indication is simultaneously being shown displayed a right-turn GREEN ARROW signal indication to drivers making a right turn from the conflicting approach to their left.

Section 2B.54 No Turn on Red Signs (R10-11 Series, R10-17a, and R10-30) this text was relocated from Section 2B.45

Standard:

The NO TURN ON RED (R10-11a, R10-11b) sign (see Figure 2B-19) shall be used to prohibit Where a right turn on red (or a left turn on red from a one-way street to a one-way street) is to be prohibited, a symbolic NO TURN ON RED (symbolic circular red) (R10-11) sign (see Figure 2B-27) or a NO TURN ON RED (R10-11a, R10-11b) word message sign (see Figure 2B-27) shall be used.

Option:

A symbolic NO TURN ON RED (R10-11) sign (see Figure 2B-19) may be used as an alternate to the R10-11a and R10-11b signs. incorporated into previous paragraph

Guidance:

If used, the No Turn on Red sign should be installed near the appropriate signal head.

A No Turn on Red sign should be considered when an engineering study finds that one or more of the following conditions exists:

Inadequate sight distance to vehicles approaching from the left (or right, if applicable);
Geometrics or operational characteristics of the intersection that might result in unexpected conflicts;
An exclusive pedestrian phase;
An unacceptable number of pedestrian conflicts with right-turn-on-red maneuvers, especially involving children, older pedestrians, or persons with disabilities;
More than three right-turn-on-red accidents reported in a 12-month period for the particular approach; or
The skew angle of the intersecting roadways creates difficulty for drivers to see traffic approaching from their left.

Option:

A supplemental R10-20aP plaque (see Figure 2B-27) showing times of day (similar to the S4-1P plaque shown in Figure 7B-1) with a black legend and border on a white background may be mounted below a No Turn on Red sign to indicate that the restriction is in place only during certain times.

Alternatively, a blank-out sign may be used instead of a static NO TURN ON RED sign, to display either the NO TURN ON RED legend or the No Right Turn symbol or word message, as appropriate, only at certain times during the day or during one or more portion(s) of a particular cycle of the traffic signal.

On signalized approaches with more than one right-turn lane, a NO TURN ON RED EXCEPT FROM RIGHT LANE (R10-11c) sign (see Figure 2B-27) may be post-mounted at the intersection or a NO TURN ON RED FROM THIS LANE (with down arrow) (R10-11d) sign (see Figure 2B-27) may be mounted directly over the center of the lane from which turns on red are prohibited.

Guidance:

Where turns on red are permitted and the signal indication is a steady RED ARROW, the RIGHT (LEFT) ON RED ARROW AFTER STOP (R10-17a) sign (see Figure 2B-27) should be installed adjacent to the RED ARROW signal indication.

Option:

A RIGHT TURN ON RED MUST YIELD TO U-TURN (R10-30) sign (see Figure 2B-27) may be installed to remind road users that they must yield to conflicting U-turn traffic on the street or highway onto which they are turning right on a red signal after stopping.

Section 2B.46 2B.55 Photo Enforced Signs and Plaques (R10-18, R10-19P, R10-19aP)

Option:

A TRAFFIC LAWS PHOTO ENFORCED (R10-18) sign (see Figure 2B-3) may be installed at a jurisdictional boundary to advise road users that some of the traffic regulations within that jurisdiction are being enforced by photographic equipment.

A Photo Enforced (R10-19P) plaque or a PHOTO ENFORCED (R10-19aP) word message sign plaque (see Figure 2B-3) may be mounted below a regulatory sign to advise road users that the regulation is being enforced by photographic equipment.

Standard:

If used below a regulatory sign, the Photo Enforced (R10-19P or R10-19aP) sign plaque shall be a rectangle with a black legend and border on a white background.

Section 2B.56 Ramp Metering Signs (R10-28 and R10-29)

Option:

When ramp control signals (see Chapter 4I) are used to meter traffic on a freeway or expressway entrance ramp, regulatory signs with legends appropriate to the control may be installed adjacent to the ramp control signal faces.

For entrance ramps with only one controlled lane, an XX VEHICLE(S) PER GREEN (R10-28) sign (see Figure 2B-28) may be used to inform road users of the number of vehicles that are permitted to proceed during each short display of the green signal indication. For entrance ramps with more than one controlled lane, an XX VEHICLE(S) PER GREEN Each Lane (R10-29) (see Figure 2B-28) sign may be used to inform road users of the number of vehicles that are permitted to proceed from each lane during each short display of the green signal indication.

Section 2B.47 2B.57 KEEP OFF MEDIAN Sign (R11-1)

Option:

The KEEP OFF MEDIAN (R11-1) sign (see Figure 2B-29) may be used to prohibit driving into or parking on the median.

Guidance:

The KEEP OFF MEDIAN sign should be installed on the left of the roadway within the median at random intervals as needed wherever there is a tendency for encroachment.

Section 2B.48 2B.58 ROAD CLOSED Sign (R11-2) and LOCAL TRAFFIC ONLY Signs (R11-3 Series, R11-4)

Guidance:

The ROAD CLOSED (R11-2) sign should be installed where roads have been closed to all traffic (except authorized vehicles).

ROAD CLOSED—LOCAL TRAFFIC ONLY (R11-3) or ROAD CLOSED TO THRU TRAFFIC (R11-4) signs should be used where through traffic is not permitted, or for a closure some distance beyond the sign, but where the highway is open for local traffic up to the point of closure.

Standard:

The Road Closed (R11-2, R11-3 series, and R11-4) signs (see Figure 2B-29) shall be designed as horizontal rectangles. These signs shall be preceded by the applicable Advance Road Closed warning sign with the secondary legend AHEAD and, if applicable, an Advance Detour warning sign (see Section 6F.19).

Option:

An intersecting street name or a well-known destination may be substituted for the XX MILES AHEAD legend in urban areas.

The word message BRIDGE OUT may be substituted for the ROAD CLOSED message legend where applicable.

Section 2B.49 2B.59 Weight Limit Signs (R12-1 through R12-5)

Option:

The Weight Limit (R12-1) sign carrying the legend WEIGHT LIMIT X t (XX TONS) may be used to indicate vehicle weight restrictions including load.

Where the restriction applies to axle weight rather than gross load, the legend may be AXLE WEIGHT LIMIT XX TONS or AXLE WEIGHT LIMIT XXXX LBS (R12-2).

To restrict trucks of certain sizes by reference to empty weight in residential districts areas, the legend may be NO TRUCKS OVER XX TONS EMPTY WT or NO TRUCKS OVER XXXX LBS EMPTY WT (R12-3).

In areas where multiple regulations of the type described above in Paragraphs 1 through 3 are applicable, a sign combining the necessary messages on a single panel sign may be used, such as WEIGHT LIMIT XX TONS PER AXLE, XX TONS GROSS (R12-4).

Posting of specific load limits may be accomplished by use of the Weight Limit symbol sign (R12-5). A sign containing the legend WEIGHT LIMIT on the top two lines, and showing three different truck symbols and their respective weight limits for which restrictions apply may be used, with the weight limits shown displayed to the right of each symbol as XX T. A bottom line of legend stating GROSS WT may be included if needed for enforcement purposes.

Standard:

If used, the Weight Limit sign (see Figure 2B-29) shall be located in advance of the applicable section of highway or structure.

Guidance:

If used, the Weight Limit sign with an advisory distance ahead legend should be placed at approach road intersections or other points where prohibited vehicles can detour or turn around.

Section 2B.50 2B.60 Weigh Station Signs (R13 Series)

Guidance:

An ALL TRUCKS/COMMERCIAL VEHICLES NEXT RIGHT (R13-1) sign with the legend TRUCKS OVER XX TONS MUST ENTER WEIGH STATION NEXT RIGHT (see Figure 2B-30) should be used to direct appropriate traffic into a weigh station.

The R13-1 sign should be supplemented by the D8 series of guide signs (see Section 2D.49).

Option:

The reverse color combination, a white legend and border on a black background, may be used for the R13-1 sign.

Section 2B.51 2B.61 TRUCK ROUTE Sign (R14-1)

Guidance:

The TRUCK ROUTE (R14-1) sign (see Figure 2B-30) should be used to mark a route that has been designated to allow truck traffic.

Option:

On a numbered highway, the TRUCK (M4-4) auxiliary sign may be used (see Section 2D.20).

Section 2B.52 2B.62 Hazardous Material Signs (R14-2, R14-3)

Option:

The Hazardous Material Route (R14-2) sign (see Figure 2B-30) may be used to identify routes that have been designated by proper authority for vehicles transporting hazardous material.

On routes where the transporting of hazardous material is prohibited, the Hazardous Material Prohibition (R14-3) sign (see Figure 2B-30) may be used.

Guidance:

If used, the Hazardous Material Prohibition sign should be installed on a street or roadway at a point where vehicles transporting hazardous material have the opportunity to take an alternate route.

Section 2B.53 2B.63 National Network Signs (R14-4, R14-5)

Support:

The signing of the National Network routes for trucking is optional.

Standard:

When a National Network route is signed, the National Network (R14-4) sign (see Figure 2B-30) shall be used.

Option:

The National Network Prohibition (R14-5) sign (see Figure 2B-30) may be used to identify routes, portions of routes, and ramps where trucks are prohibited. The R14-5 sign may also be used to mark the ends of designated routes.

Section 2B.64 Headlight Use Signs (R16-5 through R16-11)

Support:

Some States require road users to turn on their vehicle headlights under certain weather conditions, as a safety improvement measure on roadways experiencing high crash rates, or in special situations such as when driving through a tunnel.

Figure 2B-31 shows the various signs that can be used for informing motorists of these requirements.

Option:

A LIGHTS ON WHEN USING WIPERS (R16-5) sign or a LIGHTS ON WHEN RAINING (R16-6) sign may be installed to inform road users of State laws regarding headlight use. Although these signs are typically installed facing traffic entering the State just inside the State border, they also may be installed at other locations within the State.

Guidance:

If a particular section of roadway has been designated as a safety improvement zone within which headlight use is required, a TURN ON HEADLIGHTS NEXT XX MILES (R16-7) sign or a BEGIN DAYTIME HEADLIGHT SECTION (R16-10) sign should be installed at the upstream end of the section, and a END DAYTIME HEADLIGHT SECTION (R16-11) sign should be installed at the downstream end of the section.

Option:

A TURN ON HEADLIGHTS (R16-8) sign may be installed to require road users to turn on their headlights in special situations such as when driving through a tunnel. A CHECK HEADLIGHTS (R16-9) sign may be installed downstream from the special situation to inform drivers that the using their headlights is no longer required.

Section 2B.65 FENDER BENDER Sign (R16-4)

Option:

A FENDER BENDER MOVE VEHICLES FROM TRAVEL LANES (R16-4) sign (see Figure 2B-32) may be installed to require motorists to move their vehicle out of the travel lanes if they have been involved in a crash.

Section 2B.54 2B.66 Other Regulatory Signs Seat Belt Symbol

Option: these two paragraphs were relocated to Section 2B.02

Regulatory word message signs other than those classified and specified in this Manual and the "Standard Highways Sign" book (see Section 1A.11) may be developed to aid the enforcement of other laws or regulations.

Except for symbols on regulatory signs, minor modifications in the design may be permitted provided that the essential appearance characteristics are met.

Standard:

When a seat belt symbol is used, the symbol shown in Figure 2B-32 shall be used.

Guidance:

The seat belt symbol should not be used alone but in connection with mandatory seat belt regulatory messages. If used, the seat belt symbol should be incorporated into regulatory sign messages for mandatory seat belt use.

Section 3F.01 2B.67 Barricades

Option:

Barricades may be used to mark any of the following conditions:

A roadway ends,
A ramp or lane closed for operational purposes, or
The permanent or semi-permanent closure or termination of a roadway.

Standard:

When used to warn and alert road users of the terminus of a roadway in other than temporary traffic control zones, barricades shall meet the design criteria of Section 6F.68 for a Type III 3 Barricade, except that the colors of the stripes shall be retroreflective white and retroreflective red.

Option:

An end-of-roadway marker or markers may be used as described in Section 2C.66.

Guidance:

Appropriate advance warning signs (see Chapter 2C) should be used.

Section 2B.68 Gates

Support:

Gates described in this section used for weather or other emergency conditions are typically permanently installed to enable the gate to be immediately deployed as needed to prohibit the entry of traffic to the highway segment(s).

A gate typically features a gate arm that is moved from a vertical to a horizontal position or is rotated in a horizontal plane from parallel to traffic to perpendicular to traffic. Traffic is obstructed and required to stop when the gate arm is placed in a horizontal position perpendicular to traffic. Another type of gate consists of a segment of fence (usually on rollers) that swings open and closed, or that is retracted to open and then extended to close.

Gates are sometimes used to enforce a required stop. Some examples of such uses are the following:

Parking facility entrances and exits,
Private community entrances and exits,
Military base entrances and exits,
Toll plaza lanes,
Movable bridges (see Chapter 4J),
Automated Flagger Assistance Devices (see Chapter 6E), and
Grade crossings (see Part 8).

Gates are sometimes used to periodically close a roadway or a ramp. Some examples of such uses are the following:

Closing ramps to implement counter-flow operations for evacuations,
Closing ramps that lead to reversible lanes, and
Closing roadways for weather events such as snow, ice, or flooding, or for other emergencies.

Standard:

Except as provided in Paragraph 6, gate arms, if used, shall be fully retroreflectorized on both sides, have vertical stripes alternately red and white at 16-inch intervals measured horizontally as shown in Figure 8C-1.

Option:

If used on a one-way roadway or ramp, the retroreflectorization may be omitted on the side of the gate facing away from approaching traffic.

Where gate arms are used to block off ramps into reversible lanes or to redirect approaching traffic, the red and white striping may be angled such that the stripes slope downward at an angle of 45 degrees toward the side of the gate arm on which traffic is to pass.

Standard:

The gate arm shall extend across the approaching lane or lanes of traffic to effectively block motor vehicle and/or pedestrian travel as appropriate.

When gate arms are in the vertical position or rotated to an open position, the closest part of the gate arm and support shall have a lateral offset of at least 2 feet from the face of the curb or the edge of the traveled way.

When gate arms that are located in the median or on an island are in the horizontal position or rotated to a closed position, the closest part of the counterweight or its supports shall have a lateral offset of at least 2 feet from the face of the curb or the edge of the traveled way of the open roadway on the opposite side of the median or island.

Guidance:

When a gate that is rotated in a horizontal plane is in the position where it is parallel to traffic (indicating that the roadway is open), the outer end of the gate arm should be rotated to the downstream direction (from the perspective of traffic in the lane adjacent to the gate support) to prevent spearing if the gate is struck by an errant vehicle.

If a pedestrian route is present and if it is not intended that pedestrian traffic be controlled by the gate, a minimum of 2 feet of lateral offset from supports, posts, counterweights, and gate mechanisms should be provided when the gate arm is in the open position and when the gate arm is in the closed position such that pedestrian travel is not impeded.

Option:

Red lights may be attached to traffic gates.

Standard:

If red lights are attached to a traffic gate, the red lights shall be steadily illuminated or flashed only during the period when the gate is in the horizontal or closed position and when the gate is in the process of being opened or closed.

Except as provided in Paragraph 16, rolling sections of fence, if used, shall include either a horizontal strip of retroreflectorized sheeting on both sides of the fence with vertical stripes alternately red and white at 16-inch intervals measured horizontally to simulate the appearance of a gate arm in the horizontal position, or one or more Type 4 object markers (see Section 2C.66), or both. If a horizontal strip of retroreflectorized sheeting is used, the bottom of the sheeting shall be located 3.5 to 4.5 feet above the roadway surface.

Option:

If used on a one-way roadway or ramp, the retroreflectorization may be omitted on the side of the fence facing away from approaching traffic.

CHAPTER 2C. WARNING SIGNS AND OBJECT MARKERS

Section 2C.01 Function of Warning Signs

Support:

Warning signs call attention to unexpected conditions on or adjacent to a highway, or street, or private roads open to public travel and to situations that might not be readily apparent to road users. Warning signs alert road users to conditions that might call for a reduction of speed or an action in the interest of safety and efficient traffic operations.

Section 2C.02 Application of Warning Signs Option paragraph was relocated to Section 2C.03

Standard:

The use of warning signs shall be based on an engineering study or on engineering judgment.

Guidance:

The use of warning signs should be kept to a minimum as the unnecessary use of warning signs tends to breed disrespect for all signs. In situations where the condition or activity is seasonal or temporary, the warning sign should be removed or covered when the condition or activity does not exist.

Option:

Consistent with the provisions of Chapter 2L, changeable message signs may be used to display a warning message.

Consistent with the provisions of Chapter 4L, a Warning Beacon may be used in combination with a standard warning sign.

Support:

The categories of warning signs are shown in Table 2C-1.

Warning signs specified provided herein in this Manual cover most of the conditions that are likely to be encountered. Additional warning signs for low-volume roads (as defined in Section 5A.01), temporary traffic control zones, school areas, highway-rail grade crossings, and bicycle facilities, and highway-light rail transit grade crossings are discussed in Parts 5 through 10, respectively.

Section 2C.03 Design of Warning Signs

Standard:

Except as provided in Paragraph 2 or unless specifically designated otherwise, all warning signs shall be diamond-shaped (square with one diagonal vertical) with a black legend and border on a yellow background unless specifically designated otherwise. Warning signs shall be designed in accordance with the sizes, shapes, colors, and legends contained in the "Standard Highway Signs and Markings" book (see Section 1A.11).

Option:

A warning sign that is larger than the size shown in the Oversized column in Table 2C-2 for that particular sign may be diamond-shaped or may be rectangular or square in shape.

Except for symbols on warning signs, minor modifications may be made to the design provided that the essential appearance characteristics are met. Modifications may be made to the symbols shown on combined horizontal alignment/intersection signs (see Section 2C.11) and intersection warning signs (see Section 2C.46) in order to approximate the geometric configuration of the intersecting roadway(s).

Word message warning signs other than those specified provided in this Manual may be developed and installed by State and local highway agencies. relocated from Section 2C.02

Warning signs regarding conditions associated with pedestrians, bicyclists, and playgrounds, school buses, and schools may have a black legend and border on a yellow or fluorescent yellow-green background or a black legend and border on a fluorescent yellow-green background.

Standard:

Warning signs regarding conditions associated with school buses and schools and their related supplemental plaques shall have a black legend and border on a fluorescent yellow-green background (see Section 7B.07).

Section 2C.04 Size of Warning Signs

Standard:

Except as provided in Section 2A.11, the sizes for warning signs shall be as shown in Table 2C-2.

Guidance:

The Conventional Road size should be used on conventional roads.

The Freeway and Expressway sizes should be used for higher-speed applications to provide larger signs for increased visibility and recognition.

Option:

The Minimum size may be used on low-speed roadways where the reduced legend size would be adequate for the warning or where physical conditions preclude the use of the other sizes.

Guidance:

Oversized signs and larger sizes may be used for those special applications where speed, volume, or other factors result in conditions where increased emphasis, improved recognition, or increased legibility would be desirable.

Support:

Section 2A.11 contains information regarding the applicability of the various columns in Table 2C-2.

Standard:

Except as provided in Paragraph 5, the minimum size for all diamond-shaped warning signs facing traffic on a multi-lane conventional road where the posted speed limit is higher than 35 mph shall be 36 x 36 inches.

The minimum size for supplemental warning plaques that are not included in Table 2C-2 shall be as shown in Table 2C-3.

Option:

If a diamond-shaped warning sign is placed on the left-hand side of a multi-lane roadway to supplement the installation of the same warning sign on the right-hand side of the roadway, the minimum size identified in the Single Lane column in Table 2C-2 may be used.

Signs and plaques larger than those shown in Tables 2C-2 and 2C-3 may be used (see Section 2A.11).

Guidance:

The minimum size for all diamond-shaped warning signs facing traffic on exit and entrance ramps should be the size identified in Table 2C-2 for the mainline roadway classification (Expressway or Freeway). If a minimum size is not provided in the Freeway Column, the Expressway size should be used. If a minimum size is not provided in the Freeway or the Expressway Column, the Oversized size should be used.

Section 2C.05 Placement of Warning Signs

Support:

For information on placement of warning signs, see Sections 2A.16 to 2A.21.

The total time needed to perceive and complete a reaction to a sign is the sum of the times necessary for Perception, Identification (understanding), Emotion (decision making), and Volition (execution of decision), and is called the PIEV time. The PIEV time can vary from several seconds for general warning signs to 6 seconds or more for warning signs requiring high road user judgment.

The time needed for detection, recognition, decision, and reaction is called the Perception-Response Time (PRT). Table 2C-4 lists suggested sign placement distances for two conditions. This table is provided as an aid for determining warning sign location. The distances shown in Table 2C-4 can be adjusted for roadway features, other signing, and to improve visibility.

Guidance:

Warning signs should be placed so that they provide an adequate PIEV time PRT. The distances contained in Table 2C-4 are for guidance purposes and should be applied with engineering judgment. Warning signs should not be placed too far in advance of the condition, such that drivers might tend to forget the warning because of other driving distractions, especially in urban areas.

Minimum spacing between warning signs with different messages should be based on the estimated PIEV time PRT for driver comprehension of and reaction to the second sign.

The effectiveness of the placement of warning signs should be periodically evaluated under both day and night conditions.

Option:

Warning signs that advise road users about conditions that are not related to a specific location, such as Deer Crossing or SOFT SHOULDER, may be installed in an appropriate location, based on engineering judgment, since they are not covered in Table 2C-4.

Section 2C.06 Horizontal Alignment Warning Signs

Support:

A variety of horizontal alignment warning signs (see Figure 2C-1), pavement markings (see Chapter 3B), and delineation (see Chapter 3F) can be used to advise motorists of a change in the roadway alignment. Uniform application of these traffic control devices with respect to the amount of change in the roadway alignment conveys a consistent message establishing driver expectancy and promoting effective roadway operations. The design and application of horizontal alignment warning signs to meet those requirements are addressed in Sections 2C.06 through 2C.15.

Standard:

In advance of horizontal curves on freeways, on expressways, and on roadways with more than 1,000 AADT that are functionally classified as arterials or collectors, horizontal alignment warning signs shall be used in accordance with Table 2C-5 based on the speed differential between the roadway's posted or statutory speed limit or 85^th-percentile speed, whichever is higher, or the prevailing speed on the approach to the curve, and the horizontal curve's advisory speed.

Option:

Horizontal Alignment Warning signs may also be used on other roadways or on arterial and collector roadways with less than 1,000 AADT based on engineering judgment.

Section 2C.06 2C.07 Horizontal Alignment Signs (W1-1 through W1-5, W1-11, W1-15)

Standard:

When engineering judgment determines the need for If Table 2C-5 indicates that a horizontal alignment sign (see Figure 2C-1) is required, recommended, or allowed, one of the W1-1 through W1-5, W1-10, W1-11 or W1-15 signs the sign installed in advance of the curve shall be used a Curve (W1-2) sign unless a different sign is recommended or allowed by the provisions of this Section.

A Turn (W1-1) sign shall be used instead of a Curve sign in advance of curves that have advisory speeds of 30 mph or less (see Figure 2C-2).

Guidance:

Where there are two changes in roadway alignment in opposite directions that are separated by a tangent distance of less than 600 feet, the Reverse Turn (W1-3) sign should be used instead of multiple Turn (W1-1) signs and the Reverse Curve (W1-4) sign should be used instead of multiple Curve (W1-2) signs.

Option:

A Winding Road (W1-5) sign may be used instead of multiple Turn (W1-1) or Curve (W1-2) signs where there are three or more changes in roadway alignment each separated by a tangent distance of less than 600 feet.

The A NEXT XX MILES (W7-3aP) supplemental distance plaque (see Section 2C.55) NEXT XX MILES (W7-3a) may be installed below the Winding Road sign where continuous roadway curves exist for a specific distance(see Section 2C.45).

The horizontal alignment Turn (W1-1), Curve (W1-2), Reverse Turn (W1-3), Reverse Curve (W1-4), or Winding Road (W1-5) signs (see Figure 2C-1) may be used in advance of situations where the horizontal roadway alignment changes. A One-Direction Large Arrow (W1-6) sign (see Figure 2C-1 and Section 2C.09) may be used on the outside of the turn or curve.

If the curve has a change in horizontal alignment is of 135 degrees or more, the Hairpin Curve (W1-11) sign (see Figure 2C-1) may be used instead of a Curve or Turn sign.

If the curve has a change in horizontal alignment is of direction of approximately 270 degrees, such as on a cloverleaf interchange ramp, the 270-degree Loop (W1-15) sign (see Figure 2C-1) may be used instead of a Curve or Turn sign.

Guidance:

The application of these signs should conform to Table 2C-5.

When the Hairpin Curve sign or the 270-degree Loop sign is installed, either a One-Direction Large Arrow (W1-6) sign or Chevron Alignment (W1-8) signs should be installed on the outside of the turn or curve.

Option:

An Advisory Speed (W13-1) plaque (see Section 2C.46) may be used to indicate the speed for the change in horizontal alignment. The combination Horizontal Alignment/Advisory Speed sign (see Section 2C.07), combination Horizontal Alignment/Intersection sign (see Section 2C.08), or the Curve Speed sign (see Section 2C.36) may also be used.

If the reduction in speed is 15 mph or greater, a supplemental combination Horizontal Alignment/Advisory Speed sign or Curve Speed (W13-5) sign may be installed as near as practical to the point of curvature. If the reduction in speed is 25 mph or greater, one or more additional Curve Speed signs may be installed along the curve.

Section 2C.46 2C.08 Advisory Speed Plaque (W13-1P)

Option:

The Advisory Speed (W13-1P) plaque (see Figure 2C-1) may be used to supplement any warning sign to indicate the advisory speed for a condition.

Standard:

The use of the Advisory Speed plaque for horizontal curves shall be in accordance with the information shown in Table 2C-5. The Advisory Speed plaque shall also be used where an engineering study indicates a need to advise road users of the advisory speed for a other roadway conditions.

If used, the Advisory Speed plaque shall carry the message XX MPH. The speed shown displayed shall be a multiple of 5 mph.

Except in emergencies or when the condition is temporary, an Advisory Speed plaque shall not be installed until the advisory speed has been determined by an engineering study.

The Advisory Speed plaque shall only be used to supplement a warning sign and shall not be installed as a separate sign installation.

The advisory speed shall be determined by an engineering study that follows established engineering practices.

Support:

Among the established engineering practices that are appropriate for the determination of the recommended advisory speed for a horizontal curve are the following:

An accelerometer that provides a direct determination of side friction factors
A design speed equation
A traditional ball-bank indicator using the following criteria:
1. 16 degrees of ball-bank for speeds of 20 mph or less
2. 14 degrees of ball-bank for speeds of 25 to 30 mph
3. 12 degrees of ball-bank for speeds of 35 mph and higher

The 16, 14, and 12 degrees of ball-bank criteria are comparable to the current AASHTO horizontal curve design guidance. Research has shown that drivers often exceed existing posted advisory curve speeds by 7 to 10 mph.

Guidance:

The advisory speed should be determined based on free-flowing traffic conditions.

Because changes in conditions, such as roadway geometrics, surface characteristics, or sight distance, might affect the advisory speed, each location should be evaluated periodically evaluated and the Advisory Speed plaque changed if necessary or when conditions change.

Option:

The advisory speed may be the 85^th-percentile speed of free-flowing traffic, the speed corresponding to a 16-degree ball bank indicator reading, or the speed otherwise determined by an engineering study because of unusual circumstances.

Support:

A 10-degree ball-bank indicator reading, formerly used in determining advisory speeds, is based on research from the 1930s. In modern vehicles, the 85^th-percentile speed on curves approximates a 16-degree reading. This is the speed at which most drivers' judgment recognizes incipient instability along a ramp or curve.

Section 2C.10 2C.09 Chevron Alignment Sign (W1-8)

Option Standard:

The use of the Chevron Alignment (W1-8) sign (see Figures 2C-1 and 2C-2) to provide additional emphasis and guidance for a change in horizontal alignment may shall be used to provide additional emphasis and guidance for a change in horizontal alignment in accordance with the information shown in Table 2C-5.

Option:

When used, A Chevron Alignment signs may be used as an alternate instead of or supplement in addition to standard delineators on curves or to the One-Direction Large Arrow (W1-6) sign.

Standard:

The Chevron Alignment sign shall be a vertical rectangle. No border shall be used on the Chevron Alignment sign.

If used, Chevron Alignment signs shall be installed on the outside of a turn or curve, in line with and at approximately a right angle to approaching traffic. Chevron Alignment signs shall be installed at a minimum height of 4 feet, measured vertically from the bottom of the sign to the elevation of the near edge of the traveled way.

Option:

A Chevron Alignment sign may be used on the far side of an intersection to inform drivers of a change of horizontal alignment for through traffic.

Guidance:

The approximate spacing of Chevron Alignment signs on the turn or curve measured from the point of curvature (PC) should be such that the road user always has at least two in view, until the change in alignment eliminates the need for the signs as shown in Table 2C-6.

If used, Chevron Alignment signs should be visible for a sufficient distance to provide the road user with adequate time to react to the change in alignment.

Standard:

Chevron Alignment signs shall not be placed on the far side of a T-intersection facing traffic on the stem approach to warn drivers that a through movement is not physically possible, as this is the function of a Two-Direction (or One-Direction) Large Arrow sign.

Chevron Alignment signs shall not be used to mark obstructions within or adjacent to the roadway, including the beginning of guardrails or barriers, as this is the function of an object marker (see Section 2C.63).

Section 2C.07 2C.10 Combination Horizontal Alignment/Advisory Speed Signs (W1-1a, W1-2a)

Option:

The Turn (W1-1) sign or the Curve (W1-2) sign may be combined with the Advisory Speed (W13-1P) plaque (see Section 2C.08) to create a combination Turn/Advisory Speed (W1-1a) sign (see Figure 2C-1), or combination Curve/Advisory Speed (W1-2a) sign (see Figure 2C-1).

The combination Horizontal Alignment/Advisory Speed sign may be used to supplement the advance Horizontal Alignment warning sign and Advisory Speed plaque based upon an engineering study.

Standard:

When If used, the combination Horizontal Alignment/Advisory Speed sign shall not be used alone and shall not be used as a substitute for a Horizontal Alignment warning sign and Advisory Speed plaque at the advance warning location. The combination Horizontal Alignment/Advisory Speed sign shall only be used as a supplement to other the advance Horizontal Alignment warning signs. and If used, the combination Horizontal Alignment/Advisory Speed sign shall be installed at the beginning of the turn or curve.

Guidance:

The advisory speed displayed on the combination Horizontal Alignment/Advisory Speed sign should be based on the advisory speed for the horizontal curve using recommended engineering practices (see Section 2C.08).

Section 2C.08 2C.11 Combination Horizontal Alignment/Intersection Signs (W1-10 Series)

Option:

The Turn (W1-1) sign or the Curve (W1-2) sign may be combined with the Cross Road (W2-1) sign or the Side Road (W2-2 or W2-3) sign to create a combination Horizontal Alignment/Intersection (W1-10 series) sign (see Figure 2C-1) that depicts the condition where an intersection occurs within or immediately adjacent to a turn or curve.

Guidance:

Elements of the combination Horizontal Alignment/Intersection sign related to horizontal alignment should conform to comply with the provisions of Section 2C.07, and elements related to intersection configuration should conform to comply with the provisions of Section 2C.46. The symbol design should approximate the configuration of the intersecting roadway(s). No more than one Cross Road or two Side Road symbols should be shown displayed on any one combination Horizontal Alignment/Intersection sign.

Standard:

The use of the combination Horizontal Alignment/Intersection sign shall be in accordance with the appropriate Turn or Curve sign information shown in Table 2C-5.

Section 2C.09 2C.12 One-Direction Large Arrow Sign (W1-6)

Option:

A One-Direction Large Arrow (W1-6) sign (see Figure 2C-1) may be used either as a supplement or alternative to Chevron Alignment signs in order to delineate a change in horizontal alignment (see Figure 2C-2).

A One-Direction Large Arrow (W1-6) sign may be used to supplement a Turn or Reverse Turn sign (see Figure 2C-2) to emphasize the abrupt curvature.

Standard:

The One-Direction Large Arrow sign shall be a horizontal rectangle with an arrow pointing to the left or right.

The use of the One-Direction Large Arrow sign shall be in accordance with the information shown in Table 2C-5.

If used, the One-Direction Large Arrow sign shall be installed on the outside of a turn or curve in line with and at approximately a right angle to approaching traffic.

The One-Direction Large Arrow sign shall not be used where there is no alignment change in the direction of travel, such as at the beginnings and ends of medians or at center piers.

The One-Direction Large Arrow sign directing traffic to the right shall not be used in the central island of a roundabout.

Guidance:

If used, the One-Direction Large Arrow sign should be visible for a sufficient distance to provide the road user with adequate time to react to the change in alignment.

Section 2C.11 2C.13 Truck Rollover Warning Sign (W1-13)

Option:

A Truck Rollover Warning (W1-13) sign (see Figure 2C-1) may be used to warn drivers of vehicles with a high center of gravity, such as trucks, tankers, and recreational vehicles, of a curve or turn having where geometric conditions that are prone to cause such vehicles to lose might contribute to a loss of control and overturn a rollover as determined by an engineering study.

Support:

Among the established engineering practices that are appropriate for the determination of the truck rollover potential of a horizontal curve are the following:

An accelerometer that provides a direct determination of side friction factors
A design speed equation
A traditional ball-bank indicator using 10 degrees of ball-bank

Standard:

When the If a Truck Rollover Warning (W1-13) sign is used, it shall be accompanied by an Advisory Speed (W13-1P) plaque indicating the recommended speed for vehicles with a higher center of gravity.

Option:

The Truck Rollover Warning sign may be displayed either as a static sign, as a static sign supplemented by a flashing warning beacon, or as a changeable message sign activated by the detection of an approaching vehicle with a high center of gravity that is traveling in excess of the recommended speed for the condition.

Support:

The curved arrow on the Truck Rollover Warning sign shows the direction of roadway curvature. The truck tips in the opposite direction.

Section 2C.36 2C.14 Advisory Exit, and Ramp, and Curve Speed Signs (W13-2, and W13-3, W13-5)

Standard:

Advisory Exit, Speed (W13-2) and Advisory Ramp, and Curve Speed (W13-3) signs (see Figure 2C-1) shall be vertical rectangles. The advisory Exit Speed (W13-2), Ramp Speed (W13-3), or Curve Speed (W13-5) signs (see Figure 2C-5) shall be used where engineering judgment indicates the need to advise road users of the recommended speed on an exit, a ramp, or a curve. The use of Advisory Exit Speed and Advisory Ramp Speed signs on freeway and expressway ramps shall be in accordance with the information shown in Table 2C-5.

Guidance:

When If used, the Advisory Exit Speed sign should be installed along the deceleration lane and the advisory speed displayed should be based on an engineering study. When a Truck Rollover (W1-13) sign (see Section 2C.13) is also installed for the ramp, the advisory exit speed should be based on the truck advisory speed for the horizontal alignment using recommended engineering practices.

If used, the Advisory Exit Speed sign should be visible in time for the road user to make a reasonably safe slowing decelerate and make an exiting maneuver.

Support:

Table 2C-4 lists recommended advance sign placement distances for deceleration to various advisory speeds.

Guidance:

If used, the Advisory Ramp Speed sign should be visible in time for the road user to reduce to the recommended installed on the ramp to confirm the ramp advisory speed.

If used, Chevron Alignment (W1-8) signs and/or One-Direction Large Arrow (W1-6) signs should be installed on the outside of the exit curve as described in Sections 2C.09 and 2C.12.

Option:

Where there is a need to remind road users of the recommended advisory speed, a horizontal alignment warning sign with an advisory speed plaque may be installed at or beyond the beginning of the exit curve or on the outside of the curve, provided that it is apparent that the sign applies only to exiting traffic. These signs may also be used at intermediate points along the ramp, especially if the ramp curvature changes and the subsequent curves on the ramp have a different advisory speed than the initial ramp curve.

Support:

Figure 2C-3 shows an example of advisory speed signing for an exit ramp.

Option:

One or more Ramp Speed signs may be used along the deceleration lane, beyond the gore, or along the ramp (see Figure 2C-7). Based on engineering judgment, the Ramp Speed sign may be installed on the inside or outside of the curve to enhance its visibility.

A Turn (W1-1) or Curve (W1-2) sign with an Advisory Speed (W13-1) plaque may be used in place of a Ramp Speed sign if it is located such that it clearly does not apply to drivers on the main roadway.

A Curve Speed sign may be used at and beyond the beginning of a curve following a Horizontal Alignment and Advisory Speed sign combination, or when there is a need to remind road users of the recommended speed, or where the recommended speed changes because of a change in curvature (see Section 2C.06). Based on engineering judgment, the Curve Speed sign may be installed on the inside or outside of the curve to enhance its visibility.

Support:

Section 2C.15 Combination Horizontal Alignment/Advisory Exit and Ramp Speed Signs (W13-6 and W13-7)

Option:

A horizontal alignment sign (see Section 2C.07) may be combined with an Advisory Exit Speed or Advisory Ramp Speed sign to create a combination Horizontal Alignment/Advisory Exit Speed (W13-6) sign or a combination Horizontal Alignment/Advisory Ramp Speed (W13-7) sign (see Figure 2C-1). These combination signs may be used where the severity of the exit ramp curvature might not be apparent to road users in the deceleration lane or where the curvature needs to be specifically identified as being on the exit ramp rather than on the mainline.

Section 2C.12 2C.16 Hill Signs (W7-1, W7-1a, W7-1b)

Guidance:

The Hill (W7-1) sign (see Figure 2C-4) should be used in advance of a downgrade where the length, percent of grade, horizontal curvature, and/or other physical features require special precautions on the part of road users.

The Hill sign and supplemental grade (W7-3P) plaque (see Section 2C.57) used in combination, or the W7-1b W7-1a sign used alone, should be installed in advance of downgrades for the following conditions:

5% grade that is more than 3,000 feet in length,
6% grade that is more than 2,000 feet in length,
7% grade that is more than 1,000 feet in length,
8% grade that is more than 750 feet in length, or
9% grade that is more than 500 feet in length.

These signs should also be installed for steeper grades or where crash experience and field observations indicate a need.

Supplemental plaques (see Section 2C.57) and larger signs should be used for emphasis or where special hill characteristics exist. On longer grades, the use of the Hill sign with a distance (W7-3aP) plaque or the combination distance/grade (W7-3bP) plaque at periodic intervals of approximately 1-mile spacing should be considered.

Standard:

When If the percent grade is shown displayed on a supplemental plaque, the message X% plaque shall be placed below the inclined ramp/truck symbol Hill (W7-1) or the word message HILL (W7-1a) sign.

Option:

The word message HILL (W7-1a) sign may be used as an alternate to the symbol (W7-1) sign. The percent grade message may be included within these signs.

A USE LOW GEAR (W7-2P) or TRUCKS USE LOWER GEAR (W7-2bP) supplemental plaque (see Figure 2C-4) may be used to indicate a situation where downshifting as well as braking might be advisable.

Section 2C.13 2C.17 Truck Escape Ramp Signs (W7-4 Series)

Guidance:

Where applicable, truck escape (or runaway truck) ramp advance warning signs (see Figure 2C-4) should be located approximately 1 mile, and 1/2 mile in advance of the grade, and of the ramp. A sign also should be placed at the gore. A RUNAWAY VEHICLES ONLY (R4-10) sign (see Figure 2B-8 Section 2B.35) should be installed near the ramp entrance to discourage other road users from entering the ramp. No Parking (R8-3) signs should be placed near the ramp entrance.

Standard:

When truck escape ramps are installed, at least one of the W7-4 series signs shall be used.

Option:

A SAND (W7-4dP), GRAVEL (W7-4eP), or PAVED (W7-4fP) supplemental plaque (see Figure 2C-4) may be used to describe the ramp surface. State and local highway agencies may develop appropriate word message signs for the specific situation.

Section 2C.14 2C.18 HILL BLOCKS VIEW Sign (W7-6)

Option:

A HILL BLOCKS VIEW (W7-6) sign (see Figure 2C-4) may be used in advance of a crest vertical curve to advise road users to reduce speed as they approach and traverse the hill as only limited stopping sight distance is available.

Guidance:

When a HILL BLOCKS VIEW sign is used, it should be supplemented by an Advisory Speed (W13-1P) plaque indicating the recommended speed for traveling over the hillcrest based on available stopping sight distance.

Section 2C.15 2C.19 ROAD NARROWS Sign (W5-1)

Guidance:

Except as provided in Paragraph 2, a ROAD NARROWS (W5-1) sign (see Figure 2C-5) should be used in advance of a transition on two-lane roads where the pavement width is reduced abruptly to a width such that vehicles might not be able to pass traveling in opposite directions cannot simultaneously travel through the narrow portion of the roadway without reducing speed.

Option:

The ROAD NARROWS (W5-1) sign may be omitted on low-volume local streets that have speed limits of 30 mph or less.

Additional emphasis may be provided by the use of object markers and delineators (see Sections 2B.63 through 2B.65 and Chapters 3C and 3F). The Advisory Speed (W13-1P) plaque (see Section 2C.08) may be used to indicate the recommended speed.

Section 2C.16 2C.20 NARROW BRIDGE Sign (W5-2)

Guidance:

A NARROW BRIDGE (W5-2) sign (see Figure 2C-5) should be used in advance of any bridge or culvert having a two-way roadway clearance width of 16 to 18 feet, or any bridge or culvert having a roadway clearance less than the width of the approach travel lanes.

Additional emphasis should be provided by the use of object markers, delineators, and/or pavement markings.

Option:

A NARROW BRIDGE sign may be used in advance of a bridge or culvert on which the approach shoulders are narrowed or eliminated.

Section 2C.17 2C.21 ONE LANE BRIDGE Sign (W5-3)

Guidance:

A ONE LANE BRIDGE (W5-3) sign (see Figure 2C-5) should be used on two-way roadways in advance of any bridge or culvert:

Having a clear roadway width of less than 16 feet, or
Having a clear roadway width of less than 18 feet when commercial vehicles constitute a high proportion of the traffic, or
Having a clear roadway width of 18 feet or less where the sight distance is limited on the approach to the structure.

Additional emphasis should be provided by the use of object markers, delineators, and/or pavement markings.

Section 2C.18 2C.22 Divided Highway (Road) Sign (W6-1)

Guidance:

A Divided Highway (W6-1) symbol sign (see Figure 2C-5) should be used on the approaches to a section of highway (not an intersection or junction) where the opposing flows of traffic are separated by a median or other physical barrier.

Option:

The word message DIVIDED HIGHWAY (W6-1a) or DIVIDED ROAD (W6-1b) sign (see Figure 2C-3) may be used as an alternate to the symbol sign.

Standard:

The Divided Highway (W6-1) sign shall not be used instead of a Keep Right (R4-7 series) sign on the approach end of a median island.

Section 2C.19 2C.23 Divided Highway (Road) Ends Sign (W6-2)

Guidance:

A Divided Highway Ends (W6-2) symbol sign (see Figure 2C-5) should be used in advance of the end of a section of physically divided highway (not an intersection or junction) as a warning of two-way traffic ahead.

Option:

The Two-Way Traffic (W6-3) symbol sign (see Section 2C.44) may should be used to give warning and notice of the transition to a two-lane, two-way section.

The word message DIVIDED HIGHWAY ENDS (W6-2a) or DIVIDED ROAD ENDS (W6-2b) sign (see Figure 2C-3) may be used as an alternate to the symbol sign.

Section 2C.24 Freeway or Expressway Ends Signs (W19 Series)

Option:

A FREEWAY ENDS XX MILES (W19-1) sign or a FREEWAY ENDS (W19-3) sign (see Figure 2C-5) may be used in advance of the end of a freeway.

An EXPRESSWAY ENDS XX MILES (W19-2) sign or an EXPRESSWAY ENDS (W19-4) sign (see Figure 2C-5) may be used in advance of the end of an expressway.

The rectangular W19-1 and W19-2 signs may be post-mounted or may be mounted overhead for increased emphasis.

Guidance:

If the reason that the freeway is ending is that the next portion of the freeway is not yet constructed and as a result all traffic must use an exit ramp to leave the freeway, an ALL TRAFFIC MUST EXIT (W19-5) sign (see Figure 2C-5) should be used in addition to the Freeway Ends signs in advance of the downstream end of the freeway.

Section 2C.20 2C.25 Double Arrow Sign (W12-1)

Option:

The Double Arrow (W12-1) sign (see Figure 2C-5) may be used to advise road users that traffic is permitted to pass on either side of an island, obstruction, or gore in the roadway. Traffic separated by this sign may either rejoin or change directions.

Guidance:

If used on an island, the Double Arrow sign should be mounted near the approach end.

If used in front of a pier or obstruction, the Double Arrow sign should be mounted on the face of, or just in front of, the obstruction. Where stripe markings are used on the obstruction, they should be discontinued to leave a 3-inch space around the outside of the sign.

Section 2C.21 2C.26 DEAD END/NO OUTLET Signs (W14-1, W14-1a, W14-2, W14-2a)

Option:

The DEAD END (W14-1) sign (see Figure 2C-5) may be used at the entrance of a single road or street that terminates in a dead end or cul-de-sac. The NO OUTLET (W14-2) sign (see Figure 2C-5) may be used at the entrance to a road or road network from which there is no other exit.

DEAD END (W14-1a) or NO OUTLET (W14-2a) signs (see Figure 2C-5) may be used in combination with Street Name (D3-1) signs (see Section 2D.43) to warn turning traffic that the cross street ends in the direction indicated by the arrow.

At locations where the cross street does not have a name, the W14-1a or W14-2a signs may be used alone in place of a street name sign.

Standard:

The DEAD END (W14-1a) and NO OUTLET (W14-2a) signs shall be horizontal rectangles with an arrow pointing to the left or right.

When the W14-1 or W14-2 sign is used, the sign shall be posted as near as practical to the entry point or at a sufficient advance distance to permit the road user to avoid the dead end or no outlet condition by turning off, if possible, at the nearest intersecting street.

The DEAD END (W14-1a) or NO OUTLET (W14-2a) signs shall not be used instead of the W14-1 or W14-2 signs where traffic can proceed straight through the intersection into the dead end street or no outlet area.

Section 2C.22 2C.27 Low Clearance Signs (W12-2 and W12-2p W12-2a)

Standard:

The Low Clearance (W12-2) sign (see Figure 2C-5) shall be used to warn road users of clearances less than 12 inches above the statutory maximum vehicle height.

Guidance:

The actual clearance should be shown displayed on the Low Clearance sign to the nearest 1 inch not exceeding the actual clearance. However, in areas that experience changes in temperature causing frost action, a reduction, not exceeding 3 inches, should be used for this condition.

Where the clearance is less than the legal maximum vehicle height, the W12-2 sign with a supplemental distance plaque should be placed at the nearest intersecting road or wide point in the road at which a vehicle can detour or turn around.

In the case of an arch or other structure under which the clearance varies greatly, two or more signs should be used as necessary on the structure itself to give information as to the clearances over the entire roadway.

Clearances should be evaluated periodically, particularly when resurfacing operations have occurred.

Option:

The Low Clearance sign may be installed on or in advance of the structure. If a sign is placed on the structure, it may be a rectangular shape (W12-2p W12-2a) with the appropriate legend (see Figure 2C-5).

Section 2C.23 2C.28 BUMP and DIP Signs (W8-1, W8-2)

Guidance:

BUMP (W8-1) and DIP (W8-2) signs (see Figure 2C-6) should be used to give warning of a sharp rise or depression in the profile of the road.

Option:

These signs may be supplemented with an Advisory Speed plaque (see Section 2C.08).

Standard:

The DIP sign shall not be used at a short stretch of depressed alignment that might momentarily hide a vehicle.

Guidance:

A short stretch of depressed alignment that might momentarily hide a vehicle should be treated as a no-passing zone when centerline center line striping is provided on a two-lane or three-lane road (see Section 3B.02).

Section 2C.24 2C.29 SPEED HUMP Sign (W17-1)

Guidance:

The SPEED HUMP (W17-1) sign (see Figure 2C-6) should be used to give warning of a vertical deflection in the roadway that is designed to limit the speed of traffic.

If used, the SPEED HUMP sign should be supplemented by an Advisory Speed plaque (see Section 2C.08).

Option:

If a series of speed humps exists in close proximity, an Advisory Speed plaque may be eliminated on all but the first SPEED HUMP sign in the series.

The legend SPEED BUMP may be used instead of the legend SPEED HUMP on the W17-1 sign.

Support:

Speed humps generally provide more gradual vertical deflection than speed bumps. Speed bumps limit the speed of traffic more severely than speed humps. Other forms of speed humps include speed tables and raised intersections. However, this these differences in engineering terminology is are not well known by the public, so for signing purposes the these terms are interchangeable.

Section 2C.25 2C.30 PAVEMENT ENDS Sign (W8-3)

Guidance:

A PAVEMENT ENDS (W8-3) word message sign (see Figure 2C-6) should be used where a paved surface changes to either a gravel treated surface or an earth road surface.

Option:

An Advisory Speed plaque (see Section 2C.08) may be used when the change in roadway condition requires a reduced speed.

Section 2C.26 2C.31 Shoulder Signs (W8-4, W8-9, and W8-9a W8-17, W8-23, and W8-25)

Option:

The SOFT SHOULDER (W8-4) sign (see Figure 2C-6) may be used to warn of a soft shoulder condition.

The LOW SHOULDER (W8-9) sign (see Figure 2C-6) may be used to warn of a shoulder condition where there is an elevation difference of less than 3 inches between the shoulder and the travel lane.

Guidance:

The Shoulder Drop Off (W8-9a W8-17) sign (see Figure 2C-6) should be used when where an unprotected shoulder drop-off, adjacent to the travel lane, exceeds 3 inches in depth for a significant continuous length along the roadway, based on engineering judgment.

Option:

A SHOULDER DROP-OFF (W8-17P) supplemental plaque (see Figure 2C-6) may be mounted below the W8-17 sign.

The NO SHOULDER (W8-23) sign (see Figure 2C-6) may be used to warn road users that a shoulder does not exist along a portion of the roadway.

The SHOULDER ENDS (W8-25) sign (see Figure 2C-6) may be used to warn road users that a shoulder is ending.

Standard:

When used, shoulder signs shall be placed in advance of the condition (see Table 2C-4).

Guidance:

Additional shoulder signs should be placed at appropriate intervals along the road where the condition continually exists.

Section 2C.27 2C.32 Slippery When Wet Sign (W8-5) Surface Condition Signs (W8-5, W8-7, W8-8, W8-11, W8-13, and W8-14)

Option:

The Slippery When Wet (W8-5) sign (see Figure 2C-6) may be used to warn that a of unexpected slippery conditions might exist. Supplemental plaques with legends such as ICE, WHEN WET, STEEL DECK, or EXCESS OIL may be used with the W8-5 sign to indicate the reason that the slippery conditions might be present.

The LOOSE GRAVEL (W8-7) sign (see Figure 2C-6) may be used to warn of loose gravel on the roadway surface.

The ROUGH ROAD (W8-8) sign (see Figure 2C-6) may be used to warn of a rough roadway surface.

An UNEVEN LANES (W8-11) sign (see Figure 2C-6) may be used to warn of a difference in elevation between travel lanes.

The BRIDGE ICES BEFORE ROAD (W8-13) sign (see Figure 2C-6) may be used in advance of bridges to advise bridge users of winter weather conditions. The BRIDGE ICES BEFORE ROAD sign may be removed or covered during seasons of the year when its message is not relevant. this paragraph was relocated from Section 2C.28

The FALLEN ROCKS (W8-14) sign (see Figure 2C-6) may be used in advance of an area that is adjacent to a hillside, mountain, or cliff where rocks frequently fall onto the roadway.

Guidance:

When used, a Slippery When Wet Surface Condition signs should be placed in advance of the beginning of the affected section (see Table 2C-4), and additional signs should be placed at appropriate intervals along the road where the condition exists.

Section 2C.28 BRIDGE ICES BEFORE ROAD Sign (W8-13)

Option:

A BRIDGE ICES BEFORE ROAD (W8-13) sign (see Figure 2C-4) may be used in advance of bridges to advise bridge users of winter weather conditions.

The BRIDGE ICES BEFORE ROAD sign may be removed or covered during seasons of the year when its message is not relevant. this paragraph and the previous paragraph were combined and relocated to Section 2C.32

Section 2C.33 Warning Signs and Plaques for Motorcyclists (W8-15, W8-15P, and W8-16)

Support:

The signs and plaques described in this Section are intended to give motorcyclists advance notice of surface conditions that might adversely affect their ability to maintain control of their motorcycle under wet or dry conditions. The use of some of the advance surface condition warning signs described in Section 2C.32, such as Slippery When Wet, LOOSE GRAVEL, or ROUGH ROAD, can also be helpful to motorcyclists if those conditions exist.

Option:

If a portion of a street or highway features a roadway pavement surface that is grooved or textured instead of smooth, such as a grooved skid resistance treatment for a horizontal curve or a brick pavement surface, a GROOVED PAVEMENT (W8-15) sign (see Figure 2C-6) may be used to provide advance warning of this condition to motorcyclists, bicyclists, and other road users. Alternate legends such as TEXTURED PAVEMENT or BRICK PAVEMENT may also be used on the W8-15 sign.

If a bridge or a portion of a bridge includes a metal or grated surface, a METAL BRIDGE DECK (W8-16) sign (see Figure 2C-6) may be used to provide advance warning of this condition to motorcyclists, bicyclists, and other road users.

A Motorcycle (W8-15P) plaque (see Figure 2C-6) may be mounted below or above a W8-15 or W8-16 sign if the warning is intended to be directed primarily to motorcyclists.

Section 2C.34 NO CENTER LINE Sign (W8-12)

Option:

The NO CENTER LINE (W8-12) sign (see Figure 2C-6) may be used to warn of a roadway without center line pavement markings.

Section 2C.35 Weather Condition Signs (W8-18, W8-19, W8-21, and W8-22)

Option:

The ROAD MAY FLOOD (W8-18) sign (see Figure 2C-6) may be used to warn road users that a section of roadway is subject to frequent flooding. A Depth Gauge (W8-19) sign (see Figure 2C-6) may also be installed within a roadway section that frequently floods.

Standard:

If used, the Depth Gauge sign shall be in addition to the ROAD MAY FLOOD sign and shall indicate the depth of the water at the deepest point on the roadway.

Option:

The GUSTY WINDS AREA (W8-21) sign (see Figure 2C-6) may be used to warn road users that wind gusts frequently occur along a section of highway that are strong enough to impact the stability of trucks, recreational vehicles, and other vehicles with high centers of gravity. A NEXT XX MILES (W7-3a) supplemental plaque may be mounted below the W8-21 sign to inform road users of the length of roadway that frequently experiences strong wind gusts.

The FOG AREA (W8-22) sign (see Figure 2C-6) may be used to warn road users that foggy conditions frequently reduce visibility along a section of highway. A NEXT XX MILES (W7-3a) supplemental plaque may be mounted below the W8-22 sign to inform road users of the length of roadway that frequently experiences foggy conditions.

Section 2C.29 2C.36 Advance Traffic Control Signs (W3-1, W3-2, W3-3, W3-4)

Standard:

The Advance Traffic Control symbol signs (see Figure 2C-6) include the Stop Ahead (W3-1), Yield Ahead (W3-2), and Signal Ahead (W3-3) signs. These signs shall be installed on an approach to a primary traffic control device that is not visible for a sufficient distance to permit the road user to respond to the device (see Table 2C-4). The visibility criteria for a traffic control signal shall be based on having a continuous view of at least two signal faces for the distance specified in Table 4D-2.

Support:

Figure 2A-4 shows the typical placement of an Advance Traffic Control sign.

Permanent obstructions causing the limited visibility might include roadway alignment or structures. Intermittent obstructions might include foliage or parked vehicles.

Guidance:

Where intermittent obstructions occur, engineering judgment should determine the treatment to be implemented.

Option:

An Advance Traffic Control sign may be used for additional emphasis of the primary traffic control device, even when the visibility distance to the device is satisfactory.

Word messages (W3-1a, W3-2a, W3-3a) may be used as alternates to the Advance Traffic Control symbol signs.

An supplemental advance street name plaque (see Section 2C.58) may be installed above or below an Advance Traffic Control sign.

A warning beacon may be used with an Advance Traffic Control sign.

A BE PREPARED TO STOP (W3-4) sign (see Figure 2C-6) may be used to warn of stopped traffic caused by a traffic control signal or in advance of a section of roadway that regularly experiences traffic congestion.

Standard:

When a BE PREPARED TO STOP sign is used in advance of a traffic control signal, it shall be used in addition to a Signal Ahead sign and shall be placed downstream from the Signal Ahead (W3-3) sign.

Option:

The BE PREPARED TO STOP sign may be supplemented with a warning beacon (see Section 4L.03).

Guidance:

When the warning beacon is interconnected with a traffic control signal or queue detection system, the BE PREPARED TO STOP sign should be supplemented with a WHEN FLASHING (W16-13P) plaque (see Figure 2C-12).

Support:

Section 2C.40 contains information regarding the use of a NO MERGE AREA (W4-5P) supplemental plaque in conjunction with a Yield Ahead sign.

Section 2C.37 Advance Ramp Control Signal Signs (W3-7 and W3-8)

Option:

A RAMP METER AHEAD (W3-7) sign (see Figure 2C-6) may be used to warn road users that a freeway entrance ramp is metered and that they will encounter a ramp control signal (see Chapter 4I).

Guidance:

When the ramp control signals are operated only during certain periods of the day, a RAMP METERED WHEN FLASHING (W3-8) sign (see Figure 2C-6) should be installed in advance of the ramp control signal near the entrance to the ramp, or on the arterial on the approach to the ramp, to alert road users to the presence and operation of ramp meters.

Standard:

The RAMP METERED WHEN FLASHING sign shall be supplemented with a warning beacon (see Section 4L.03) that flashes when the ramp control signal is in operation.

Section 2C.30 2C.38 Reduced Speed Reduction Limit Ahead Signs (W3-5, W3-5a)

Guidance:

A Reduced Speed Reduction Limit Ahead (W3-5 or W3-5a) sign (see Figure 2C-7) should be used to inform road users of a reduced speed zone when where the speed limit is being reduced by more than 10 mph, or where engineering judgment indicates the need for advance notice to comply with the posted speed limit ahead.

Standard:

If used, Reduced Speed Reduction Limit Ahead signs shall be followed by a Speed Limit (R2-1) sign installed at the beginning of the zone where the speed limit applies.

The speed limit displayed on the Reduced Speed Reduction Limit Ahead sign shall be identical to the speed limit displayed on the subsequent Speed Limit sign.

Section 2C.39 DRAW BRIDGE Sign (W3-6)

Standard:

A DRAW BRIDGE (W3-6) sign (see Figure 2C-6) shall be used in advance of movable bridge signals and gates (see Section 4J.02) to give warning to road users, except in urban conditions where such signing would not be practical.

Section 2C.31 2C.40 Merge Signs (W4-1, W4-5)

Option:

A Merge (W4-1) sign (see Figure 2C-8) may be used to warn road users on the major roadway that merging movements might be encountered in advance of a point where lanes from two separate roadways converge as a single traffic lane and no turning conflict occurs.

A Merge sign may also be installed on the side of the entering roadway to warn road users on the entering roadway of the merge condition.

Guidance:

The Merge sign should be installed on the side of the major roadway where merging traffic will be encountered and in such a position as to not obstruct the road user's view of entering traffic.

Where two roadways of approximately equal importance converge, a Merge sign should be placed on each roadway.

When a Merge sign is to be installed on an entering roadway that curves before merging with the major roadway, such as a ramp with a curving horizontal alignment as it approaches the major roadway, the Entering Roadway Merge (W4-5) sign (see Figure 2C-8) should be used to better portray the actual geometric conditions to road users on the entering roadway.

The Merge sign should not be used where two roadways converge and merging movements are not required.

The Merge sign should not be used in place of a Lane Ends sign (see Section 2C.42) where lanes of traffic moving on a single roadway must merge because of a reduction in the actual or usable pavement width (see Section 2C.33).

Option:

An Entering Roadway Merge (W4-5) sign with a NO MERGE AREA (W4-5P) supplemental plaque (see Figure 2C-8) mounted below it may be used to warn road users on an entering roadway that they will encounter an abrupt merging situation without an acceleration lane at the downstream end of the ramp.

A Merge (W4-1) sign with a NO MERGE AREA (W4-5P) supplemental plaque mounted below it may be used to warn road users on the major roadway that traffic on an entering roadway will encounter an abrupt merging situation without an acceleration lane at the downstream end of the ramp.

For a yield-controlled channelized right-turn movement onto a roadway without an acceleration lane, a NO MERGE AREA (W4-5P) supplemental plaque may be mounted below a Yield Ahead (W3-2) sign and/or below a YIELD (R1-2) sign when engineering judgment indicates that road users would expect an acceleration lane to be present.

Section 2C.32 2C.41 Added Lane Signs (W4-3, W4-6)

Guidance:

The Added Lane (W4-3) sign (see Figure 2C-8) should be installed in advance of a point where two roadways converge and merging movements are not required. When possible, the Added Lane sign should be placed such that it is visible from both roadways; if this is not possible, an Added Lane sign should be placed on the side of each roadway.

When an Added Lane sign is to be installed on a roadway that curves before converging with another roadway that has a tangent alignment at the point of convergence, the Entering Roadway Added Lane (W4-6) sign (see Figure 2C-8) should be used to better portray the actual geometric conditions to road users on the curving roadway.

Section 2C.33 2C.42 Lane Ends Signs (W4-2, W9-1, W9-2)

Guidance:

The LANE ENDS MERGE LEFT (RIGHT) (W9-2) word sign, or the Lane Ends (W4-2) symbol sign, should be used to warn of the reduction in the number of traffic lanes in the direction of travel on a multi-lane highway (see Figure 2C-8).

Option:

The RIGHT (LEFT) LANE ENDS (W9-1) word sign (see Figure 2C-8) may be used in advance of the Lane Ends (W4-2) symbol sign or the LANE ENDS MERGE LEFT (RIGHT) (W9-2) word sign as additional warning or to emphasize that the traffic lane is ending and that a merging maneuver will be required.

Guidance:

If used, the RIGHT (LEFT) LANE ENDS (W9-1) sign should be installed adjacent to the Lane-Reduction Arrow pavement markings.

Option:

On one-way streets or on divided highways where the width of the median will permit, two Lane Ends signs may be placed facing approaching traffic, one on the right-hand side and the other on the left-hand side or median.

Support:

The reduction in the number of traffic lanes may also be delineated with roadway edge lines (see Section 3B.09) and/or roadway delineation (see Chapter 3D). Section 3B.09 contains information regarding the use of pavement markings in conjunction with a lane reduction.

Guidance:

Where an extra lane has been provided for slower moving traffic (see Section 2B.31), a Lane Ends word sign or a Lane Ends (W4-2) symbol sign should be installed in advance of the downstream end of the extra lane.

Lane Ends signs should not be installed in advance of the downstream end of an acceleration lane.

Standard:

In dropped lane situations, regulatory signs (see Section 2B.20) shall be used to inform road users that a through lane is becoming a mandatory turn lane. The W4-2, W9-1, and W9-2 signs shall not be used in dropped lane situations.

Section 2C.43 RIGHT (LEFT) LANE EXIT ONLY AHEAD Sign (W9-7)

Option:

The RIGHT (LEFT) LANE EXIT ONLY AHEAD (W9-7) sign (see Figure 2C-8) may be used to provide advance warning to road users that traffic in the right-hand (left-hand) lane of a roadway that is approaching a grade-separated interchange will be required to depart the roadway on an exit ramp at the next interchange.

Standard:

The W9-7 sign shall be a horizontal rectangle with a black legend and border on a yellow background.

Guidance:

If used, the W9-7 sign should be installed upstream from the first overhead guide sign that contains an EXIT ONLY sign panel or upstream from the first RIGHT (LEFT) LANE MUST EXIT (R3-33) regulatory sign, whichever is farther upstream from the exit.

Support:

Section 2B.23 contains information regarding a regulatory sign that can also be used for lane drops at grade-separated interchanges.

Section 2C.34 2C.44 Two-Way Traffic Sign (W6-3)

Guidance:

A Two-Way Traffic (W6-3) sign (see Figure 2C-8) should be used to warn road users of a transition from a multi-lane divided section of roadway to a two-lane, two-way section of roadway.

A Two-Way Traffic (W6-3) sign with an AHEAD (W16-9P) plaque (see Figure 2C-12) should be used to warn road users of a transition from a one-way street to a two-lane, two-way section of roadway (see Figure 2B-14).

Option:

The Two-Way Traffic sign may be used at intervals along a two-lane, two-way roadway and may be used to supplement the Divided Highway (Road) Ends (W6-2) sign discussed in Section 2C.23.

Section 2C.35 2C.45 NO PASSING ZONE Sign (W14-3)

Standard:

The NO PASSING ZONE (W14-3) sign (see Figure 2C-8) shall be a pennant-shaped isosceles triangle with its longer axis horizontal and pointing to the right. When used, the NO PASSING ZONE sign shall be installed on the left side of the roadway at the beginning of no-passing zones identified by either pavement markings or DO NOT PASS signs or both (see Sections 2B.28 and 3B.02).

Section 2C.36 Advisory Exit, Ramp, and Curve Speed Signs (W13-2, W13-3, W13-5) relocated to Section 2C.14

Section 2C.37 2C.46 Intersection Warning Signs (W2-1 through W2-6 W2-8)

Option:

A Cross Road (W2-1) symbol, Side Road (W2-2 or W2-3) symbol, T-Symbol (W2-4), or Y-Symbol (W2-5) sign (see Figure 2C-9) may be used in advance of an intersection to indicate the presence of an intersection and the possibility of turning or entering traffic.

The Circular Intersection (W2-6) symbol sign accompanied by an educational TRAFFIC CIRCLE (W16-12p) plaque (see Figure 2C-9) may be installed in advance of a circular intersection (see Figures 2B-21 through 2B-23).

Guidance:

If an approach to a roundabout has a statutory or posted speed limit of 40 mph or higher, the Circular Intersection (W2-6) symbol sign should be installed in advance of the circular intersection.

Option:

An educational plaque (see Figure 2C-9) with a legend such as ROUNDABOUT (W16-17P) or TRAFFIC CIRCLE (W16-12P) may be mounted below a Circular Intersection symbol sign.

The relative importance of the intersecting roadways may be shown by different widths of lines in the symbol.

An advance street name plaque (see Section 2C.58) may be installed above or below an Intersection Warning sign.

Guidance:

The Intersection Warning sign should illustrate and depict the general configuration of the intersecting roadway, such as cross road, side road, T-intersection, or Y-intersection.

Intersection Warning signs, other than the Circular Intersection (W2-6) symbol sign and the T-intersection (W2-4) symbol sign should not be used on approaches controlled by STOP signs, YIELD signs, or signals. The Circular Intersection (W2-6) symbol sign should be installed on the approach to a YIELD sign controlled roundabout intersection.

If an Intersection Warning sign is used where the side roads are not opposite of each other, the symbol for the intersection should indicate a slight Offset Side Roads (W2-7) symbol sign (see Figure 2C-9) should be used instead of the Cross Road symbol sign.

If an Intersection Warning sign is used where two closely-spaced side roads are on the same side of the highway, the Double Side Roads (W2-8) symbol sign (see Figure 2C-9) should be used instead of the Side Road symbol sign.

No more than two side road symbols should be displayed on the same side of the highway on a W2-7 or W2-8 symbol sign, and no more than three side road symbols should be displayed on a W2-7 or W2-8 symbol sign.

Support:

Figure 2A-4 shows the typical placement of an Intersection Warning sign.

Section 2C.38 2C.47 Two-Direction Large Arrow Sign (W1-7)

Standard:

The Two-Direction Large Arrow (W1-7) sign (see Figure 2C-9) shall be a horizontal rectangle.

If used, it shall be installed on the far side of a T-intersection in line with, and at approximately a right angle to, traffic approaching traffic from the stem of the T-intersection.

The Two-Direction Large Arrow sign shall not be used where there is no change in the direction of travel such as at the beginnings and ends of medians or at center piers.

The Two-Direction Large Arrow sign directing traffic to the left and right shall not be used in the central island of a roundabout.

Guidance:

The Two-Direction Large Arrow sign should be visible for a sufficient distance to provide the road user with adequate time to react to the intersection configuration.

Section 2C.39 2C.48 Traffic Signal Signs (W25-1, W25-2)

Standard:

Unless a separate left-turn signal face is provided and is operated as described in Sections 4D.06, if the possibility exists that a CIRCULAR YELLOW signal indication could be displayed to an approach from which drivers are turning left permissively without the simultaneous display of a CIRCULAR YELLOW signal indication to the opposing approach (see At locations where either a W25-1 or a W25-2 sign is required based on the provisions in Section 4D.05), either a the W25-1 or a W25-2 sign (see Figure 2C-9) shall be installed near the left-most signal head. If the operation described in the previous sentence occurs on a cycle-by-cycle basis during all times that the traffic control signal is operated in the stop-and-go mode, the ONCOMING TRAFFIC HAS EXTENDED GREEN (W25-1) sign shall be used; if the operation occurs only occasionally, the ONCOMING TRAFFIC MAY HAVE EXTENDED GREEN (W25-2) sign shall be used. The W25-1 and W25-2 signs shall be vertical rectangles.

Section 2C.40 2C.49 Vehicular Traffic Warning Signs (W8-6, W11-1, W11-5, W11-5a, W11-8, W11-10, W11-11, W11-12P, W11-14, W11-15, and W11-15a)

Option:

Vehicular Traffic Warning (W8-6, W11-1, W11-5, W11-5a, W11-8, W11-10, W11-11, W11-12P, W11-14, W11-15, and W11-15a) signs (see Figure 2C-10) may be used to alert road users to locations where unexpected entries into the roadway by trucks, bicyclists, farm vehicles, emergency vehicles, golf carts, horse-drawn vehicles, or other vehicles might occur. The TRUCK CROSSING (W8-6) word message sign may be used as an alternate to the Truck Crossing (W11-10) symbol sign.

Support:

These locations might be relatively confined or might occur randomly over a segment of roadway.

Guidance:

Vehicular Traffic Warning signs should be used only at locations where the road user's sight distance is restricted, or the condition, activity, or entering traffic would be unexpected.

If the condition or activity is seasonal or temporary, the Vehicular Traffic Warning sign should be removed or covered when the condition or activity does not exist.

Option:

The combined Bicycle/Pedestrian (W11-15) sign may be used where both bicyclists and pedestrians might be crossing the roadway, such as at an intersection with a shared-use path. A TRAIL X-ING (W11-15P) supplemental plaque (see Figure 2C-10) may be mounted below the W11-15 sign. The TRAIL CROSSING (W11-15a) sign may be used to warn of shared-use path crossings where pedestrians, bicyclists, and other user groups might be crossing the roadway.

The W11-1, W11-15, and W11-15a signs and their related supplemental plaques may have a fluorescent yellow-green background with a black legend and border.

Supplemental plaques (see Section 2C.53) with legends such as AHEAD, XX FEET, NEXT XX MILES, or SHARE THE ROAD may be mounted below Vehicular Traffic Warning signs to provide advance notice to road users of unexpected entries.

Guidance:

If used in advance of a pedestrian and bicycle crossing, a W11-15 or W11-15a sign should be supplemented with an AHEAD or XX FEET plaque to inform road users that they are approaching a point where crossing activity might occur.

Standard:

If a post-mounted W11-1, W11-11, W11-15, or W11-15a sign is placed at the location of the crossing point where golf carts, pedestrians, bicyclists, or other shared-use path users might be crossing the roadway, a diagonal downward pointing arrow (W16-7P) plaque (see Figure 2C-12) shall be mounted below the sign. If the W11-1, W11-11, W11-15, or W11-15a sign is mounted overhead, the W16-7P supplemental plaque shall not be used.

Option:

The crossing location identified by a W11-1, W11-11, W11-15, or W11-15a sign may be defined with crosswalk markings (see Section 3B.18).

Standard:

The Emergency Vehicle (W11-8) sign (see Figure 2C-10) with the EMERGENCY SIGNAL AHEAD (W11-12P) supplemental plaque (see Figure 2C-10) shall be placed in advance of all emergency-vehicle traffic control signals (see Chapter 4G).

Option:

The Emergency Vehicle (W11-8) sign, or a word message sign indicating the type of emergency vehicle (such as rescue squad), may be used in advance of the emergency-vehicle station when no emergency-vehicle traffic control signal is present.

A Warning Beacon (see Section 4L.03) may be used with any Vehicular Traffic Warning sign to indicate specific periods when the condition or activity is present or is likely to be present, or to provide enhanced sign conspicuity.

A supplemental WHEN FLASHING (W16-13P) plaque (see Figure 2C-12) may be used with any Vehicular Traffic Warning sign that is supplemented with a Warning Beacon to indicate specific periods when the condition or activity is present or is likely to be present.

Section 2C.41 2C.50 Non-Vehicular Warning Signs (W11-2, W11-3, W11-4, W11-6, W11-7, W11-9, and W11-16 through W11-22)

Option:

Non-Vehicular Warning (W11-2, W11-3, W11-4, W11-6, W11-7, W11-9, and W11-16 through W11-22) signs (see Figure 2C-11) may be used to alert road users in advance of locations where unexpected entries into the roadway might occur or where shared use of the roadway by pedestrians, animals, and other crossing activities or equestrians might occur.

Support:

These conflicts might be relatively confined, or might occur randomly over a segment of roadway.

Option Guidance:

When If used in advance of a pedestrian, snowmobile, or equestrian crossing, the Nonvehicular W11-2, W11-6, W11-7, and W11-9 warning signs may should be supplemented with supplemental plaques (see Section 2C.55) with the legend AHEAD, or XX FEET, or NEXT XX MILES to provide advance notice to inform road users of that they are approaching a point where crossing activity might occur.

Standard:

When used If a post-mounted W11-2, W11-6, W11-7, or W11-9 sign is placed at the location of the crossing point where pedestrians, snowmobilers, or equestrians might be crossing the roadway, Nonvehicular signs shall be supplemented with a diagonal downward pointing arrow (W16-7P) plaque (see Figure 2C-12) showing the location of the crossing shall be mounted below the sign. If the W11-2, W11-6, W11-7, or W11-9 sign is mounted overhead, the W16-7P plaque shall not be used.

Option:

A Pedestrian Crossing (W11-2) sign may be placed overhead or may be post-mounted with a diagonal downward pointing arrow (W16-7P) plaque at the crosswalk location where Yield Here To (Stop Here For) Pedestrians signs (see Section 2B.11) have been installed in advance of the crosswalk.

Standard:

Option:

An advance Pedestrian Crossing (W11-2) sign with an AHEAD or a distance supplemental plaque may be used in conjunction with a Yield Here To (Stop Here For) Pedestrians sign on the approach to the same crosswalk.

The crossing location identified by a W11-2, W11-6, W11-7, or W11-9 sign may be defined with crosswalk markings (see Section 3B.18).

Pedestrian, Bicycle, and School The W11-2 and W11-9 signs and their related supplemental plaques may have a fluorescent yellow-green background with a black legend and border.

Guidance:

When a fluorescent yellow-green background is used, a systematic approach featuring one background color within a zone or area should be used. The mixing of standard yellow and fluorescent yellow-green backgrounds within a selected site area should be avoided.

Nonvehicular signs should be used only at locations where the crossing activity is unexpected or at locations not readily apparent.

Option:

A Warning Beacon (see Section 4L.03) may be used with any Non-Vehicular Warning sign to indicate specific periods when the condition or activity is present or is likely to be present, or to provide enhanced sign conspicuity.

A supplemental WHEN FLASHING (W16-13P) plaque (see Figure 2C-12) may be used with any Non-Vehicular Warning sign that is supplemented with a Warning Beacon to indicate specific periods when the condition or activity is present or is likely to be present.

Section 2C.42 2C.51 Playground Sign (W15-1)

Option:

The Playground (W15-1) sign (see Figure 2C-11) may be used to give advance warning of a designated children's playground that is located adjacent to the road.

The Playground sign may have a fluorescent yellow-green background with a black legend and border.

Guidance:

If the access to the playground area requires a roadway crossing, the application of crosswalk pavement markings (see Section 3B.18) and Non-Vehicular Warning signs (see Section 2C.50) should be considered.

Section 2C.52 NEW TRAFFIC PATTERN AHEAD Sign (W23-2)

Option:

A NEW TRAFFIC PATTERN AHEAD (W23-2) sign (see Figure 2C-6) may be used on the approach to an intersection or along a section of roadway to provide advance warning of a change in traffic patterns, such as revised lane usage, roadway geometry, or signal phasing.

Guidance:

The NEW TRAFFIC PATTERN AHEAD sign should be removed when the traffic pattern returns to normal, when the changed pattern is no longer considered to be new, or within six months.

Section 2C.43 2C.53 Use of Supplemental Warning Plaques

Option:

A supplemental warning plaque (see Figure 2C-12) may be displayed with a warning or regulatory sign when engineering judgment indicates that road users require additional warning information beyond that contained in the main message of the warning or regulatory sign.

Standard:

Supplemental warning plaques shall be used only in combination with warning or regulatory signs. They shall not be mounted alone or displayed alone. If used, a supplemental warning plaque shall be installed on the same post(s) as the warning or regulatory sign that it supplements.

Unless otherwise provided in this Manual for a particular plaque, supplemental warning plaques shall be mounted below the sign they supplement.

Section 2C.44 2C.54 Design of Supplemental Warning Plaques

Standard:

A supplemental warning plaque used with a warning sign shall have the same color legend, border, and background color as the warning sign with which it is displayed. A supplemental warning plaque used with a regulatory sign shall have a black legend and border on a yellow background.

Supplemental warning plaques shall be square or rectangular.

Section 2C.45 2C.55 Distance Plaques (W16-2 Series, W16-3 Series, W16-4P, W7-3aP)

Option:

The Distance Ahead (W16-2 series and W16-3 series) plaques (see Figure 2C-12) may be used to inform the road user of the distance to the condition indicated by the warning sign.

The Next Distance (W7-3aP and W16-4P) plaques (see Figures 2C-4 and 2C-12) may be used to inform road users of the length of roadway over which the condition indicated by the warning sign exists.

Section 2C.46 Advisory Speed Plaque (W13-1) relocated to Section 2C.08

Section 2C.47 2C.56 Supplemental Arrow Plaques (W16-5P, W16-6P, W16-7p)

Guidance:

If the condition indicated by a warning sign is located on an intersecting road and the distance between the intersection and condition is not sufficient to provide adequate advance placement of the warning sign, a Supplemental Arrow (W16-5P, or W16-6P, W16-7p) plaque (see Figure 2C-12) should be used below the warning sign.

Standard:

Supplemental Arrow plaques (see Figure 2C-2) shall have the same legend design as the Advance Turn Arrow and Directional Arrow auxiliary signs (see Sections 2D.26 and 2D.28) except that they shall have a black legend and border on a yellow or fluorescent yellow-green background, as appropriate.

Section 2C.48 2C.57 Hill-Related Plaques (W7-2 Series, W7-3 Series)

Guidance:

Hill-Related (W7-2 series, W7-3 series) plaques (see Figure 2C-4) or other appropriate legends and larger signs should be used for emphasis or where special hill characteristics exist.

On longer grades, the use of the distance plaque (W7-3aP or W7-3bP) at periodic intervals of approximately 1-mile spacing should be considered.

Section 2C.49 2C.58 Advance Street Name Plaque (W16-8P, W16-8aP)

Option:

An Advance Street Name (W16-8P or W16-8aP) plaque (see Figure 2C-12) may be used with any Intersection sign (W2 series, W10-2, W10-3, or W10-4) or Advance Traffic Control (W3 series) sign to identify the name of the intersecting street.

Standard:

The lettering on Advance Street Name plaques shall be composed of a combination of lower-case letters with initial upper-case letters.

If two street names are used on the Advance Street Name plaque, a directional arrow pointing in the direction of the street shall be placed next to each street name. Arrows pointing to the left shall be placed to the left of the street name, and arrows pointing to the right shall be placed to the right of the street name.

Guidance:

If two street names are used on the Advance Street Name plaque, the street names and associated arrows should be displayed in the following order:

For a single intersection, the name of the street to the left should be displayed above the name of the street to the right; or
For two sequential intersections, such as where the plaque is used with an Offset Side Roads (W2-7) or a Double Side Road (W2-8) symbol sign, the name of the first street encountered should be displayed above the name of the second street encountered, and the arrow associated with the second street encountered should be an advance arrow, such as the arrow shown on the W16-6P arrow plaque (see Figure 2C-12).

Section 2C.50 2C.59 CROSS TRAFFIC DOES NOT STOP Plaque (W4-4P)

Option:

The CROSS TRAFFIC DOES NOT STOP (W4-4P) plaque (see Figure 2C-9) may be used in combination with a STOP sign when engineering judgment indicates that conditions are present that are causing or could cause drivers to misinterpret the intersection as an all-way stop.

Alternate Alternative messages (see Figure 2C-9) such as TRAFFIC FROM LEFT (RIGHT) DOES NOT STOP (W4-4aP) or ONCOMING TRAFFIC DOES NOT STOP (W4-4bP) may be used on the W4-4p plaque when such messages more accurately describe the traffic controls established at the intersection.

Guidance:

Plaques with the appropriate alternative messages of TRAFFIC FROM LEFT (RIGHT) DOES NOT STOP or ONCOMING TRAFFIC DOES NOT STOP should be used at intersections where STOP signs control all but one approach to the intersection, unless the only non-stopped approach is from a one-way street.

Standard:

If the a W4-4P plaque or a plaque with an alternative message is used, it shall be installed mounted below the STOP sign.

Section 2C.51 2C.60 SHARE THE ROAD Plaque (W16-1P)

Option:

In situations where there is a need to warn drivers to watch for other slower forms of transportation traveling along the highway, such as bicycles, golf carts, horse-drawn vehicles, or farm machinery, a SHARE THE ROAD (W16-1P) plaque (see Figure 2C-12) may be used.

Standard:

A W16-1P plaque shall not be used alone. If a W16-1P plaque is used, it shall be mounted below either a Vehicular Traffic Warning sign (see Section 2C.49) or a Non-Vehicular Warning sign (see Section 2C.50). The background color of the W16-1P plaque shall match the background color of the warning sign with which it is displayed.

Section 2C.53 2C.61 Photo Enforced Plaque (W16-10P)

Option:

A Photo Enforced (W16-10P) plaque or a PHOTO ENFORCED (W16-10aP) word message plaque (see Figure 2C-12) may be mounted below a warning sign to advise road users that the regulations associated with the condition being warned about (such as a traffic control signal or a toll plaza) are being enforced by photographic equipment.

Standard:

If used below a warning sign, the Photo Enforced (W16-10P or W16-10aP) plaque shall be a rectangle with a black legend and border on a yellow background.

Section 2C.62 NEW Plaque (W16-15P)

Option:

A NEW (W16-15P) plaque (see Figure 2C-12) may be mounted above a regulatory sign when a new regulation takes effect in order to alert road users to the new traffic regulation. A NEW plaque may also be mounted above an advance warning sign (such as a Signal Ahead sign for a newly-installed traffic control signal) for a new traffic regulation.

Standard:

The NEW plaque shall not be used alone.

The NEW plaque shall be removed no later than 6 months after the regulation has been in effect.

Section 3C.01 2C.63 Object Marker Design and Placement Height

Support:

Type 1, 2, and 3 object markers are used to mark obstructions within or adjacent to the roadway. Type 4 object markers are used to mark the end of a roadway.

Standard:

When used, object markers (see Figure 2C-13) shall not have a border and shall consist of an arrangement of one or more of the following types:

Type 1—either a marker diamond-shaped sign, at least 18 inches on a side, consisting of either a yellow (OM1-1) or black (OM1-2) sign with nine yellow retroreflectors retroreflective devices, each with a minimum diameter of 3 inches, mounted symmetrically on a yellow (OM1-1) or black (OM1-2) diamond panel 18 inches or more on a side the sign, or on an all-yellow retroreflective diamond panel sign (OM1-3) of the same size.
Type 2—either a marker (OM2-1V or OM2-1H) consisting of three yellow retroreflectors retroreflective devices, each with a minimum diameter of 3 inches, arranged either horizontally or vertically on a white panel sign measuring at least 6 x 12 inches; or on an all-yellow horizontal or vertical retroreflective panel sign (OM2-2V or OM2-2H), measuring at least 6 x 12 inches.
Type 3—a striped marker, 12 x 36 inches, consisting of a vertical rectangle with alternating black and retroreflective yellow stripes sloping downward at an angle of 45 degrees toward the side of the obstruction on which traffic is to pass. The minimum width of the yellow and black stripes shall be 3 inches.
Type 4—a diamond-shaped sign, at least 18 inches on a side, consisting of either a red (OM4-1) or black (OM4-2) sign with nine red retroreflective devices, each with a minimum diameter of 3 inches, mounted symmetrically on the sign, or an all-red retroreflective sign (OM4-3).

Support:

A better appearance can be achieved if the black stripes are wider than the yellow stripes.

Type 3 object markers with stripes that begin at the upper right side and slope downward to the lower left side are designated as right object markers (OM-3R OM3-R). Object markers with stripes that begin at the upper left side and slope downward to the lower right side are designated as left object markers (OM-3L OM3-L).

Guidance:

When used for marking objects in obstructions within the roadway or objects obstructions that are 8 feet or less from the shoulder or curb, the minimum mounting height, measured to from the bottom of the object marker to the elevation of the near edge of the traveled way, should be at least 4 feet above the surface of the nearest traffic lane.

When used to mark objects obstructions more than 8 feet from the shoulder or curb, the mounting height clearance from the ground to the bottom of the object marker should be at least 4 feet above the ground.

Object markers should not present a vertical or horizontal clearance obstacle for pedestrians. relocated from last paragraph of Section 3A.03

Option:

When object markers or markings are applied to an object obstruction that by its nature requires a lower or higher mounting, the vertical mounting height may vary according to need.

Support:

Section 9B.26 contains information regarding the use of object markers on shared-use paths.

Section 3C.02 2C.64 Markings Object Markers for Objects in Obstructions Within the Roadway

Standard:

Obstructions within the roadway shall be marked with a Type 1 or Type 3 object marker. In addition to markers on the face of the obstruction, warning of approach to the obstruction shall be given by appropriate pavement markings (see Section 3B.10).

Option:

To provide additional emphasis, a Type 1 or Type 3 object marker may be installed at or near the approach end of a median island.

To provide additional emphasis, large surfaces such as bridge piers may be painted with diagonal stripes, 12 inches or greater in width, similar in design to the Type 3 object marker.

Standard:

The alternating black and retroreflective yellow stripes (OM-3L OM3-L, OM-3R OM3-R) shall be sloped down at an angle of 45 degrees toward the side on which traffic is to pass the obstruction. If traffic can pass to either side of the obstruction, the alternating black and retroreflective yellow stripes (OM-3C OM3-C) shall form chevrons that point upwards.

Option:

Appropriate signs (see Sections 2B.32 and 2C.25) directing traffic to one or both sides of the obstruction may be used instead of the object marker.

Section 3C.03 2C.65 Markings Object Markers for Objects Obstructions Adjacent to the Roadway

Support:

Objects Obstructions not actually in within the roadway are sometimes so close to the edge of the road that they need a marker. These include underpass piers, bridge abutments, handrails, ends of traffic barriers, utility poles, and culvert headwalls. In other cases there might not be a physical object involved, but other roadside conditions exist, such as narrow shoulders, drop-offs, gores, small islands, and abrupt changes in the roadway alignment, that might make it undesirable for a road user to leave the roadway, and therefore would create a need for a marker.

Option:

Type 2 or Type 3 object markers may be used at locations such as those described in the preceding Support paragraph.

Standard:

If a Type 2 or Type 3 object marker is used to mark an obstruction adjacent to the roadway, the inside edge of the object marker that is closest to the road user shall be installed in line with the inner closest edge of the obstruction.

Where Type 3 object markers are applied to the approach ends of guardrail and other roadside appurtances, sheeting without a substrate shall be directly affixed to the approach end of the guardrail in a rectangular shape conforming to the size of the approach end of the guardrail with alternating black and retroreflective yellow stripes sloping downward at a angle of 45 degrees toward the side of the obstruction on which traffic is to pass.

Type 1 and Type 4 object markers shall not be used to mark obstructions adjacent to the roadway.

Guidance:

Standard warning signs (see in this Chapter 2C) should also be used where applicable.

Section 3C.04 2C.66 End-of-Roadway Object Markers for Ends of Roadways

Support:

The end-of-roadway Type 4 object marker is used to warn and alert road users of the end of a roadway in other than construction or maintenance areas.

Standard:

If an object marker is used to mark the end of a roadway, a Type 4 object marker shall be used.

The end-of-roadway marker (see Figure 3C-1) shall be one of the following: a marker consisting of nine red retroreflectors, each with a minimum diameter of 3 inches, mounted symmetrically on a red (OM4-1) or black (OM4-2) diamond panel 18 inches or more on a side; or a retroreflective red diamond panel (OM4-3) 18 inches or more on a side.

Option:

The end-of-roadway Type 4 object marker may be used in instances where there are no alternate vehicular paths.

Where conditions warrant, more than one marker, or a larger marker with or without a Type III 3 Barricade (see Section 2B.67), may be used at the end of the roadway.

Standard:

The minimum mounting height, measured vertically from to the bottom of an end-of-roadway a Type 4 object marker to the elevation of the near edge of the traveled way, shall be 4 feet above the edge of the pavement.

Guidance:

Appropriate advance warning signs (see in this Chapter 2C) should be used.

CHAPTER 2D. GUIDE SIGNS—CONVENTIONAL ROADS

Section 2D.01 Scope of Conventional Road Guide Sign Standards

Standard:

Standards for conventional road guide signs The provisions of this Chapter shall apply to any road or street other than low-volume roads (as defined in Section 5A.01), expressways, and freeways.

Section 2D.02 Application

Support:

Guide signs are essential to direct road users along streets and highways, to inform them of intersecting routes, to direct them to cities, towns, villages, or other important destinations, to identify nearby rivers and streams, parks, forests, and historical sites, and generally to give such information as will help them along their way in the most simple, direct manner possible.

Chapter 2A addresses placement, location, and other general criteria for signs.

Section 2D.03 Color, Retroreflection, and Illumination

Support:

Requirements for illumination, retroreflection, and color are stated under the specific headings for individual guide signs or groups of signs. General provisions are given in Sections 2A.07, 2A.08, and 2A.10.

Standard:

Except where otherwise specified provided herein in this Manual for individual signs or groups of signs, guide signs on streets and highways shall have a white message and border on a green background. All messages, borders, and legends shall be retroreflective and all backgrounds shall be retroreflective or illuminated.

Support:

Color coding is sometimes used to help road users distinguish between multiple potentially confusing destinations. Examples of valuable uses of color coding include guide signs for roadways approaching or inside an airport property with multiple terminals serving multiple airlines, and community wayfinding guide signs for various traffic generator destinations within a community or area.

Standard:

Except where otherwise provided in this Manual, different color sign backgrounds shall not be used to provide color coding of destinations. The color coding shall be accomplished by the use of different colored square or rectangular sign panels on the face of the guide signs.

Option:

The different colored sign panels may include a black or white (whichever provides the better contrast with the panel color) letter, numeral, or other appropriate designation to identify the an airport terminal or other destination.

Support:

Two examples of color-coded sign assemblies are shown in Figure 2D-1. Section 2D.50 contains specific provisions regarding Community Wayfinding guide signs.

Section 2D.04 Size of Signs

Standard:

Except as provided in Section 2A.11, the sizes of conventional road guide signs that have standardized designs shall be as shown in Table 2D-1.

Support:

Section 2A.11 contains information regarding the applicability of the various columns in Table 2D-1.

Option:

Signs larger than those shown in Table 2D-1 may be used (see Section 2A.11).

Support:

For most other guide signs, the legends are so variable that a standardized design or size is not appropriate. The sign size is determined primarily by the length of the message, and the size of lettering and spacing necessary for proper legibility. However, for signs with standardized designs, such as route signs, it is practical to use the prescribed sizes that are given in the "Standard Highway Signs" book (see Section 1A.11).

Option:

Reduced letter height, reduced interline spacing, and reduced edge spacing may be used on guide signs if sign size must be limited by factors such as lane width or vertical or lateral clearance.

Guidance:

Reduced spacing between the letters or words on a line of legend should not be used as a means of reducing the overall size of a guide sign, except where determined necessary by engineering judgment to meet unusual lateral space constraints. In such cases, the legibility distance of the sign legend should be the primary consideration in determining whether to reduce the spacing between the letters or the words or between the words and the sign border, or to reduce the letter height.

When a reduction in the prescribed size is necessary, the design used should be as similar as possible to the design for the standard size.

Section 2D.05 Lettering Style

Standard:

The design of upper-case letters, lower-case letters, capital letters, numerals, route shields, and spacing shall be as provided in the "Standard Highway Signs and Markings" book (see Section 1A.11).

The lettering for names of places, streets, and highways on conventional road guide signs shall be a combination of lower-case letters with initial upper-case letters, or all capital letters (see Section 2A.13). When a combination of upper- and lower-case letters are used, The initial upper-case letters shall be approximately 1.33 times the nominal "loop" height of the lower-case letters shall be 3/4 the height of the initial upper-case letter. When a mixed-case legend letter height is specified referring only to the initial upper-case letter, the height of the lower-case letters that follow shall be determined by this proportion. When the height of a lower-case letter is referenced, the reference is made to the nominal loop height and the height of the initial upper-case letter shall also be determined by this proportion.

All other word legends on conventional road guide signs shall be in capital upper-case letters.

The unique letter forms for each of the Standard Alphabet series shall not be stretched, compressed, warped, or otherwise manipulated. Modifications to the length of a word for a given letter height and series shall be accomplished only by the methods described in Section 2D.04.

Section 2D.06 Size of Lettering

Support:

Sign legibility is a direct function of letter size and spacing. Legibility distance has to be sufficient to give road users enough time to read and comprehend the sign. Under optimum conditions, a guide sign message can be read and understood in a brief glance. The legibility distance includes a reasonable safety factor for takes into account factors such as inattention, blocking of view by other vehicles, unfavorable weather, inferior eyesight, or other causes for delayed or slow reading. Where conditions permit, repetition of guide information on successive signs gives the road user more than one opportunity to obtain the information needed.

Standard:

Design layouts for conventional road guide signs showing interline spacing, edge spacing, and other specification details shall be as shown in the "Standard Highway Signs and Markings" book (see Section 1A.11).

The principal legend on guide signs shall be in letters and numerals at least 6 inches in height for all capital upper-case letters, or a combination of 6 inches in height for upper-case letters with and 4.5 inches in height for lower-case letters. On low-volume roads (as defined in Section 5A.01) with speeds of 25 mph or less, and on urban streets with speeds of 25 mph or less, the principal legend shall be in letters at least 4 inches in height for all upper-case letters, or a combination of 4 inches in height for upper-case letters and 3 inches in height for lower-case letters.

Guidance:

Lettering sizes should be consistent on any particular class of highway.

The minimum lettering sizes specified provided herein in this Manual should be exceeded where conditions indicate a need for greater legibility.

Section 2D.07 Amount of Legend

Support:

The longer the legend on a guide sign, the longer it will take road users to comprehend it, regardless of letter size.

Guidance:

Except where otherwise provided in this Manual, guide signs should be limited to no more than three lines of principal legend destinations, which include place names, route numbers, street names, and cardinal directions. Where two or more signs are included in the same overhead display, the amount of legend should be further minimized. The principal legend should include only place names, route numbers, and street names. Where appropriate, a distance message or action information, such as an exit number, NEXT RIGHT, or directional arrows, should be provided on guide signs in addition to the destinations.

Option:

Symbols, action information, cardinal directions, and exit numbers may be used in addition to the principal legend where sign space is available.

Section 2D.08 Arrows

Support:

Arrows are used for lane assignment and to indicate the direction toward designated routes or destinations. Figure 2D-2 shows the up-arrow and the down- various standard arrow designs that have been approved for use on guide signs. Detailed drawings and standardized sizes based on ranges of letter heights of these arrows are shown for these arrows in the "Standard Highway Signs and Markings" book (see Section 1A.11).

Standard:

On overhead signs where it is desirable to indicate a lane to be followed, a down arrow shall be positioned approximately over the center of the lane and shall point vertically downward toward the approximate center of that lane. Down arrows shall be used only on overhead guide signs that restrict the use of specific lanes to traffic bound for the destination(s) and/or route(s) indicated by these arrows. Down arrows shall not be used unless an arrow can be located over and pointed to the approximate center of each lane that can be used to reach the destination shown displayed on the sign.

If down arrows are used, having more than one down arrow pointing to the same lane on a single overhead sign (or on multiple signs on the same overhead sign structure) shall not be permitted.

Where a roadway is leaving the through lanes, an up a directional arrow shall point upward at an angle representative of that approximates the alignment of the exit roadway.

Option:

Curved-stem arrows (see Figure 2D-8) that represent the intended driver paths to destinations involving left-turn movements may be used on guide signs on approaches to circular intersections.

Standard:

Curved-stem arrows shall not be used on any sign that is not associated with a circular intersection.

Guidance:

If curved-stem arrows are used, the principles set forth in Sections 2D.26 through 2D.29 should be followed.

The Type A directional arrow should be used on guide signs on freeways, expressways, and conventional roads to indicate the direction to a specific destination or group of destinations, except as otherwise provided in this Section and in Section 2E.19.

When a directional arrow in a vertical, upward-pointing orientation is placed to the side of a group of destinations to indicate a through movement, the Type A directional arrow should be used. When a directional arrow in a vertical, upward-pointing orientation is placed to the side of a single destination or under a destination or group of destinations, the Type B directional arrow should be used.

The Type B directional arrow should be used on guide signs on conventional roads when placed at any angle to the side of a single destination or when placed in a horizontal orientation to the side of a group of destinations.

The Type C advance turn directional arrow should be used on conventional road guide signs placed in advance of an intersection where a turn must be made to reach a posted destination or group of destinations.

The Type D directional arrow should be used primarily for sign applications other than guide signs, except as provided in Paragraph 15.

Option:

The Type A-Extended directional arrow may be used on guide signs where additional emphasis regarding the direction is needed relative to the amount of legend on the sign.

The Type C directional arrow may be used to the side of the legend of an overhead guide sign to accentuate a sharp turn exit maneuver from a mainline roadway (see Section 2E.36 for additional information regarding Exit Direction signs for low advisory ramp speeds).

On conventional roads on the approach to an intersection where the Combination Lane-Use/Destination overhead guide sign (see Section 2D.33) is not used, the Type C advance turn directional arrow may be used beneath the legend of an overhead guide sign to indicate the fact that a turn must be made from a mandatory movement lane over which the sign is placed to reach the destination or destinations displayed on the sign.

The Type D directional arrow may be used on post-mounted guide signs on conventional roads with lower operating speeds if the height of the text on the sign is 8 inches or less.

The directional and down arrows shown in Figure 2D-2 may be used on signs other than guide signs for the purposes of providing directional guidance and lane assignment.

Guidance:

Arrows used on guide signs to indicate the directions toward designated routes or destinations should be pointed at the appropriate angle to clearly convey the direction to be taken. A horizontally oriented up-arrow directional arrow design should be used at right-angle intersections.

On a ground- post-mounted guide sign, a directional arrow for a straight-through movement should point upward. Except as provided in Section 2D.46, for a turn, the arrow on a guide sign should point horizontally or at an upward and at an angle related to that approximates the sharpness of the turn.

At an exit, an arrow should be placed at the side of the sign which that will reinforce the movement of exiting traffic. The up-arrow directional arrow design should be used.

Option:

Arrows may be placed below the principal sign legend or on the appropriate side of the legend.

On a post-mounted sign at an exit where placement of the arrow to the side of the legend farthest from the roadway would create an unusually wide sign that limits the road user's view of the arrow, the directional arrow may be placed at the bottom portion of the sign, centered under the legend.

Guidance:

The width across the arrowhead for the Types A, B, and C directional arrows should be between 1.5 and 1.75 times the height of the upper-case letters of the principal legend on the sign. The width across the arrowhead for the Type D directional arrow should be at least equal to the height of the largest upper-case letters of the principal legend on the sign. For short downward pointing arrows used on overhead signs, the width across the arrowhead should be 1.75 approximately two times the letter height of the upper-case letters of the principal legend on the sign.

Arrows used in Overhead Arrow-per-Lane and Diagrammatic guide signing, if used on conventional roads, except for signs on approaches to roundabouts, should follow the principles set forth in Section 2E.19. Arrows used in Diagrammatic guide signing on approaches to roundabouts should follow the principles set forth in Section 2D.38.

Support:

The "Standard Highway Signs and Markings" book (see Section 1A.11) contains design details and standardized sizes of the various arrows based on ranges of letter heights of principal legends.

Section 2D.09 Numbered Highway Systems

Support:

The purpose of numbering and signing highway systems is to identify routes and facilitate travel.

The Interstate and United States (U.S.) highway systems are numbered by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) upon recommendations of the State highway organizations because the respective States own these systems. State and county road systems are numbered by the appropriate authorities.

The basic policy for numbering the U.S. and Interstate and U.S. highway systems is contained in the following Purpose and Policy statements published by AASHTO (see Page i for AASHTO's address):

"Establishment and Development of United States Numbered Highways," and
"Establishment of a Marking System of the Routes Comprising the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways."

Guidance:

The principles of these policies should be followed in establishing the above highway systems described in Paragraph 2 and any other systems, with effective coordination between adjacent jurisdictions. Care should be taken to avoid the use of numbers or other designations that have been assigned to Interstate, U.S., or State routes in the same geographic area. Overlapping numbered routes should be kept to a minimum.

Standard:

Route systems shall be given preference in this order: Interstate, United States, State, and county. The preference shall be given by installing the highest-priority legend on the top or the left of the sign panel.

Support:

Section 2D.53 contains information regarding the signing of unnumbered highways to enhance route guidance and facilitate travel.

Section 2D.10 Route Signs and Auxiliary Signs

Standard:

All numbered highway routes shall be identified by route signs and auxiliary signs.

The signs for each system of numbered highways, which are distinctive in shape and color, shall be used only on that system and the approaches thereto.

Route signs and any auxiliary signs that accompany them shall be retroreflective.

Option:

Route signs and auxiliary signs may be proportionally enlarged where greater legibility is needed.

Support:

Route signs are typically mounted in assemblies with auxiliary signs.

Section 2D.55 contains information regarding the signing for National Scenic Byways.

Section 2H.07 contains information regarding the signing for Auto Tour Routes.

Section 2D.11 Design of Route Signs

Standard:

The "Standard Highway Signs and Markings" book (see Section 1A.11) shall be used for designing route signs. Other route sign designs shall be established by the authority having jurisdiction.

Interstate Route signs (see Figure 2D-3) shall consist of a cutout shield, with the route number in white letters on a blue background, the word INTERSTATE in white capital upper-case letters on a red background, and a white border. This sign shall be used on all Interstate routes and in connection with route sign assemblies on intersecting highways.

A 24 x 24-inch minimum sign size shall be used for Interstate route numbers with one or two digits, and a 30 x 24-inch minimum sign size shall be used for Interstate route numbers having three digits.

Option:

Interstate Route signs may contain the State name in white upper-case letters on a blue background.

Standard:

Off-Interstate Business Route signs (see Figure 2D-3) shall consist of a cutout shield carrying the number of the connecting Interstate route and the words BUSINESS and either LOOP or SPUR in capital upper-case letters. The legend and border shall be white on a green background, and the shield shall be the same shape and dimensions as the Interstate Route sign. In no instance shall the word INTERSTATE appear on the Off-Interstate Business Route sign.

Option:

The Off-Interstate Business Route sign may be used on a major highway that is not a part of the Interstate system, but one that serves the business area of a city from an interchange on the system.

When used on a green guide sign, a white square or rectangle may be placed behind the shield to improve contrast.

Standard:

U.S. Route signs (see Figure 2D-3) shall consist of black numerals on a white shield surrounded by a rectangular black background without a border. This sign shall be used on all U.S. routes and in connection with route sign assemblies on intersecting highways.

A 24 x 24-inch minimum sign size shall be used for U.S. route numbers with one or two digits, and a 30 x 24-inch minimum sign size shall be used for U.S. route numbers having three digits.

State Route signs shall be designed by the individual State highway agencies.

Guidance:

State Route signs (see Figure 2D-3) should be rectangular and should be approximately the same size as the U.S. Route sign. State Route signs should also be similar to the U.S. Route sign by containing approximately the same size black numerals on a white area surrounded by a rectangular black background without a border. The shape of the white area should be circular in the absence of any determination to the contrary by the individual State concerned.

Where U.S. or State Route signs are used as components of guide signs, only the outline of the shield or other distinctive shape of the shield itself and the route numerals within should be used. The rectangular background upon which the distinctive shape of the shield is mounted, such as the black area around the outside of the shields on the M1-4 and standard M1-5 signs, should not be included on the guide sign. Where U.S. or State Route signs are used as components of other signs of non-contrasting background colors, the rectangular background should be used to so that recognition of the distinctive shape of the shield can be maintained. relocated from Section 2D.14

Standard:

If county road authorities elect to establish and identify a special system of important county roads, a statewide policy for such signing shall be established that includes a uniform numbering system to uniquely identify each route. The County Route (M1-6) sign (see Figure 2D-3) shall consist of a pentagon shape with a yellow county name and route number and border on a blue background. County Route signs displaying two digits or the equivalent (letter and numeral, or two letters) shall be a minimum size of 18 x 18 inches; those carrying three digits or the equivalent shall be a minimum size of 24 x 24 inches.

If a jurisdiction uses letters instead of numbers to identify routes, all references to numbered routes in this Chapter shall be interpreted to also include lettered routes.

Guidance:

If used with other route signs in common assemblies, the County Route sign should be of a size compatible with that of the other route signs.

Option:

When used on a green guide sign, a yellow square or rectangle may be placed behind the County Route sign to improve contrast.

Standard:

Route signs (see Figure 2D-3) for park and forest roads shall be designed with adequate distinctiveness and legibility and of a size compatible with other route signs used in common assemblies.

Section 2D.12 Design of Route Sign Auxiliaries

Standard:

Route sign auxiliaries carrying word legends, except the JCT sign, shall have a standard size of 24 x 12 inches. Those carrying arrow symbols, or the JCT sign, shall have a standard size of 21 x 15 inches. All route sign auxiliaries shall match the color combination of the route sign that they supplement.

Guidance:

Auxiliary signs carrying word messages and mounted with 30 x 24-inch Interstate Route signs should be 30 x 15 inches. With route signs of larger sizes heights, auxiliary signs should be suitably enlarged, but not such that they exceed the width of the route sign.

The background, legend, and border of a route sign auxiliary should have the same colors as those of the route sign with which the auxiliary is mounted in a route sign assembly (see Section 2D.29). For a route sign design that uses multiple background colors, such as the Interstate route sign, the background color of the corresponding auxiliary should be that of the background area on which the route number is placed on the route sign.

Option:

A route sign and any auxiliary signs used with it may be combined on a single panel sign as a guide sign.

Guidance:

If a route sign and its auxiliary signs are combined to form a single guide sign, the background color of the sign should be green and the design should comply with the basic principles for the design of guide signs.

Standard:

If a route sign and its auxiliary signs are combined on a single sign with a green background, the auxiliary messages shall be white legends placed directly on the green background. Auxiliary signs shall not be mounted directly to a guide sign or other type of sign.

Support:

Chapter 2F contains information regarding auxiliary signs for toll highways.

Section 2D.13 Junction Auxiliary Sign (M2-1)

Standard:

The Junction (M2-1) auxiliary sign (see Figure 2D-4) shall carry the abbreviated legend JCT and shall be mounted at the top of an assembly (see Section 2D.30) either directly above the route sign, or above a the sign for an alternative route (see Section 2D.17) that is part of the route designation, or the Cardinal Direction auxiliary sign where access is available only to one direction of the intersected route. The minimum size of the Junction auxiliary sign shall be 21 x 15 inches for compatibility with auxiliary signs carrying arrow symbols.

Section 2D.14 Combination Junction Sign (M2-2)

Option:

As an alternative to the standard Junction assembly where more than one route is to be intersected or joined, a rectangular guide sign may be used carrying the word JUNCTION above the route numbers.

Other designs may be used to accommodate State and County Route signs.

Standard:

The Combination Junction (M2-2) sign (see Figure 2D-4) shall have a green background with white border and lettering for the word JUNCTION.

Guidance:

Where U.S. or State Route signs are used as components of guide signs, only the outline of the shield or other distinctive shape should be used. relocated to Section 2D.11

The Combination Junction sign should comply with the specific provisions of Section 2D.11 regarding the incorporation of the route signs as components of guide signs.

Although the size of the Combination Junction sign will depend on the number of routes involved, the numerals should be large enough for clear legibility and should be of a size comparable with those in the individual route signs.

Section 2D.15 Cardinal Direction Auxiliary Signs (M3-1 through M3-4)

Guidance:

Cardinal Direction auxiliary signs (see Figure 2D-4) carrying the legend NORTH, EAST, SOUTH, or WEST should be used to indicate the general direction of the entire route.

Standard:

To improve the readability and recognition of the cardinal directions, the first letter of the cardinal direction words shall be ten percent larger, rounded up to the nearest whole number size.

If used, the Cardinal Direction auxiliary sign shall be mounted directly above a route sign or, if used, an auxiliary sign for an alternative route.

Section 2D.16 Auxiliary Signs for Alternative Routes (M4 Series)

Option:

Auxiliary signs, carrying legends such as ALTERNATE, BY-PASS, BUSINESS, or TRUCK, may be used to indicate an alternate route of the same number between two points on that route.

Standard:

If used, the auxiliary signs for alternative routes shall be mounted directly above a route sign.

Section 2D.17 ALTERNATE Auxiliary Signs (M4-1, M4-1a)

Option:

The ALTERNATE (M4-1) or the ALT (M4-1a) auxiliary sign (see Figure 2D-4) may be used to indicate an officially designated alternate routing of a numbered route between two points on that route.

Standard:

If used, the ALTERNATE or ALT auxiliary sign shall be mounted directly above a route sign.

Guidance:

The shorter (time or distance) or better-constructed route should retain the regular route number, and the longer or worse-constructed route should be designated as the alternate route.

Section 2D.18 BY-PASS Auxiliary Sign (M4-2)

Option:

The BY-PASS (M4-2) auxiliary sign (see Figure 2D-4) may be used to designate a route that branches from the numbered route through a city, bypasses a part of the city or congested area, and rejoins the numbered route beyond the city.

Standard:

If used, the BY-PASS auxiliary sign shall be mounted directly above a route sign.

Section 2D.19 BUSINESS Auxiliary Sign (M4-3)

Option:

The BUSINESS (M4-3) auxiliary sign (see Figure 2D-4) may be used to designate an alternate route that branches from a numbered route, passes through the business portion of a city, and rejoins the numbered route beyond that area.

Standard:

If used, the BUSINESS auxiliary sign shall be mounted directly above a route sign.

Section 2D.20 TRUCK Auxiliary Sign (M4-4)

Option:

The TRUCK (M4-4) auxiliary sign (see Figure 2D-4) may be used to designate an alternate route that branches from a numbered route, when it is desirable to encourage or require commercial vehicles to use the alternate route.

Standard:

If used, the TRUCK auxiliary sign shall be mounted directly above a route sign.

Section 2D.21 TO Auxiliary Sign (M4-5)

Option:

The TO (M4-5) auxiliary sign (see Figure 2D-4) may be used to provide directional guidance to a particular road facility from other highways in the vicinity (see Section 2D.35).

Standard:

If used, the TO auxiliary sign shall be mounted directly above a route sign or an auxiliary sign for an alternative route. If a Cardinal Direction auxiliary sign is also included in the assembly, the TO auxiliary sign shall be mounted directly above the Cardinal Direction auxiliary sign.

Section 2D.22 END Auxiliary Sign (M4-6)

Guidance:

The END (M4-6) auxiliary sign (see Figure 2D-4) should be used where the route being traveled ends, usually at a junction with another route.

Standard:

If used, the END auxiliary sign shall be mounted either directly above a route sign or above a sign for an alternative route that is part of the designation of the route being terminated.

Section 2D.23 BEGIN Auxiliary Sign (M4-14)

Option:

The BEGIN (M4-14) auxiliary sign (see Figure 2D-4) may be used where a route begins, usually at a junction with another route.

Standard:

If used, the BEGIN auxiliary sign shall be mounted at the top of the first Confirming assembly (see Section 2D.34) for the route that is beginning.

Guidance:

If a BEGIN auxiliary sign is included in the first Confirming assembly, a Cardinal Direction auxiliary sign should also be included in the assembly.

Standard:

If a Cardinal Direction auxiliary sign is also included in the assembly, the BEGIN auxiliary sign shall be mounted directly above the Cardinal Direction auxiliary sign.

Section 2D.23 2D.24 TEMPORARY Auxiliary Signs (M4-7, M4-7a)

Option:

The TEMPORARY (M4-7) or the TEMP (M4-7a) auxiliary sign (see Figure 2D-4) may be used for an interim period to designate a section of highway that is not planned as a permanent part of a numbered route, but that connects completed portions of that route.

Standard:

If used, the TEMPORARY or TEMP auxiliary sign shall be mounted either directly above the route sign, above a Cardinal Direction sign, or above a sign for an alternate route that is a part of the route designation.

TEMPORARY or TEMP auxiliary signs shall be promptly removed when the temporary route is abandoned.

Section 2D.24 2D.25 Temporary Detour and Auxiliary Signs

Support:

Chapter 6F contains information regarding Temporary Detour and Auxiliary signs.

Section 2D.25 2D.26 Advance Turn Arrow Auxiliary Signs (M5-1, M5-2, and M5-3)

Standard:

If used, the Advance Turn Arrow auxiliary sign (see Figure 2D-5) shall be mounted directly below the route sign in Advance Route Turn assemblies, and displays a right or left arrow, the shaft of which is bent at a 90-degree angle (M5-1) or at a 45-degree angle (M5-2).

If used, the curved-stem Advance Turn Arrow auxiliary (M5-3) sign shall be used only on the approach to a circular intersection to depict a movement along the circulatory roadway around the central island and to the left, relative to the approach roadway and entry into the intersection.

Guidance:

If the M5-3 sign is used, then this arrow type should also be used consistently on any regulatory lane-use signs (see Chapter 2B), Destination signs (see Section 2D.37), and pavement markings (see Part 3) for a particular destination or movement.

Section 2D.27 Lane Designation Auxiliary Signs (M5-4, M5-5, and M5-6)

Option:

A Lane Designation (M5-4, M5-5, or M5-6) auxiliary sign (see Figure 2D-5) may be mounted directly below the route sign in an Advance Route Turn assembly on multi-lane roadways to allow road users to move into the appropriate lane prior to reaching the intersection or interchange.

Standard:

If used, the Lane Designation auxiliary signs shall be used only where the designated lane is a mandatory movement lane and shall be located adjacent to the full-width portion of the mandatory movement lane. The Lane Designation auxiliary signs shall not be installed adjacent to a through lane in advance of a lane that is being added or along the taper for a lane that is being added.

Section 2D.26 2D.28 Directional Arrow Auxiliary Signs (M6 Series)

Standard:

If used, the Directional Arrow auxiliary sign (see Figure 2D-5) shall be mounted below the route sign and any other auxiliary signs in Directional assemblies (see Section 2D.32), and displays a single- or double-headed arrow pointing in the general direction that the route follows.

A Directional Arrow auxiliary sign that displays a double-headed arrow shall not be mounted in any Directional assembly in advance of or at a circular intersection.

Option:

The downward pointing diagonal arrow auxiliary (M6-2a) sign may be used in a Directional assembly at the far corner of an intersection to indicate the immediate entry point to a freeway or expressway entrance ramp (see Section 2D.46).

Standard:

The M6-2a sign shall not be used on the approach to or on the near side of an intersection, such as to designate an approach lane.

Section 2D.27 2D.29 Route Sign Assemblies

Standard:

A Route Sign assembly shall consist of a route sign and auxiliary signs that further identify the route and indicate the direction. Route Sign assemblies shall be installed on all approaches to numbered routes that intersect with other numbered routes.

Where two or more routes follow the same section of highway, the route signs for Interstate, U.S., State, and county routes shall be mounted in that order from the left in horizontal arrangements and from the top in vertical arrangements. Subject to this order of precedence, route signs for lower-numbered routes shall be placed at the left or top.

Within groups of assemblies, information for routes intersecting from the left shall be mounted at the left in horizontal arrangements and at the top or center of vertical arrangements. Similarly, information for routes intersecting from the right shall be at the right or bottom, and for straight-through routes at the center in horizontal arrangements or top in vertical arrangements.

Route Sign assemblies shall be mounted in accordance with the general specifications for highway signs (Chapter 2A), with the lowest sign in the assembly at the height prescribed for single signs.

Guidance:

Assemblies for two or more routes, or for different directions on the same route, should be mounted in groups on a common support.

Option:

Route Sign assemblies may be installed on the approaches to numbered routes on unnumbered roads and streets that carry an appreciable amount of traffic destined for the numbered route.

The diagrammatic route guide sign format, such as the D1-5 and D1-5a signs shown in Figure 2D-8, may be used on approaches to roundabouts.

If engineering judgment indicates that groups of assemblies that include overlapping routes or multiple turns might be confusing, route signs or auxiliary signs may be omitted or combined, provided that clear directions are given to road users.

Support:

Figure 2D-6 shows typical placements of route signs.

Section 2D.28 2D.30 Junction Assembly

Standard:

A Junction assembly shall consist of a Junction auxiliary sign and a route sign. The route sign shall carry the number of the intersected or joined route.

The Junction assembly shall be installed in advance of every intersection where a numbered route is intersected or joined by another numbered route.

Guidance:

In urban areas, it the Junction assembly shall should be installed in the block preceding the intersection, and. In urban areas where speeds are low, the Junction assembly should not be installed more than 300 feet in advance of the intersection. relocated from below to improve continuity

In rural areas, it the Junction assembly shall should be installed at least 400 feet in advance of the intersection. In rural areas, the minimum distance between the a Junction assembly and either a Destination sign and the or an Advance Route Turn assembly shall should be 200 feet, and the minimum distance between the Route Turn assembly and the Junction assembly shall be 400 feet.

Guidance:

In urban areas where speeds are low, the Junction assembly should not be installed more than 300 feet in advance of the intersection. relocated to above to improve continuity

Where prevailing speeds are high, greater spacings should be used.

Option:

Where two or more routes are to be indicated, a single Junction auxiliary sign may be used for the assembly and all route signs grouped in a single mounting, or a Combination Junction (M2-2) sign (see Section 2D.14) may be used.

Section 2D.29 2D.31 Advance Route Turn Assembly

Standard:

An Advance Route Turn assembly shall consist of a route sign, an Advance Turn Arrow or word message auxiliary sign, and a Cardinal Direction auxiliary sign, if needed. It shall be installed in advance of an intersection where a turn must be made to remain on the indicated route.

Option:

The Advance Route Turn assembly may be used to supplement the required Junction assembly in advance of intersecting routes.

Guidance:

Where a multiple-lane highway approaches an interchange or intersection with a numbered route, the Advance Route Turn assembly should be used to pre-position turning vehicles in the correct lanes from which to make their turn.

Option:

Lane Designation auxiliary signs (see Section 2D.27) may be used in Advance Route Turn Assemblies in place of the Advance Turn Arrow auxiliary signs where engineering judgment indicates that specific lane information associated with each route is needed and overhead signing is not practical and the designated lane is a mandatory movement lane. An assembly with the Lane Designation auxiliary signs may supplement or substitute for an assembly with Advance Turn Arrow auxiliary signs.

Guidance:

In low-speed areas, the Advance Route Turn assembly should be installed not less than 200 feet in advance of the turn. In high-speed areas, the Advance Route Turn assembly should be installed not less than 300 feet in advance of the turn. In rural areas, the minimum distance between an Advance Route Turn assembly and either a Destination sign or a Junction assembly should be 200 feet.

Standard:

An assembly that includes an Advance Turn Arrow auxiliary sign shall not be placed where there is an intersection between it and the designated turn.

Guidance:

Sufficient distance should be allowed between the assembly and any preceding intersection that could be mistaken for the indicated turn.

Section 2D.30 2D.32 Directional Assembly

Standard:

A Directional assembly shall consist of a Cardinal Direction auxiliary sign, if needed; a route sign; and a Directional Arrow auxiliary sign, and a Cardinal Direction auxiliary sign, if needed. The various uses of Directional assemblies shall be as outlined provided below in Items A through D:

Turn movements (indicated in advance by an Advance Route Turn assembly) shall be marked by a Directional assembly with a route sign displaying the number of the turning route and a single-headed arrow pointing in the direction of the turn.
The beginning of a route (indicated in advance by a Junction assembly) shall be marked by a Directional assembly with a route sign displaying the number of that route and a single-headed arrow pointing in the direction of the route.
The end of a route shall be marked by a Directional assembly with an END auxiliary sign and a route sign displaying the number of that route.
An intersected route (indicated in advance by a Junction assembly) on a crossroad where the route is designated on both legs shall be designated by:
1. Two Directional assemblies, each with a route sign displaying the number of the intersected route, a Cardinal Direction auxiliary sign, and a single-headed arrow pointing in the direction of movement on that route; or
2. A Directional assembly with a route sign displaying the number of the intersected route and a double-headed arrow, pointing at appropriate angles to the left, right, or ahead.
An intersected route (indicated in advance by a Junction assembly) on a side road or on a crossroad where the route is designated only on one of the legs shall be designated by a Directional assembly with a route sign displaying the number of the intersected route, a Cardinal Direction auxiliary sign, and a single-headed arrow pointing in the direction of movement on that route.

Guidance:

Straight-through movements should be indicated by a Directional assembly with a route sign displaying the number of the continuing route and a vertical arrow. A Directional assembly should not be used for a straight-through movement in the absence of other assemblies indicating right or left turns, as the Confirming assembly sign beyond the intersection normally provides adequate guidance.

Directional assemblies should be located on the near right corner of the intersection. At major intersections and at Y or offset intersections, additional Directional assemblies should be installed on the far right or left corner to confirm the near-side assemblies. When the near-corner position is not practical for Directional assemblies, the far right corner should be the preferred alternative, with oversized signs, if necessary, for legibility. Where unusual conditions exist, the location of a Directional assembly should be determined by engineering judgment with the goal being to provide the best possible combination of view and safety.

Support:

It is more important that guide signs be readable, and that the information and direction displayed thereon be readily understood, at the right appropriate time and place than to be located with absolute uniformity.

Figure 2D-6 shows typical placements of Directional assemblies.

Section 2D.33 Combination Lane-Use/Destination Overhead Guide Sign (D15-1)

Option:

At complex intersection approaches involving multiple turn lanes and destinations, a Combination Lane-Use/Destination (D15-1) overhead guide sign that combines a lane-use regulatory sign with destination information such as a cardinal direction, a route number, a street name, and/or a place name may be used.

Support:

At such locations, the combined information on the D15-1 signs can be even more effective than separate lane-use and guide signs for conveying to unfamiliar drivers which lane or lanes to use for a particular destination.

Figure 2D-7 shows an example of a D15-1 sign that combines lane-use and route number information and an example of a D15-1 sign that combines lane-use and street name information.

Standard:

The Combination Lane-Use/Destination (D15-1) overhead guide sign shall be used only where the designated lane is a mandatory movement lane. The D15-1 sign shall not be used for lanes with optional movements.

The D15-1 sign shall have a green background with a white border. As shown in Figure 2D-7, the lane-use sign (see Chapter 2B) shall be placed near the bottom of the sign and the destination information shall be placed near the top of the sign. The D15-1 sign shall be located approximately over the center of the lane to which it applies.

Section 2D.31 2D.34 Confirming or Reassurance Assemblies

Standard:

If used, Confirming or Reassurance assemblies shall consist of a Cardinal Direction auxiliary sign and a route sign. Where the Confirming or Reassurance assembly is for an alternative route, the appropriate auxiliary sign for an alternative route (see Section 2D.16) shall also be included in the assembly.

Guidance:

A Confirming assembly should be installed just beyond intersections of numbered routes. It should be placed 25 to 200 feet beyond the far shoulder or curb line of the intersected highway.

If used, Reassurance assemblies should be installed between intersections in urban districts areas as needed, and beyond the built-up area of any incorporated city or town.

Route signs for either confirming or reassurance purposes should be spaced at such intervals as necessary to keep road users informed of their routes.

Support:

Confirming and Reassurance assemblies are considered to be a type of Directional assembly.

Section 2D.32 2D.35 Trailblazer Assembly

Support:

Trailblazer assemblies provide directional guidance to a particular road facility from other highways in the vicinity. This guidance is accomplished by installing Trailblazer assemblies at strategic locations to indicate the direction to the nearest or most convenient point of access. The use of the word TO indicates that the road or street where the sign is posted is not a part of the indicated route, and that a road user is merely being directed progressively to the route.

Standard:

A Trailblazer assembly shall consist of a TO auxiliary sign, a route sign (or a special road facility symbol) for a numbered or named highway (see Section 2D.53) or an Auto Tour Route sign (see Section 2H.07), and a single-headed Directional Arrow auxiliary sign pointing in the direction leading to the route. Where the Trailblazer assembly is for an alternative route, the appropriate auxiliary sign for an alternative route (see Section 2D.16) shall also be included in the assembly.

Option:

A Cardinal Direction auxiliary sign may be used with a Trailblazer assembly.

Guidance:

The TO auxiliary sign, Cardinal Direction auxiliary sign, and Directional Arrow auxiliary sign should be of the standard size specified provided for auxiliary signs of their respective type. The route sign should be the size specified provided in Section 2D.11.

Option:

Trailblazer assemblies may be installed with other Route Sign assemblies, or alone, in the immediate vicinity of the designated facilities.

Section 2D.33 2D.36 Destination and Distance Signs

Support:

In addition to guidance by route numbers, it is desirable to supply the road user information concerning the destinations that can be reached by way of numbered or unnumbered routes. This is done by means of Destination signs and Distance signs.

Option:

Route and Cardinal Direction auxiliary signs shields and cardinal directions may be included on the Destination sign panel with the destinations and arrows.

Guidance:

If Route shields and cardinal directions are included on a Destination sign, the size height of the Route signs shields and Cardinal Direction auxiliary signs should be at least the minimum size specified for these signs two times the height of the upper-case letters of the principal legend and not less than 18 inches, and the cardinal directions should be in all upper-case letters that are at least the minimum height specified for these signs.

Section 2D.34 2D.37 Destination Signs (D1 Series)

Standard:

Except where special on approaches to interchanges signing is prescribed (see Section 2D.45), the Destination (D1-1 through D1-3) sign (see Figure 2D-7), if used, shall be a horizontal rectangle carrying displaying the name of a city, town, village, or other traffic generator, and a directional arrow.

Option:

The distance (see Section 2D.41) to the place named may also be shown displayed on the Destination (D1-1a through D1-3a) sign (see Figure 2D-7). If several destinations are to be shown displayed at a single point, the several names may be placed on a single panel sign with an arrow (and the distance, if desired) for each name. If more than one destination lies in the same direction, a single arrow may be used for such a group of destinations.

Guidance:

Adequate separation should be made between any destinations or group of destinations in one direction and those in other directions by suitable design of the arrow, spacing of lines of legend, heavy lines entirely across the panel sign, or separate panels signs.

Support:

Separation of destinations by direction by the use of a horizontal separator line can enhance the readability of a Destination sign by relating an arrow and its corresponding destination(s) and by eliminating the need for multiple arrows that point in the same direction and excessive space between lines of legend.

Standard:

Except as otherwise provided in this Manual, an arrow pointing to the right shall be at the extreme right of the sign, and an arrow pointing left or up shall be at the extreme left. The distance figures numerals, if used, shall be placed to the right of the destination names.

Option:

An arrow pointing up may be placed at the extreme right of the sign when the sign is mounted to the left of the traffic to which it applies.

Guidance:

Unless a sloping arrow will convey a clearer indication of the direction to be followed, the directional arrows should be horizontal or vertical.

If several individual name panels signs are assembled into a group, all panels signs in the assembly should be of the same length horizontal width.

Destination signs should be used:

At the intersections of U.S. or State numbered routes with Interstate, U.S., or State numbered routes; and
At points where they serve to direct traffic from U.S. or State numbered routes to the business section of towns, or to other destinations reached by unnumbered routes.

Standard:

Where a total of three or less destinations are provided on the Advance Guide (see Section 2E.33) and Supplemental Guide (see Section 2E.35) signs, not more than three destination names shall be used on a Destination sign. Where four destinations are provided by the Advance Guide and Supplemental Guide signs, not more than four destination names shall be used on a Destination sign.

Guidance:

If space permits, four destinations should be displayed as two separate signs panels at two separate locations.

Option:

Where space does not permit, or where all four destinations are in one direction, a single sign assembly may be used. Where a single sign is used and all destinations are in the same direction, the arrow may be placed below the destinations for the purpose of enhancing the conspicuity of the arrow.

Standard:

Where a single four-name sign assembly is used, a heavy line entirely across the panel sign or separated signs panels shall be used to separate destinations by direction.

Guidance:

The next closest destination lying straight ahead should be at the top of the sign or assembly, and below it the closest destinations to the left and to the right, in that order. The destination shown displayed for each direction should ordinarily be the next county seat or the next principal city, rather than a more distant destination. In the case of overlapping routes, there only one destination should be shown displayed only one destination in each direction for each route.

Standard:

If there is more than one destination is shown displayed in the same direction, the name of the nearest a nearer destination shall appear be displayed above the names of any destinations that are is further away.

Section 2D.38 Destination Signs at Circular Intersections

Standard:

Destination signs that are used at circular intersections shall comply with the provisions of Section 2D.37, except as provided in this Section.

Option:

Exit destination (D1-1d, D1-1e) signs (see Figure 2D-8) with diagonal upward-pointing arrows or Directional assemblies (see Section 2D.32) may be used to designate a particular exit from a circular intersection.

Exit destination (D1-2d, D1-3d) signs (see Figure 2D-8) with curved-stem arrows may be used on approaches to circular intersections to represent the left-turn movements.

Curved-stem arrows on circular intersection destination signs may point in diagonal directions to depict the location of an exit relative to the approach roadway and entry into the intersection.

Exit destination (D1-5 or D1-5a) signs (see Figure 2D-8) with a diagram of the circular intersection may be used on approaches to circular intersections.

Guidance:

If curved-stem arrows are used on destination signs, then this arrow type should also be used consistently on any regulatory lane-use signs (see Chapter 2B), Directional assemblies (see Section 2D.32), and pavement markings (see Part 3) for a particular destination or movement.

Support:

Figure 2D-9 illustrates two examples of guide signing for circular intersections.

Diagrammatic guide signs might be preferable where space is available and where the geometry of the circular intersection is non-typical, such as where more than four legs are present or where the legs are not at approximately 90-degree angles to each other.

Standard:

If used, diagrammatic guide signs for circular intersections shall not depict the number of lanes within the intersection circulatory roadway, or on its approaches or exits, through the use of lane lines, multiple arrow shafts for the same movement, or other methods.

Support:

Chapter 2B contains information regarding regulatory signs at circular intersections, Chapter 2C contains information regarding warning signs at circular intersections, and Chapter 3C contains information regarding pavement markings at circular intersections.

Section 2D.39 Destination Signs at Jughandles

Standard:

Destination signs that are used at jughandles shall comply with the provisions of Section 2D.37, except as provided in this Section.

Option:

If engineering judgment indicates that standard destination signs alone are insufficient to direct road users to their destinations at a jughandle, a diagrammatic guide sign depicting the appropriate geometry may be used to supplement the normal destination signs.

Support:

Section 2B.27 contains information regarding regulatory signs for jughandle turns. Figure 2B-9 shows examples of regulatory and destination guide signing for various types of jughandle turns.

Section 2D.35 2D.40 Location of Destination Signs

Guidance:

When used in high-speed areas, Destination signs should be located 200 feet or more in advance of the intersection, and following any Junction or Advance Route Turn assemblies that may might be required. In rural areas, the minimum distance between a Destination sign and either an Advance Route Turn assembly or a Junction assembly should be 200 feet.

Option:

In urban areas, shorter advance distances may be used.

Because the Destination sign is of lesser importance than the Junction, Advance Route Turn, or Directional assemblies, the Destination sign may be eliminated when sign spacing is critical.

Support:

Figure 2D-6 shows typical placements of Destination signs.

Section 2D.36 2D.41 Distance Signs (D2 Series)

Standard:

If used, the Distance (D2-1 through D2-3) sign (see Figure 2D-7) shall be a horizontal rectangle of a size appropriate for the required legend, carrying the names of not more than three cities, towns, junctions, or other traffic generators, and the distance (to the nearest mile) to those places.

The distance numerals shall be placed to the right of the destination names as shown in Figure 2D-7.

Guidance:

The distance shown displayed should be selected on a case-by-case basis by the jurisdiction that owns the road or by statewide policy. A well-defined central area or central business district should be used where one exists. In other cases, the layout of the community should be considered in relation to the highway being signed and the decision based on where it appears that most drivers would feel that they are in the center of the community in question.

The top name on the Distance sign should be that of the next place on the route having a post office or a railroad station, a route number or name of an intersected highway, or any other significant geographical identity. The bottom name on the sign should be that of the next major destination or control city. If three destinations are shown displayed, the middle line should be used to indicate communities of general interest along the route or important route junctions.

Option:

The choice of names for the middle line may be varied on successive Distance signs to give road users additional information concerning communities served by the route.

Guidance:

The control city should remain the same on all successive Distance signs throughout the length of the route until that city is reached.

Option:

If more than one distant point may properly be designated, such as where the route divides at some distance ahead to serve two destinations of similar importance, and if these two destinations cannot appear on the same sign, the two names may be alternated on successive signs.

On a route continuing into another State, destinations in the adjacent State may be shown displayed.

Section 2D.37 2D.42 Location of Distance Signs

Guidance:

If used, Distance signs should be installed on important routes leaving municipalities and just beyond intersections of numbered routes in rural areas. If used, they should be placed just outside the municipal limits or at the edge of the built-up district area if it extends beyond the limits.

Where overlapping routes separate a short distance from the municipal limits, the Distance sign at the municipal limits should be omitted. The Distance sign should be installed approximately 300 feet beyond the separation of the two routes.

Where, just outside of an incorporated municipality, two routes are concurrent and continue concurrently to the next incorporated municipality, the top name on the Distance sign should be that of the place where the routes separate; the bottom name should be that of the city to which the greater part of the through traffic is destined.

Support:

Figure 2D-6 shows typical placements of Distance signs.

Section 2D.38 2D.43 Street Name Signs (D3-1 or D3-1a)

Guidance:

Street Name (D3-1 or D3-1a) signs (see Figure 2D-10) should be installed in urban areas at all street intersections regardless of other route signs that may might be present and should be installed in rural areas to identify important roads that are not otherwise signed.

Option:

For streets that are part of a U.S., State, or county numbered route, a D3-1a Street Name sign (see Figure 2D-10) that incorporates a route shield may be used to assist road users who might not otherwise be able to associate the name of the street with the route number.

Standard:

The lettering for names of streets and highways on Street Name signs shall be composed of a combination of lower-case letters with initial upper-case letters (see Section 2A.13).

Guidance:

Lettering on ground- post-mounted Street Name signs should be at least 6 inches high in capital letters, or 6-inch composed of initial upper-case letters at least 6 inches in height with 4.5-inch and lower-case letters at least 4.5 inches in height.

On multi-lane streets with speed limits greater than 40 mph, the lettering on ground- post-mounted Street Name signs should be at least 8 inches high in capital letters, or 8-inch composed of initial upper-case letters at least 8 inches in height with 6-inch and lower-case letters at least 6 inches in height.

Option:

For local roads with speed limits of 25 mph or less, the lettering height on post-mounted Street Name signs may be a minimum composed of initial upper-case letters at least 4 inches in height and lower-case letters at least 3 inches in height.

Guidance:

If overhead Street Name signs are used, the lettering should be at least 12 inches high in capital letters, or 12-inch composed of initial upper-case letters at least 12 inches in height with 9-inch and lower-case letters at least 9 inches in height.

Support:

The recommended minimum letter heights for Street Name signs are summarized in Table 2D-2.

Option:

Supplementary lettering to indicate the type of street (such as Street, Avenue, or Road) or the section of the city (such as NW) on the D3-1 and D3-1a signs may be in smaller lettering, composed of initial upper-case letters at least 3 inches high in height and lower-case letters at least 2.25 inches in height. Conventional abbreviations (see Section 1A.15) may be used except for the street name itself.

A symbol or letter designation pictograph (see definition in Section 1A.13) may be used on a Street Name D3-1 sign to identify the governmental jurisdiction, area of jurisdiction, or other government-approved institution.

Standard:

Pictographs shall not be displayed on D3-1a or Advance Street Name (D3-2) signs (see Section 2D.44).

If a symbol or letter designation pictograph is used on a D3-1 sign, the height and width of the symbol or letter designation pictograph shall not exceed the upper-case letter height of the principal legend of the sign.

Guidance:

The symbol or letter designation pictograph should be positioned to the left of the street name.

Standard:

The Street Name sign shall be retroreflective or illuminated to show the same shape and similar color both day and night. The color of the legend (and background border, if used) shall be of contrasting with the background colors of the sign.

Guidance:

Street Name signs should have a white legend on a green background. A border, if used, should be the same color as the legend.

Option:

The border may be omitted from a Street Name sign.

An alternative background color other than the normal guide sign color of green may be used for Street Name (D3-1 or D3-1a) signs where the highway agency determines this is necessary to assist road users in determining jurisdictional authority for roads.

Standard:

Alternative background colors shall not be used for Advance Street Name (D3-2) signs (see Section 2D.44).

The only acceptable alternative background colors for Street Name (D3-1 or D3-1a) signs shall be blue, brown, or white. Regardless of whether green, blue, or brown is used as the background color for Street Name (D3-1 or D3-1a) signs, the legend (and border, if used) shall be white. For Street Name signs that use a white background, the legend (and border, if used) shall be black.

Guidance:

An alternative background color for Street Name signs, if used, should be applied to the Street Name (D3-1 or D3-1a) signs on all roadways under the jurisdiction of a particular highway agency.

In business or commercial districts areas and on principal arterials, Street Name signs should be placed at least on diagonally opposite corners. In residential areas, at least one Street Name sign should be mounted at each intersection. Signs naming both streets should be installed at each intersection. They should be mounted with their faces parallel to the streets they name.

Option:

To optimize visibility, Street Name signs may be mounted overhead. Street Name signs may also be placed above a regulatory or STOP or YIELD sign with no required vertical separation.

Guidance:

In urban or suburban areas, especially where Advance Street Name signs for signalized and other major intersections are not used, the use of overhead-mounted Street Name signs should be strongly considered.

Option:

At intersection crossroads where the same road has two different street names for each direction of travel, both street names may be shown displayed on the same sign along with directional arrows.

Support:

Information regarding the use of street names on supplemental plaques for use with intersection-related warning signs is contained in Section 2C.58.

Section 2D.39 2D.44 Advance Street Name Signs (D3-2)

Support:

Advance Street Name (D3-2) signs (see Figure 2D-10) identify an upcoming intersection. Although this is often the next intersection, it could also be several intersections away in cases where the next signalized intersection is referenced.

Standard:

Advance Street Name (D3-2) signs, if used, shall supplement rather than be used instead of the Street Name (D3-1) signs at the intersection.

Option:

Advance Street Name (D3-2) signs may be installed in advance of signalized or unsignalized intersections to provide road users with advance information to identify the name(s) of the next intersecting street to prepare for crossing traffic and to facilitate timely deceleration and/or lane changing in preparation for a turn.

Guidance:

On arterial highways in rural areas, Advance Street Name signs should be used in advance of all signalized intersections and in advance of all intersections with exclusive turn lanes.

In urban areas, Advance Street Name signs should be used in advance of all signalized intersections on major arterial streets, except where signalized intersections are so closely spaced that advance placement of the signs is impractical.

The heights of the letters on Advance Street Name signs should be the same as those used for Street Name signs (see Section 2D.43).

Standard:

If used, Advance Street Name signs shall have a white legend and border on a green background.

If used, Advance Street Name signs shall provide the name(s) of the intersecting street(s) on the top line(s) of the legend and the distance to the intersecting streets or messages such as NEXT SIGNAL, NEXT INTERSECTION, NEXT ROUNDABOUT, or directional arrow(s) on the bottom line of the legend.

Pictographs shall not be displayed on Advance Street Name signs.

Option:

Directional arrow(s) may be placed to the right or left of the street name or message such as NEXT SIGNAL, as appropriate, rather than on the bottom line of the legend. Curved-stem arrows may be used on Advance Street Name signs on approaches to circular intersections.

For intersecting crossroads where the same road has a different street name for each direction of travel, the different street names may be shown displayed on the same Advance Street Name sign along with directional arrows.

In advance of two closely-spaced intersections where it is not practical to install separate Advance Street Name signs, the Advance Street Name sign may include the street names for both intersections along with appropriate supplemental legends for both street names, such as NEXT INTERSECTION, 2ND INTERSECTION, or NEXT LEFT and NEXT RIGHT, or advance directional arrows.

Guidance:

If two street names are used on the Advance Street Name sign, the street names should be displayed in the following order:

For a single intersection where the same road has a different street name for each direction of travel, the name of the street to the left should be displayed above the name of the street to the right; or
For two closely-spaced intersections, the name of the first street encountered should be displayed above the name of the second street encountered, and the arrow associated with the second street encountered should be an advance arrow, such as the arrow shown on the W16-6P arrow plaque (see Figure 2C-12).

Option:

An Advance Street Name (W16-8P or W16-8aP) plaque (see Section 2C.58) with black legend on a yellow background, installed supplemental to an Intersection (W2 series) or Advance Traffic Control (W3 series) series warning sign may be used instead of an Advance Street Name guide sign (see Section 2C.49).

Section 2D.45 Signing on Conventional Roads on Approaches to Interchanges text for this new Section was relocated from Section 2E.49

Support:

Because there are a number of different ramp configurations that are commonly used at interchanges with conventional roads, drivers on the conventional road cannot reliably predict whether they will be required to turn left or right in order to enter the correct ramp to access the freeway or expressway in the desired direction of travel. Consistently applied signing for conventional road approaches to freeway or expressway interchanges is highly desirable.

Standard:

On multi-lane conventional roads approaching an interchange, guide signs shall be provided to identify which direction of turn is to be made and/or which specific lane to use for ramp access to each direction of the freeway or expressway.

Guidance:

The signing of conventional roads with one lane of traffic approaching an interchange should consist of a sequence containing the following signs (see Figure 2D-11):

Junction Assembly
Destination sign
Directional Assembly or Entrance Direction sign for the first ramp
Advance Route Turn Assembly or Advance Entrance Direction sign with an advance turn arrow
Directional Assembly or Entrance Direction sign for the second ramp

Standard:

If used, the Entrance Direction sign shall consist of a white legend and border on a green background. It shall contain the freeway or expressway route shield(s), cardinal direction, and directional arrow(s).

Option:

The Entrance Direction sign may contain a destination(s) and/or an action message such as NEXT RIGHT.

At minor interchanges, the following sequence of signs may be used (see Figure 2D-12):

Junction Assembly
Directional Assembly for the first ramp
Directional Assembly for the second ramp

Guidance:

On multi-lane conventional roads approaching an interchange, the sign sequence should contain the following signs (see Figures 2D-13 through 2D-15):

Junction Assembly
Advance Entrance Direction sign(s) for both directions (if applicable) of travel on the freeway or expressway
Entrance Direction sign for first ramp
Advance Turn Assembly
Entrance Direction sign for the second ramp

Support:

Advance Entrance Direction signs are used to direct road users to the appropriate lane(s).

Standard:

The Advance Entrance Direction sign shall consist of a white legend and border on a green background. It shall contain the freeway or expressway route shield(s) and cardinal direction(s).

Option:

The Advance Entrance Direction sign may have destinations, directional arrows, and/or an action message such as KEEP LEFT LANE, NEXT LEFT, or SECOND RIGHT. Signs in this sequence may be mounted overhead to improve visibility as shown in Figures 2D-13 through 2D-15.

Support:

A post-mounted Advance Entrance Direction diagrammatic guide sign (see Figure 2D-16), within the sequence of approach guide signing described in Paragraphs 3, 6, and 7, might be helpful in depicting the location of a freeway or expressway entrance ramp that is in close proximity to an intervening intersection on the same side of the approach roadway and where signing for only the ramp might cause confusion to road users.

Standard:

If used, the post-mounted Advance Entrance Direction diagrammatic guide sign shall display only the two successive turns from the same side of the roadway, one of which shall be the entrance ramp. The post-mounted Advance Entrance Direction sign shall depict only the successive turns and shall not depict lane use with lane lines, multiple arrow shafts for the approach roadway, action messages, or other representations.

Support:

Section 2D.46 contains information regarding the use of a Directional assembly or a FREEWAY ENTRANCE sign to mark the entrance to a freeway or expressway at the far corner of an intersection.

Section 2D.46 Freeway Entrance Signs (D13-3 and D13-3a) text relocated from Section 2E.50

Option:

Guide FREEWAY ENTRANCE (D13-3) signs or FREEWAY ENTRANCE with downward pointing diagonal arrow (D13-3a) signs (see Figure 2D-14) may be used on entrance ramps near the crossroad to inform road users of the freeway or expressway entrance, as appropriate (see Figure 2E-37).

The D13-3 and D13-3a signs may display an alternate legend in place of FREEWAY, such as EXPRESSWAY or PARKWAY, as appropriate, or may display the name of an unnumbered highway.

A Directional assembly (see Section 2D.32) with a downward pointing diagonal arrow auxiliary (M6-2a) sign (see Section 2D.28) may be used at the far left-hand corner of an intersection with a freeway or expressway entrance ramp as an alternative to the D13-3a sign, facing left-turning traffic on the conventional road approach to indicate the immediate point of entry to the freeway or expressway and distinguish the entrance ramp from an adjoining exit ramp terminal at the same intersection with the conventional road (see Figure 2D-14). A similar Directional assembly may be used at the far right-hand corner of an intersection with a freeway or expressway entrance ramp where the entrance ramp and a crossroad or side road follow one another in close succession on the conventional road approach and the point of entry to the freeway or expressway might be difficult for the road user to distinguish from the crossroad or side road on the conventional road approach (see Figure 2D-14).

Support:

Section 2B.41 contains information regarding the use of regulatory signs to deter wrong-way movements at intersections of freeway or expressway ramps with conventional roads, and in the area where entrance ramps intersect with the mainline lanes.

Section 2D.40 2D.47 Parking Area Guide Sign (D4-1)

Option:

The Parking Area (D4-1) guide sign (see Figure 2D-10) may be used to show the direction to a nearby public parking area or parking facility.

Standard:

If used, the Parking Area (D4-1) guide sign shall be a horizontal rectangle with a standard size of 30 x 24 inches, or with a smaller size of 18 x 15 inches for minor, low-speed streets. It shall carry the word PARKING, with the letter P five times the height of the remaining letters, and a directional arrow. The legend and border shall be green on a retroreflectorized white background.

Guidance:

If used, the Parking Area guide sign should be installed on major thoroughfares at the nearest point of access to the parking facility and where it can advise drivers of a place to park. The sign should not be used more than four blocks from the parking area.

Section 2D.41 2D.48 PARK & - RIDE Sign (D4-2)

Option:

PARK & - RIDE (D4-2) signs (see Figure 2D-10) may be used to direct road users to park and - ride facilities.

Standard:

The signs shall contain the word message PARK & - RIDE and direction information (arrow or word message).

Option:

PARK & - RIDE signs may contain the local transit logo pictograph and/or carpool symbol within on the sign border.

Standard:

If used, the local transit logo pictograph and/or carpool symbol shall be located in the top part of the sign above the message PARK & - RIDE. In no case shall the vertical dimension of the local transit logo pictograph and/or carpool symbol exceed 18 inches.

Guidance:

If the function of the parking facility is to provide parking for persons using public transportation, the local transit logo symbol pictograph should be used on the guide sign. If the function of the parking facility is to serve carpool riders, the carpool symbol should be used on the guide sign. If the parking facility serves both functions, both the logo pictograph and carpool symbol should be used.

Standard:

These signs shall have a retroreflective white legend and border on a rectangular green background. The carpool symbol shall be as shown for the D4-2 sign D4-2. The color of the local transit logo pictograph shall be selected by the local transit authority.

Option:

To increase the target value and contrast of the local transit logo pictograph, and to allow the local transit logo pictograph to retain its distinctive color and shape, the logo pictograph may be included within a white border or placed on a white background.

Section 2D.42 Rest Area Signs (D5 Series) relocated to Chapter 2I

Section 2D.43 Scenic Area Signs (D6 Series) relocated to Chapter 2I

Section 2D.44 2D.49 Weigh Station Signing (D8 Series)

Support:

The general concept for Weigh Station signing is similar to Rest Area signing (see Section 2I.05) because in both cases traffic using either area remains within the right-of-way.

Standard:

The standard installation for Weigh Station signing shall include three basic signs:

Advance sign (D8-1),
Exit Direction sign (D8-2), and
Exit Gore sign (D8-3).

Support:

Example locations of these signs are shown in Figure 2D-17.

Option:

Where State law requires a regulatory sign (R13-1) in advance of the Weigh Station, a fourth sign (see Section 2B.60) may be located following the Advance sign.

Guidance:

The Exit Direction sign (D8-2) or the Advance sign (D8-1) should display, either within the sign border or on a supplemental plaque or sign panel, the changeable message OPEN or CLOSED.

Section 2D.45 General Service Signs (D9 Series) relocated to Chapter 2I

Section 2D.46 Reference Location Signs (D10-1 through D10-3) and Intermediate Reference Location Signs (D10-1a through D10-3a) relocated to Chapter 2H

Section 2D.47 Traffic Signal Speed Sign (I1-1) relocated to Chapter 2H

Section 2D.48 General Information Signs (I Series) relocated to Chapter 2H

Section 2D.50 Community Wayfinding Signs

Support:

Community wayfinding guide signs are part of a coordinated and continuous system of signs that direct tourists and other road users to key civic, cultural, visitor, and recreational attractions and other destinations within a city or a local urbanized or downtown area.

Community wayfinding guide signs are a type of destination guide sign for conventional roads with a common color and/or identification enhancement marker for destinations within an overall wayfinding guide sign plan for an area.

Figures 2D-18 through 2D-20 illustrate various examples of the design and application of community wayfinding guide signs.

Standard:

The use of community wayfinding guide signs shall be limited to conventional roads. Community wayfinding guide signs shall not be installed on freeway or expressway mainlines or ramps. Direction to community wayfinding destinations from a freeway or expressway shall be limited to the use of a Supplemental Guide sign (see Section 2E.35) on the mainline and a Destination sign (see Section 2D.37) on the ramp to direct road users to the area or areas within which community wayfinding guide signs are used. The individual wayfinding destinations shall not be displayed on the Supplemental Guide and Destination signs except where the destinations are in accordance with the State or agency policy on Supplemental Guide signs.

Community wayfinding guide signs shall not be used to provide direction to primary destinations or highway routes or streets. Destination or other guide signs shall be used for this purpose as described elsewhere in this Chapter and shall have priority over any community wayfinding sign in placement, prominence, and conspicuity.

Because regulatory, warning, and other guide signs have a higher priority, community wayfinding guide signs shall not be installed where adequate spacing cannot be provided between the community wayfinding guide sign and other higher priority signs. Community wayfinding guide signs shall not be installed in a position where they would obscure the road users' view of other traffic control devices.

Community wayfinding guide signs shall not be mounted overhead.

Guidance:

If used, a community wayfinding guide sign system should be established on a local municipal or equivalent jurisdictional level or for an urbanized area of adjoining municipalities or equivalent that form an identifiable geographic entity that is conducive to a cohesive and continuous system of signs. Community wayfinding guide signs should not be used on a regional or statewide basis where infrequent or sparse placement does not contribute to a continuous or coordinated system of signing that is readily identifiable as such to the road user. In such cases, Destination or other guide signs detailed in this Chapter should be used to direct road users to an identifiable area in which the type of eligible destination described in Paragraph 1 is located.

Support:

The specific provisions of this Section regarding the design of community wayfinding sign legends apply to vehicular community wayfinding signs and do not apply to those signs that are intended only to provide information or direction to pedestrians or other users of a sidewalk or roadside area.

Guidance:

Because pedestrian wayfinding signs typically use smaller legends that are inadequately sized for viewing by vehicular traffic and because they can provide direction to pedestrians that might conflict with that appropriate for vehicular traffic, wayfinding signs designed for and intended to provide direction to pedestrians or other users of a sidewalk or other roadside area should be located to minimize their conspicuity to vehicular traffic. Such signs should be located as far as practical from the street, such as at the far edge of the sidewalk. Where locating such signs farther from the roadway is not practical, the pedestrian wayfinding signs should have their conspicuity to vehicular traffic minimized by employing one or a combination of the following methods:

Locating signs away from intersections where high-priority traffic control devices are present.
Facing the pedestrian message toward the sidewalk and away from the street.
Cantilevering the sign over the sidewalk if the pedestrian wayfinding sign is mounted at a height consistent with vehicular traffic signs, removing the pedestrian wayfinding signs from the line of sight in a sequence of vehicular signs.

To further minimize their conspicuity to vehicular traffic during nighttime conditions, pedestrian wayfinding signs should not be retroreflective.

Support:

Color coding is sometimes used on community wayfinding guide signs to help road users distinguish between multiple potentially confusing traffic generator destinations located in different neighborhoods or subareas within a community or area.

Option:

At the boundaries of the geographical area within which community wayfinding guide signing is used, an informational guide sign (see Figures 2D-18 and 2D-20) may be posted to inform road users about the presence of wayfinding signing and to identify the meanings of the various color codes or pictographs that are being used.

Standard:

These informational guide signs shall have a white legend and border on a green background and shall have a design similar to that illustrated in Figures 2D-1 and 2D-18 and shall be consistent with the basic design principles for guide signs. These informational guide signs shall not be installed on freeway or expressway mainlines or ramps.

The color coding or a pictograph of the identification enhancement markers of the community wayfinding guide signing system shall be included on the informational guide sign posted at the boundary of the community wayfinding guide signing area. The color coding or pictographs shall apply to a specific, identifiable neighborhood or geographical subarea within the overall area covered by the community wayfinding guide signing. Color coding or pictographs shall not be used to distinguish between different types of destinations that are within the same designated neighborhood or subarea. The color coding shall be accomplished by the use of different colored square or rectangular panels on the face of the informational guide sign, each positioned to the left of the neighborhood or named geographic area to which the color-coding panel applies. The height of the colored square or rectangular panels shall not exceed two times the height of the upper-case letters of the principal legend on the sign.

Option:

The different colored square or rectangular panels may include either a black or a white (whichever provides the better contrast with the color of the panel) letter, numeral, or other appropriate designation to identify the destination.

Except for the informational guide sign posted at the boundary of the wayfinding guide sign area, community wayfinding guide signs may use background colors other than green in order to provide a color identification for the wayfinding destinations by geographical area within the overall wayfinding guide signing system. Color-coded community wayfinding guide signs may be used with or without the boundary informational guide sign displaying corresponding color-coding panels described in Paragraphs 13 through 16. Except as provided in Paragraphs 18 and 19, in addition to the colors that are approved in this Manual for use on official traffic control signs (see Section 2A.10), other background colors may also be used for the color coding of community wayfinding guide signs.

Standard:

The standard colors of red, orange, yellow, purple, or the fluorescent versions thereof, fluorescent yellow-green, and fluorescent pink shall not be used as background colors for community wayfinding guide signs, in order to minimize possible confusion with critical, higher-priority regulatory and warning sign color meanings readily understood by road users.

The minimum contrast value of legend color to background color for community wayfinding guide signs shall be at least 0.70 (or 70%).

All messages, borders, legends, and backgrounds of community wayfinding guide signs and any identification enhancement markers shall be retroreflective (see Sections 2A.07 and 2A.08).

Guidance:

Community wayfinding guide signs, exclusive of any identification enhancement marker used, should be rectangular in shape. Simplicity and uniformity in design, position, and application as described in Section 2A.06 are important and should be incorporated into the community wayfinding guide sign design and location plans for the area.

Community wayfinding guide signs should be limited to three destinations per sign (see Section 2D.07).

Abbreviations (see Section 1A.15) should be kept to a minimum, and should include only those that are commonly recognized and understood.

Horizontal lines of a color that contrasts with the sign background color should be used to separate groups of destinations by direction from each other.

Support:

The basic requirement for all highway signs, including community wayfinding signs, is that they be legible to those for whom they are intended and that they be understandable in time to permit a proper response. Section 2A.06 contains additional information on the design of signs, including desirable attributes of effective designs.

Guidance:

Word messages should be as brief as practical and the lettering should be large enough to provide the necessary legibility distance.

Standard:

The minimum specific ratio of letter height to legibility distance shall comply with the provisions of Section 2A.13. The size of lettering used for destination and directional legends on community wayfinding signs shall comply with the provisions of minimum letter heights as provided in Section 2D.06.

Interline and edge spacing shall comply with the provisions of Section 2D.06.

Except as provided in Paragraph 31, the lettering style used for destination and directional legends on community wayfinding guide signs shall comply with the provisions of Section 2D.05.

The lettering for destinations on community wayfinding guide signs shall be a combination of lower-case letters with initial upper-case letters (see Section 2D.05). All other word messages on community wayfinding guide signs shall be in all upper-case letters.

Option:

A lettering style other than the Standard Alphabets provided in the "Standard Highway Signs and Markings" book may be used on community wayfinding guide signs if an engineering study determines that the legibility and recognition values for the chosen lettering style meet or exceed the values for the Standard Alphabets for the same legend height and stroke width.

Standard:

Except for signs that are intended to be viewed only by pedestrians, bicyclists stopped out of the flow of traffic, or occupants of parked vehicles, Internet and e-mail addresses, including domain names and uniform resource locators (URL), shall not be displayed on any community wayfinding guide sign or sign assembly.

The arrow location and priority order of destinations shall follow the provisions described in Sections 2D.08 and 2D.37. Arrows shall be of the designs provided in Section 2D.08.

Option:

Pictographs (see definition in Section 1A.13) may be used on community wayfinding guide signs.

Standard:

If a pictograph is used, its height shall not exceed two times the height of the upper-case letters of the principal legend on the sign.

Except for pictographs, symbols that are not approved in this Manual for use on guide signs shall not be used on community wayfinding guide signs.

Business logos, commercial graphics, or other forms of advertising (see Section 1A.01) shall not be used on community wayfinding guide signs or sign assemblies.

Option:

Other graphics that specifically identify the wayfinding system, including identification enhancement markers, may be used on the overall sign assembly and sign supports.

Support:

An enhancement marker consists of a shape, color, and/or pictograph that is used as a visual identifier for the community wayfinding guide signing system for an area. Figure 2D-18 shows examples of identification enhancement marker designs that can be used with community wayfinding guide signs.

Option:

An identification enhancement marker may be used in a community wayfinding guide sign assembly, or may be incorporated into the overall design of a community wayfinding guide sign, as a means of visually identifying the sign as part of an overall system of community wayfinding signs and destinations.

Standard:

The sizes and shapes of identification enhancement markers shall be smaller than the community wayfinding guide signs themselves. Identification enhancement markers shall not be designed to have an appearance that could be mistaken by road users as being a traffic control device.

Guidance:

The area of the identification enhancement marker should not exceed 1/5 of the area of the community wayfinding guide sign with which it is mounted in the same sign assembly.

Section 2D.51 Truck, Passing, or Climbing Lane Signs (D17-1 and D17-2)

Guidance:

If an extra lane has been provided for trucks and other slow-moving traffic, a NEXT TRUCK LANE XX MILES (D17-1) sign and/or a TRUCK LANE XX MILES (D17-2) sign (see Figure 2D-21) should be installed in advance of the lane.

Option:

Alternative legends such as PASSING LANE or CLIMBING LANE may be used instead of TRUCK LANE.

Section 2B.31 contains information regarding regulatory signs for these types of lanes.

Section 2D.52 Slow Vehicle Turn-Out Sign (D17-7)

Guidance:

If a slow vehicle turn-out area has been provided for slow-moving traffic, a SLOW VEHICLE TURN-OUT XX MILES (D17-7) sign (see Figure 2D-21) should be installed in advance of the turn-out area.

Option:

Section 2B.35 contains information regarding regulatory signs for slow vehicle turn-out areas.

Section 2D.49 2D.53 Signing of Named Highways the first four paragraphs have been relocated to Section 2M.10

Option:

Guide signs may contain street or highway names if the purpose is to enhance driver communication and guidance; however, they are to be considered as supplemental information to route numbers.

Standard:

Highway names shall not replace official numeral designations.

Memorial names (see Section 2M.10) shall not appear on supplemental signs or on any other information sign either on or along the highway or its intersecting routes.

The use of route signs shall be restricted to signs officially used for guidance of traffic in accordance with this Manual and the "Purpose and Policy" statement of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials that applies to Interstate and U.S. numbered routes (see Page i for AASHTO's address).

Option:

Unnumbered routes having major importance to proper guidance of traffic may be signed if carried out in accordance with the aforementioned policies. For unnumbered highways, a name to enhance route guidance may be used where the name is applied consistently throughout its length.

Guidance:

Only one name should be used to identify any highway, whether numbered or unnumbered.

Section 2D.50 Trail Signs relocated to Section 2H.07

Section 2D.51 2D.54 Crossover Signs (D13-1 Series and D13-2)

Option:

Crossover signs may be installed on divided highways to identify median openings not otherwise identified by warning or other guide signs.

Standard:

A CROSSOVER (D13-1) sign (see Figure 2D-21) shall not be used to identify a median opening that is permitted to be used only by official or authorized vehicles. If used, the sign shall be a horizontal rectangle of appropriate size to carry the word CROSSOVER and a horizontal directional arrow. The CROSSOVER sign shall have a white legend and border on a green background.

Guidance:

If used, the CROSSOVER sign should be installed immediately beyond the median opening, either on the right-hand side of the roadway or in the median.

Option:

The Advance Crossover (D13-2) sign (see Figure 2D-21) may be installed in advance of the CROSSOVER sign to provide advance notice of the crossover.

Standard:

If used, the Advance Crossover sign shall be a horizontal rectangle of appropriate size to carry the word CROSSOVER and the distance to the median opening. The sign shall have white legend and border on a green background.

Guidance:

The distance shown displayed on the Advance Crossover sign should be 1 MILE, 1/2 MILE, or 1/4 MILE, unless unusual conditions require some other distance. If used, the sign should be installed either on the right-hand side of the roadway or in the median at approximately the distance shown displayed on the sign.

Section 2D.52 2D.55 National Scenic Byways Signs (D6-4, D6-4a)

Support:

Certain roads have been designated by the U.S. Secretary of Transportation as National Scenic Byways or All-American Roads based on their archeological, cultural, historic, natural, recreational, or scenic qualities.

Option:

State and local highway agencies may install the National Scenic Byways (D6-4 or D6-4a) signs at entrance points to a route that has been recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Transportation as a National Scenic Byway or an All-American Road. The D6-4 or D6-4a sign may be installed on route sign assemblies (see Figure 2D-22) or as part of larger roadside structures. National Scenic Byways signs may also be installed at periodic intervals along the designated route and at intersections where the designated route turns or follows a different numbered highway. At locations where roadside features have been developed to enhance the traveler's experience such as rest areas, historic sites, interpretive facilities, or scenic overlooks, the National Scenic Byways sign may be placed on the associated sign assembly to inform travelers that the site contributes to the byway travel experience.

Standard:

When a National Scenic Byways sign is installed on a National Scenic Byway or an All-American Road, the design shown for the D6-4 or D6-4a sign in Figure 2D-22 shall be used. Use of this design shall be limited to routes that have been designated as a National Scenic Byway or All-American Road by the U.S. Secretary of Transportation.

If used, the D6-4 or D6-4a sign shall be placed such that the roadway route signs have primary visibility for the road user.

CHAPTER 2E. GUIDE SIGNS—FREEWAYS AND EXPRESSWAYS

Section 2E.01 Scope of Freeway and Expressway Guide Sign Standards

Support:

These standards The provisions of this Chapter provide a uniform and effective system of highway signing for high-volume, high-speed motor vehicle traffic on freeways and expressways. The requirements and specifications for expressway signing exceed those for conventional roads (see Chapter 2D), but are less than those for freeway signing. Since there are many geometric design variables to be found in existing roads, a signing concept commensurate with prevailing conditions is the primary consideration. Section 1A.13 includes definitions of freeway and expressway.

Guide signs for freeways and expressways are primarily identified by the name of the sign rather than by an assigned sign code designation. Guidelines for the design of guide signs for freeways and expressways are provided in Chapter 8 (Design Guidelines) of the "Standard Highway Signs and Markings" book (see Section 1A.11).

Standard:

The standards prescribed herein for freeway or expressway guide signing provisions of this Chapter shall apply to any highway that meets the definition of such freeway or expressway facilities.

Section 2E.02 Freeway and Expressway Signing Principles

Support:

The development of a signing system for freeways and expressways is approached on the premise that the signing is primarily for the benefit and direction of road users who are not familiar with the route or area. The signing furnishes road users with clear instructions for orderly progress to their destinations. Sign installations are an integral part of the facility and, as such, are best planned concurrently with the development of highway location and geometric design. For optimal results, plans for signing are analyzed during the earliest stages of preliminary design, and details are correlated as final design is developed. The excessive signing found on many major highways usually is the result of using a multitude of signs that are too small and that are poorly designed and placed to accomplish the intended purpose.

Freeway and expressway signing is to be considered and developed as a planned system of installations. An engineering study is sometimes necessary for proper solution of the problems of many individual locations, but, in addition, consideration of an entire route is necessary.

Guidance:

Road users should be guided with consistent signing on the approaches to interchanges, when they drive from one State to another, and when driving through rural or urban areas. Because geographical, geometric, and operating factors regularly create significant differences between urban and rural conditions, the signing should take these conditions into account.

Guide signs on freeways and expressways should serve distinct functions as follows:

Give directions to destinations, or to streets or highway routes, at intersections or interchanges;
Furnish advance notice of the approach to intersections or interchanges;
Direct road users into appropriate lanes in advance of diverging or merging movements;
Identify routes and directions on those routes;
Show distances to destinations;
Indicate access to general motorist services, rest, scenic, and recreational areas; and
Provide other information of value to the road user.

Section 2E.24 2E.03 Guide Sign Classification

Support:

Freeway and expressway guide signs are classified and treated in the following categories:

Route signs and Trailblazer Assemblies (see Section 2E.27),
At-Grade Intersection signs (see Section 2E.29),
Interchange signs (see Sections 2E.30 through 2E.39),
Interchange Sequence signs (see Section 2E.40),
Community Interchanges Identification signs (see Section 2E.41),
NEXT XX EXITS signs (see Section 2E.42),
Weigh Station signing (see Section 2E.54),
Miscellaneous guide information signs (see Section 2H.04),
Reference Location signs (see Section 2H.05),
General Service signs (see Section 2E.51 Chapter 2I),
Rest and Scenic Area signs (see Section 2I.05),
Tourist Information and Welcome Center signs (see Section 2I.08),
Radio Information signing (see Section 2I.09),
Carpool and Ridesharing signing (see Section 2I.11),
Specific Service signs (see Chapter 2J), and
Recreational and Cultural Interest Area signs (see Chapter 2M).

Section 2E.03 2E.04 General

Support:

Signs are designed so that they are legible to road users approaching them and readable in time to permit proper responses. Desired design characteristics include: (a) long visibility distances, (b) large lettering, and symbols, and arrows, and (c) short legends for quick comprehension.

Standard:

Standard shapes and colors shall be used so that traffic signs can be promptly recognized by road users.

Section 2E.04 2E.05 Color of Guide Signs

Standard:

Guide signs on freeways and expressways, except as otherwise noted provided herein in this Manual, shall have white letters, symbols, arrows, and borders on a green background.

Support:

Color requirements for route signs and trailblazers, signs with blank-out or changeable messages, signs for services, rest areas, park and recreational areas, and for certain miscellaneous signs are specified provided in the individual Sections dealing with the particular sign or sign group.

Section 2E.05 2E.06 Retroreflection or Illumination

Standard:

Letters, numerals, symbols, arrows, and borders of all guide signs shall be retroreflectorized. The background of all guide signs that are not independently illuminated shall be retroreflective.

Support:

Where there is no serious interference from extraneous light sources, retroreflectorized ground- post-mounted signs usually provide adequate nighttime visibility.

On freeways and expressways where much driving at night is done with low-beam headlights, the amount of headlight illumination incident to an overhead sign display is relatively small.

Guidance:

Overhead sign installations should be illuminated unless an engineering study shows that retroreflectorization alone will perform effectively. The type of illumination chosen should provide effective and reasonably uniform illumination of the sign face and message.

Section 2E.06 2E.07 Characteristics of Urban Signing

Support:

Urban conditions are characterized not so much by city limits or other arbitrary boundaries, as by the following features:

Mainline roadways with more than two lanes in each direction;
High traffic volumes on the through roadways;
High volumes of traffic entering and leaving interchanges;
Interchanges closely spaced;
Roadway and interchange lighting;
Three or more interchanges serving the major city;
A loop, circumferential, or spur serving a sizable portion of the urban population; and
Visual clutter from roadside development.

Operating conditions and road geometrics on urban freeways and expressways usually make special sign treatments desirable, including:

Use of Interchange Sequence signs (see Section 2E.40);
Use of sign spreading to the maximum extent possible (see Section 2E.11);
Elimination of General or Specific Service signing (see Section 2E.51 Chapters 2I and 2J);
Reduction to a minimum of post-interchange signs (see Section 2E.38);
Display of advance signs at distances closer to the interchange, with appropriate adjustments in the legend (see Section 2E.33);
Use of overhead signs on roadway structures and independent sign supports (see Section 2E.25);
Use of Overhead Arrow-per-Lane or Diagrammatic guide signs in advance of intersections and interchanges (see Sections 2E.21 and 2E.22); and
Frequent use of street names as the principal message in guide signs.

Lower speeds which are often characteristic of urban operations do not justify lower signing standards. Typical traffic patterns are more complex for the road user to negotiate, and large, easy-to-read legends are, therefore, just as necessary as on rural highways.

Section 2E.07 2E.08 Characteristics of Rural Signing

Support:

Rural areas ordinarily have greater distances between interchanges, which permits adequate spacing for the sequences of signs on the approach to and departure from each interchange. However, the absence of traffic in adjoining lanes and on entering or exiting ramps often adds monotony or inattention to rural driving. This increases the importance of signs that call for decisions or actions.

Guidance:

Where there are long distances between interchanges and the alignment is relatively unchanging, signs should be positioned for their best effect on road users. The tendency to group all signing in the immediate vicinity of rural interchanges should be avoided by considering the entire route in the development of signing plans. Extra effort should be given to the placement of signs at natural target locations to command the attention of the road user, particularly when the message requires an action by the road user.

Section 2E.08 2E.09 Memorial Highway Signing of Named Highways the previous text in this section is now contained in Section 2M.10

Support:

Section 2D.53 contains information, which is also applicable to freeways and expressways, regarding the use of highway names on the signing for unnumbered highways to enhance route guidance and facilitate travel.

Section 2M.10 contains information regarding memorial signing of routes, bridges, or highway components.

Guidance:

Freeways and expressways should not be signed as memorial highways. If a route, bridge, or highway component is officially designated as a memorial, and if notification of the memorial is to be made on the highway right-of-way, such notification should consist of installing a memorial plaque in a rest area, scenic overlook, recreational area, or other appropriate location where parking is provided with the signing inconspicuously located relative to vehicle operations along the highway.

Option:

If the installation of a memorial plaque off the main roadway is not practical, a memorial sign may be installed on the mainline.

Standard:

Where such memorial signs are installed on the mainline, (1) memorial names shall not appear on directional guide signs, (2) memorial signs shall not interfere with the placement of any other necessary highway signing, and (3) memorial signs shall not compromise the safety or efficiency of traffic flow. The memorial signing shall be limited to one sign at an appropriate location in each route direction.

Section 2E.09 2E.10 Amount of Legend on Guide Signs

Guidance:

No more than two destination names or street names should be shown displayed on any Advance Guide sign or Exit Direction sign. A city name and street name on the same sign should be avoided. Where two or three signs are placed on the same supports, destinations or names should be limited to one per sign, or to a total of three in the display. Sign legends should not exceed three lines of copy, exclusive of the exit number and action or distance information.

Option:

Sign legends may include symbols, route numbers, arrows, cardinal directions, and exit instructions.

Section 2E.10 2E.11 Number of Signs at an Overhead Installation and Sign Spreading

Guidance:

If overhead signs are warranted, as set forth in Section 2A.17, the number of signs at these locations should be limited to only those essential in communicating pertinent destination information to the road user. Exit Direction signs for a single exit and the Advance Guide signs should have only one panel sign with one or two destinations. Regulatory signs, such as speed limits, should not be used in conjunction with overhead guide sign installations. Because road users have limited time to read and comprehend sign messages, there should not be more than three guide signs displayed at any one location either on the overhead structure or its support.

Option:

At overhead locations, more than one sign may be installed to advise of a multiple exit condition at an interchange. If the roadway ramp or crossing roadway has complex or unusual geometrics, additional signs with confirming messages may be provided to properly guide the road user.

Support:

Sign spreading is a concept where major overhead signs are spaced so that road users are not overloaded with a group of signs at a single location. Figure 2E-1 illustrates an example of sign spreading.

Guidance:

Where overhead signing is used, sign spreading should be used at all single exit interchanges and to the extent possible at multi-exit interchanges. Sign spreading should be accomplished by use of the following:

The Exit Direction sign should be the only sign used in the vicinity of the gore (other than the Exit Gore sign). It should be located overhead near the theoretical gore and generally on an overhead sign support structure.
The Advance Guide sign to indicate the next interchange exit should be placed near the crossroad location. If the crossroad goes over the mainline, the Advance Guide sign should be placed on the overcrossing structure or on a separate structure immediately in front of the overcrossing structure.

Section 2E.11 2E.12 Pull-Through Signs (E6-2, E6-2a)

Support:

Pull-Through (E6-2, E6-2a) signs (see Figure 2E-2) are overhead lane-use guide signs intended for through traffic.

Guidance:

Pull-Through signs should be used where the geometrics of a given interchange are such that it is not clear to the road user as to which is the through roadway, or where additional route guidance is desired. Pull-Through signs with down arrows should be used where the alignment of the through lanes is curved and the exit direction is straight ahead, where the number of through lanes is not readily evident, and at multi-lane exits where there is a reduction in the number of through lanes.

Support:

Sections 2E.20 through 2E.24 contain information regarding the use of Overhead Arrow-per-Lane or Diagrammatic guide signs at multi-lane exits where there is a reduction in the number of through lanes and a through lane becomes an interior option lane for through or exiting traffic.

Section 2E.12 2E.13 Designation of Destinations

Standard:

The direction of a freeway and the major destinations or control cities (see Section 2D.34) along it shall be clearly identified through the use of appropriate destination legends (see Section 2D.37). Successive freeway guide signs shall provide continuity in destination names and consistency with available map information. At any decision point, a given destination shall be indicated by way of only one route.

Guidance:

Control city legends should be used in the following situations along a freeway:

At interchanges between freeways;
At separation points of overlapping freeway routes;
On directional signs on intersecting routes, to guide traffic entering the freeway;
On Pull-Through signs; and
On the bottom line of post-interchange distance signs.

Support:

Continuity of destination names is also useful on expressways serving long-distance or intrastate travel.

The determination of major destinations or control cities is important to the quality of service provided by the freeway. Control cities on freeway guide signs are selected by the States and are contained in the "Guidelines for the Selection of Supplemental Guide Signs for Traffic Generators Adjacent to Freeways, 4th Edition/Guide Signs, Part II: Guidelines for Airport Guide Signing/Guide Signs, Part III: List of Control Cities for Use in Guide Signs on Interstate Highways," published by and available from the American Association of State and Highway Transportation Officials (see Page i for AASHTO's address Section 1A.11).

Section 2E.13 2E.14 Size and Style of Letters and Signs

Standard:

Except as provided in Section 2A.11, the sizes of freeway and expressway guide signs that have standardized designs shall be as shown in Table 2E-1.

Support:

Section 2A.11 contains information regarding the applicability of the various columns in Table 2E-1.

Option:

Signs larger than those shown in Table 2E-1 may be used (see Section 2A.11).

Standard:

With For all freeway and expressway signs that do not have a standardized design, the message dimensions shall be determined first, and the outside sign dimensions secondarily. Word messages in the legend of expressway guide signs shall be in letters at least 8 inches high. Larger lettering shall be used for major guide signs at or in advance of interchanges and for all overhead signs. Minimum numeral and letter sizes for expressway guide signs according to interchange classification, type of sign, and component of sign legend are shall be as shown in Tables 2E-2 and 2E-3. Minimum numeral and letter sizes for freeway guide signs according to interchange classification, type of sign, and component of sign legend appear shall be as shown in Tables 2E-4 and 2E-5. All names of places, streets, and highways on freeway and expressway guide signs shall be composed of lower-case letters with initial upper-case letters. The letters and the numerals used shall be Series E(M) of the "Standard Highway Signs and Markings" book (see Section 1A.11). The nominal loop height of the lower-case letters shall be 3/4 of the height of the initial upper-case letter (see Paragraph 2 of Section 2D.05 for additional information on the specification of letter heights). Other word legends shall be in composed of capital upper-case letters. Interline and edge spacing shall be as specified provided in Section 2E.15.

Lettering size on freeway and expressway signs shall be the same for both rural and urban conditions.

Support:

Sign size is determined primarily in terms of the length of the message and the size of the lettering necessary for proper legibility. Letter style and height, and arrow design have been standardized for freeway and expressway signs to assure uniform and effective application.

Designs for upper-case, and lower-case, and capital alphabets together with tables of recommended letter spacing, are shown in the "Standard Highway Signs and Markings" book (see Section 1A.11).

Guidance:

Where upper- and lower-case lettering is used, the initial upper-case letters should be approximately 1.33 times the "loop" height of the lower-case letters. Freeway lettering sizes (see Tables 2E-4 and 2E-5) should be used when expressway geometric design is comparable to freeway standards.

Other sign letter size requirements not specifically identified elsewhere in this Manual should be guided by these specifications. Abbreviations (see Section 2E.17) should be kept to a minimum.

Support:

A sign mounted over a particular roadway lane to which it applies might have to be limited in horizontal dimension to the width of the lane, so that another sign can be placed over an adjacent lane. The necessity to maintain proper vertical clearance might also place a further limitation on the size of the overhead sign and the legend that can be accommodated.

Section 2E.14 2E.15 Interline and Edge Spacing

Guidance:

Interline spacing of upper-case letters should be approximately three-fourths the average of upper-case letter heights in adjacent lines of letters.

The spacings to the top and bottom borders should be equal to the average of the letter height of the adjacent line of letters. The lateral spacing to the vertical borders should be essentially the same as the height of the largest letter.

Section 2E.15 2E.16 Sign Borders

Standard:

Signs shall have a border of the same color as the legend in order to outline their distinctive shape and thereby give them easy recognition and a finished appearance.

Guidance:

For guide signs larger than 120 x 72 inches, the border should have a width of 2 inches. For smaller guide signs, a border width of 1.25 inches should be used, but the width should not exceed the stroke width of the major lettering of the principal legend on the sign.

Corner radii of sign borders should be 1/8 of the minimum sign dimension on guide signs, except that the radii should not exceed 12 inches on any sign.

Option:

The sign material in the area outside of the corner radius may be trimmed.

Section 2E.16 2E.17 Abbreviations

Guidance:

Abbreviations should be kept to a minimum; however, they are useful when complete destination messages produce excessively long signs. If used, abbreviations should be unmistakably recognized by road users (see Section 1A.15). Longer commonly used words that are not part of a proper name and are readily recognizable, such as Street, Boulevard, and Avenue, should be abbreviated to expedite recognition of the sign legend by reducing the amount and complexity of the legend.

Periods, apostrophes, question marks, ampersands, or other punctuation or characters that are not letters, numerals, or hyphens should not be used in abbreviations, unless a cardinal direction is abbreviated as part of a destination name necessary to avoid confusion.

Standard:

The words NORTH, SOUTH, EAST, and WEST shall not be abbreviated when used with route signs to indicate cardinal directions on guide signs.

Section 2E.17 2E.18 Symbols

Standard:

Symbol designs shall be essentially unmistakably like those shown in this Manual and in the "Standard Highway Signs and Markings" book (see Section 1A.11).

Guidance:

A special effort should be made to balance legend components for maximum legibility of the symbol with the rest of the sign.

Option:

Educational plaques may be used below symbol signs where needed.

Section 2E.18 2E.19 Arrows for Interchange Guide Signs

Standard:

Arrows used on interchange guide signs shall be of the types shown in Figure 2D-2 and shall comply with the provisions of this Section and Section 2D.08.

On all Except on Exit Direction Overhead Arrow-per-Lane guide signs (see Section 2E.21) and on Exit Direction signs for lane drops (see Section 2E.24), and except as provided in Paragraphs 3 and 4, directional arrows on both all overhead and ground- post-mounted, arrows Exit Direction signs shall be point diagonally upward slanting and shall be located on the side of the sign consistent with the direction of the exiting movement.

Option:

On post-mounted Exit Direction signs that are located where a directional arrow to the side of the legend farthest from the roadway might create an unusually wide sign that limits the road user's view of the arrow, the directional arrow may be placed at the bottom portion of the sign, centered under the legend.

Standard:

Downward pointing arrows shall be used only for overhead guide signs to prescribe lane assignment for traffic bound for a destination or route that can be reached only by being in the designated lane(s).

Directional arrows on guide signs for multi-lane exits shall be positioned below the legend approximately over the center of each lane to which the arrow applies (see Figures 2E-4 and 2E-8).

On overhead signs where down arrows are used to indicate a lane to be followed, a down arrow shall be positioned approximately over the center of each lane and shall point vertically downward toward the approximate center of that lane. Down arrows shall be used only on overhead guide signs that restrict the use of specific lanes to traffic bound for the destination(s) and/or route(s) indicated by these arrows. Down arrows shall not be used unless an arrow can be located over and pointed to the approximate center of each lane that can be used to reach the destination displayed on the sign.

If down arrows are used, having more than one down arrow pointing to the same lane on a single overhead sign (or on multiple signs on the same overhead sign structure) shall not be permitted.

Option:

Downward pointing arrows may be tilted where it is desired to emphasize the separation of roadways.

Support:

Examples of Directional and down arrows for use on guide signs are shown in Figure 2D-2. Detailed dimensions of drawings and standardized sizes based on ranges of letter heights for these arrows are provided in the "Standard Highway Signs and Markings" book (see Section 1A.11). Information on the dimensions for arrows used in Overhead Arrow-per-Lane and Diagrammatic guide signing is also provided in the "Standard Highway Signs and Markings" book.

Section 2E.20 Signing for Option Lanes at Splits and Multi-Lane Exits

Support:

Some freeway and expressway splits or multi-lane exit interchanges contain an interior option lane serving both movements in which traffic can either leave the route or remain on the route, or choose either destination at a split, from the same lane.

Standard:

On freeways and expressways, either the Overhead Arrow-per-Lane or Diagrammatic guide sign designs as provided in Sections 2E.21 and 2E.22 shall be used for all multi-lane exits at major interchanges (see Section 2E.32) that have an optional exit lane that also carries the through route (see Figures 2E-4, 2E-5, 2E-8, and 2E-9) and for all splits that include an option lane (see Figures 2E-6 and 2E-10). Overhead Arrow-per-Lane or Diagrammatic guide signs shall not be used on freeways and expressways for any other types of exits or splits, including single-lane exits and splits that do not have an option lane.

Guidance:

The Overhead Arrow-per-Lane guide sign design (see Section 2E.21) should also be considered for multi-lane exits with an option lane at intermediate interchanges (see Section 2E.32) based on such factors as the extent of the need to optimize the mainline operation by maximizing the usage of the option lane, the extent of the period(s) of the day during which the exiting volumes warrant the multi-lane exit arrangement, and the nature of the traffic that primarily uses the option lane during the high-volume periods.

Signing for multi-lane exits at minor interchanges (see Section 2E.32) that have an optional exit lane or at intermediate interchanges that have an optional exit lane at which it has been determined that the Overhead Arrow-per-Lane guide sign design is not warranted should use a combination of conventional guide signing and regulatory lane-use signing, in accordance with the provisions of Section 2E.23.

Section 2E.21 Design of Overhead Arrow-per-Lane Guide Signs for Option Lanes

Support:

Overhead Arrow-per-Lane guide signs (see Figure 2E-3) are used where an option lane is present at freeway and expressway multi-lane exit interchanges and splits. They display an upward-pointing arrow above each lane that conveys the direction(s) of travel that the lane serves at the point of departure. At locations where an option lane is present at a multi-lane exit or split, Overhead Arrow-per-Lane guide signs have been shown to be superior to either conventional guide signs or Diagrammatic guide signs because they convey positive direction about which destination and direction each approach lane serves, particularly for the option lane, which is otherwise difficult to clearly sign.

Standard:

Overhead Arrow-per-Lane guide signs shall be used on all new or reconstructed freeways and expressways as described in Section 2E.20.

Where used, the Overhead Arrow-per-Lane guide sign at the exit or split shall be located at or in the immediate vicinity of the point where the exiting lanes begin to diverge from the through lanes or, for a split, at the point where the approach lanes begin to diverge from one another, preserving the relation of the arrows displayed on the sign to their respective lanes. The Overhead Arrow-per-Lane guide sign at the exit shall not be located at or near the theoretical gore.

Option:

At existing or non-reconstructed locations where Exit Direction and Pull-Through signs exist at the theoretical gore, the existing sign support structure may remain in place, continuing to use Exit Direction and Pull-Through signs, in conjunction with a replacement of the advance signs using the Overhead Arrow-per-Lane guide sign design.

Standard:

If existing Exit Direction and Pull-Through signs are being retained at an interchange as provided in Paragraph 4, an Overhead Arrow-per-Lane guide sign shall not be used at the location of the Exit Direction and Pull-Through signs at or in the vicinity of the theoretical gore. New installations of Exit Direction and Pull-Through signs shall not be permitted in conjunction with Overhead Arrow-per-Lane guide signs on new or reconstructed facilities.

Guidance:

Overhead Arrow-per-Lane guide signs should be located at approximately 1/2 mile and 1 mile in advance of the exit or split, and at approximately 2 miles in advance of the exit or split where space is available and conditions allow.

Standard:

Overhead Arrow-per-Lane guide signs used on freeways and expressways shall include one arrow above each lane and shall be designed in accordance with the following criteria:

The sign shall include an upward-pointing arrow for each lane of the approach to the split or exit, and the shaft of each arrow shall be located approximately over the center of the lane to which it applies.
Arrows for continuing through lanes shall be vertically upward pointing (see Figure 2E-4) unless those lanes are on a significantly curved alignment beyond the theoretical gore, in which case the arrows for the continuing through lanes shall indicate the approximate degree of curvature (see Figure 2E-5).
The arrow for a lane that must exit shall be curved in the direction of the exit and shall be accompanied by black-on-yellow EXIT (E11-1a) and ONLY (E11-1b) sign panels adjacent to the lower end of the arrow shaft. The E11-1a and E11-1b sign panels shall not be used for a split of two overlapping routes where neither of the diverging routes is designated as an exit. Where the through lanes curve and the exit continues on a straight alignment, upward-pointing vertical arrows shall be used for the exiting movement and curved arrows for the through movement.
The arrow for an optional exit lane that also carries the through route shall have a single shaft that bifurcates into a vertically upward-pointing arrow and a curving arrow corresponding to the configuration of the through and exit lanes.
For splits with an option lane, the arrow for the lane from which either direction of the split can be accessed shall have a single shaft that bifurcates into two upward-pointing curving arrows showing the approximate degrees of curvature of the two roadways beyond the theoretical gore (see Figure 2E-6).
A vertical white line shall be used to separate the route shields and destinations for the two diverging movements from each other.
The distance to the exit or split shall be displayed below the off-movement destination on the advance signs at the 1-mile and 2-mile locations.
The number of lanes displayed on a sign shall correspond to the number of lanes at the location of that sign. An advance sign shall not depict lanes that are added downstream of a sign location.
For numbered exits, the Exit Number (E1-5P) or Left Exit Number (E1-5bP) plaque shall be used at the top of the sign in accordance with Section 2E.31. For unnumbered left exits, the LEFT (E1-5aP) plaque shall be used at the top left edge of the sign.

Guidance:

Overhead Arrow-per-Lane guide signs used on freeways and expressways should be designed in accordance with the following additional criteria:

No more than one destination should be displayed for each movement, and no more than two destinations should be displayed per sign.
The arrowhead(s) for the diverging movement should be positioned lower on the sign than the arrowhead(s) for the movement that continues straight ahead, independent of which movement carries the through route. Where the movements are freeway or expressway splits rather than exits, the arrowheads should be positioned at approximately the same height on the sign.
Route shields, cardinal directions, and destinations should be positioned on the sign such that they are clearly related to the arrowhead(s) for the movement to which they apply.
The cardinal direction should be placed adjacent to the route shield for exits or splits leading in a single cardinal direction.
The vertical white line that is used to separate the route shields and destinations for the two diverging movements from each other should not descend below the top of the arrowheads for the through lanes, and should be positioned approximately halfway between the diverging arrowheads for the optional movement lane (see Figure 2E-3).

Standard:

Overhead Arrow-per-Lane guide signs shall not be used to depict a downstream split of an exit ramp on a sign located on the mainline.

Support:

Specific guidelines for more detailed design of Overhead Arrow-per-Lane guide signs are contained in the "Standard Highway Signs and Markings" book (see Section 1A.11).

Option:

Where extra emphasis of an especially low advisory ramp speed is needed, an EXIT XX MPH (E13-2) sign panel (see Figure 2E-27) may be placed below the applicable destination legend to supplement, but not to replace, the exit or ramp advisory speed warning signs.

Section 2E.19 2E.22 Design of Freeway and Expressway Diagrammatic Guide Signs for Option Lanes

Support:

Diagrammatic guide signs (see Figure 2E-7) are guide signs that show a simplified graphic view of the exit arrangement in relationship to the main highway. While the use of such guide signs has been shown to be superior to conventional guide signs for some interchanges might be helpful for the purpose of conveying relative direction of each movement, Diagrammatic guide signs have been shown to be less effective than conventional or Overhead Arrow-per-Lane guide signs at conveying the destination or direction(s) that each approach lane serves, regardless of whether dedicated or option lanes are present.

Standard:

Diagrammatic guide signs used where an option lane is present at a freeway or expressway split or multi-lane exit shall be designed in accordance with the following criteria:

The graphic legend shall be of a plan view showing the off-ramp arrangement (see Figure 2E-3).
No other symbols or route shields shall be used as a substitute for arrowheads.
They shall not be installed at the Exit Direction sign location (see Section 2E.36).
The EXIT ONLY sign panel shall not be used on diagrammatic guide signs at any major split in advance of the interchange.
For numbered exits, the Exit Number (E1-5P) or Left Exit Number (E1-5bP) plaque shall be used at the top of the sign in accordance with Section 2E.31. For unnumbered left exits, the LEFT (E1-5aP) plaque shall be used at the top left edge of the sign.
The EXIT ONLY (E11-1e or E11-1f) sign panels shall be used on the Exit Direction sign at the theoretical gore, except at splits of two overlapping routes where neither of the routes is designated as an exit.

Guidance:

Diagrammatic guide signs used on freeways and expressways should be designed in accordance with the following additional criteria:

The graphic should not depict deceleration lanes.
No more than one destination should be shown displayed for each arrowhead movement, and no more than two destinations should be shown displayed per sign.
A black on yellow EXIT ONLY panel should be used to supplement a lane drop graphic.
The shaft arrowhead for the exit ramp diverging movement should be shorter than, but not separated from, the through movement graphic positioned lower on the sign than the arrowhead for the movement that continues straight ahead, independent of which movement carries the through route (see Figures 2E-8 and 2E-9). Where the movements are freeway or expressway splits rather than exits, the shafts arrowheads should be equal in length positioned at approximately the same height on the sign (see Figure 2E-10).
Arrow shafts should contain lane lines where appropriate.
Route shields, cardinal directions, and destinations should be positioned on the sign such that they are clearly related to the arrowhead(s), and the arrowhead for the off movement should point toward the route shield for the off movement to which they apply.
For exits or splits leading in a single direction, the cardinal direction should be placed adjacent to the route shield, and the destination should be placed below and justified with the route shield and cardinal direction.

Diagrammatic signs should be used at the Advance Guide sign location(s) for the following:

Left exits (see Figure 2E-3).
Splits where the off-route movement is to the left (see Figure 2E-4).
Optional lane splits for non-overlapping routes (see Figure 2E-5).
Where a two-lane exit has an optional lane that carries the through route (see Figures 2E-6 and 2E-7). These interchanges create serious expectancy problems for drivers who are unfamiliar with the interchange.
Left exit interchange lane drop situations. In this situation, an EXIT ONLY (E11-1c) panel should be used without a down arrow for Advance Guide signs (see Figure 2E-8).

Standard:

Diagrammatic guide signs have been shown to be inferior to conventional signs shall not be used at cloverleaf interchanges and shall not be used at these locations. for the purpose of depicting successive departures from the mainline or separate downstream departures from a collector-distributor roadway. The use of Diagrammatic guide signs at cloverleaf interchanges shall be limited to the following cases:

Where the outer (non-loop) exit ramp of the cloverleaf is a multi-lane exit having an optional exit lane that also carries the through route; and
At cloverleaf interchanges that include collector-distributor roadways, such as those illustrated in Figure 2E-36, that are accessed from the mainline by a multi-lane exit having an optional exit lane that also carries the through route. In this case, the Diagrammatic guide sign shall only show the configuration of the lanes at the exit point to the collector-distributor roadway and not the entire interchange configuration.

Support:

Specific guidelines for more detailed design of Diagrammatic guide signs are contained in the "Standard Highway Signs and Markings" book (see Section 1A.11).

Option:

Section 2E.23 Signing for Intermediate and Minor Interchange Multi-Lane Exits with an Option Lane

Support:

Intermediate and minor multi-lane exits might have an operational need for the presence of an option lane for only the peak period during which excessive queues might otherwise develop if the option lane were not available. In such cases, the Overhead Arrow-per-Lane or Diagrammatic guide signing described for option lanes in Sections 2E.21 and 2E.22 might not be practical, depending on the level of use of the option lane and the spacing of nearby interchanges, particularly in non-rural areas.

Guidance:

Signing for an intermediate or minor interchange that has a multi-lane exit with an option lane that also carries the through route should use the same basic principles as those for a conventional exit. In such cases, the option lane is not signed on the Advance Guide signs. For such exits that involve the addition of an auxiliary lane that is not present at the Advance Guide sign locations, but do not involve a lane drop (see Figure 2E-12), a sequence of post-mounted or overhead-mounted Advance Guide signs should be used, located in accordance with the interchange classification (see Section 2E.32). The Exit Direction sign should be located at the theoretical gore and display a diagonally upward-pointing directional arrow above each lane that departs from the mainline alignment. The Exit Direction sign should not contain the EXIT ONLY legend.

For such interchanges that also have a lane drop (see Figure 2E-11), the Advance Guide and Exit Direction signs should follow the provisions of Section 2E.24. The Exit Direction sign should be located at the theoretical gore and should contain the EXIT ONLY (E11-1e) sign panel.

The presence of the option lane should be conveyed by the use of post-mounted lane-use (R3-8 Series) signs (see Section 2B.22). When used, the R3-8 signs should be of an appropriate size for their application to optimize their conspicuity. The signs should be located in succession with the Advance Guide signs, where the option and exit lanes have developed (see Figure 2E-11). In cases where the exiting lane or lanes have not developed and the option lane is created by the addition of an auxiliary lane that exits, the R3-8 signs should be located only adjacent to where the lanes have been fully developed and not in advance of the lane or along its transition (see Figure 2E-12).

Support:

The use of a down arrow on overhead freeway or expressway guide signs has been shown to be misinterpreted by road users as an indication of a dedicated lane.

Standard:

Advance Guide signs that are mounted overhead shall not display a down arrow over an option lane.

Section 2E.20 2E.24 Signing for Interchange Lane Drops

Standard:

The provisions of this Section shall only apply to lane drops at exits that do not have an optional exit lane. At exits that have an optional exit lane in addition to the dropped lane, the provisions of Sections 2E.20 through 2E.23 shall apply.

Major guide signs for all lane drops at interchanges shall be mounted overhead. An EXIT ONLY sign panel shall be used for all interchange lane drops at which the through route is carried on the mainline.

Guidance:

Except on Overhead Arrow-per-Lane and Diagrammatic guide signs (See Sections 2E.20 through 2E.22), the EXIT ONLY (down arrow) (E11-1 or E11-1f) sign panel (see Figure 2E-13) should shall be used on all signing of lane drops on all overhead Advance Guide signs for right exits (see Figures 2E-14 through 2E-16). For lane drops on the left side, diagrammatic signing with the EXIT ONLY (E11-1c) panel (see Figure 2E-9) should be used without a down arrow for Advance Guide signs (see Figure 2E-8). The number of arrows on each sign shall correspond to the number of dropped lanes at the location of each sign. Placement of the down arrow shall comply with the provisions of Section 2E.19.

Standard:

For lane drops, the Exit Direction sign (see Section 2E.36 and Figure 2E-26) and E11-1a panel (see Figure 2E-9) shall be of the format shown in Figures 2E-15 and 2E-16 for all lane drops. The standard slanted up arrow (left or right side) shall be included on the Exit Direction sign. The bottom portion of the Exit Direction sign shall be yellow with a black border and shall include a diagonally upward-pointing black directional arrow (left or right) for each lane dropped at the exit, with the sign designed and placed so that each arrow is located over the approximate center of each lane being dropped. The words EXIT and ONLY shall be positioned to the left and right, respectively, of the arrow on the E11-1d sign panel for a single-lane drop. For a two-lane drop, the words EXIT ONLY shall be located between the two arrows on the E11-1e sign panel. The number of arrows on the sign shall correspond to the number of dropped lanes at the location of the sign.

Option:

EXIT ONLY messages of either the combination of E11-1a and E11-1b, or E11-1c formats may be used to retrofit existing signing to warn of a lane drop situation ahead.

Standard:

If used on to retrofit an existing Advance Guide sign, the E11-1a and E11-1b sign panels (see Figure 2E-13) shall be placed on either side of a white down arrow. The E11-1c sign panel, if used on to retrofit an existing nondiagrammatic sign, shall be placed between the lower destination message and the white down arrow.

Guidance:

Except as provided in Paragraph 8 for an auxiliary lane, Advance Guide signs for lane drops within 1 mile of the interchange should not contain the distance message.

Where the dropped lane is an auxiliary lane that is provided between successive entrance and exit ramps of two separate interchanges and the distance between the two ramps is less than 1 mile, the first Advance Guide sign in the sequence downstream from the entrance ramp should contain the distance message.

Wherever the dropped lane carries the through route, diagrammatic signs should be used without the EXIT ONLY sign panel.

Support:

Sections 2E.20 through 2E.23 contain information on the signing of lane drops at exits that also have an option lane.

Section 2B.23 contains information regarding regulatory signs that can also be used for freeway lane drop situations and Section 2C.42 contains information regarding warning signs that can also be used for freeway lane drop situations.

Section 2E.21 Changeable Message Signs the text from this Section has been relocated to Chapter 2L

Section 2E.22 2E.25 Overhead Sign Installations

Support:

Specifications for the design and construction of structural supports for highway signs have been standardized by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO). Overcrossing structures can often serve for the support of overhead signs, and might in some cases be the only practical location that will provide adequate viewing distance. Use of these structures as sign supports will eliminate the need for additional sign supports along the roadside. Factors justifying the installation of overhead signs are given in Section 2A.17. Vertical clearance of overhead signs is discussed in Section 2A.18.

Section 2E.23 2E.26 Lateral Offset

Standard:

The minimum lateral clearance offset outside the usable roadway shoulder for ground- post-mounted freeway and expressway signs or for overhead sign supports, either to the right-hand or left-hand side of the roadway, shall be 6 feet. This minimum clearance shall also apply outside of a barrier curb. If located within the clear zone, the signs shall be mounted on crashworthy supports or shielded by appropriate crashworthy barriers.

Guidance:

Where practical, a sign should not be less than 10 feet from the edge of the nearest traffic lane. Large guide signs especially should be farther removed, preferably 30 feet or more from the nearest traffic lane.

Where an expressway median is 12 feet or less in width, consideration should be given to spanning both roadways without a center support.

Where overhead sign supports cannot be placed a reasonably safe distance sufficiently far away from the line of traffic or in an otherwise protected site, they should either be designed to minimize the impact forces, or be adequately shielded by a physical traffic barrier or guardrail of suitable design.

Standard:

Butterfly-type sign supports and other overhead non-crashworthy sign supports shall not be installed in gores or other unprotected unshielded locations within the clear zone.

Option:

Lesser clearances, but not generally less than 6 feet, may be used on connecting roadways or ramps at interchanges.

Section 2E.24 Guide Sign Classification relocated to Section 2E.03

Section 2E.25 2E.27 Route Signs and Trailblazer Assemblies

Standard:

The official Route sign for the Interstate Highway System shall be the red, white, and blue retroreflective distinctive shield adopted by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (see Section 2D.11).

Guidance:

Route signs (see Figure 2E-17) should be incorporated as cut-out shields or other distinctive shapes on large directional guide signs. Where the Interstate shield is displayed in an assembly or on the face of a guide sign with U.S. or State Route signs, the Interstate numeral should be at least equal in size to the numerals on the other Route signs. The use of independent Route signs should be limited primarily to route confirmation assemblies.

Route signs and auxiliary signs showing junctions and turns should be used for guidance on approach roads, for route confirmation just beyond entrances and exits, and for reassurance along the freeway or expressway. When used along the freeway or expressway, the Route signs should be enlarged to a 36 x 36-inch minimum size for routes with one or two digits and to a 45 x 36-inch minimum size for routes with three digits as shown in the "Standard Highway Signs and Markings" book (see Section 1A.11). When independently mounted Route signs are used in place of Pull-Through signs, they should be located just beyond the exit.

Option:

The standard Trailblazer Assembly (see Section 2D.35) may be used on roads leading to the freeway or expressway. Component parts messages of the Trailblazer Assembly may be included on a single sign panel in accordance with the provisions of Section 2D.12. Independently mounted Route signs may be used instead of Pull-Through signs (see Section 2E.12) as confirmation information (see Section 2E.11).

Support:

Section 2H.07 contains information regarding the design of signs for Auto Tour Routes.

Option:

The commonly used name or trailblazer symbol route sign for a toll facility highway (see Chapter 2F) may be displayed on non-toll sections of the Interstate Highway System at:

The last exit before entering a toll section of the Interstate Highway System;
The interchange or connection with a toll facility highway, whether or not the toll facility highway is a part of the Interstate Highway System; and
Other locations within a reasonable approach distance of toll facilities highways when the name or trailblazer symbol for the toll facility highway would provide better guidance to road users unfamiliar with the area than would place names and route numbers.

The toll facility highway name or symbol route sign may be included as a part of the guide sign installations on intersecting highways and approach roads to indicate the interchange with a toll section of an Interstate route. Where needed for the proper direction of traffic, a trailblazer for a toll facility highway that is part of the Interstate Highway System may be displayed with the Interstate Trailblazer Assembly.

Support:

Chapter 2F contains additional information regarding signing for toll highways.

Section 2E.28 Eisenhower Interstate System Signs (M1-10, M1-10a)

Option:

The Eisenhower Interstate System (M1-10 and M1-10a) signs (see Figure 2E-18) may be used on Interstate highways at periodic intervals and in rest areas, scenic overlooks, or other similar roadside facilities on the Interstate Highway System.

Guidance:

If used, the M1-10a sign should be used only in rest areas or other similar facilities where the sign can be viewed by occupants of parked vehicles or by pedestrians. The M1-10a sign should not be installed on Interstate highway mainlines, ramps, or other roadways where it can be viewed by vehicular traffic.

Standard:

The M1-10 and M1-10a signs shall not be used as part of a Junction, Advance Route Turn, Directional, or Trailblazer Assembly or as part of a guide sign or similar assembly providing direction to a route or destination.

Section 2E.26 2E.29 Signs for Intersections at Grade

Guidance:

If there are intersections at grade within the limits of an expressway, guide sign types specified provided in Chapter 2D should be used. However, such signs should be of a size compatible with the size of other signing on the expressway.

Option:

Advance Guide signs for intersections at grade may take the form of diagrammatic layouts depicting the geometrics of the intersection along with essential directional information.

Section 2E.27 2E.30 Interchange Guide Signs

Standard:

The signs at interchanges and on their approaches shall include Advance Guide signs and Exit Direction signs. Consistent destination messages shall be displayed on these signs.

Guidance:

New destination information should not be introduced into the major sign sequence for one interchange, nor should destination information be dropped.

Reference should be made to Section 2E.11 and Sections 2E.33 through 2E.42 for a detailed description of the signs in the order that they should appear at the approach to and beyond each interchange. Guide signs placed in advance of an interchange deceleration lane should be spaced at least 800 feet apart.

Supplemental guide signing should be used sparingly as provided in Section 2E.35.

Section 2E.28 2E.31 Interchange Exit Numbering

Support:

Interchange exit numbering provides valuable orientation for the road user on a freeway or expressway. The feasibility of numbering interchanges or exits on an expressway will depend largely on the extent to which grade separations are provided. Where there is appreciable continuity of interchange facilities, interrupted only by an occasional intersection at grade, the numbering will be helpful to the expressway user.

Standard:

Interchange numbering shall be used in signing each freeway interchange exit. Interchange exit numbers shall be displayed with each Advance Guide sign, Exit Direction sign, and Exit Gore sign. The exit number shall be displayed on a separate plaque at the top of the Advance Guide or Exit Direction sign. The standard exit number (E1-5P) plaque (see Figure 2E-22) shall be 30 inches in height and shall include the word EXIT, and the appropriate exit number, and the suffix letter (on multi-exit interchanges) separated from the exit number by a space in a single-line format on a plaque 30 inches in height. Suffix letters shall be used for exit numbering at a multi-exit interchange. The suffix letter shall also be included on the exit number plaque and shall be separated from the exit number by a space having a width of between 1/2 and 3/4 of the height of the suffix letter. Exit numbers shall not include the cardinal initials corresponding to the directions of the cross route. Minimum numeral and letter sizes are given in Tables 2E-2 through 2E-5. If used, the interchange numbering system for expressways shall conform to comply with the provisions prescribed for freeways.

At a multi-exit interchange where suffix letters are used for exit numbering, an exit of the same number without a suffix letter shall not be used on the same route in the same direction. For example, if an exit is designated as EXIT 256 A, then there shall not be an exit designated as EXIT 256 on the same route in the same direction.

Option:

There are two approaches to Interchange exit numbering that the State and local highway agencies may shall use: (1) the reference location sign exit numbering method. or (2) The consecutive exit numbering method shall not be used.

Support:

Reference location sign exit numbering is preferred over consecutive exit numbering for two reasons: (1) if new interchanges are added to a route, the highway agencies do not have to change the numbering sequence; and (2) reference location sign numbering assists road users in determining their destination distances and travel mileage, and assists highway agencies because the exit numbering sequence does not have to be changed if new interchanges are added to a route.

Option:

Exit numbers may also be used with Supplemental Guide signs and Road User Motorist Service signs.

Guidance:

Exit number (E1-5P) plaques should be located added toward the top left edge of the sign for a left exit and toward the top right-hand edge of the sign for right exits an exit to the right.

Standard:

Because road users might not expect a left an exit to the left and might have difficulty in maneuvering to the left, the word LEFT should be added to the a left exit number (E1-5bP) plaque (see Figure 2E-22) shall be added to the top left-hand edge of the sign for all left-hand exits (see Figures 2E-14 and 2E-15). Where a left exit is not numbered (no exit number plaque), a plaque with the word LEFT should be added to the top left edge of the sign. The portion of the exit number plaque containing the word LEFT on the E1-5bP plaque may shall have be a black legend and border on a yellow rectangular background sign panel and shall be centered above the word EXIT. the last sentence was formerly an Option paragraph

Support:

Example exit number plaque designs are shown in Figures 2E-3 and 2E-22. Figures 2E-1, 2E-20, 2E-23, 2E-27 through 2E-32, and 2E-42 2E-3, 2E-7, 2E-22, 2E-26, and 2E-27 illustrate the incorporation of exit number plaques on guide signs.

The general plan for numbering interchange exits is shown in Figures 2E-19 through 2E-21. Figure 2E-19 shows a circumferential route, which is a route that makes a complete circle around a city or town and usually has two interchanges (one on each side of the city or town) with each of the mainline routes that travel through the city or town. Figure 2E-20 shows a loop route, which is a route that departs from a mainline route and then rejoins the same mainline route at a subsequent point downstream, and a spur route, which is a route that departs from a mainline route and never rejoins the same mainline route. Figure 2E-21 shows two mainline routes that overlap each other.

Standard:

Where Regardless of whether a mainline route originates within a State or crosses into a State from another State, the southernmost or westernmost terminus within that State shall be the beginning point for interchange numbering. If a loop, spur, or circumferential route crosses State boundaries, the sequence of numbering shall be coordinated by the States to provide continuous numbering. relocated to three paragraphs below to increase continuity

For circumferential routes, the interchange numbering of interchanges shall be in a clockwise direction. The numbering shall begin with the first interchange west of the south end of an imaginary north-south line bisecting the circumferential route, at a radial freeway or other Interstate route, or some other conspicuous landmark in the circumferential route near a south polar location (see Figure 2E-19).

The interchange numbers on loop routes shall begin at the loop interchange nearest the south or west mainline junction and increase in magnitude toward the north or east mainline junction (see Figure 2E-20).

Spur route interchanges shall be numbered in ascending order starting at the interchange where the spur leaves the mainline of the principal route (see Figure 2E-20).

If a circumferential, loop, or spur route crosses State boundaries, the numbering sequence shall be coordinated by the States to provide continuous interchange numbering. relocated from three paragraphs above to increase continuity

Where numbered routes overlap, continuity of interchange numbering shall be established for only one of the routes (see Figure 2E-21). If one of the routes is an Interstate and the other route is not an Interstate, the Interstate route shall maintain continuity of interchange numbering.

Guidance:

The route chosen for continuity of interchange numbering should also have reference location sign continuity (see Figure 2E-21).

Section 2E.29 2E.32 Interchange Classification

Support:

For signing purposes, interchanges are classified as major, intermediate, and minor. The minimum alphabet sizes contained in Tables 2E-2 and 2E-4 are based on this classification. Descriptions of these classifications are as follows:

Major interchanges are subdivided into two categories: (a) interchanges with other expressways or freeways, or (b) interchanges with high-volume multi-lane highways, principal urban arterials, or major rural routes where the volume of interchanging traffic is heavy or includes many road users unfamiliar with the area.
Intermediate interchanges are those with urban and rural routes not in the category of major or minor interchanges.
Minor interchanges include those where traffic is local and very light, such as interchanges with land service access roads. Where the sum of exit volumes is estimated to be lower than 100 vehicles per day in the design year, the interchange is classified as minor.

Section 2E.30 2E.33 Advance Guide Signs

Support:

The An Advance Guide sign (see Figure 2E-22) gives notice well in advance of the exit point of the principal destinations served by the next interchange and the distance to that interchange (see Figure 2E-15).

Guidance:

For major and intermediate interchanges (see Section 2E.32), Advance Guide signs should be placed at 1/2 mile and at 1 mile in advance of the exit with a third Advance Guide sign placed at 2 miles in advance of the exit if spacing permits. At minor interchanges, only one Advance Guide sign should be used. It should be located 1/2 to 1 mile from the exit gore. If the sign is located less than 1/2 mile from the exit, the distance shown displayed should be to the nearest 1/4 mile. Fractions of kilometers or decimals of kilometers should not be used. Fractions of a mile, rather than decimals, should be shown displayed in all cases.

Standard:

For numbered exits to the left, a left exit number (E1-5bP) plaque (see Figure 2E-22) shall be added to the top left-hand edge of the sign.

For non-numbered exits to the left, a LEFT (E1-5aP) plaque (see Figure 2E-22) shall be added to the top left-hand edge of the sign.

Support:

Section 2E.31 contains additional information regarding exit numbering.

Standard:

Where Advance Guide signs are provided for a left exit, for multi-lane exits having an optional exit lane that also carries the through route (see Figures 2E-4, 2E-5, 2E-8, and 2E-9) and for splits with an option lane (see Figures 2E-6 and 2E-10) shall be Overhead Arrow-per-Lane or diagrammatic signs should be used (see Figure 2E-3) designed in accordance with Sections 2E.20 through 2E.22.

Standard:

When used Except as provided in Section 2E.24, Advance Guide signs, if used, shall contain the distance message. Except as provided in Paragraph 8 of this Section, the legend on the Advance Guide signs shall be the same as the legend on the Exit Direction sign, except that the last line shall read EXIT XX MILES. If the interchange has two or more exit roadways, the bottom line shall read EXITS XX MILES.

Guidance:

Where interchange exit numbers are used, the word EXIT(S) may should be omitted from the bottom line.

Option:

Where the distance between interchanges is more than 1 mile, but less than 2 miles, the first Advance Guide sign may be closer than 2 miles, but not placed so as to overlap the signing for the previous exit. Duplicate Advance Guide signs or Interchange Sequence Series signs may be placed in the median on the opposite side of the roadway and are not included in the minimum requirements of interchange signing.

Guidance:

Where there is less than 800 feet between interchanges, Interchange Sequence Series signs (see Section 2E.40) should be used instead of Advance Guide signs for the affected interchanges.

The Advance Guide signs for the last exit from a highway before it becomes a facility on which toll payments are required should include the LAST EXIT BEFORE TOLL (W16-16P) plaque (see Section 2F.10 and Figure 2F-3). The plaque should be installed above the Advance Guide signs.

Option:

If there is insufficient space above the Advance Guide sign because of the presence of an exit number plaque, the W16-16P plaque may be installed below the Advance Guide sign.

Section 2E.31 2E.34 Next Exit Supplemental Signs Plaques

Option:

Where the distance to the next interchange is unusually long, a Next Exit supplemental signs plaque (see Figure 2E-23) may be installed to inform road users of the distance to the next interchange (see Figure 2E-16).

Guidance:

The Next Exit supplemental sign plaque should not be used unless the distance between successive interchanges is more than 5 miles.

Standard:

The Next Exit supplemental sign plaque shall carry the legend NEXT EXIT XX MILES. If the Next Exit supplemental sign plaque is used, it shall be placed below the Advance Guide sign nearest the interchange. It shall be mounted so as to not adversely affect the breakaway feature of the sign support structure.

Option:

The legend for the Next Exit supplemental sign plaque may be displayed in either one or two lines as shown in Figure 2E-23.

Support:

The one-line message on the Next Exit plaque is the more desirable choice unless the message causes the sign to have a horizontal dimension greater than that of the Advance Guide sign.

Section 2E.32 2E.35 Other Supplemental Guide Signs

Support:

Supplemental Guide signs can be used to provide information regarding destinations accessible from an interchange, other than places shown displayed on the standard interchange signing. However, such Supplemental Guide signing can reduce the effectiveness of other more important guide signing because of the possibility of overloading the road user's capacity to receive visual messages and make appropriate decisions. "The AASHTO Guidelines for the Selection of Supplemental Guide Signs for Traffic Generators Adjacent to Freeways" is incorporated by reference in this section (see Page i for AASHTO's address).

Guidance:

No more than one Supplemental Guide sign should be used on each interchange approach.

A Supplemental Guide sign (see Figure 2E-24) should not list more than two destinations. Destination names should be followed by the interchange number (and suffix), or if interchanges are not numbered, by the legend NEXT RIGHT or SECOND RIGHT or both, as appropriate. The Supplemental Guide sign should be installed as an independent guide sign assembly.

Where two or more Advance Guide signs are used, the Supplemental Guide sign should be installed approximately midway between two of the Advance Guide signs. If only one Advance Guide sign is used, the Supplemental Guide sign should follow it by at least 800 feet. If the interchanges are numbered, the interchange number should be used for the action message.

States and other agencies should adopt an appropriate policy for installing supplemental signs using "The AASHTO Guidelines for the Selection of Supplemental Guide Signs for Traffic Generators Adjacent to Freeways." In developing policies for such signing, such items as population, amount of traffic generated, distance from the route, and the significance of the destination should be taken into account.

Standard:

Guide signs directing drivers to park and - ride facilities shall be considered as Supplemental Guide signs (see Figures 2E-25 and 2E-19).

Option:

A pictograph (see definition in Section 1A.13) may be used on a Supplemental Guide sign in conjunction with a destination that is associated with governmental agencies, military bases, universities, or other government-approved institutions.

Standard:

The maximum dimension (height or width) of a pictograph shall not exceed two times the upper-case letter height of the destination legend and shall not exceed the size of a route shield on the guide sign. If used, the pictograph shall be located to the left of the destination legend it represents, except as provided in Paragraph 9 for the park-ride Supplemental Guide sign.

When a transit pictograph is displayed on the park-ride Supplemental Guide sign, it shall be located on the same line as the carpool symbol, if used, above the word legend.

A pictograph representing a State, county, or municipal corporation or other incorporated or unincorporated community shall not be displayed on a Supplemental Guide sign.

Pictographs shall otherwise comply with the provisions of Section 2A.06.

Section 2E.33 2E.36 Exit Direction Signs

Support:

The Exit Direction sign (see Figure 2E-26) repeats the route and destination information that was shown displayed on the Advance Guide sign(s) for the next exit, and thereby assures road users of the destination served and indicates whether they exit to the right or the left for that destination.

Standard:

Exit Direction signs (see Figure 2E-20) shall be used at major and intermediate interchanges. Populations figures or other similar information shall not be used displayed on Exit Direction signs.

Guidance:

Exit Direction signs should be used at minor interchanges.

Ground- Post-mounted Exit Direction signs should be installed at the beginning of the deceleration lane. If there is less than 300 feet from the beginning upstream end of the deceleration lane to the theoretical gore (see Figure 3B-8), the Exit Direction sign should be installed overhead over the exiting lane in the vicinity of the theoretical gore.

Standard:

Except where Overhead Arrow-per-Lane guide signs are used (see Section 2E.21 and Paragraph 6 of this Section), where a through lane is being terminated (dropped) at an exit, the Exit Direction sign shall be placed overhead at the theoretical gore (see Figures 2E-8 through 2E-11, and 2E-14 through 2E-16).

Except as provided in Paragraph 4 in Section 2E.21, where Overhead Arrow-per-Lane guide signs are used for the Advance Guide sign(s) for a multi-lane exit having an optional exit lane that also carries the through route or for a split with an option lane (see Section 2E.21), an Overhead Arrow-per-Lane guide sign shall also be used instead of the Exit Direction sign. This Overhead Arrow-per-Lane guide sign shall include the appropriate exit number (E1-5P or E1-5bP) plaque (if a numbered exit) and it shall be located near, but not downstream from, the point where the outside edge of the dropped lane begins to diverge from the mainline (see Figures 2E-4 through 2E-6).

The following provisions shall govern the design and application of the overhead Exit Direction signs:

The sign shall carry the exit number (if exit numbering is used), the route number, cardinal direction, and destination, as applicable, with an appropriate diagonally upward-pointing slanting directional arrow (see Figure 2E-26).
The message EXIT ONLY in black on a yellow sign panel (E11-1d or E11-1e) shall be used on the overhead Exit Direction sign to advise road users of a lane drop situation (see Figures 2E-8 through 2E-11). The sign shall conform to comply with the provisions of Section 2E.24.
Diagrammatic signs shall not be employed at the exit direction location.

Guidance:

For numbered exits to the right, an exit number (E1-5P) plaques (see Figure 2E-22) should be located added toward the left edge of the sign for a left exit and toward the top right-hand edge of the sign for right exits.

Standard:

For numbered exits to the left, a left exit number (E1-5bP) plaque (see Figure 2E-22) shall be added to the top left-hand edge of the sign.

For non-numbered exits to the left, a LEFT (E1-5aP) plaque (see Figure 2E-22) shall be added to the top left-hand edge of the sign.

Support:

Section 2E.31 contains additional information regarding exit numbering.

Option:

In some cases, principally in urban areas, where restricted sight distance because of structures or unusual alignment make it impossible to locate the Exit Direction sign without violating the required minimum spacing (see Section 2E.33) between major guide signs, Interchange Sequence signs (see Section 2E.40) may be substituted for an Advance Guide sign.

Guidance:

At multi-exit interchanges, the Exit Direction sign should be located directly over the exiting lane for the first exit. At the same location, and normally over the right-hand through lane, an Advance Guide sign for the second exit should be located. Only for those conditions where the through movement is not evident should a confirmatory message (Pull-Through sign as shown in Figure 2E-2) be used over the left lane(s) to guide road users traveling through an interchange. In the interest of sign spreading, three signs on one structure should not be used. When the freeway or expressway is on an overpass, the Exit Direction sign should be installed on an overhead support over the exit lane in advance of the gore point.

Option:

If the second exit is beyond an underpass, the Exit Direction sign may be mounted on the face of the overhead structure.

Where extra emphasis of an especially low advisory ramp speed is needed, an EXIT XX MPH (E13-2) sign panel (see Figure 2E-27) may be placed at the bottom of the Exit Direction sign to supplement, but not to replace, the exit or ramp advisory speed warning signs.

Guidance:

At the last exit from a highway before it becomes a facility on which toll payments are required, the LAST EXIT BEFORE TOLL (W16-16P) plaque (see Section 2F.10 and Figure 2F-3) should be installed above the Exit Direction sign.

Option:

If there is insufficient space above the Exit Direction sign because of the presence of an Exit Number (E1-5P) plaque, the W16-16P plaque may be mounted below the Exit Direction sign.

Section 2E.34 2E.37 Exit Gore Signs (E5-1 Series)

Support:

The Exit Gore (E5-1 or E5-1a) sign (see Figure 2E-28) in the gore indicates the exiting point or the place of departure from the main roadway. Consistent application of this sign at each exit is important.

Standard:

The gore shall be defined as the area located between the main roadway and the ramp just beyond where the ramp branches from the main roadway. The Exit Gore sign shall be located in the gore and shall carry the word EXIT or EXIT XX (if interchange numbering is used) and an appropriate upward slanting arrow (see Figure 2E-21). If suffix letters are used for exit numbering at a multi-exit interchange, the suffix letter shall also be included on the Exit Gore sign and shall be separated from the exit number by a space having a width of between 1/2 and 3/4 of the height of the suffix letter. Breakaway or yielding supports shall be used.

Guidance:

The arrow should be aligned to approximate the angle of departure. Each gore should be treated similarly, whether the interchange has one exit roadway or multiple exits.

Option:

Where extra emphasis of an especially low advisory ramp speed is needed, an E13-1P panel plaque indicating the advisory speed may be mounted below the Exit Gore sign (see Figure 2E-28) to supplement, but not to replace, the exit or ramp advisory speed warning signs.

To improve the visibility of the gore for exiting drivers, a Type 1 object marker (see Chapter 2C) may be installed on each sign support below the Exit Gore sign.

An Exit Number (E5-1bP) plaque (see Figure 2E-22) may be installed above an existing Exit Gore (E5-1) sign when a non-numbered exit is converted to a numbered exit.

Standard:

An Exit Gore (E5-1a) sign shall be used when the replacement of an existing assembly of an E5-1 sign and an E5-1bP plaque becomes necessary.

Option:

The Narrow Exit Gore (E5-1c) sign may be used in gore areas of limited width where the width of the Exit Gore (E5-1a) sign would not permit sufficient lateral offset (see Section 2A.19), such as for ramp departures that are nearly parallel to the mainline roadway where the Exit Gore sign would be mounted on a narrow island or barrier. Where the E5-1c sign is mounted at a height of 14 feet or more from the roadway, the directional arrow may point diagonally downward.

Guidance:

The E5-1c should not be used in gore areas where an E5-1a sign could be installed with sufficient lateral offset.

Section 2E.35 2E.38 Post-Interchange Signs

Guidance:

If space between interchanges permits, as in rural areas, and where undue repetition of messages will not occur, a fixed sequence of signs should be displayed beginning 500 feet beyond the downstream end of the acceleration lane. At this point a Route sign assembly should be installed followed by a Speed Limit sign and a Distance sign, each at a spacing of 1,000 feet.

If space between interchanges does not permit placement of these three post-interchange signs without encroaching on or overlapping the Advance Guide signs necessary for the next interchange, or in rural areas where the interchanging traffic is primarily local, one or more of the post-interchange signs should be omitted.

Option:

Usually the Distance sign will be of less importance than the other two signs and may be omitted, especially if Interchange Sequence signs are used. If the sign for through traffic on an overhead assembly already contains the route sign, the post-interchange route sign assembly may also be omitted.

Section 2E.36 2E.39 Post-Interchange Distance Signs

Standard:

If used, the Post-Interchange Distance sign shall consist of a two- or three-line sign carrying the names of significant destination points and the distances to those points. The top line of the sign shall identify the next meaningful interchange with the name of the community near or through which the route passes, or if there is no community, the route number or name of the intersected highway (see Figure 2E-29).

Support:

The minimum sizes of the route shields identifying a significant destination point are prescribed in Tables 2E-1 through 2E-3 and 2E-5.

Option:

The text identification of a route may be shown displayed instead of a route shield, such as "US XX," "State Route XX," or "County Route XX."

Guidance:

If a second line is used, it should be reserved for communities of general interest that are located on or immediately adjacent to the route or for major traffic generators along the route.

Option:

The choice of names for the second line, if it is used, may be varied on successive Distance signs to give road users maximum information concerning communities served by the route.

Standard:

The third, or bottom line, shall contain the name and distance to a control city (if any) that has national significance for travelers using the route.

Guidance:

Distances to the same destinations should not be shown more frequently than at 5-mile intervals. The distances displayed on these signs should be the actual distance to the destination points and not to the exit from the freeway or expressway. The distance displayed for each community should comply with the provisions of Section 2D.41.

Section 2E.37 2E.40 Interchange Sequence Signs

Option:

If interchanges are closely spaced, particularly through large urban areas, so that guide signs cannot be adequately spaced, Interchange Sequence signs identifying the next two or three interchanges may be used.

Guidance:

If used, Interchange Sequence signs should be used over the entire length of a route in an urban area. Except as provided in Paragraph 3, they should not be used on a single interchange basis.

If there is less than 800 feet between interchanges, Interchange Sequence signs should be used instead of the Advance Guide signs for the affected interchanges.

Support:

Interchange Sequence signs are generally supplemental to Advance Guide signs. Signing of this type is illustrated in Figures 2E-30 and 2E-31, and is compatible with the sign spreading concept described in Paragraph 3 of Section 2E.11.

These signs are installed in a series and display the next two or three interchanges by name or route number with distances to the nearest 1/4 mile.

Standard:

If used, the first sign in the series shall be located in advance of the first Advance Guide sign for the first interchange.

Where the exit direction is to the left, a LEFT (E11-2) sign panel (see Figure 2E-13) shall be displayed on the same line immediately to the right of the interchange names or route numbers shown on such signs shall be followed by the legend LEFT or LEFT EXIT in black letters on a yellow rectangular background.

Interchange Sequence signs shall not be substituted for Exit Direction signs.

Guidance:

Interchange Sequence signs should be located in the median. After the first of the series, Interchange Sequence signs should be placed approximately midway between interchanges.

Standard:

Interchange Sequence signs located in the median shall be installed at overhead sign height (see Section 2A.18).

Option:

Interchange numbers may be shown displayed to the left of the interchange name or route number.

Section 2E.38 2E.41 Community Interchanges Identification Signs

Support:

For suburban or rural communities served by two or three interchanges, Community Interchanges Identification signs are useful (see Figure 2E-32).

Guidance:

In these cases, the name of the community followed by the word EXITS should be shown displayed on the top line; the lines below should display the destination, road name or route number, and the corresponding distances to the nearest 1/4 mile.

The sign should be located in advance of the first Advance Guide sign for the first interchange within the community.

Option:

If interchanges are not conveniently identifiable or if there are more than three interchanges to be identified, the NEXT XX EXITS sign (see Section 2E.42) may be used.

Section 2E.39 2E.42 NEXT XX EXITS Sign

Support:

Many freeways or expressways pass through historical or recreational regions, or urban areas served by a succession of several interchanges.

Option:

Such regions or areas may be indicated by a NEXT XX EXITS sign (see Figure 2E-33) located in advance of the Advance Guide sign or signs for the first interchange.

Guidance:

The sign legend should identify the region or area followed by the words NEXT XX EXITS.

Section 2E.40 2E.43 Signing by Type of Interchange

Support:

Road users need signs to help identify the location of the exit, as well as to obtain route, direction, and destination information for specific exit ramps. Figures 2E-34 through 2E-40 show examples of guide signs for common types of interchanges. The interchange layouts shown in most of the figures illustrate only the major guide signs for one direction of traffic on the through road freeway and on the crossroad exit ramps. Section 2D.45 contains information regarding the signing of the crossroad approaches and connecting roadways to freeways and expressways.

Standard:

Interchange guide signing shall be consistent for each type of interchange along a route.

Guidance:

The signing layout for all interchanges having only one exit ramp in the direction of travel should be similar, regardless of the interchange type (see Figures 2E-8, 2E-10, and Figures 2E-27 through 2E-32). For the sake of uniform application, the significant features of the signing plan for each of the more frequent kinds of interchanges (illustrated in Figures 2E-34 through 2E-40) should be followed as closely as possible. Even when unusual geometric features exist, variations in signing layout should be held to a minimum.

Section 2E.41 2E.44 Freeway-to-Freeway Interchange

Support:

Freeway-to-freeway interchanges are major decision points where the effect of taking a wrong ramp cannot be easily corrected. Reversing direction on the connecting freeway or reentering to continue on the intended course is usually not possible. Figure 2E-34 shows examples of guide signs at a freeway-to-freeway interchange.

Guidance:

The sign messages should contain only the route shield, cardinal direction, and the name of the next control city on the route. Arrows should point as indicated in Section 2D.08, unless except where Overhead Arrow-per-Lane or a Diagrammatic representation of the interchange layout requires otherwise signs are used in accordance with the provisions of Sections 2E.20 through 2E.22.

Support:

At splits where the off-route movement is to the left or where there is an optional lane split, expectancy problems usually result, and diagrammatic signs should be used at the Advance Guide sign location.

Standard:

At splits where the off-route movement is to the left, the Left Exit Number (E1-5bP) plaque shall be added at the top left-hand edge of the guide sign (see Section 2E.31). Overhead Arrow-per-Lane or Diagrammatic guide signs (see Sections 2E.21 and 2E.22) also should shall be used at the Advance Guide sign locations for interchanges where two-lane exits with an optional lane carry the through route on the exiting lanes freeway splits with an option lane and for multi-lane freeway-to-freeway exits having an option lane.

Standard:

Overhead signs shall be used at a distance of 1 mile and at the theoretical gore of each connecting ramp. When Overhead Arrow-per-Lane or Diagrammatic guide signs are used, they shall conform to comply with the provisions of Sections 2E.21 and 2E.22.

Option:

Overhead signs may also be used at the 1/2-mile and 2-mile points locations.

The arrow and/or the name of the control city may be omitted on signs that indicate the straight-ahead continuation of a route on a Pull-Through sign (see Section 2E.12).

An Advisory Exit Speed sign may be used where an engineering study shows that it is necessary to display a speed reduction message for ramp signing (see Section 2C.14).

Section 2E.42 2E.45 Cloverleaf Interchange

Support:

A cloverleaf interchange has two exits for each direction of travel. The exits are closely spaced and have common Advance Guide signs. Examples of guide signs for cloverleaf interchanges are shown in Figure 2E-35.

Guidance:

The Advance Guide signs should include two place names, one corresponding to each exit ramp, with the name of the place served by the first exit on the upper line.

Standard:

An overhead guide sign shall be placed at the theoretical gore point of the first exit ramp, with an diagonally upward-pointing slanting directional arrow on the Exit Direction sign for that exit and the message XX MILES, or EXIT XX MILES if interchange numbering is not used, on the Advance Guide sign for the second exit, as shown in Figure 2E-35. The second exit shall be indicated by an overhead Exit Direction sign over the auxiliary lane. An Exit Gore sign shall also be used at each gore (see Section 2E.37).

Interchanges with more than one exit from the main line shall be numbered as described in Section 2E.31 with an appropriate suffix.

Diagrammatic signs shall not be used for cloverleaf interchanges except as otherwise provided in Section 2E.22.

Guidance:

As shown in Figure 2E-28 Where the mainline passes under the crossroad and the exit roadway is located beyond the overcrossing structure, the overhead Exit Direction sign for the second exit should be mounted placed either on the overcrossing structure if the mainline passes under the crossroad and the exit roadway is located beyond the structure (see Figure 2E-35) or on a separate structure located immediately in front of the overcrossing structure.

Section 2E.43 2E.46 Cloverleaf Interchange with Collector-Distributor Roadways

Support:

Examples of guide signs for full cloverleaf interchanges with collector-distributor roadways are shown in Figure 2E-36.

Guidance:

Signing on the collector-distributor roadways should be the same as the signing on the mainline of a cloverleaf interchange.

Standard:

Guide signs at exits from the collector-distributor roadways shall be overhead and located at the theoretical gore of the collector-distributor roadway and the exit ramp.

Option:

Exits from the collector-distributor roadways may be numbered with an appropriate suffix. If the exits from a collector-distributor roadway are numbered with suffixes, the Advance Guide signs on the mainline may include two place names and their corresponding exit numbers with the plural EXITS. If only the exit from the mainline is numbered or if interchange numbering is not used, the Advance Guide signs on the mainline or may use the singular EXIT.

Section 2E.44 2E.47 Partial Cloverleaf Interchange

Support:

Examples of guide signs for partial cloverleaf interchanges are shown in Figure 2E-37.

Guidance:

As shown in Figure 2E-30 Where the mainline passes under the crossroad and the exit roadway is located beyond the overcrossing structure, the overhead Exit Direction sign should be placed either on the overcrossing structure if the mainline passes under the crossroad and the exit roadway is located beyond the structure (see Figure 2E-37) or on a separate structure located immediately in front of the overcrossing structure.

Standard:

A ground- post-mounted Exit Gore sign shall also be installed in the ramp gore.

Support:

Partial cloverleaf interchanges with successive exit ramps from the same direction of travel are signed the same as cloverleaf interchanges for that direction of travel (see Section 2E.45).

Section 2E.45 2E.48 Diamond Interchange

Support:

Examples of guide signs for diamond interchanges are shown in Figure 2E-38.

Standard:

For numbered exits, the singular message EXIT shall be used on the Exit Number plaques (see Section 2E.31) with the Advance Guide and Exit Direction signs. For non-numbered exits, the singular message EXIT shall be used as part of the distance message on the Advance Guide signs. Exit numbers shall not include the cardinal initials corresponding to the direction of the cross route.

Support:

The typical diamond interchange ramp departs from the mainline roadway such that a speed reduction generally is not necessary in order for a driver to reasonably safely negotiate an exit maneuver from the mainline onto the ramp roadway.

Guidance:

When a speed reduction is not necessary, an exit speed sign should not be used.

Option:

An Advisory Exit Speed sign may be used where an engineering study shows that it is necessary to display a speed reduction message for ramp signing (see Section 2C.14).

Guidance:

The Advisory Exit Speed sign should be located along the deceleration lane or along the ramp such that it is visible to the driver far enough in advance so that a reasonably safe slowing and to allow the driver to decelerate before reaching the curve associated with the exiting maneuver can be made.

Option:

A Stop Ahead or Signal Ahead warning sign may be placed, where engineering judgment indicates a need, along the ramp in advance of the cross street, to give notice to the driver (see Section 2C.36).

Guidance:

When used on two-lane ramps, Stop Ahead or Signal Ahead signs should be used in pairs with one sign on each side of the ramp.

Section 2E.46 2E.49 Diamond Interchange in Urban Area

Support:

Examples of guide signs for diamond interchanges in an urban area are shown in Figure 2E-39. This example includes the use of the Community Interchanges Identification sign (see Section 2E.41), which might be useful if two or more interchanges serve the same community.

In urban areas, street names are often shown displayed as the principal message in destination signs.

Option:

If interchanges are too closely spaced to properly locate the Advance Guide signs, they may be placed closer to the exit, and with the distances figures displayed adjusted accordingly.

Section 2E.47 2E.50 Closely-Spaced Interchanges

Option:

When a series of interchanges is closely spaced, the advance guide sign for the next interchange may be mounted on an overhead structure located downstream from the gore of the preceding interchange.

Support:

Section 2E.11 contains information regarding sign spreading where the Exit Direction sign and the Advance Guide sign for the next interchange are mounted overhead. Sign spreading is particularly beneficial where interchanges are closely spaced and overhead signing is used in conjunction with Interchange Sequence signs as provided in Paragraph 2.

Guidance:

Interchange Sequence signs (see Section 2E.40) should be used at closely-spaced interchanges. When used, they should identify and show street names and distances for the next two or three exits as shown in Figure 2E-30.

Standard:

Advance Guide signs for closely-spaced interchanges shall show information for only one interchange.

Section 2E.48 2E.51 Minor Interchange

Option:

Less signing may be used for minor interchanges because such interchanges customarily serve low volumes of local traffic.

Support:

Examples of guide signs for minor interchanges are shown in Figure 2E-40.

Standard:

At least one Advance Guide sign and an Exit Gore sign shall be placed used at a minor interchange.

Guidance:

An Exit Direction sign should also be used.

Section 2E.49 2E.52 Signing of on Conventional Road Approaches and Connecting Roadways text of this Section was relocated to Section 2D.45

Support:

Section 2D.45 contains information regarding the signing on conventional roads on the approaches to interchanges and the signing on connecting roadways.

Section 2E.50 2E.53 Wrong-Way Traffic Control at Interchange Ramps text of this Section was relocated to Section 2B.41

Support:

Section 2D.46 contains information regarding the use of a Directional assembly or a guide sign to mark the entrance to a freeway or expressway from a conventional road.

Section 2E.51 General Service Signs relocated to Chapter 2I

Section 2E.52 Rest and Scenic Area Signs relocated to Chapter 2I

Section 2E.53 Tourist Information and Welcome Center Signs relocated to Chapter 2I

Section 2E.54 Reference Location Signs and Enhanced Reference Location Signs (D10-4, D10-5) relocated to Chapter 2H

Section 2E.55 Miscellaneous Guide Signs relocated to Section 2H.04

Section 2E.56 Radio Information Signing relocated to Chapter 2I

Section 2E.57 Carpool and Ridesharing Signing relocated to Chapter 2I

Section 2E.58 2E.54 Weigh Station Signing

Standard:

Weigh Station signing on freeways and expressways shall be the same as that specified provided in Section 2D.49, except for lettering size and the advance posting distance for the Exit Direction sign, which shall be located a minimum of 1,500 feet in advance of the gore.

Support:

Weigh Station sign layouts for freeway and expressway applications are shown in the "Standard Highway Signs and Markings" book (see Section 1A.11).

CHAPTER 2F. TOLL ROAD SIGNS

Section 2F.01 Scope

Support:

Toll highways are typically limited-access freeway or expressway facilities. A portion of or an entire route might be a toll highway, or a bridge, tunnel, or other crossing point might be the only toll portion of a highway. A toll highway might be a conventional road. The general signing requirements for toll roads will depend on the type of facility and access (freeway, expressway, or conventional road). The provisions of Chapters 2D and 2E will generally apply for guide signs along the toll facility that direct road users within and off the facility where exit points and geometric configurations are not dependent specifically on the collection of tolls. The aspect of tolling and the presence of toll plazas or collection points necessitate additional considerations in the typical signing needs. The notification of the collection of tolls in advance of and at entry points to the toll highway also necessitate additional modifications to the typical signing.

The scope of this Section applies to a route or facility on which all lanes are tolled. Chapter 2G contains provisions for the signing of managed lanes within an otherwise non-toll facility that employ tolling or pricing as an operational strategy to manage congestion levels.

Standard:

Except where specifically provided in this Chapter, the provisions of other Chapters in Part 2 shall apply to toll roads.

Section 2F.02 Sizes of Toll Road Signs

Standard:

Except as provided in Section 2A.11, the sizes of toll road signs that have standardized designs shall be as shown in Table 2F-1.

Support:

Section 2A.11 contains information regarding the applicability of the various columns in Table 2F-1.

Option:

Signs larger than those shown in Table 2F-1 may be used (see Section 2A.11).

Section 2F.03 Use of Purple Backgrounds and Underlay Panels with ETC Account Pictographs

Standard:

Use of the color purple on any sign shall comply with the provisions of Sections 1A.12 and 2A.10. Except as provided in Sections 2F.12 and 2F.16, purple as a background color shall be used only when the information associated with the appropriate ETC account is displayed on that portion of the sign. The background color of the remaining portion of such signs shall comply with the provisions of Sections 1A.12 and 2A.10 as appropriate for a regulatory, warning, or guide sign. Purple shall not be used as a background color to display a destination, action message, or other legend that is not a display of the requirement for all vehicles to have a registered ETC account.

If only vehicles with registered ETC accounts are allowed to use a highway lane, a toll plaza lane, an open-road tolling lane, or all lanes of a toll highway or connection, the signs for such lanes or highways shall incorporate the pictograph (see Chapter 2A) adopted by the toll facility's ETC payment system and the regulatory message ONLY. Except for ETC pictographs whose predominant background color is purple, if incorporated within the green background of a guide sign, the ETC pictograph shall be on a white rectangular or square panel set on a purple underlay panel with a white border. For rectangular ETC pictographs whose predominant background color is purple, a white border shall be used at the outer edges of the purple rectangle to provide contrast between the pictograph and the sign background color.

If an ETC pictograph is used on a separate plaque with a guide sign or on a header panel within a guide sign, the plaque or the header panel shall have a purple background with a white border and the ETC pictograph shall have a white border to provide contrast between the pictograph and the background of the plaque or header panel.

Purple underlay panels for ETC pictographs or purple backgrounds for plaques and header panels shall only be used in the manner described in Paragraphs 1 through 3 to convey the requirement of a registered ETC account on signs for lanes reserved exclusively for vehicles with such an account and on directional signs to an ETC account-only facility from a non-toll facility or from a toll facility that accepts multiple payment forms.

Support:

Figure 2F-1 shows examples of ETC account pictographs, their use with various background colors, and modifications involving underlay panels.

Section 2F.04 contains provisions regarding the size of pictographs for ETC accounts.

Section 2F.04 Size of ETC Pictographs

Standard:

The ETC pictograph (see Chapter 2A) shall be of a size that makes it a prominent feature of the sign legend as necessary for conspicuity for those road users with registered ETC accounts seeking such direction, as well as for those road users who do not have ETC accounts so that it is clear to them to avoid such direction when applicable.

Guidance:

An ETC pictograph that is in the shape of a horizontal rectangle should have a minimum height between approximately 1.5 and 2 times the upper-case letter height of the principal legend on the sign. The width of an ETC pictograph in the shape of a horizontal rectangle should be between approximately two and three times the height of the pictograph. When the pictograph is the principal legend on the sign, such as for advance guide signs for open-road tolling lanes (see Section 2F.15), the minimum height of a horizontal rectangular ETC pictograph should be consistent with that of a route shield prescribed for the particular application and type of sign.

For ETC pictographs whose shape is square, circular, or otherwise similar in height and width, or is a vertical rectangle, the same basic principles for conspicuity and placement should be followed. ETC pictographs whose shape is not in that of a horizontal rectangle should be suitably sized to facilitate conspicuity as described in Paragraph 1 and should be of a similar approximate area as the horizontal rectangular pictographs designed in accordance with the height and width as provided in Paragraph 2.

Section 2F.05 Regulatory Signs for Toll Plazas

Support:

Toll plaza operations often include lane-specific restrictions on vehicle type, forms of payment accepted, and speed limits or required stops. Vehicles are typically required to come to a stop to pay the toll or receive a toll ticket in the attended and exact change or automatic lanes. Electronic toll collection (ETC) lanes with favorable geometrics typically allow vehicles to move through the toll plaza without stopping, but usually within a set regulatory speed limit or advisory speed. In some ETC lanes and in most lanes that accommodate non-ETC vehicles, a stop might be required while the ETC payment is processed because of geometric or other conditions.

Guidance:

Regulatory signs applicable only to a particular lane or lanes should be located in a position that makes their applicability clear to road users approaching the toll plaza.

Regulatory signs, or regulatory panels within guide signs, indicating restrictions on vehicle type and forms of toll payment accepted at a specific toll plaza lane should be installed over the applicable lane either on the toll plaza canopy or on a separate structure immediately in advance of the canopy located in a manner such that each sign is clearly related to an individual toll lane.

Support:

Section 2F.13 contains information regarding the incorporation of regulatory messages into guide signs for toll plazas.

Section 2F.16 contains information regarding the design and use of toll plaza canopy signs.

Guidance:

One or more Speed Limit (R2-1) signs (see Section 2B.13) should be installed in the locations provided in Paragraph 8 for an ETC-Only lane at a toll plaza in which an enforceable regulatory speed limit is established for a lane in which it is intended that vehicles move through the toll plaza without stopping while toll payments requiring stops occur in other lanes at the toll plaza. The speed limit displayed on the signs should be based on an engineering study taking into account the geometry of the plaza and the lanes and other appropriate safety and operational factors.

A Speed Limit (R2-1) sign should not be installed for a toll plaza lane that is controlled by a STOP (R1-1) sign or where a stop is required.

Option:

Speed limit signs may be installed over the applicable lane on the toll plaza canopy, on the approach end of the toll booth island, on the toll booth itself, or on a vertical element of the canopy structure. Down arrows or diagonally downward-pointing directional arrows may be used to supplement the speed limit signs if an engineering study or engineering judgment indicates that the arrow is needed to clarify the applicability of a sign to a specific lane or to improve compliance.

Standard:

A STOP (R1-1) sign shall not be installed for a toll plaza lane that is operated as an ETC-Only lane and that is designed for tolls to be collected while vehicles continue moving.

Option:

A STOP (R1-1) sign may be installed to require vehicles to come to a complete stop to pay a toll in an attended or exact change lane, even if that lane is also available for optional use by vehicles with registered ETC accounts. A PAY TOLL (R3-29P) or TAKE TICKET (R3-30P) plaque (see Figure 2F-2), as appropriate to the operation, may be installed directly under the STOP (R1-1) sign for a toll plaza lane, if needed.

The mounting height of the STOP sign and any supplemental plaque may be less than the normal mounting height requirements if constrained by the physical features of the toll island or toll plaza.

The lateral offset of a STOP or other regulatory sign located within a toll plaza island may be reduced to a minimum of 1 foot from the face of the toll island or raised barrier to the nearest edge of the sign.

Guidance:

If used, a STOP (R1-1) sign for a toll plaza cash payment lane should be located in a longitudinal position as near as practical to the point where a vehicle is expected to stop to pay the toll or take a ticket.

Option:

A Toll Rate (R3-28) sign (see Figure 2F-2) may be installed in advance of the toll plaza to indicate the toll applicable to the various vehicle types.

Guidance:

If used, the Toll Rate (R3-28) sign should be located between the toll plaza and the first advance sign informing road users of the toll plaza.

The R3-28 sign should not contain more than three lines of legend. Each lines that shows a toll amount should display only a single toll amount.

Option:

Additional toll rate information exceeding three lines of legend may be displayed on the toll booth adjacent to the payment window of an attended lane or the payment receptacle of an exact change or automatic lane where it is visible to a road user who has stopped to pay the toll, but is not visible to approaching road users who have not yet entered the toll lane.

Section 2F.06 Pay Toll Advance Warning Sign (W9-6)

Standard:

The Pay Toll Advance Warning (W9-6) sign shall be a horizontal rectangle with a black legend and border on a yellow background. The legend shall include the distance to the toll plaza and, except for toll-ticket facilities, the toll for passenger or 2-axle vehicles (see Figure 2F-3). Where the toll for passenger or 2-axle vehicles is variable by time of day, a changeable message element shall be incorporated into the W9-6 sign to display the toll in effect. For toll plazas where road users entering a toll-ticket facility are issued a toll ticket, the legend PAY TOLL shall be replaced with a suitable legend such as TAKE TICKET.

Guidance:

The Pay Toll Advance Warning sign should be installed overhead at approximately 1 mile and 1/2 mile in advance of mainline toll plazas at which some or all lanes are required to come to a stop to pay a toll (see Sections 2F.14 and 2F.15).

Option:

If there is insufficient space for the W9-6 sign at the 1-mile or 1/2-mile advance locations, the Pay Toll Advance Warning (W9-6P) plaque (see Section 2F.07) may be installed at those advance locations above the appropriate guide sign(s) that relate to toll payment types.

An additional W9-6 sign may be installed approximately 2 miles in advance of a mainline toll plaza. This sign may be either overhead or post-mounted.

If the visibility of a ramp toll plaza at which some or all lanes are required to come to a stop to pay a toll is limited, the W9-6 sign may also be installed in advance of the ramp toll plaza.

Section 2F.07 Pay Toll Advance Warning Plaque (W9-6P)

Option:

The Pay Toll Advance Warning (W9-6P) plaque (see Figure 2F-3) may be installed above the appropriate guide sign(s) relating to toll payment types at the 1-mile and/or 1/2-mile advance locations on the approach to a toll plaza if there is insufficient space for the W9-6 sign (see Section 2F.06) at those advance locations.

Standard:

The W9-6P plaque shall be a horizontal rectangle with black legend and border on a yellow background. The legend shall include the distance to the toll plaza and, except for toll-ticket facilities, the toll for passenger or 2-axle vehicles. Where the toll for passenger or 2-axle vehicles is variable by time of day, a changeable message element shall be incorporated into the W9-6P plaque to display the toll in effect. For toll plazas where road users entering a toll-ticket facility are issued a toll ticket, the legend PAY TOLL shall be replaced with a suitable legend such as TAKE TICKET.

Option:

The distance to the toll plaza may be omitted from the W9-6P plaque if the distance is displayed on the guide sign that the plaque accompanies.

The toll for passenger or 2-axle vehicles may be omitted from the W9-6P plaque if the toll information is displayed on the guide sign that the plaque accompanies.

Section 2F.08 Stop Ahead Pay Toll Warning Sign (W9-6a)

Standard:

The Stop Ahead Pay Toll (W9-6a) sign shall be a horizontal rectangle with a black legend and border on a yellow background. The legend shall include STOP AHEAD PAY TOLL and, except for toll-ticket facilities, the toll for passenger or 2-axle vehicles (see Figure 2F-3). Where the toll for passenger or 2-axle vehicles is variable by time of day, a changeable message element shall be incorporated into the W9-6a sign to display the toll in effect. For toll plazas where road users entering a toll-ticket facility are issued a toll ticket, the legend PAY TOLL shall be replaced with a suitable legend such as TAKE TICKET.

Guidance:

The Stop Ahead Pay Toll sign should be installed overhead downstream from the W9-6 sign that is 1/2 mile in advance of a mainline toll plaza where some or all of the lanes are required to come to a stop to pay a toll (see Sections 2F.14 and 2F.15). The location of the overhead sign should coincide with the approximate location where the mainline lanes begin to widen on the approach to the toll plaza lanes.

Where open-road tolling is used in addition to a toll plaza at a particular location, the W9-6a sign should be located such that the message is clearly related to the lanes that access the toll plaza and not to the open-road tolling lanes.

Option:

If there is insufficient space for the W9-6a sign at the recommended location, the Stop Ahead Pay Toll (W9-6aP) plaque (see Section 2F.09) may be installed at that location above the appropriate guide sign that relates to toll payment types.

If the visibility of a ramp toll plaza at which some or all lanes are required to come to a stop to pay a toll is limited, the W9-6a sign may also be installed in advance of the ramp toll plaza.

Section 2F.09 Stop Ahead Pay Toll Warning Plaque (W9-6aP)

Option:

The Stop Ahead Pay Toll (W9-6aP) plaque (see Figure 2F-3) may be installed above the appropriate guide sign at the location specified for the Stop Ahead Pay Toll (W9-6a) sign (see Section 2F.08) if there is insufficient space for the W9-6a sign at that location.

Standard:

The W9-6aP plaque shall be a horizontal rectangle with black legend and border on a yellow background. The legend shall include STOP AHEAD PAY TOLL and, except for toll-ticket facilities, the toll for passenger or 2-axle vehicles. Where the toll for passenger or 2-axle vehicles is variable by time of day, a changeable message element shall be incorporated into the W9-6aP plaque to display the toll in effect. For toll plazas where road users entering a toll-ticket facility are issued a toll ticket, the legend PAY TOLL shall be replaced with a suitable legend such as TAKE TICKET.

Option:

The toll for passenger or 2-axle vehicles may be omitted from the W9-6aP plaque if the toll information is displayed on the guide sign that the plaque accompanies.

Section 2F.10 LAST EXIT BEFORE TOLL Warning Plaque (W16-16P)

Guidance:

The LAST EXIT BEFORE TOLL (W16-16P) plaque (see Figure 2F-3) should be used to notify road users of the last exit from a highway before it becomes a facility on which toll payments are required. The plaque should be installed above or below the appropriate guide signs for the exit (see Sections 2E.30 and 2E.33).

Standard:

The W16-16P plaque shall have a black legend and border on a yellow background.

Section 2F.11 TOLL Auxiliary Sign (M4-15)

Standard:

The TOLL (M4-15) auxiliary sign (see Figure 2F-4) shall have a black legend and border on a yellow background and shall be mounted directly above the route sign of a numbered toll highway or, if used, above the cardinal direction and alternative route auxiliary signs, in any route sign assembly providing directions from a non-toll highway to the toll highway or to a segment of a highway on which the payment of a toll is required.

Section 2F.12 Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) Account-Only Auxiliary Signs (M4-16 and M4-20)

Standard:

In any route sign assembly providing directions from a non-toll highway to a toll facility, or to a tolled segment of a highway, where electronic toll collection (ETC) is the only payment method accepted and all vehicles are required to have a registered ETC account, the ETC Account-Only (M4-20) auxiliary sign (see Figure 2F-4) shall be mounted directly below the route sign of the numbered or named toll facility. The M4-20 auxiliary sign shall have a white border and purple background and incorporate the pictograph adopted by the toll facility's ETC payment system and the word ONLY in black letters on a white panel set on the purple background of the sign.

Option:

The NO CASH (M4-16) auxiliary sign (see Figure 2F-4) with a black legend and border on a white background may be used in a route sign assembly directly below the M4-20 auxiliary sign.

Section 2F.13 Toll Facility and Toll Plaza Guide Signs – General

Support:

Toll plazas are used on many toll highways, bridges, and tunnels for collection of tolls from road users. Electronic toll collection and/or open-road tolling might also be used on such facilities, either in addition to or in place of collecting toll payments at toll plazas.

Chapter 2G contains information regarding signs for preferential and managed lanes that are applicable to toll roads.

Chapter 3E contains information regarding pavement markings for certain toll plaza applications.

Standard:

Directional assemblies for entrances to a toll highway or to a road leading directly to a toll highway with no opportunity to exit before paying or being charged a toll, shall clearly indicate that the facility is a toll facility. The TOLL (M4-15) auxiliary sign (see Section 2F.11) shall be used above the route sign of a numbered toll facility in any route sign assembly that provides directions to the toll route from another highway.

A rectangular panel with the black legend TOLL on a yellow background shall be incorporated into the guide signs leading road users to a toll highway (see Figure 2F-5).

Guide signs for toll highways, toll plazas, and tolled or priced managed lanes (see Chapter 2G) shall have white legends and borders on green backgrounds, except as specifically provided by Sections 2F.13 through 2F.16.

Option:

Where conditions do not permit separate signs, or where it is important to associate a particular regulatory or warning message with specific guidance information, regulatory and/or warning messages may be combined with guide signs for toll plazas using plaques, header panels, or rectangular regulatory or warning panels incorporated within the guide signs, as long as the proper legend and background colors are preserved.

Standard:

When regulatory messages are incorporated within a guide sign, they shall be on a rectangular panel with black legend on a white background. When warning messages are incorporated within a guide sign, they shall be on a rectangular panel with black legend on a yellow background.

Support:

Figure 2F-5 shows examples of guide signs for entrances to various types of toll highways and for ETC account-only entrances to non-toll highways.

Standard:

Signing for entrances to toll highways where ETC is employed only through license plate character recognition such that road users are not required to establish a toll account or register their vehicle equipment shall comply with the provisions of Paragraphs 4 and 5 (see Figure 2F-6).

If only vehicles with registered ETC accounts are allowed to use a toll highway, the guide signs for entrances to such facilities shall incorporate the pictograph adopted by the toll facility's ETC payment system and the regulatory message ONLY (see Figures 2F-1, 2F-5, and 2F-6). The use, size, and placement of the ETC pictograph shall comply with the provisions of Sections 2F.03 and 2F.04.

Support:

Sections 2F.11, 2F.12, and 2F.17 contain additional provisions regarding signs for toll highways that only accept ETC payments.

Sections 2G.16 through 2G.18 contain additional provisions regarding signs for priced managed lanes that only accept ETC payments.

Option:

Where a toll highway on which tolls are collected only electronically also accepts payments from registered toll account users and those road users not registered in a toll account program are assessed a nominal surcharge in addition to the toll, or registered toll account users are assessed a discounted toll, such information may be displayed on a separate information sign near the entrance to such a facility (see Figure 2F-6).

Support:

Figure 2F-7 shows an example of guide signs for alternative toll and non-toll ramp connections to a non-toll highway.

Many different ETC payment systems are used by the various toll facility operators. Some of these systems accept payment from other systems' accounts.

Option:

Where a facility will accept payments from other systems' accounts in addition to its primary ETC-account payment system, such information may be displayed on a separate information sign near the entrances to such a facility or in advance of a toll plaza or open-road tolling lanes, as space allows between primary signs.

Guidance:

Guide signs for toll plazas should be designed in accordance with the general principles of guide signs and the specific provisions of Chapter 2E.

Signs for toll plazas should systematically provide road users with advance and toll plaza lane-specific information regarding:

The amount of the toll, the types of payment accepted, and the type(s) of registered ETC accounts accepted for payment;
Which lane or lanes are required or allowed to be used for each available payment type; and
Restrictions on the use of a toll plaza lane or lanes by certain types of vehicles (such as cars only or no trucks).

Standard:

Signs for attended lanes at toll plazas shall include word messages such as FULL SERVICE, CASH, CHANGE, or RECEIPTS (see Figures 2F-8 through 2F-11).

Option:

Signs for Attended lanes at toll plazas may incorporate the Toll Taker (M4-17) symbol (see Figures 2F-8 and 2F-9), in a size that makes the symbol the predominant feature of the sign, to supplement the required word message.

Standard:

Signs for Exact Change lanes at toll plazas shall incorporate an appropriate word message, such as EXACT CHANGE and the amount of the toll for passenger vehicles (see Figures 2F-8 through 2F-11).

Option:

Signs for Exact Change lanes at toll plazas may include the Exact Change (M4-18) symbol (see Figures 2F-8 and 2F-9), in a size that makes the symbol the predominant feature of the sign, to supplement the required word message.

Standard:

If used, the M4-17 and M4-18 symbols shall be used only as panels within guide signs that accompany the required word messages. The M4-17 and M4-18 symbols shall not be used as an independent sign or within a sign assembly.

If only vehicles with registered ETC accounts are allowed to use a toll plaza lane, the signs for such lanes shall incorporate the pictograph adopted by the toll facility's ETC payment system and the regulatory message ONLY (see Figures 2F-1, 2F-8, 2F-9, and 2F-11). The use, size, and placement of the ETC pictograph shall comply with the provisions of Sections 2F.03 and 2F.04.

Option:

The ETC payment system's pictograph, without a purple underlay or purple header panel, may be used on signs for Exact Change or attended lanes at toll plazas to indicate that vehicles with registered ETC accounts may also use those lanes (see Figure 2F-9).

Section 2F.14 Advance Signs for Conventional Toll Plazas

Guidance:

For conventional toll plazas (those without a divergence onto a separate alignment from mainline-aligned open-road tolling or ETC-Only lanes), one or more sets of overhead advance guide signs complying with the provisions of this Section should be provided. The advance guide signs for multi-lane toll plazas should provide information regarding which lanes to use for all of the toll payment methods accepted at the toll plaza. These signs should include toll plaza lane numbers (if used), or action messages or lane-use information such as LEFT LANE(S), CENTER LANE(S), RIGHT LANE(S), or down arrows over the approximate center of each applicable lane. These signs should also incorporate regulatory messages indicating any restrictions or prohibitions on the use of the lanes associated with the various types of payment methods by certain types of vehicles. For mainline toll plazas, these signs should be at least 1/2 mile in advance of the toll plaza, and farther if practical.

Additional guide signs with lane information for the toll payment types should be provided between approximately 1/4 mile and 800 feet in advance of the toll plaza at a location that avoids or minimizes obstruction of toll plaza canopy signs (see Section 2F.16) and lane-use control signals.

The number, mounting, and/or spacing of sets of advance signs for approaches to toll plazas on ramps, toll bridges, or tunnels, to accommodate a limited distance to the plaza from an intersection or from the start of the approach road to the bridge or tunnel, should be based on an engineering study or engineering judgment.

Support:

Figure 2F-10 shows examples of advance signs for a conventional toll plaza.

Section 2F.15 Advance Signs for Toll Plazas on Diverging Alignments from Open-Road ETC Account-Only Lanes

Support:

Open-Road ETC lanes are sometimes located on the normal mainline alignment while the lanes for other toll payment methods are located at a toll plaza on a separate alignment (see Figure 2F-11). Since road users paying cash tolls must diverge from the mainline alignment, similar to a movement for an exit, it is important that the guide signs in advance of and at the point of divergence clearly indicate the required lane use and/or movements.

Guidance:

For toll plazas located on a separate alignment that diverges from mainline-aligned Open-Road ETC lanes where vehicles are required to have a registered ETC account to use the Open-Road Tolling lanes, overhead advance signs should be provided at approximately 1 mile and 1/2 mile in advance of the divergence point. Both the 1-mile and 1/2-mile advance signs should include:

The ETC (pictograph) Account-Only guide sign (see Figures 2F-8 and 2F-11) with a down arrow over the center of each lane that will become an Open-Road ETC lane;
For the lane or lanes which will diverge to a toll plaza, guide signs conforming to the provisions of Section 2F.13, indicating which lane or lanes will diverge to the toll plaza for the various cash toll payment methods; and
Regulatory signs, plaques, or panels within the guide signs, indicating any restrictions or prohibitions of certain types of vehicles from toll plaza lanes associated with the various types of payment methods.

At or near the theoretical gore of the divergence point, an additional set of overhead guide signs should be provided and should include:

The ETC (pictograph) Account-Only guide sign (see Figures 2F-8 and 2F-11) with a down arrow over the center of each Open-Road ETC lane;
Guide signs conforming to the provisions of Section 2F.13, with diagonally upward-pointing directional arrow(s) over the approximate center of each lane indicating the direction of the divergence, and providing lane information for all types of payment methods accepted at the toll plaza; and
Regulatory signs, plaques, or panels within the guide signs, indicating any restrictions or prohibitions on the use of the toll plaza lanes associated with the various types of payment methods by certain types of vehicles.

Approximately 800 feet in advance of the toll plaza at a location that avoids or minimizes any obstruction of the toll plaza canopy signs (see Section 2F.16) and lane-use control signals, an additional set of overhead advance signs with lane information for the toll payment types should be provided.

Standard:

The use of down and directional arrows on the signs at the locations described in Paragraphs 2 through 4 shall comply with the provisions of Section 2D.08.

Support:

Figure 2F-11 shows an example of advance signs for toll plazas on a diverging alignment from Open-Road ETC Account-Only Lanes.

Section 4K.02 contains information regarding the use of lane-use control signals for Open-Road ETC lanes for temporary lane closure purposes.

Section 2F.16 Toll Plaza Canopy Signs

Standard:

A sign complying with the provisions of Section 2F.13 shall be provided above the center of each lane that is not an Open-Road ETC lane, mounted on or suspended from the toll plaza canopy, or on a separate structure immediately in advance of the plaza located such that each sign is clearly related to an individual toll lane, indicating the payment type(s) accepted in the lane and any restrictions or prohibitions of certain types of vehicles that apply to the lane. Except for toll-ticket systems, the toll for passenger or 2-axle vehicles shall be included on the canopy sign or on a separate sign mounted on the upstream side of the tollbooth.

The background color of a canopy sign for an ETC Account-Only toll plaza lane shall be purple (see Figure 2F-9).

Option:

Where vehicles are required to have a registered ETC account to use the lane, one or two flashing yellow beacons (see Section 4K.04) may supplement a canopy sign over an ETC Account-Only lane to call special attention to the location of the ETC Account-Only lane within the plaza.

The canopy sign for an ETC-Only toll plaza lane in which a regulatory speed limit is not posted and in which vehicles are not required to stop may display an advisory speed within a horizontal rectangular panel with a black legend and yellow background within the bottom portion of the canopy sign.

Standard:

Flashing beacons supplementing a canopy sign over an ETC Account-Only lane shall be mounted directly above or alongside the sign in a manner that is separated from any lane-use control signals for that lane (see Figure 2F-9).

For multi-lane toll plazas, lane-use control signals (see Section 4K.02) shall be provided above the center of each toll plaza lane that is not an Open-Road ETC lane to indicate the open or closed status of each lane. Lane-use control signals shall not be used to call attention to a lane for a specific toll payment type such as ETC Account-Only lanes.

Support:

Part 6 contains information regarding the closing of a lane for temporary traffic control purposes.

Figure 2F-9 shows examples of toll plaza canopy signs.

Section 2F.17 Guide Signs for Entrances to ETC Account-Only Facilities

Support:

Some toll highways, bridges, and tunnels are restricted to use only by vehicles with a specific registered ETC account.

Standard:

Where vehicles are required to have a registered ETC account to use an ETC Account-Only facility, guide signs for the facility shall comply with the applicable provisions of Chapter 2E and specifically with the applicable provisions of Section 2F.13.

Guide signs for the entrance ramps to such ETC Account-Only facilities shall incorporate the pictograph of the toll facility's ETC payment system and the word ONLY in a header panel or plaque designed in accordance with the provisions of Section 2F.13 (see Figure 2F-5).

Support:

Section 2F.12 contains information regarding ETC-Only auxiliary signs for use with route signs in route sign assemblies.

Section 2F.18 ETC Program Information Signs

Standard:

Except as provided in Paragraph 2, signs that inform road users of telephone numbers, Internet addresses, including domain names and uniform resource locators (URLs), or e-mail addresses for enrolling in an ETC program of a toll facility or managed lane, obtaining an ETC transponder, and/or obtaining ETC program information shall only be installed in rest areas, parking areas, or similar roadside facilities where the signs are viewed only by pedestrians or occupants of parked vehicles.

Option:

ETC program information signs displaying telephone numbers that have no more than four characters may be installed on roadways in locations where they will not obscure the road user's view of higher priority traffic control devices and that are removed from key decision points where the road user's view is more appropriately focused on other traffic control devices, roadway geometry, or traffic conditions, including exit and entrance ramps, intersections, toll plazas, temporary traffic control zones, and areas of limited sight distance.

CHAPTER 2G. PREFERENTIAL AND MANAGED LANE SIGNS new Chapter with relocated text from Chapters 2B, 2C, and 2E

Section 2G.01 Scope

Support:

Preferential only lanes are lanes designated for special traffic uses such as high-occupancy vehicles (HOVs), light rail, buses, taxis, or bicycles. Preferential only lane treatments might be as simple as restricting a turning lane to a certain class of vehicles during peak periods, or as sophisticated as providing a separate roadway system within a highway corridor for certain vehicles. this paragraph was relocated from Section 2B.26

HOV Preferential lanes may take many forms depending on the level of usage and the design of the facility. They may might be barrier-separated (on a separate alignment or physically separated from the other travel lanes by a barrier or median), or they may be concurrent with other travel lanes and be buffer-separated (separated from the adjacent general-purpose lanes only by a narrow buffer area created with longitudinal pavement markings), or contiguous (separated from the adjacent general-purpose lanes only by a lane line). Preferential lanes might allow continuous access with the adjacent general-purpose lanes or restrict access only to designated locations. Physically separated HOV Preferential lanes may might be operated in a constant direction or may be operated as reversible lanes. Some reversible preferential lanes on a divided highway might be operated counter-flow to the direction of traffic on the immediately adjacent general-purpose lanes. this paragraph was relocated from Section 2B.27

HOV Preferential lanes may might be operated on a 24-hour basis, for extended periods of the day, during peak travel periods only, during special events, or during other activities. this paragraph was relocated from Section 2B.27

Open-road tolling lanes and toll plaza lanes that segregate traffic based on payment method are not considered preferential lanes. Chapter 2F contains information regarding signing of open-road tolling lanes and toll plaza lanes.

Managed lanes typically restrict access with the adjacent general-purpose lanes to designated locations only.

Under certain operational strategies, such as the occupancy requirement of an HOV lane changing in response to actual congestion levels, a managed lane is a special type of preferential lane (see Sections 2G.03 through 2G.07).

A managed lane operated on a real-time basis in response to changing conditions might be operated as an HOV lane for a period of time as needed to manage congestion levels.

Sections 2G.16 through 2G.18 contain additional information regarding signs for managed lanes that use tolling or pricing as a management strategy.

Section 9B.04 contains information regarding Preferential Only Lane signs for bicycle bike lanes is contained in Section 9B.04. this paragraph was relocated from Section 2B.26

Section 2G.02 Sizes of Preferential and Managed Lane Signs

Standard:

Except as provided in Section 2A.11, the sizes of preferential and managed lane signs that have standardized designs shall be as shown in Table 2G-1.

Support:

Section 2A.11 contains information regarding the applicability of the various columns in Table 2G-1.

Option:

Signs larger than those shown in Table 2G-1 may be used (see Section 2A.11).

Section 2B.26 2G.03 Regulatory Signs for Preferential Only Lanes – General Signs (R3-10 through R3-15) existing Sections 2B.26 through 2B.28 have been edited; paragraphs have been relocated within and between these Sections and the text has been reorganized into five Sections

Option:

Preferential only lane assignments may be made on a full-time or part-time basis.

Standard:

When a preferential only lane is established, the Preferential Only Lane regulatory signs (see Figure 2G-1) and pavement markings (see Sections 3B.22 and 3B.23 Chapter 3D) for these lanes shall be used to advise road users.

Support:

Preferential Lane (R3-10 series through R3-15 series) regulatory signs consist of several different general types of regulatory signs as follows (see Figure 2G-1):

Vehicle Occupancy Definition signs define the vehicle occupancy requirements applicable to an HOV lane (such as "2 OR MORE PERSONS PER VEHICLE") or types of vehicles not meeting the minimum occupancy requirement (such as motorcycles or ILEVs) that are allowed to use an HOV lane (see Section 2G.04).
Periods of Operation signs notify road users of the days and hours during which the preferential restrictions are in effect (see Section 2G.05).
Preferential Lane Advance signs notify road users that a preferential lane restriction begins ahead (see Section 2G.06).
Preferential Lane Ends signs notify users of the termination point of the preferential lane restrictions (see Section 2G.07).

Standard:

Regulatory signs applicable only to a preferential lane shall be distinguished from regulatory signs applicable to general-purpose lanes by the inclusion of the applicable symbol(s) and/or word(s) (see Figure 2G-1).

Support:

The symbol and word message that appears displayed on a particular Preferential Only Lane regulatory sign will vary based on the specific type of allowed traffic and on other related operational constraints that have been established for a particular lane, such as an HOV lane, a bus lane, or a taxi lane. Section 2B.27 contains information regarding the restriction of the use of the diamond symbol to HOV lanes only. The requirements for guide and regulatory signs in advance of all preferential only lanes on freeways are provided in Section 2E.59.

Standard:

At the end of a preferential only lane, a Lane Ends (R3-12a or R3-15a) sign shall be used.

Option:

Changeable message signs may be used to supplement, substitute for, or be incorporated into static Preferential Lane regulatory signs where travel conditions change or where multiple types of operational strategies (such as variable occupancy requirements, or vehicle types, or pricing policies) are used and varied throughout the day or week, or on a real-time basis, to manage the use of, control of, or access to preferential only lanes.

Support:

Figure 2G-1 illustrates examples of changeable messages incorporated into static Preferential Lane regulatory signs.

Standard:

When changeable message signs (see Section 2A.07 Chapter 2L) are used as regulatory signs for preferential only lanes, they shall be the required sign size and shall display the required letter height and legend format that corresponds to the type of roadway facility and design speed.

Guidance:

When Preferential Only Lane regulatory signs are used on conventional roads, the decision regarding whether to use a specific ground- post-mounted or overhead version of a particular type of sign should be based on an engineering study that considers the available space, the existing signs for the adjoining adjacent general-purpose traffic lanes, roadway and traffic characteristics, the proximity to existing overhead signing signs, the ability to install overhead signs, and any other unique local factors. this paragraph was relocated from Section 2B.28

The decision to use a specific ground-mounted or overhead sign for a preferential only lane should be based on an engineering study that considers the available space, the existing signs for adjoining general purpose lanes, roadway and traffic characteristics, the proximity of other overhead signing, the ability to install overhead signs, and any other unique local factors.

Ground-mounted Preferential Only Lane (R3-10, R3-11, and R3-12 series) signs should be installed where preferential only lanes are implemented on freeways, expressways, and conventional roads.

If overhead regulatory signs applicable only to a preferential lane are located in approximately the same longitudinal position along the highway as overhead signs applicable only to the general-purpose lanes, the signs for the preferential lane should be separated laterally from the signs for the general-purpose lanes to the maximum extent practical to minimize conflicting information, while maintaining their visual relationship to the lanes below necessitated by specific legend or arrows indicating lane assignment.

Standard:

If used, overhead Preferential Only Lane (R3-13 series, R3-14 series, and R3-15 series) regulatory signs shall only be installed along preferential only lanes on freeways and expressways. These overhead signs shall be installed on the side of the roadway where the entrance to the preferential only lane is located and any appropriate adjustments shall be made to the sign message. The sign sizes shall differ between freeways and expressways as provided in Table 2B-1 to reflect the different design speeds for each type of roadway. this paragraph was relocated from Section 2B.28

Option:

Where a median of sufficient width is available, the R3-13 series and R3-15 series signs may be post-mounted.

Support:

The sizes for Preferential Only Lane regulatory signs will differ to reflect the design speeds for each type of roadway facility. Table 2G-1 provides sizes for each type of roadway facility.

Guidance:

The edges of Preferential Lane regulatory signs that are post-mounted on a median barrier should not project beyond the outer edges of the barrier, including in areas where lateral clearance is limited.

Option:

Where lateral clearance is limited, Preferential Lane regulatory signs that are post-mounted on a median barrier and that are 72 inches or less in width may be skewed up to 45 degrees in order to fit within the barrier width or may be mounted higher, such that the vertical clearance to the bottom of the sign, light fixture, or structural support, whichever is lowest, is not less than 14 feet above any portion of the pavement and shoulders.

Standard:

Where lateral clearance is limited, Preferential Lane regulatory signs that are post-mounted on a median barrier and that are wider than 72 inches shall be mounted with a vertical clearance that complies with the provisions of Section 2A.18 for overhead mounting.

Guidance:

On conventional roadways, Preferential Only Lane regulatory sign spacing should be determined by engineering judgment based on prevailing speed, block length, distances from adjacent intersections, and other site-specific considerations.

Support:

Sections 2G.04 and 2G.05 contain provisions regarding the placement of Preferential Lane regulatory signs on freeways and expressways.

Standard:

The R3-10, R3-11, R3-11a, R3-11c, R3-13, R3-13a, R3-14, and R3-14a signs illustrated in Figure 2G-1 that incorporate the diamond symbol shall be used exclusively with preferential only lanes for high-occupancy vehicles to indicate the particular occupancy requirement and time restrictions applying to that lane. The R3-10a, R3-11b, and R3-14b signs illustrated in Figure 2G-1 that do not have a diamond symbol shall be used in situations where a with preferential only lanes is that are not an HOV lanes, but is are designated for use by other types of vehicles (such as bus and/or taxi use).

Option:

Agencies may select from either the HOV abbreviation or the diamond symbol, or use both, to reference the HOV lane designation. this paragraph was relocated from Section 2B.27

The diamond symbol may be used instead of the word message HOV.

Standard:

When the diamond symbol (or HOV abbreviation) is used without text on the ground- post-mounted Preferential Only Lane (R3-10 series, R3-11 series, and R3-12 series) regulatory signs, it shall be centered on the top line of the sign. When the diamond symbol (or HOV abbreviation) is used with associated text on the ground- post-mounted Preferential Only Lane (R3-10 series, R3-11 series, and R3-12 series) regulatory signs, it shall appear to the left of the associated text. When the diamond symbol is used on the overhead Preferential Only Lane (R3-13, R3-13a, R3-14, and R3-14a) regulatory signs, it shall appear in the top left quadrant. The diamond symbol for the R3-15, and R3-15a, R3-15b, and R3-15c signs shall appear on the left side of the sign. The diamond symbol shall not be used on the bus, taxi, or bicycle Preferential Only Lane signs. the sequence of the last two sentences was reversed

The Vehicle Occupancy Definition, Periods of Operation, and Preferential Lane Advance regulatory signs for HOV signs (see Section 2B.26) lanes shall display the minimum allowable vehicle occupancy requirement established for each HOV lane, The vehicle occupancy requirement established for an HOV lane shall be referenced displayed immediately after the word message HOV or the diamond symbol. The diamond symbol shall be restricted for use with HOV lanes only. this paragraph is a combination of two paragraphs that were relocated from Section 2B.27

Support:

The agencies that own and operate preferential only HOV lanes for high-occupancy vehicles (HOV lanes) shall have the authority and responsibility to determine how they are operated and the minimum occupancy requirements for vehicles operating in HOV lanes. The minimum occupancy requirement shall be two occupants per vehicle. Information about federal requirements for certain types of vehicles not meeting the minimum occupancy requirement to be eligible to use HOV lanes that receive Federal-aid program funding and about requirements associated with proposed significant changes to the operation of an existing HOV lane and certain vehicles are contained in the "Federal-Aid Highway Program Guidance on High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Lanes" (see Section 1A.11). this paragraph was relocated from Section 2B.27

Option:

The ground-mounted Preferential Only Lane Operational (R3-11 series) signs and the overhead Preferential Only Lane Operational (R3-14 series) signs may be used to supplement changeable message signs that are used to convey preferential only lane restrictions.

Support:

Figures 2E-46 through 2E-52 show example signing layouts using the R3-10 through R3-15 series signs for various preferential only lane applications.

Standard:

The provisions of Sections 2G.03 through 2G.07 regarding regulatory signs for Preferential lanes shall apply to managed lanes operated at all times or at certain times by varying vehicle occupancy requirements (HOV) or by using vehicle type restrictions as a congestion management strategy. Such managed lanes shall use changeable message signs or changeable message elements within static signs to display the appropriate regulatory sign messages only when they are in effect.

When certain types of vehicles (such as trucks) are prohibited from using a managed lane or when a managed lane is restricted to use by only certain types of vehicles during certain operational strategies, regulatory signs or regulatory panels within the appropriate guide signs that include changeable message elements shall be used to display the open/closed status of the managed lane for such vehicle types.

When the vehicle occupancy required for use of an HOV lane is varied as a part of a managed lane operational strategy, regulatory signs that include changeable message elements shall be used to display the required vehicle occupancy in effect.

Support:

See Section 2G.17 for regulatory signs for managed lanes that use tolling or pricing as a congestion management strategy, either exclusively or with other management strategies.

Figures 2G-2 and 2G-3 illustrate the use of regulatory signs for the beginning, along the length, and at the end of contiguous or buffer-separated preferential lanes that provide continuous access with the adjacent general-purpose lanes.

Section 2B.27 2G.04 Preferential Only Lanes for High-Occupancy Vehicles (HOVs) Vehicle Occupancy Definition Regulatory Signs (R3-10 Series and R3-13 Series)

Standard:

The R3-10, R3-10b, R3-13, and R3-13a Vehicle Occupancy Definition signs (see Figure 2G-1) shall be used in situations where agencies determine that it is appropriate to provide a sign that defines the operational strategy (such as minimum occupancy or types of vehicles) that is being used to manage or regulate the vehicles that are permitted allowed to use a preferential only an HOV lane. this paragraph was relocated from Section 2B.26

Guidance:

The Inherently Low Emission Vehicle (ILEV) (R3-10b R3-10a) sign (see Figure 2G-1) should be used to indicate that when it is permissible for a properly labeled and certified ILEV, regardless of the number of occupants, to use an HOV lane. When used, the ILEV signs should be ground- post-mounted in advance of and at intervals along the HOV lane based upon engineering judgment and the placement of other Preferential Lane regulatory signs. The R3-10b R3-10a sign is only applicable to HOV lanes and should not to be used with other preferential only lane applications. this paragraph was relocated from Section 2B.26

Support:

Inherently low emission vehicles ILEVs are defined by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as vehicles having no fuel vapor (hydrocarbon) emissions. These vehicles must and are certified by the EPA as meeting the emissions standards and requirements specified in 40 CFR 88-311-93 and 40 CFR 88.312-93(c). this paragraph was relocated from Section 2B.26

Guidance:

The legend format of the R3-10 and R3-13 signs should have this the following sequence: this paragraph was relocated from Section 2B.26

Top Line: "HOV 2+ ONLY" (or 3+ or 4+ if appropriate)
Bottom Lines: "2 OR MORE PERSONS PER VEHICLE" (or 3 or 4 if appropriate)

The legend format of the R3-13a sign should have the following sequence:

Top Line: "HOV 2+ ONLY" (or 3+ or 4+ if appropriate)
Middle Lines: "2 OR MORE PERSONS PER VEHICLE" (or 3 or 4 if appropriate)
Bottom Lines: Times and days the occupancy restriction is in effect

Support:

Section 2G.17 contains information regarding the legends of Vehicle Occupancy Definition signs for a priced managed lane that has an occupancy requirement for non-toll travel.

Standard:

For barrier- or buffer-separated or contiguous preferential lanes where access between the preferential and general-purpose lanes is restricted to designated locations, an overhead Vehicle Occupancy Definition (R3-13 or R3-13a) sign, which defines the occupancy requirement, shall be installed at least 1/2 mile in advance of the beginning of or initial entry point to an HOV lane. These signs shall only be displayed in advance of the beginning of or initial entry point to HOV lanes. this paragraph was relocated from Section 2B.28

Option:

For barrier-separated preferential only HOV lanes, the sequence of a post-mounted Periods of Operation (R3-11a) sign followed by a ground- post-mounted Vehicle Occupancy Definition (R3-10) signs defining the occupancy requirement may be alternated in series with Preferential Only Lane Operational (R3-11, R3-11a, R3-11b, or R3-11c) signs. These signs may be located at intervals of approximately 0.6 1/2 mile along the length of the preferential only HOV lane, at intermediate entry points, and at designated enforcement areas as defined by the operating agency. this paragraph was relocated from Section 2B.28

Standard:

For buffer-separated or contiguous HOV lanes where access is restricted to designated locations, the sequence of a post-mounted Periods of Operation (R3-11a) sign followed by a Ground- post-mounted Vehicle Occupancy Definition (R3-10) signs defining the occupancy requirement shall be located and alternated with Preferential Only Lane Operational (R3-11 series) signs in series at intervals not greater than 0.6 1/2 mile along the length of the preferential only access-restricted HOV lane, at designated gaps in the buffer where vehicles are allowed to legally access the preferential only HOV lane, and within designated enforcement areas as defined by the operating agency. this sentence came from a paragraph in Section 2B.28

For concurrent-flow preferential only buffer-separated or contiguous HOV lanes where continuous access with the adjacent general-purpose lanes is provided, the sequence of a post-mounted Periods of Operation (R3-11a) sign followed by a ground- post-mounted Vehicle Occupancy Definition (R3-10) signs defining the occupancy requirement, and ILEV (R3-10a) signs if appropriate, shall be located and alternated with Preferential Only Lane Operational (R3-11 series) signs in series at intervals not greater than 0.6 1/2 mile along the length of the preferential only HOV lane. this paragraph was relocated from Section 2B.28

Guidance:

The signs within each Preferential Lane regulatory sign sequence should be separated by a minimum distance of 800 feet and a maximum distance of 1,000 feet.

Standard:

For all types of direct access ramps that provide access to or lead to preferential only HOV lanes, a ground- post-mounted Vehicle Occupancy Definition (R3-10) sign defining the occupancy requirement, and an ILEV (R3-10a) sign if appropriate, and a Preferential Only Lane Operational (R3-11 series) sign shall be used at the beginning or initial entry point for all types of the direct access ramps that provide access or lead to preferential only lanes. this paragraph was relocated from Section 2B.28

Standard:

The requirements for a minimum number of occupants in a vehicle to use an HOV lane shall be in effect for most, or all, of at least one of the usual times of the day when the demand to travel is greatest (such as morning or afternoon peak travel periods) and the traffic congestion problems on the roadway and adjoining transportation corridor are at their worst.

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) shall be consulted if a significant operational change is proposed that could reasonably be expected to affect a specific HOV lane or portions of the HOV system that were funded or approved by FHWA. This shall include portions of the local, regional, or Federal-aid highway system, where operational changes might significantly impact the operation of one HOV lane or portions of the regional HOV system. To assure consistency with the provisions of Titles 23 and 49 of the United States Code (U.S.C), the important issues and possible impacts of any significant operational changes shall be reviewed to determine if any Federal approval is required.

In accordance with the "Federal-Aid Highway Program Guidance on High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Lanes" (see Section 1A.11), a proposed test or demonstration project that seeks to significantly change the operation of the HOV lanes for any length of time shall require a Federal review as outlined in Section 2 of the "Federal-Aid Highway Program Guidance on High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Lanes" prior to initiating such a test or demonstration project. Also in accordance with the Federal-Aid Highway Program Guidance on HOV lanes, any proposal to significantly change the operation of an HOV lane shall require some form of Federal review, which might require potential action.

Support:

FHWA Division Offices, with involvement from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), are responsible for reviewing proposals to significantly change the operation of HOV lanes. Federal interests in this review include commitments made during the National Environmental Policy Act process as described in Title 23 CFR, Part 771, in project agreements, transportation planning requirements, and transportation conformity requirements under the Clean Air Act (40 CFR, Part 51).

Proposals to adjust only the HOV lane hours of operation during the day (for example, minor changes in hours during peak travel periods) or the occupancy requirements (for example, HOV 3+ to HOV 2+) are not typically considered significant operational changes and might not require an explicit Federal review or approval.

Any action that has the potential to adversely affect the area's flow of traffic, roadway and traveler safety, or the environment might be considered to be a significant operational change. Any proposal to significantly adjust the hours of operation, or to convert an HOV lane to a general purpose travel lane, would be considered a significant operational change to the original project design concept or scope. Examples of significant operational changes could include:

Switching from 24-hour HOV lane operations to only a portion of the day or week,
Implementing a pricing option to an existing HOV lane (such as HOT lane or toll lane),
Significantly reducing the hours of operation of an HOV lane that is operational during only one peak travel period, or
Managing or operating the HOV lane in a manner that renders it functionally inoperable or obsolete (such as not providing enforcement of the occupancy requirement).

Guidance:

An engineering study based on the current and estimated future travel demand for a corridor and facility should be the basis for determining when, during a typical day, there should be a minimum occupancy requirement for a vehicle to use an HOV lane.

Support:

Inherently low emission vehicle (ILEV) eligibility, testing and certification requirements, labeling, and other regulatory provisions are developed and administered through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). EPA is the only entity with the authority to certify ILEVs. Vehicle manufacturers must request the EPA to grant an ILEV certification for any vehicle to be considered and labeled as meeting those standards. According to the EPA, 1996 was the first year that they certified any ILEVs. EPA regulations specify that ILEVs must meet the emission standards specified in 40 CFR 88.311-93 and their labeling must be in accordance with 40 CFR 88.312-93(c). EPA established the ILEV concept to recognize vehicles with no fuel vapor (hydrocarbons) emissions. Zero emission vehicles (electric powered vehicles) that have no emissions are the only other type of clean fuel vehicles that are allowed to use HOV lanes.

Standard:

Agencies shall permit a vehicle with less than the required number of occupants to operate on HOV lanes if:

The vehicle is properly labeled and certified as an ILEV and the lane is not a bus only HOV lane, or
The HOV lanes are part of a project that is participating in the FHWA Value Pricing Pilot Program (see Section 2 of the "Federal-Aid Highway Program Guidance on High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Lanes").

Motorcycles shall be permitted to use HOV lanes that receive Federal-aid program funding.

Section 2B.28 2G.05 Preferential Only Lane Periods of Operation Regulatory Signs Applications and Placement (R3-11 Series and R3-14 Series)

Guidance:

The sizes of the ground- post-mounted Preferential Only Lane Operational Periods of Operation (R3-11 series) signs should remain consistent to accommodate any manual addition or subtraction removal of a single line of text for each sign. this paragraph was relocated from Section 2B.26

Support:

Consistent sign sizes are beneficial for agencies when ordering sign materials, as well as when making text changes to existing signs if changes occur to operating times or occupancy restrictions in the future. For example, the R3-11c sign has space for one line located below "24 HOURS" if an agency desires to add determines that it is appropriate to display additional information (such as "MON – FRI"), yet the R3-11c sign has the same dimensions as the other R3-11 series signs. this paragraph was relocated from Section 2B.26

Standard:

When used, the ground- post-mounted Preferential Only Lane Operational Periods of Operation (R3-11 series) signs shall be located adjacent to the preferential only lane, and the overhead Preferential Only Lane Operational Periods of Operation (R3-14 series) signs shall be mounted directly over the lane. this paragraph was relocated from Section 2B.26

The legend format of the ground- post-mounted Preferential Only Lane Operational Periods of Operation (R3-11 series) signs shall have the following sequence: this paragraph was relocated from Section 2B.26

Top Lines: Lanes applicable, such as "RIGHT LANE" or "2 RIGHT 2 LANES" or "THIS LANE"
Middle Lines: Eligible uses, such as "HOV 2+ ONLY" (or 3+ or 4+ if appropriate) or "BUSES ONLY" or other applicable uses or eligible turning movements
Bottom Lines: Applicable times and days, such as "7 AM – 9 AM" or "6:30 AM – 9:30 AM, MON-FRI"

The legend format of the overhead Preferential Only Lane Operational Periods of Operation (R3-14 series) signs shall have the following sequence: this paragraph was relocated from Section 2B.26

Top Line: Eligible uses, such as "HOV 2+ ONLY" (or 3+ or 4+ if appropriate) or "BUSES ONLY" or other types of vehicles applicable uses or eligible turning movements
Bottom Lines: Applicable times and days, with the time and day placed above the down arrow, such as "7 AM – 9 AM" or "6:30 AM – 9:30 AM, MON-FRI" (When the operating periods exceed the available line width, the hours and days of the week shall be stacked as shown for the R3-14a sign in Figure 2G-1.)

For preferential lanes that are in effect on a full-time basis, either the full-time Periods of Operation (R3-11b and R3-14b) signs shall be used, or the legends of the part-time Periods of Operations (R3-11, R3-11a, R3-14, R3-14a) signs shall be modified to display the legend 24 HOURS.

The full-time Periods of Operation (R3-14b) sign shall not be used where the preferential lane is in effect only on a part-time basis.

Option:

Where additional movements are permitted from a preferential only lane on an approach to an intersection, the format and words used in the legend in the middle lines on the ground- post-mounted Preferential Only Lane Operational Periods of Operation (R3-11 series) signs and on the top line of the overhead Preferential Only Lane Operational Periods of Operation (R3-14 series) signs may be modified to accommodate the permitted movements (such as "HOV 2+ AND RIGHT TURNS ONLY"). this paragraph was relocated from Section 2B.26

A MOTORCYCLES ALLOWED (R3-11P) plaque may be used where motorcycles, regardless of the number of occupants, are allowed to use an HOV lane.

Standard:

If used, the MOTORCYCLES ALLOWED plaque shall be mounted below a post-mounted Preferential Lane Periods of Operation (R3-11, R3-11a, or R3-11c) sign.

For all barrier- or buffer-separated or contiguous preferential only lanes where access is restricted to designated locations, an overhead Preferential Only Lane Operational Periods of Operation (R3-14 series) sign shall be used at the beginning or initial entry point, and at any intermediate access entry points or gaps in the barrier where vehicles are allowed to legally access the barrier-separated access-restricted preferential only lanes. For all barrier-separated and buffer-separated preferential lanes, Ground- post-mounted Preferential Only Lane Operational Periods of Operation (R3-11 series) signs shall be used only as a supplement to the overhead signs at the beginning or initial entry point, or at any intermediate access entry points or gaps in the barrier or buffer.

For buffer-separated preferential only lanes (painted buffer of 2 feet or more), an overhead Preferential Only Lane Operational (R3-14 series) sign shall be used at the beginning or initial entry point, and at intermediate access points or gaps where vehicles are allowed to legally access the buffer-separated preferential only lane. this paragraph was incorporated into the previous paragraph

For buffer-separated or contiguous preferential lanes where continuous access with the adjacent general-purpose lanes is provided, including those where a preferential lane is added to the roadway (see Figure 2G-2 for HOV lanes) and those where a general-purpose lane transitions into a preferential lane (see Figure 2G-3 for HOV lanes), an overhead Periods of Operation (R3-14 series) sign shall be used at the beginning or initial entry point of the preferential lane.

Guidance:

Overhead (R3-14 series) or post-mounted (R3-11 series) Periods of Operation signs should be installed at periodic intervals along the length of a contiguous or buffer-separated preferential lane where continuous access with the adjacent general-purpose lanes is provided.

Option:

Additional overhead (R3-14 series) or post-mounted (R3-11 series) Periods of Operation signs may be provided along the length of any type of preferential lane.

On conventional roads, the overhead Periods of Operation (R3-14 series) signs may be installed at the beginning or entry points and/or at intermediate points along preferential lanes in any geometric configuration.

Standard:

For all types of direct access ramps that provide access to or lead to preferential lanes, a post-mounted Periods of Operation (R3-11 series) sign shall be used at the beginning or initial entry point of the direct access ramp.

Option:

For direct access ramps to preferential only lanes, an overhead Preferential Only Lane Operational Periods of Operation (R3-14 series) sign may be used at the beginning or initial entry point to supplement the required ground- post-mounted signs.

Lane-use control signals (see Chapter 4M) may be used at access points to preferential lanes to indicate that a ramp or access roadway leading to the preferential lane or facility, or one or more specific lanes of the facility, are open or closed (see Figure 2G-14).

Standard:

A ground-mounted Preferential Only Lane Operational (R3-11, R3-11a, R3-11b, or R3-11d) sign shall be installed at the beginning, initial entry point, intermediate access points, and direct access ramps to all types of preferential only lanes. The overhead Preferential Only Lane Operational (R3-14 series) signs shall be installed only at the beginning or initial entry point to all types of preferential only lanes.

Option:

Additional ground-mounted Preferential Only Lane (R3-10, R3-11, R3-11a, R3-11b, or R3-11c) signs may be provided along the length of a preferential only lane.

For barrier-separated reversible-flow preferential only lanes, Preferential Only Lane signs may be either static or changeable message type.

For buffer-separated preferential only lanes, overhead Preferential Only Lane Operational (R3-14 series) signs may be used at specific locations and intervals along the length of the preferential only lane to supplement the ground-mounted R3-10 signs defining the occupancy requirement and the Preferential Only Lane Operational (R3-11 series) signs based on an engineering study.

For concurrent-flow preferential only lanes, overhead Preferential Only Lane Operational (R3-14 series) signs may be used at specific locations and intervals along the length of the preferential only lane to supplement the ground-mounted R3-10 signs defining the occupancy requirement and the Preferential Only Lane Operational (R3-11 series) signs based on an engineering study.

Support:

Section 2B.26 contains provisions regarding the use of changeable message signs for preferential only lanes.

Section 2E.59 contains additional provisions regarding signing for preferential only lanes on freeway and expressway facilities. Figures 2E-46 through 2E-52 show application and placement examples for Preferential Only Lane signs for a variety of preferential only lane situations.

Section 2G.06 Preferential Lane Advance Regulatory Signs (R3-12, R3-12e, R3-12f, R3-15, R3-15a, and R3-15d)

Guidance:

The Preferential Lane Advance (R3-12, R3-12f, R3-15, and R3-15d) signs should be used for advance notification of a barrier-separated, buffer-separated, or contiguous preferential lane that is added to the general-purpose lanes (see Figure 2G-12).

The Preferential Only Lane Ahead Advance (R3-10a, R3-12, R3-12e and R3-15a) signs should be used for advance notification of a general-purpose lane that becomes a preferential only lanes (see Figure 2G-13). this paragraph was relocated from Section 2B.26

Option:

The legends on the R3-12f and R3-15d signs may be modified to suit the type of preferential lane.

Overhead Preferential Only Lane Ahead (R3-15) signs may be placed approximately 1 mile and 2 miles in advance of the beginning or initial entry points to any type of preferential only lane. this paragraph was relocated from Section 2B.28

The ground-mounted Preferential Only Lane Ahead (R3-12) sign may be installed at a minimum of 1 mile in advance of the beginning or initial entry point to any type of preferential only lane. this paragraph was relocated from Section 2B.28

Guidance:

For all barrier-separated preferential only lanes, an overhead Preferential Only Lane Ahead (R3-15) sign should be installed and located at least 1 mile in advance of the beginning or initial entry point. this paragraph was relocated from Section 2B.28

On conventional roads, for general-purpose lanes that become preferential lanes, a post-mounted (R3-12e) or overhead (R3-15a) Preferential Lane Advance sign should be installed in advance of the beginning of or initial entry point to the preferential lane at a distance determined by engineering judgment based on speed, traffic characteristics, and other site-specific considerations. The distance selected should provide adequate opportunity for ineligible vehicles to vacate the lane prior to the beginning of the restriction.

On freeways and expressways, for general-purpose lanes that become preferential lanes, an overhead Preferential Lane Advance (R3-15a) sign should be installed at least 1 mile in advance of the beginning of the preferential lane restriction.

Option:

Additional post-mounted or overhead Preferential Lane Advance signs may be placed farther in advance of or closer to the beginning or initial entry points to a preferential lane.

Section 2G.07 Preferential Lane Ends Regulatory Signs (R3-12a, R3-12b, R3-12c, R3-12d, R3-12g, R3-12h, R3-15b, R3-15c, and R3-15e)

Standard:

The A ground- post-mounted Preferential Only Lane Ends 1/2 Mile (R3-12b or R3-12h) sign shall be installed at least 1/2 mile in advance of the termination of an HOV a preferential lane. this paragraph was relocated from Section 2B.28

Except as provided in Paragraph 6, The a ground- post-mounted Preferential Only Lane Ends (R3-12a or R3-12g) sign shall be installed at the point where the a preferential only lane and restriction ends and traffic must merge into the general-purpose lanes.

All longitudinal pavement markings, as well as word and symbol pavement markings, associated with the preferential only lane shall end where the R3-12a sign designating the end of the preferential only lane restriction is installed. this deleted sentence is now covered in Chapter 3B

A post-mounted Preferential Lane Ends (R3-12d) sign shall be installed at least 1/2 mile in advance of the point where a preferential lane restriction ends and the lane becomes a general-purpose lane.

Except as provided in Paragraph 7, a post-mounted Preferential Lane Ends (R3-12c) sign shall be installed at the point where a preferential lane restriction ends and the lane becomes a general-purpose lane.

Option:

The legends on the R3-12g and R3-15e signs may be modified to suit the type of preferential lane.

An overhead Preferential Lane Ends (R3-15b or R3-15e) sign may be installed instead of or in addition to a post-mounted R3-12a or R3-12g sign at the point where a preferential lane and restriction ends and traffic must merge into the general-purpose lanes.

An overhead Preferential Lane Ends (R3-15c) sign may be installed instead of or in addition to a post-mounted R3-12c sign at the point where the preferential lane restriction ends and the lane becomes a general-purpose lane.

Section 2G.08 Warning Signs on Median Barriers for Preferential Lanes

Option:

When a warning sign applicable only to a preferential lane is installed on a median barrier with limited lateral clearance to the adjacent travel lanes or shoulders, the warning sign may have a vertical rectangular shape. For a High Occupancy Vehicle lane, such signs may be used instead of using the HOV Plaque (W16-11P) (see Section 2G.09) with a standard diamond-shaped warning sign.

Standard:

When a vertical rectangular-shaped warning sign applicable only to a preferential lane is installed on a median barrier, the top portion of the sign shall be comprised of a white symbol or legend denoting the type of preferential lane (such as the diamond symbol for HOV or the legend BUS LANE) on a black background with a white border, and the bottom portion of the sign shall be comprised of the standard word message or symbol of the standard warning sign as a black legend on a yellow background with a black border (see Figure 2G-4).

Guidance:

Where lateral clearance is limited, such as when a post-mounted warning sign applicable only to a preferential lane is installed on a median barrier, the edges of the sign should not project beyond the outer edges of the barrier.

Option

Where lateral clearance is limited, warning signs applicable only to a preferential lane that are post-mounted on a median barrier and that are 72 inches or less in width may be skewed up to 45 degrees in order to fit within the barrier width or may be mounted higher, such that the vertical clearance to bottom of the sign, light fixture, or its structural support, whichever is lowest, is not less than 14 feet above any portion of the pavement and shoulders.

Standard:

Where lateral clearance is limited, Preferential Lane warning signs that are post-mounted on a median barrier and that that are wider than 72 inches shall be mounted with a vertical clearance that complies with the provisions of Section 2A.18 for overhead mounting.

Section 2C.52 2G.09 High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Plaque (W16-11P)

Option:

In situations where there is a need to warn drivers in an HOV lane of a specific condition, a HOV (W16-11P) plaque (see Figure 2G-4) may be used above a warning sign. The HOV plaque may be used to differentiate a warning sign specific for HOV lanes when the sign is also visible to traffic on the adjoining adjacent general-purpose roadway. Among the warning signs that may be possible applications of the HOV plaque are the Advisory Speed, Advisory Exit Speed, Added Lane, and Merge signs.

The diamond symbol may be used instead of the word message HOV on the W16-11P plaque. When appropriate, the words LANE or ONLY may be used on this plaque.

Support:

Section 2G.08 contains information regarding warning signs that can be mounted on barriers for HOV or other types of preferential lanes.

Section 2E.59 2G.10 Preferential Only Lane Guide Signs – General Section 2E.59 was split into four Sections and substantially edited

Support:

Preferential lanes are used on freeways, expressways, and conventional roads. Except as otherwise provided, Sections 2G.10 through 2G.15 apply only to guide signs for preferential lanes on freeways and expressways.

Guidance:

On conventional roads, guide signs applicable only to preferential lanes are ordinarily not needed, but if used they should comply with the provisions for guide signs in Chapter 2D and any principles for Preferential Lane guide signs in Sections 2G.10 through 2G.15 that engineering judgment finds to be appropriate for the conditions.

Support:

Consistency in signs and pavement markings for preferential lanes plays a critical role in building public awareness, understanding, and acceptance, and makes enforcement more effective.

Additional guidance and standards related to the designation, operational considerations, signing signs, pavement markings, and other considerations for preferential only lanes is provided in Sections 2G.03 through 2G.07, and 2G.09, 3B.22, and 3B.23 Chapter 3D.

Guidance:

Because consistency in signing and pavement markings for preferential only lanes within a State or metropolitan area plays a critical role in building public awareness, understanding, and acceptance, and makes enforcement more effective, an engineering study should be conducted to determine The appropriate combinations of pavement markings and standard overhead signs, and ground- post-mounted regulatory, warning, and guide signs and pavement markings for a specific preferential only lane application should be selected based on an engineering study.

If overhead signs applicable only to a preferential lane are located in approximately the same longitudinal position along the highway as overhead signs applicable only to the general-purpose lanes, the signs for the preferential lane should be separated laterally from the signs for the general-purpose lanes to the maximum extent practical to minimize conflicting information.

The Preferential Only Lane signing signs should be designed and located to avoid overloading the road user. Based on the importance of the sign, the following priority regulatory signs should be given: regulatory, advance regulatory, priority over guide, then signs. The order of priority of guide signs should be Advance Guide, Preferential Lane Entrance Direction, and finally next Preferential Lane Exit Destination supplemental guide signs.

Standard:

Signs applicable only to a preferential lane shall be distinguished from signs applicable to general-purpose lanes by the inclusion of the applicable symbol(s) and/or word(s).

Support:

The symbol and/or word message that appears on a particular guide sign applicable only to a preferential lane will vary based on the specific type of allowed traffic and on other related operational constraints that have been established for a particular lane, such as an HOV lane, a bus lane, or a taxi lane.

Standard:

For HOV lanes, the diamond symbol shall appear on each Advance Guide sign, Preferential Lane Entrance Direction sign, and Preferential Lane Entrance Gore sign, as shown in Figures 2G-5 through 2G-7 for the designated entry and exit points for barrier- and buffer-separated geometric configurations and direct access ramps to or from such lanes. The diamond symbol shall not be used with preferential lanes for other types of traffic, such as bus lanes or taxi lanes.

Signing for an HOV lane that is managed by means of varying the occupancy requirement in response to changing conditions shall also comply with these provisions.

Either the HOV abbreviation or The diamond symbol shall appear be displayed in the legend of each Preferential only Lane guide sign at the designated entry and exit points for all types of HOV lanes (including barrier- and buffer-separated, concurrent flow contiguous, and direct access ramps) in order to alert motorists that there is a minimum allowable vehicle occupancy requirement for vehicles to use the HOV lanes and to inform them of the times during which these vehicle occupancy requirements are in effect. Guide signs shall not display the occupancy requirement for the preferential lane.

A combination of guide and regulatory signs shall be used in advance of and at the initial entry point and all intermediate entry points from general-purpose lanes or facilities to all contiguous, barrier-separated, and buffer-separated preferential only lanes where access between the preferential and general-purpose lanes is restricted to designated locations. The Advance Guide signs for preferential only lanes shall be consistent with the requirements of Section 2E.30. The regulatory signs shall comply with the provisions of Sections 2G.03 through 2G.07.

Regulatory signs alone shall be used in advance of, at the beginning of, and at periodic intervals along contiguous or buffer-separated preferential lanes that provide continuous access between the adjacent general-purpose lanes and the preferential lane (see Figures 2G-12 and 2G-13). The design and placement of the regulatory signs shall comply with the provisions of Sections 2G.03 through 2G.07.

Except as otherwise provided in Sections 2G.10 through 2G.13, guide signs applicable to a preferential lane with a vehicle occupancy requirement shall be distinguished from those applicable to general-purpose lanes by displaying the white diamond symbol on a black background at the left-hand edge of these signs.

Option:

When post-mounted guide signs applicable only to a preferential lane are installed on a median barrier with limited lateral clearance to the adjacent travel lanes or shoulders, the guide signs may have a vertical rectangular shape.

Standard:

When vertical rectangular shaped guide signs applicable only to a preferential lane are installed on a median barrier, the top portion of the signs shall be comprised of the applicable white symbol or white word message that identifies the type of preferential lane (such as the diamond symbol for an HOV lane) on a black background with a white border, and the bottom portion of the sign shall be comprised of the appropriate guide sign legend on a green background with a white border (see Figures 2G-3, 2G-6, and 2G-7).

Guidance:

Where lateral clearance is limited, such as when a ground- post-mounted Preferential Only Lane guide sign is installed on a median barrier, the edges of the sign should not project beyond the outer edges of the barrier.

Option:

Where lateral clearance is limited, Preferential Only Lane (R3-10, R3-11, and R3-12 series) guide signs that are 72 inches or less in width may be skewed up to 45 degrees in order to fit within the barrier width or may be mounted at a height of 14 feet or more above the roadway higher, such that the vertical clearance to the bottom of the sign, light fixture, or its structural support, whichever is lowest, is not less than 14 feet above any portion of the pavement and shoulders.

Guidance Standard:

Where lateral clearance is limited, Preferential Only Lane guide signs that are post-mounted on a median barrier and that are wider than 72 inches should shall be mounted at a height of at least 14 feet above the roadway with a vertical clearance that complies with the provisions of Section 2A.18 for overhead mounting.

Option:

Lane-use control signals (see Chapter 4M) may be used at access points to preferential lanes to indicate that a ramp or access roadway leading to or from the preferential lane or facility, or one or more specific lanes of the facility, are open or closed.

Changeable message signs may be used to supplement, substitute for, or be incorporated into static guide signs where travel conditions change or where multiple types of operational strategies (such as variable occupancy requirements, vehicle types, or pricing policies) are used and varied throughout the day or week to manage the use of, control of, or access to preferential only lanes.

Standard:

When changeable message signs (see Section 2A.07 Chapter 2L) are used as regulatory or guide signs for preferential only lanes, they shall be the required sign size and shall display the required letter height and legend format that corresponds to the type of roadway facility and design speed.

Advance Guide signs, Preferential Lane Entrance Direction signs, and Preferential Lane Entrance Gore signs for the initial entry point and intermediate entry points into a preferential lane from the general-purpose lanes on the same designated route shall not identify the entry point as an exit by using the word "EXIT" on the sign or on a plaque.

Guidance:

Advance Guide signs and Preferential Lane Entrance Direction signs for initial and intermediate entry points into a preferential lane should use the word "ENTRANCE," such as "HOV LANE ENTRANCE" (see Figures 2G-5 and 2G-6) to convey the fact that vehicles are not leaving the designated route.

Preferential Lane Entrance Gore signs (see Figure 2G-7) at the initial entry point to a preferential lane should use the word "ENTRANCE." Preferential Lane Entrance Gore signs at intermediate entry points to a barrier-separated preferential lane where the sign would be located immediately adjacent to and directly viewed by traffic in the preferential lane should not use the word "ENTRANCE."

Standard:

When the entry point is on the left-hand side of the general-purpose lanes, a LEFT (E1-5aP) plaque (see Figure 2E-22) shall be added to the top left edge of the Advance Guide and Preferential Lane Entrance Direction signs. The LEFT plaque shall not be used on a preferential lane regulatory sign.

Reversible flow or express lanes that do not have any specific vehicle occupancy or designation restrictions shall be consistent with the requirements of Chapters 2B and 3B.

Overhead preferential only lane guide signs shall be used only as a supplement to ground-mounted preferential only lane guide signs unless an engineering study identifies that ground-mounted guide signs are not appropriate for a particular situation or location.

Guidance:

Existing sign and bridge structures should be used to the extent practical for the installation of preferential only lane signs. Where possible, advance guide and guide signs that are provided for preferential only lanes should share sign structures spanning the preferential only lanes and the adjoining freeway facility.

Standard:

Ground-mounted and overhead advance guide signs, guide signs, and exit signs applicable to HOV lanes and direct access ramps to HOV lanes shall contain the HOV diamond symbol in the upper left corner of the sign as shown in Figures 2E-46 through 2E-52. The diamond symbol shall not be used with lanes designated for bus or taxi traffic.

Option:

Agencies may select from either the HOV abbreviation or the diamond symbol to reference the HOV lane designation.

Standard:

For concurrent flow preferential only lanes, including those where a preferential only lane is added to the roadway (see Figure 2E-48 for HOV lanes) and those where a general purpose lane transitions into a preferential only lane on the roadway (see Figure 2E-49 for HOV lanes), an overhead regulatory (R3-14 or R3-14a) sign shall be used.

Section 2G.11 Guide Signs for Initial Entry Points to Preferential Lanes relocated from Section 2E.59

Standard:

Ground-mounted Except where a buffer-separated or contiguous preferential lane is added or where a general-purpose lane becomes a buffer-separated or contiguous preferential lane, and provides continuous access with the adjacent general-purpose lanes as illustrated in Figures 2G-2 and 2G-3, an Advance Guide signs shall be provided at least 1/2 mile prior to the beginning or initial entry point to all types of preferential only lanes in any type of geometric configuration (including barrier-separated, buffer-separated, and concurrent flow). Ground-mounted guide signs shall be provided at the beginning or initial entry point and at intermediate access points to all types of preferential only lanes. A Preferential Lane Entrance Direction sign shall also be provided at the initial entry point. Advance Guide and Preferential Lane Entrance Direction signs for such entry points shall not include the word "EXIT" (see Section 2G.10).

Guidance:

An Advance Guide sign should also be installed and located approximately 1 mile in advance of the initial entry point to a preferential lane that restricts access with the adjacent general-purpose lanes to designated locations.

Option:

Overhead advance guide signs and overhead guide signs may be used in advance of, at the beginning or initial entry point, and at designated intermediate access points to any type of preferential only lane. An Advance Guide signs may also be installed and located approximately 1 mile and 2 miles in advance of the beginning or initial entry point to any type of a preferential only lane that restricts access with the adjacent general-purpose lanes to designated locations.

Standard:

For barrier-separated, buffer-separated, or contiguous preferential only lanes where entry is restricted to only designated points, overhead the Advance Guide and overhead guide Preferential Lane Entrance Direction signs shall be provided in advance of and at the beginning or initial entry point to the preferential only lanes (see Figure 2E-46 for HOV lanes) mounted overhead. Overhead guide signs shall also be used at all intermediate entry points to barrier-separated preferential only lanes (see Figure 2E-47 for HOV lanes).

Guidance:

Advance Preferential Lane Exit Destination guide signs, identifying final destination and downstream exit locations accessible from the preferential lane (see Figures 2G-8, 2G-13, 2G-14, and 2G-16), should be installed in advance of designated the initial entry points and along the length of to access-restricted preferential only lanes (such as barrier- and buffer-separated). In addition to the routes that typically appear on advance destination guide signs, these signs should also include destinations. These signs should be located based on the priority of the message, the available space, the existing signs on adjoining adjacent general-purpose traffic lanes, roadway and traffic characteristics, the proximity to existing overhead signs, the ability to install overhead signs, and other unique local factors.

Standard:

Advance destination guide signs for preferential lanes shall include an upper section displaying a black legend that includes the type of preferential lane and the word "EXITS," such as "HOV EXITS," on a white background. For preferential lanes that incorporate a vehicle occupancy requirement, the white diamond symbol on a black background shall be displayed at the left edge of this upper section (see Figure 2G-8).

Support:

Figure 2G-8 shows an example of signs for the initial entry point to a preferential lane.

Guidance:

Where conditions restrict the ability to provide more than one advance guide sign in advance of any type of preferential only lane, the advance guide sign that is installed should be placed at least 1/2 mile in advance of the beginning or entry point to the preferential only lane.

Option:

Advance guide signs may be provided for preferential only lanes with unrestricted access, such as concurrent flow preferential only lanes.

Guidance:

For barrier-separated preferential only lanes where conditions restrict the ability to provide more than one advance guide sign prior to the entrance to the preferential only lane, the sign should be placed approximately 1/2 mile in advance of the exit. In these situations, the installation of the corresponding regulatory and next exit supplemental signs should be located based on the priority of the message and the available space.

Section 2G.12 Guide Signs for Intermediate Entry Points to Preferential Lanes relocated from Section 2E.59

Standard:

For barrier-separated, buffer-separated, and contiguous preferential lanes where entry is restricted only to designated points, an overhead Preferential Lane Entrance Direction sign shall be provided at intermediate entry points to the preferential lane from the general-purpose lanes.

Guidance:

For barrier- and buffer-separated preferential lanes where intermediate entry from the general-purpose lanes is provided via a separate lane or ramp (see Figure 2G-9), at least one Advance Guide sign should be provided in addition to the Preferential Lane Entrance Direction sign.

For access-restricted preferential lanes where intermediate entrance and egress are at the same designated access location, the Preferential Lane Entrance Direction sign should be located between 1/2 and 1/4 of the length of the designated entry area, as measured from the downstream end of the entry area (see Figure 2G-10).

Standard:

The Advance Guide signs, if used for intermediate entry points to a preferential lane from the general-purpose lanes, shall be overhead.

Option:

Advance Guide signs may be provided at approximately 1/2 mile, 1 mile, and 2 miles in advance of intermediate entry points from the general-purpose lanes to a preferential lane.

Standard:

Advance Guide and Preferential Lane Entrance Direction signs for intermediate entry points shall not include the word "EXIT" (see Section 2G.10).

Guidance:

Exit Destination guide signs, identifying the final destination and downstream exit locations accessible from the preferential lane, should be installed in advance of intermediate entry points from the general-purpose lanes to access-restricted preferential lanes.

Support:

Section 2G.11 contains information on the design and placement of Preferential Lane Exit Destination guide signs.

Figures 2G-9 and 2G-10 show examples of signs for various geometric configurations of intermediate entry to a barrier- or buffer-separated preferential lane where access is restricted to designated locations.

Section 2G.13 Guide Signs for Egress from Preferential Lanes to General-Purpose Lanes relocated from Section 2E.59

Standard:

For barrier-separated, buffer-separated, and contiguous preferential only lanes where egress is restricted only to designated points, ground- post-mounted Advance exit Guide and ground- post-mounted Exit Intermediate Egress Direction signs (see Figure 2G-11) shall be installed prior to and at the intermediate exit points of the preferential only lanes (see Figure 2E-47 for HOV lanes). Ground-mounted guide signs shall be mounted in the median or on median barriers that separate two directions of traffic prior to and at the intermediate exit points from the preferential lanes to the general-purpose lanes (see Figure 2G-9).

The legends of these signs shall refer to the next exit or exits from the general-purpose lanes by displaying the appropriate destination information, exit number(s), or both. The Intermediate Egress Direction signs for egress from the preferential lanes to the general-purpose lanes shall not refer to the egress as an exit.

Support:

Section 2G.10 contains information on the design of post-mounted guide signs applicable to a preferential lane when installed on a median barrier. Figures 2G-9 and 2G-12 show examples of signs for various geometric configurations of intermediate egress from a barrier- or buffer-separated preferential lane where access is restricted to designated locations.

Guidance:

Where two or more adjacent preferential lanes are present in a single direction, consideration should be given to the use of overhead guide signs to display the information related to egress from the preferential lanes.

For barrier-separated and buffer-separated preferential lanes where egress from a preferential lane to the general-purpose lanes is restricted only to designated points via a separate lane or ramp, the Advance Guide and Intermediate Egress Direction signs for the egress should be mounted overhead and a Pull-Through sign should be mounted with the Intermediate Egress Direction sign (see Figure 2G-12).

Standard:

For preferential lanes that incorporate a vehicle occupancy requirement, the design of the overhead Advance Guide and Egress Direction signs for intermediate egress from the preferential lanes to the general-purpose lanes shall display a white diamond symbol on a black background at the left-hand edge of the signs.

The design of Pull-Through signs when used in conjunction with an Egress Direction sign at an intermediate egress from the preferential lanes to the general-purpose lanes shall be distinguished from those applicable to general-purpose lanes by inclusion of an upper section with the applicable black legend on a white background, such as HOV LANE. For preferential lanes that incorporate a vehicle occupancy requirement, the white diamond symbol on a black background shall be displayed at the left-hand edge of this upper section.

Option:

For barrier-separated preferential only lanes, an advance destination guide sign may be used in the vicinity of designated intermediate entry and exit points.

Standard:

For buffer-separated preferential only lanes (painted buffer of 2 feet or more) where access is restricted to designated entry points, ground-mounted guide signs shall be mounted in the median or on median barriers separating two directions of traffic. ground-mounted advance exit and ground-mounted exit signs shall be installed prior to and at the intermediate exit points of buffer-separated preferential only lanes (see Figure 2E-47 for HOV lanes).

Option:

For buffer-separated preferential only lanes, an advance destination guide sign may be used in the vicinity of designated intermediate entry and exit points.

Guidance:

For buffer-separated HOV lanes, guide and regulatory signs should be provided to alert HOV lane users and non-users of the minimum allowable vehicle occupancy requirement and the locations of the designated entry and exit points.

Section 2G.14 Guide Signs for Direct Entrances to Preferential Lanes from Another Highway

Standard:

For direct access ramps to HOV preferential lanes, advance guide signs shall be provided along the adjoining surface streets to direct traffic into from a transit facility (such as a park & - ride lot or a transit station or terminal) that ultimately leads to HOV lanes is accessible from surface streets, advance guide signs shall be provided along the adjoining surface streets to direct traffic into and through the transit facility to the preferential lane (see Figure 2G-13 for HOV lanes). relocated from Section 2E.59

Support:

Figures 2G-14 through 2E-52 provides examples of recommended uses and layouts of signs for HOV lanes for direct access ramps, park & - ride lots, and access from surface streets, and exclusive preferential only lane ramps at interchanges that directly connect two freeway facilities. Direct access ramps to preferential only lanes sometimes form a three or four-legged intersection that is controlled by either static signs or traffic control signals. relocated from Section 2E.59

Section 2G.15 Guide Signs for Direct Exits from Preferential Lanes to Another Highway

Standard:

For concurrent flow contiguous HOV preferential lanes on the left-hand side of the roadway with unrestricted access, Advance Guide and guide signs, Exit Direction signs, and Exit Gore signs (see Figure 2G-14) specifically applicable to the preferential lanes shall only be used on for exits to direct access ramps, such as HOV lane only ramps (see Figure 2G-15) or ramps to park & - ride lots facilities (see Figures 2E-50 and 2E-51 for HOV lanes). relocated from Section 2E.59

The design of Advance Guide, Exit Direction, and Pull-Through signs for direct exits from preferential lanes shall be distinguished from those applicable to general-purpose lanes by inclusion of an upper section with the applicable black legend on a white background, such as HOV LANE (for Pull-Through signs) or HOV EXIT (for Advance Guide and Exit Direction signs). For preferential lanes that incorporate a vehicle occupancy requirement, the white diamond symbol on a black background shall be displayed at the left-hand edge of this upper section (see Figures 2G-15 and 2G-16).

Guidance:

Advance Guide and Exit Direction signs for exits to direct access ramps from a preferential lane should be mounted overhead. A Pull-Through sign should be used with the Exit Direction sign at exits to direct access ramps.

Standard:

Post-mounted guide signs in a vertical rectangular shape installed on a median barrier shall not be used for the Advance Guide and Exit Direction signs for exits to direct access ramps.

Because direct access ramps for preferential only lanes at interchanges connecting two freeways are typically left-hand side exits and typically have design speeds similar to the preferential only lane, overhead Advance Guide signs and overhead guide Exit Direction signs shall be provided in advance of and at the entry point to each freeway-to-freeway preferential only lane ramp (see Figure 2G-16 for HOV lanes). relocated from Section 2E.59

Guidance:

The use of guide signs for preferential only lanes at freeway interchanges should conform to comply with the provisions for regulatory and guide signs requirements established in this Manual. relocated from Section 2E.59

Support:

The use of advance guide and Guide signs for direct access ramps for preferential only lanes at interchanges connecting two freeways is are similar to those for a connecting ramp between two freeway facilities. relocated from Section 2E.59

Section 2G.16 Signs for Priced Managed Lanes – General

Support:

A priced managed lane is a managed lane that employs tolling or pricing, typically through electronic toll collection, to manage congestion levels and maintain a certain level of service for users of the facility. A priced managed facility typically provides a less congested alternative to adjacent lanes along the same designated route, or to a nearby facility, that experience recurring congestion during peak periods. A priced managed lane might allow non-toll travel by certain vehicles based on occupancy or other criteria. A variety of operational management strategies might be used in conjunction with tolling or pricing.

The number and combination of operational strategies that are applied to a managed lane to manage congestion or improve efficiency might be practically limited by the amount of information that can be legibly displayed on signs or in signing sequences and still be readily comprehended by road users. Such factors to consider when evaluating alternatives for managed lanes are locations of signs for general-purpose interchanges and for other roadway conditions, the number of intermediate access points between the managed and general-purpose lanes and the need to repeat the operational information, and the distance over which a signing sequence that displays all of the eligibility requirements can be displayed.

Because managed lanes have the capability to employ a variety of operational strategies on a changing basis, it is not practical to assign a naming convention to such lanes for the purpose of signing based on the specific operational management strategies, as is more readily accomplished with other types of preferential lanes, such as HOV, Bus, or Bike lanes. Instead, the various requirements, restrictions, and eligibility criteria are more appropriately conveyed through a sequence of regulatory and guide signs with a more encompassing designation for the purpose of providing directional information.

As priced managed lanes become more prevalent as an operational strategy, it will be important to establish a uniform naming convention to distinguish those lanes that are an alternative to travel on adjacent general-purpose lanes on the same designated route to effectively communicate to motorists the range of basic requirements for similar facilities in different regions.

Standard:

Priced managed lanes that are adjacent to general-purpose lanes along the same designated route shall be signed using the legend EXPRESS or EXPRESS LANE(S). This provision shall apply when any of the following operational strategies is used for a managed lane:

All users of the managed lane are charged a fixed or variable toll;
General-purpose traffic using the managed lane is charged a fixed or variable toll, but HOV traffic is allowed to travel without being charged a toll on either a full- or part-time basis;
General-purpose traffic using the managed lane is charged a fixed or variable toll, but HOV traffic is offered a discounted toll on either a full- or part-time basis; or
General-purpose traffic using the managed lane is charged a fixed or variable toll, but HOV traffic registered with a local program travels at a discounted toll or without being charged a toll on either a full- or part-time basis (a transponder or other identifier is typically required of HOVs to indicate registration in conjunction with electronic or visual enforcement and verification of vehicle occupancy).

The legends EXPRESS and EXPRESS LANE(S) shall not be used on signs for entrances to highways on which all lanes are managed and there are no adjacent general-purpose lanes on the same designated route. The legends EXPRESS and EXPRESS LANE(S) shall not be used on signs for a managed ramp connection that provides an alternative to a general-purpose ramp connection (see Figure 2F-7), except where the ramp leads directly to a managed lane as described in Section 2G.14. The legends EXPRESS and EXPRESS LANE(S) shall not be used on signs for open-road tolling lanes that bypass a conventional toll plaza (see Chapter 2F).

The diamond symbol shall be reserved exclusively for preferential lanes whose operational strategy is occupancy-based only (see Sections 2G.03 through 2G.14) and shall not be used to designate a managed lane in which other operational strategies, such as tolling and pricing, are employed to allow general-purpose traffic to use the lane.

Section 2G.17 Regulatory Signs for Priced Managed Lanes

Standard:

Except as otherwise provided in this Section, the provisions of Sections 2G.03 through 2G.07 regarding regulatory signs for Preferential lanes shall apply to priced managed lanes operated at all times or at certain times with a toll payment requirement of some or all vehicles to use the lane(s). Such managed lanes shall use changeable message signs or changeable message elements within static signs to display the appropriate regulatory sign messages only when they are in effect.

Regulatory signs for preferential lanes shall be appropriately modified for adaptation to a priced managed lane, where applicable, as shown in Figure 2G-17.

Regulatory signs shall be used to indicate the toll charged. If the toll varies, regulatory signs that include changeable message elements, such as the R3-48 and R3-48a signs that are shown in Figure 2G-17, shall be used to display the actual toll amount in effect at any given time.

When only vehicles with a registered ETC account are allowed to use a managed lane where some or all vehicles are charged a toll, regulatory signs to indicate such a restriction shall be provided and shall incorporate the pictograph adopted by the toll facility's ETC payment system and the word ONLY (see Section 2G.18 for the incorporation of such regulatory legends into the guide signs for the entrances to such facilities). The display of the ETC system pictograph shall comply with the provisions of Sections 2F.03 and 2F.04 as shown in Figures 2G-17 and 2G-18.

When HOV traffic is allowed to use a priced managed lane without paying a toll and registration in a local program is not required to receive the toll exemption, the Vehicle Occupancy Definition (R3-10 or R3-13) signs (see Section 2G.04) shall be modified to delete the diamond symbol to create priced managed lane Vehicle Occupancy Definition (R3-40 and R3-43) signs to indicate the minimum occupancy related to the management strategy (see Figure 2G-17).

A priced managed lane Periods of Operation (R3-44 or R3-44a) sign (see Figure 2G-17) shall be installed at the beginning or initial entry point, and at any intermediate entry points where vehicles are allowed to legally enter an access-restricted priced managed lane.

When the vehicle occupancy required for non-toll use of a managed lane is varied as a part of a priced managed lane operational strategy, regulatory signs that include changeable message elements shall be used to display the required vehicle occupancy in effect for non-toll travel.

Option:

Where registration in a local program or ETC account is required for HOV traffic to travel in a priced managed lane without being charged a toll or by being charged a discounted toll, such information may be displayed on a separate sign within the sequence of the required regulatory and guide signs.

Standard:

R3-42 Series and R3-45 Series signs (see Figure 2G-17) shall be installed in accordance with the provisions of Section 2G.07 to indicate the termination of a priced managed lane or restriction. The R3-42, R3-42a, and R3-45 signs shall be used only where the managed lane and restriction end and traffic must merge into the general-purpose lanes. The R3-42b, R3-42c, and R3-45a signs shall be used only where the managed lane restriction ends and the lane becomes a general-purpose lane.

Section 2G.18 Guide Signs for Priced Managed Lanes

Standard:

Except as otherwise provided in this Section, guide signs for barrier-separated, buffer-separated, and contiguous managed lanes shall follow the specific provisions for Preferential Lane guide signs contained in Sections 2G.10 through 2G.15. Except as otherwise provided in this Section, guide signs for highways on which all lanes are managed shall follow the general provisions for freeway and expressway guide signs as contained in Chapter 2E as a whole. Guide signs for highways on which all lanes are managed and tolling or pricing is used as a management strategy shall follow the applicable provisions for toll road guide signs as contained in Chapter 2F, in addition to the general provisions of Chapter 2E.

If fixed or variable tolls are used as an operational strategy for a managed lane, the guide signs shall comply with the provisions of Sections 2F.03, 2F.04, and 2F.17 regarding the use, size, and placement of ETC-account pictographs.

Support:

Figure 2G-18 shows examples of Guide signs for entrances to priced managed lanes and other ETC account-only toll facilities that incorporate header panels with ETC account pictographs and regulatory legends.

Guidance:

Exit Destination supplemental guide signs, identifying final destination and downstream exit locations accessible from the managed lane (see Figure 2G-19), should be installed in advance of the initial entry points to priced managed lanes. These signs should be located in accordance with the provisions of Paragraph 5 of Section 2G.11.

For managed lanes that are available as an alternative to travel on adjacent general-purpose lanes on the same designated route, changeable message signs indicating the comparative travel times or congestion levels using the managed lanes versus the general-purpose lanes (see Figure 2G-20) should be installed in advance of the initial and intermediate entry points to the managed lanes.

Option:

Changeable message signs may also be used on non-managed highways to display comparative travel times or congestion levels for a nearby managed highway.

Standard:

Guide signs at the initial and intermediate entry points to a priced managed lane in which all general-purpose passenger vehicles are allowed shall include the legend EXPRESS or EXPRESS LANE(S). The guide signs shall incorporate the pictograph of the ETC account system into a header panel within the guide sign in accordance with Sections 2F.03, 2F.04, and 2F.17. For a priced managed lane that allows non-toll travel by HOV traffic without registration in a local program, the header panel shall be modified to a regulatory format to display both the pictograph of the ETC account system and the minimum occupancy requirement for non-toll travel with a black legend on a white background (see Figure 2G-19).

Guide signs at the initial and intermediate entry points to a managed lane that allows only HOV traffic with either a fixed or variable occupancy requirement shall follow the provisions of Sections 2G.10 through 2G.12 and 2G.14.

Support:

Figures 2G-21 through 2G-24 show examples of guide signs for various configurations of initial and intermediate entrances to a priced managed lane.

Standard:

The use and locations of guide signs for intermediate egress locations and direct exits from a priced managed lane (see Figures 2G-24 through 2G-27) shall comply with the provisions of Sections 2G.13 and 2G.15. The signs shall be suitably modified to display header messages of white legend on a green background that relate the guide sign legends to the managed lane(s) as appropriate in accordance with the following:

Post-mounted or overhead-mounted Advance Guide signs for intermediate egress to the general-purpose lanes shall include the legend LOCAL EXITS in a header panel within the guide signs, destination information or the exit number(s) for the next exit(s) accessible from the general-purpose lanes, and the appropriate distance information to the location of the egress (see Figures 2G-24 and 2G-25).
Post-mounted or overhead-mounted Intermediate Egress Direction signs shall include the legend LOCAL EXITS in a header panel within the signs, the destination information or the exit number(s) of the next exit(s) accessible from the general-purpose lanes, and a diagonally upward-pointing directional arrow (see Figures 2G-24 and 2G-25).
For direct exits to another roadway, the legend EXPRESS EXIT shall be used on the Advance Guide and Exit Direction signs (see Figure 2G-26).
For pull-through signs, the legend EXPRESS LANE(S) shall be used, either as a header panel within the pull-through sign or as the principal legend of the sign without a header panel (see Figures 2G-25, 2G-26, and 2G-27).

Support:

Section 2G.13 contains information on the use of overhead-mounted guide signs for intermediate egress to the general-purpose lanes.

Figures 2G-28 and 2G-29 show examples of guide signing for direct entrances to a priced managed lane from a crossroad or surface street.

CHAPTER 2H. GENERAL INFORMATION SIGNS new Chapter with relocated text from Chapters 2D and 2E

Section 2H.01 Sizes of General Information Signs

Standard:

Except as provided in Section 2A.11, the sizes of General Information signs that have a standardized design shall be as shown in Table 2H-1.

Support:

Section 2A.11 contains information regarding the applicability of the various columns in Table 2H-1.

Option:

Signs larger than those shown in Table 2H-1 may be used (see Section 2A.11).

Section 2D.48 2H.02 General Information Signs (I Series)

Support:

Of interest to the traveler, though not directly necessary for guidance, are numerous kinds of information that can properly be conveyed by General Information signs (see Figure 2H-1) or miscellaneous information signs (see Section 2H.04). They include such items as State lines, city limits, other political boundaries, time zones, stream names, elevations, landmarks, and similar items of geographical interest, and safety and transportation-related messages. Chapter 2M contains recreational and cultural interest area symbol signs that are sometimes used in combination with General Information signs.

Guidance:

General Information signs should not be installed within a series of guide signs or at other equally critical locations, unless there are specific reasons for orienting the road user or identifying control points for activities that are clearly in the public interest. On all such signs, the designs should be simple and dignified, devoid of any advertising, and in general conformance compliance with other guide signing.

Standard:

Except for political boundary and scenic by-way logos and signs, General Information signs shall have white legends and borders on green rectangular-shaped backgrounds.

Option:

An information symbol sign (I-5 through I-8 I-9, I-11) may be used to identify a route leading to a transportation or general information facility, or to provide additional guidance to the facility. The symbol sign may be supplemented by an educational plaque where necessary; also, the name of the facility may be used if needed to distinguish between similar facilities.

The Advance Turn (M5 series) or Directional Arrow (M6 series) auxiliary signs shown in Figure 2H-1 with white arrows on green backgrounds may be used with General Information symbol signs to create a General Information Directional Assembly.

Guide signs for commercial service airports and non-carrier airports may be provided from the nearest Interstate, other freeway, or conventional highway intersection directly to the airport, normally not to exceed 15 miles. The Airport (I-5) symbol sign along with a supplemental plaque may be used to indicate the specific name of the airport. An Airport symbol sign, with or without a supplemental name plaque or the word AIRPORT, and an arrow may be used as a trailblazer.

Standard:

Adequate trailblazer signs shall be in place prior to installing the airport guide signs.

Support:

Location and placement of all airport guide signs depends upon the availability of longitudinal spacing on highways.

Option:

The Recycling Collection Center (I-11) symbol sign may be used to direct road users to recycling collection centers.

Guidance:

The Recycling Collection Center symbol sign should not be used on freeways and expressways.

Standard:

If used on freeways or expressways, the Recycling Collection Center symbol sign shall be considered one of the supplemental sign destinations.

When a sign is used to display a safety or transportation-related message, the display format shall not be of a type that would be considered similar to advertising displays. Messages and symbols that resemble any official traffic control device shall not be used on safety or transportation-related message signs.

Option:

The pictograph of a political jurisdiction logos (such as a State, county, or municipal corporation) may be placed displayed on the a political boundary General Information signs. The logo may have different colors and shapes but should be simple, dignified, and devoid of any advertising.

Standard:

If used, the height of a pictograph on a political boundary General Information sign shall not exceed two times the height of the upper-case letters of the principal legend on the sign. The pictograph shall comply with the provisions of Section 2A.06.

Section 2D.47 2H.03 Traffic Signal Speed Sign (I1-1)

Option:

The Traffic Signal Speed (I1-1) sign (see Figure 2H-1), reading SIGNALS SET FOR XX MPH, may be used to indicate a section of street or highway on which the traffic control signals are coordinated into a progressive system timed for a specified speed at all hours during which they are operated in a coordinated mode.

If different system progression speeds are set for different times of the day, a changeable message element may be used for the numerals of the Traffic Signal Speed (I1-1) sign. If the system is operated in coordinated mode only during certain times, a blank-out version of the Traffic Signal Speed (I1-1) sign may be used to display the message only during those times.

Guidance:

If used, the sign should be mounted as near as practical to each intersection where the timed speed changes, and at intervals of several blocks throughout any section where the timed speed remains constant.

Standard:

The Traffic Signal Speed sign shall be a minimum of 12 x 18 24 x 36 inches with the longer dimension vertical. It shall have a white message and border on a green background.

Section 2E.55 2H.04 Miscellaneous Guide Information Signs

Support:

Miscellaneous Guide information are used to point out geographical features, such as rivers and summits, and other jurisdictional boundaries (see Section 2H.02). Figure 2H-1 shows examples of miscellaneous information (I-2 and I-3) signs.

Option:

Miscellaneous Guide information signs may be used if they do not interfere with signing for interchanges or other critical points.

Guidance:

Miscellaneous Guide information signs should not be installed unless there are specific reasons for orienting the road users or identifying control points for activities that are clearly in the public interest. If Miscellaneous Guide information signs are to be of value to the road user, they should be consistent with other freeway or expressway guide signs in design and legibility. On all such signs, the design should be simple and dignified, devoid of any tendency toward flamboyant advertising, and in general conformance compliance with other freeway and expressway signing.

Section 2D.46 2H.05 Reference Location Signs (D10-1 through D10-3) and Intermediate Reference Location Signs (D10-1a through D10-3a)

Support:

There are two types of reference location signs:

Reference Location (D10-1, 2, and 3) signs show an integer distance point along a highway, and
Intermediate Reference Location (D10-1a, 2a, and 3a) signs also show a decimal between integer distance points along a highway.

Standard:

Except as provided in the Option below when Enhanced Reference Location signs (see Section 2H.06) are used instead, Reference Location (D10-1 through D10-3) signs (see Section 2D.46) shall be placed on all expressway facilities that are located on a route where there is reference location sign continuity and on all freeway facilities to assist road users in estimating their progress, to provide a means for identifying the location of emergency incidents and traffic crashes, and to aid in highway maintenance and servicing. relocated from Section 2E.54

Option:

Reference Location (D10-1 to D10-3) signs (see Figure 2H-2) may be installed along any section of a highway route or ramp to assist road users in estimating their progress, to provide a means for identifying the location of emergency incidents and traffic crashes, and to aid in highway maintenance and servicing.

To augment the reference location sign system, Intermediate Reference Location (D10-1a to D10-3a) signs (see Figure 2H-3), which show the tenth of a mile with a decimal point, may be installed at one tenth of a mile intervals, or at some other regular spacing.

Standard:

When Intermediate Reference Location (D10-1a to D10-3a) signs are used to augment the reference location sign system, the reference location sign at the integer mile point shall display a decimal point and a zero numeral.

When placed on freeways or expressways, Reference Location (D10-1 to D10-3) reference location signs shall contain 10-inch white numerals on a 12-inch wide green background with a white border. The signs shall be 24, 36, or 48 inches in height for one, two, or three digits, respectively, and shall contain the abbreviation word MILE in 4-inch white letters.

When placed on conventional roads, Reference Location (D10-1 to D10-3) reference location signs shall contain 6-inch white numerals on a green background that is at least 10 inches wide with a white border. The signs shall contain the abbreviation word MILE in 4-inch white letters.

The design details for reference location signs shall be as shown in the "Standard Highway Signs" book (see Section 1A.11).

Reference location signs shall have a minimum mounting height of 4 feet, to measured vertically from the bottom of the sign in accordance with the mounting height requirements of delineators (see Section 3D.04) to the elevation of the near edge of the roadway, and shall not be governed by the mounting height requirements prescribed in Section 2A.18.

The distance numbering shall be continuous for each route within a State, except where overlaps occur (see Section 2E.31). Where routes overlap, reference location sign continuity shall be established for only one of the routes. If one of the overlapping routes is an Interstate route, that route shall be selected for continuity of distance numbering.

Guidance:

The route selected for continuity of distance numbering should also have continuity in interchange exit numbering (see Section 2E.31). relocated from Section 2E.54

On a route without reference location sign continuity, the first reference location sign beyond the overlap should indicate the total distance traveled on the route so that road users will have a means of correlating their travel distance between reference location signs with that shown on their odometer.

Standard:

For divided highways, the distance measurement shall be made on the northbound and eastbound roadways. The reference location signs for southbound or westbound roadways shall be set at locations directly opposite the reference location signs for the northbound or eastbound roadways.

Guidance:

Zero distance should begin at the south and west State lines, or at the south and west terminus points where routes begin within a State.

Standard:

Except as provided in the Option below Paragraph 15, reference location signs shall be installed on the right-hand side of the roadway.

Option:

Where conditions limit or restrict the use of reference location signs on the right-hand side of the roadway, they may be installed in the median. On two-lane conventional roadways, reference location signs may be installed on one side of the roadway only and may be installed back-to-back. Reference location signs may be placed up to 30 feet from the edge of the pavement.

If a reference location sign cannot be installed in the correct location, it may be moved in either direction as much as 50 feet.

Guidance:

If a reference location sign cannot be placed within 50 feet of the correct location, it should be omitted.

Option:

Enhanced reference location signs (see Section 2E.54) may also be used on conventional roads.

Section 2E.54 2H.06 Reference Location Signs and Enhanced Reference Location Signs (D10-4, D10-5)

Support:

Reference Location (D10-1 through D10-3) signs and Intermediate Reference Location (D10-1a through D10-3a) signs and their applications are described in Section 2D.46.

There are two types of enhanced reference location signs:

Enhanced Reference Location signs (D10-4), and
Intermediate Enhanced Reference Location signs (D10-5).

Option:

Enhanced Reference Location (D10-4) signs (see Figure 2H-4), which enhance the reference location sign system by identifying the route, may be placed on freeways or expressways (instead of Reference Location signs) or on conventional roads.

To augment an enhanced reference location sign system, Intermediate Enhanced Reference Location (D10-5) signs (see Figure 2H-4), which show the tenth of a mile with a decimal point, may be installed along any section of a highway route or ramp at one tenth of a mile intervals, or at some other regular spacing.

Standard:

If enhanced reference location signs are used, they shall be vertical panels signs having blue or green backgrounds with white numerals, letters, and borders, except for the route shield, which shall be the standard color and shape. The top line shall consist of the cardinal direction for the roadway. The second line shall consist of the applicable route shield for the roadway. The third line shall identify the mile reference for the location and the bottom line of the Intermediate Enhanced Reference Location sign shall give the tenth of a mile reference for the location. The bottom line of the Intermediate Enhanced Reference Location sign shall contain a decimal point. The height of the legend on enhanced reference location signs shall be a minimum of 6 inches. The height of the route shield on enhanced reference location signs shall be a minimum of 12 inches.

The background color shall be the same for all enhanced reference location signs within a jurisdiction.

The design details for enhanced reference location signs shall be as shown in the "Standard Highway Signs" book (see Section 1A.11).

Enhanced reference location signs shall have a minimum mounting height of 4 feet to the bottom of the sign in accordance with the mounting height requirements of delineators (see Section 3D.04), and shall not be governed by the mounting height requirements prescribed in Section 2A.18.

The distance numbering shall be continuous for each route within any State, except where overlaps occur (see Section 2E.28). Where routes overlap, enhanced reference location sign continuity shall be established for only one of the routes. If one of the overlapping routes is an Interstate route, that route shall be selected for continuity of distance numbering.

The distance measurement shall be made on the northbound and eastbound roadways. The enhanced reference location signs for southbound or westbound roadways shall be set at locations directly opposite the enhanced reference location signs for the northbound or eastbound roadways.

Guidance:

The route selected for continuity of distance numbering should also have continuity in interchange exit numbering (see Section 2E.28). relocated to Section 2H.05 On a route without enhanced reference location sign continuity, the first enhanced reference location sign beyond the overlap should indicate the total distance traveled on the route so that road users will have a means of correlating their travel distance between enhanced reference location signs with that shown on their odometer.

Standard:

Except as provided in the Option below, enhanced reference location signs shall be installed on the right side of the roadway.

Option:

Where conditions limit or restrict the use of enhanced reference location signs on the right side of the roadway, they may be installed in the median. In urban areas, Intermediate Enhanced Reference Location signs may be installed on the right side of the roadway, in the median, or on ramps to replace or to supplement the reference location signs. Enhanced Reference Location signs may be installed back-to-back in median locations.

Support:

The provisions in Section 2H.05 regarding mounting height, distance numbering and measurements, sign continuity, and placement with respect to the right-hand shoulder and/or median for reference location signs also apply to enhanced reference location signs. added to replace the previous six paragraphs in order to eliminate repetition

Section 2D.50 2H.07 Trail Auto Tour Route Signs

Support:

Trail Auto Tour Route signs are informational signs, plaques, or shields designed to provide road users with route guidance in following a trail an auto tour route of particular cultural, historical, or educational significance.

Signed auto tour routes are used in some cases to generally follow the historical route of a trail, such as the National Historic Trails administered by the National Park Service. Examples include auto tour routes that parallel the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, the Oregon National Historic Trail, and the Santa Fe National Historic Trail.

Guidance:

Primary guidance should be in the form of printed literature and strip maps rather than trail signing.

If shields or other similar signs are used to provide route guidance in following an auto tour route, they should be designed in accordance with the sizes and other design principles for route signs, such as those described in Sections 2D.10 through 2D.12.

Option:

Trail Auto Tour Route signs may be installed on a highway if they have been approved by the appropriate transportation agency.

Standard:

Auto Tour Route signs shall not be installed on freeways or expressways, except as necessary to provide continuity between discontinuous segments of conventional roadways that are designated as auto tour routes, for which the freeway or expressway provides the only connection between the segments. If installed on freeways or expressways, Auto Tour Route signs shall be installed as independent trailblazer assemblies (see Sections 2D.35 and 2E.27) and shall not be installed with other Route signs or confirmation assemblies or on guide signs. If installed on freeways or expressways, Auto Tour Route trailblazer assemblies shall be installed at less frequent intervals than route confirmation assemblies.

Section 2H.08 Acknowledgment Signs

Support:

Acknowledgment signs are a way of recognizing a company, business, or volunteer group that provides a highway-related service. Acknowledgment signs include sponsorship signs for adopt-a-highway litter removal programs, maintenance of a parkway or interchange, and other highway maintenance or beautification sponsorship programs.

Guidance:

A State or local highway agency that elects to have an acknowledgment sign program should develop an acknowledgment sign policy. The policy should require that eligible sponsoring organizations comply with State laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, and other applicable laws. The acknowledgment sign policy should include all of the provisions regarding sign placement and sign design that are described in this Section.

Standard:

Because regulatory, warning, and guide signs have a higher priority, acknowledgment signs shall only be installed where adequate spacing is available between the acknowledgment sign and other higher priority signs. Acknowledgment signs shall not be installed in a position where they would obscure the road users' view of other traffic control devices.

Acknowledgment signs shall not be installed at any of the following locations:

On the front or back of, adjacent to, or around any other traffic control device, including traffic signs, highway traffic signals, and changeable message signs;
On the front or back of, adjacent to, or around the supports or structures of other traffic control devices, or bridge piers; or
At key decision points where a road user's attention is more appropriately focused on other traffic control devices, roadway geometry, or traffic conditions, including exit and entrance ramps, intersections, grade crossings, toll plazas, temporary traffic control zones, and areas of limited sight distance.

Guidance:

The minimum spacing between acknowledgment signs and any other traffic control signs, except parking regulation signs, should be:

150 feet on roadways with speed limits of less than 30 mph,
200 feet on roadways with speed limits of 30 to 45 mph, and
500 feet on roadways with speed limits greater than 45 mph.

If the placement of a newly-installed higher-priority traffic control device, such as a higher-priority sign, a highway traffic signal, or a temporary traffic control device, conflicts with an existing acknowledgment sign, the acknowledgment sign should be relocated, covered, or removed.

Option:

State or local highway agencies may develop their own acknowledgment sign designs and may also use their own pictograph (see definition in Section 1A.13) and/or a brief jurisdiction-wide program slogan as part of any portion of the acknowledgment sign, provided that the signs comply with the provisions for shape, color, and lettering style in this Chapter and in Chapter 2A.

Guidance:

Acknowledgment signs should clearly indicate the type of highway services provided by the sponsor.

Standard:

In addition to the general provisions for signs described in Chapter 2A and the sign design principles covered in the "Standard Highway Signs and Markings" book (see Section 1A.11), acknowledgment sign designs developed by State or local highway agencies shall comply with the following provisions:

Neither the sign design nor the sponsor acknowledgment logo shall contain any contact information, directions, slogans (other than a brief jurisdiction-wide program slogan, if used), telephone numbers, or Internet addresses, including domain names and uniform resource locators (URL);
Except for the lettering, if any, on the sponsor acknowledgment logo, all of the lettering shall be in upper-case letters as provided in the "Standard Highway Signs and Markings" book (see Section 1A.11);
In order to keep the main focus on the highway-related service and not on the sponsor acknowledgment logo, the area reserved for the sponsor acknowledgment logo shall not exceed 1/3 of the total area of the sign and shall be a maximum of 8 square feet, and shall not be located at the top of the sign;
The entire sign display area shall not exceed 24 square feet;
The sign shall not contain any messages, lights, symbols, or trademarks that resemble any official traffic control devices;
The sign shall not contain any external or internal illumination, light-emitting diodes, luminous tubing, fiber optics, luminescent panels, or other flashing, moving, or animated features; and
The sign shall not distract from official traffic control messages such as regulatory, warning, or guidance messages.

Support:

Examples of acknowledgment sign designs are shown in Figure 2H-5.

CHAPTER 2I. GENERAL SERVICE SIGNS new Chapter with relocated text from Chapters 2D and 2E

Section 2I.01 Sizes of General Service Signs

Standard:

Except as provided in Section 2A.11, the sizes of General Service signs that have a standardized design shall be as shown in Table 2I-1.

Support:

Section 2A.11 contains information regarding the applicability of the various columns in Table 2I-1.

Option:

Signs larger than those shown in Table 2I-1 may be used (see Section 2A.11).

Section 2D.45 2I.02 General Service Signs (D9 Series) for Conventional Roads

Support:

On conventional roads, commercial services such as gas, food, and lodging generally are within sight and are available to the road user at reasonably frequent intervals along the route. Consequently, on this class of road there usually is no need for special signs calling attention to these services. Moreover, General Service signing is usually not required in urban areas except for hospitals, law enforcement assistance, tourist information centers, and camping.

Option:

General Service signs (see Figure 2I-1) may be used where such services are infrequent and are found only on an intersecting highway or crossroad.

Standard:

All General Service signs and supplemental sign panels shall have white letters, symbols, arrows, and borders on a blue background.

Guidance:

General Service signs should be installed at a suitable distance in advance of the turn-off point or intersecting highway.

States that elect to provide General Service signing should establish a statewide policy or warrant for its use, and criteria for the availability of services. Local jurisdictions electing to use such signing should follow State policy for the sake of uniformity.

Option:

Individual States may sign for whatever alternative fuels are available at appropriate locations.

Standard:

General Service signs, if used at intersections, shall be accompanied by a directional message.

Option:

The Advance Turn (M5 series) or Directional Arrow (M6 series) auxiliary signs with white arrows on blue backgrounds as shown in Figure 2I-1 may be used with General Service symbol signs to create a General Service Directional Assembly.

The General Service sign legends may be either symbols or word messages.

Standard:

Symbols and word message General Service legends shall not be intermixed on the same sign. The Pharmacy (D9-20) sign shall only be used to indicate the availability of a pharmacy that is open, with a State-licensed pharmacist present and on duty, 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, and that is located within 3 miles of an interchange on the Federal-aid system. The D9-20 sign shall have a 24 HR (D9-20aP) plaque mounted below it.

Support:

Formats for displaying different combinations of these services are presented described in Section 2I.03.

Option:

If the distance to the next point at which services are available is 10 miles or more, a NEXT SERVICES XX MILES (D9-17P) sign plaque (see Figure 2I-2) may be used as a separate panel installed below the General Service sign (see Figure 2E-43).

The International Symbol of Accessibility for the Handicapped (D9-6) sign may be used beneath General Service signs where paved ramps and rest room facilities accessible to, and usable by, the physically handicapped are provided.

Guidance:

When the D9-6 sign is used in accordance with Paragraph 13, and van-accessible parking is available at the facility, a VAN ACCESSIBLE (D9-6P) plaque (see Figure 2I-1) should be mounted below the D9-6 sign.

Option:

The Recreational Vehicle Sanitary Station (D9-12) sign may be used as needed to indicate the availability of facilities designed for the use of dumping wastes from recreational vehicle holding tanks.

The Litter Container (D9-4) sign may be placed in advance of roadside turnouts or rest areas, unless it distracts the driver's attention from other more important regulatory, warning, or directional signs.

A Carpool Information (D12-2) sign (see Figure 2D-12) may be installed as needed (see Section 2E.57).

Option:

The Emergency Medical Services (D9-13) symbol sign may be used to identify medical service facilities that have been included in the Emergency Medical Services system under a signing policy developed by the State and/or local highway agency.

Standard:

The Emergency Medical Services symbol sign shall not be used to identify services other than qualified hospitals, ambulance stations, and qualified free-standing emergency medical treatment centers. If used, the Emergency Medical Services symbol sign shall be supplemented by a sign identifying the type of service provided.

Option:

The Emergency Medical Services symbol sign may be used above the HOSPITAL (D9-13a) word message sign or Hospital (D9-2) symbol sign or above a sign with either the legend AMBULANCE STATION (D9-13b), or EMERGENCY MEDICAL CARE (D9-13c), or TRAUMA CENTER (D9-13d). The Emergency Medical Services symbol sign may also be used to supplement Telephone (D9-1), Channel 9 Monitored (D12-3), or POLICE (D9-14) signs.

Standard:

The legend EMERGENCY MEDICAL CARE shall not be used for services other than qualified free-standing emergency medical treatment centers.

Guidance:

Each State should develop guidelines for the implementation of the Emergency Medical Services symbol sign.

The State should consider the following guidelines in the preparation of its policy:

AMBULANCE
1. 24-hour service, 7 days per week.
2. Staffed by two State-certified persons trained at least to the basic level.
3. Vehicular communications with a hospital emergency department.
4. Operator should have successfully completed an emergency-vehicle operator training course.
HOSPITAL
1. 24-hour service, 7 days per week.
2. Emergency department facilities with a physician (or emergency care nurse on duty within the emergency department with a physician on call) trained in emergency medical procedures on duty.
3. Licensed or approved for definitive medical care by an appropriate State authority.
4. Equipped for radio voice communications with ambulances and other hospitals.
Channel 9 Monitored
1. Provided by either professional or volunteer monitors.
2. Available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.
3. The service should be endorsed, sponsored, or controlled by an appropriate government authority to guarantee the level of monitoring.

Section 2E.51 2I.03 General Service Signs for Freeways and Expressways

Support:

General Service (D9-18 series) signs (see Figure 2I-3) are generally not appropriate at major interchanges (see definition in Section 2E.32 for definition) and in urban areas.

Option:

If interchanges are not numbered, an action message such as NEXT EXIT or SECOND RIGHT may be used (see Figure 2E-41).

Standard:

General Service signs shall have white letters, symbols, arrows, and borders on a blue background. Letter and numeral sizes shall conform to comply with the minimum requirements of Tables 2E-2 through 2E-5. All approved symbols shall be permitted as alternatives to word messages, but symbols and word service messages shall not be intermixed. If the services are not visible from the ramp of a single-exit interchange, the service signing shall be repeated in smaller size at the intersection of the exit ramp and the crossroad. Such service signs shall use arrows to indicate the direction to the services.

Option:

For numbered interchanges, the exit number may be incorporated within the sign legend (D9-18b) or displayed on an Exit Number (E1-5P) plaque (see Section 2E.31).

Guidance:

Distance to services should be shown displayed on General Service signs where distances are more than 1 mile.

General Service signing should only be provided at locations where the road user can return to the freeway or expressway and continue in the same direction of travel.

Only services that fulfill the needs of the road user should be shown displayed on General Service signs. If State or local agencies elect to provide General Service signing, there should be a statewide policy for such signing and criteria for the availability of the various types of services. The criteria should consider the following:

Gas, Diesel, LP Gas, EV Charging, and/or other alternative fuels if all of the following are available:
1. Vehicle services such as gas, oil, and water;
2. Modern sanitary facilities and drinking water;
3. Continuous operations at least 16 hours per day, 7 days per week; and
4. Public telephone.
Food if all of the following are available:
1. Licensing or approval, where required;
2. Continuous operation to serve at least two meals per day, at least 6 days per week;
3. Public telephone; and
4. Modern sanitary facilities.
Lodging if all of the following are available:
1. Licensing or approval, where required;
2. Adequate sleeping accommodations;
3. Public telephone; and
4. Modern sanitary facilities.
Public Telephone if continuous operation, 7 days per week is available.
Hospital if continuous emergency care capability, with a physician on duty 24 hours per day, 7 days per week is available. A physician on duty would include the following criteria and should be signed in accordance with the priority as follows:
1. Physician on duty within the emergency department;
2. Registered nurse on duty within the emergency department, with a physician in the hospital on call; or
3. Registered nurse on duty within the emergency department, with a physician on call from office or home.
24-Hour Pharmacy if a pharmacy is open, with a State-licensed pharmacist present and on duty, 24 hours per day, 7 days per week and is located within 3 miles of an interchange on the Federal-aid system.
Camping if all of the following are available:
1. Licensing or approval, where required;
2. Adequate parking accommodations; and
3. Modern sanitary facilities and drinking water.

Standard:

For any service that is operated on a seasonal basis only, the General Service signs shall be removed or covered during periods when the service is not available.

The General Service signs shall be mounted in an effective location, between the Advance Guide sign and the Exit Direction sign, in advance of the exit leading to the available services.

Guidance:

The General Service sign should contain the interchange number, if any, as illustrated shown in Figure 2I-3.

Option:

If the distance to the next point where services are available is greater than 10 miles, a NEXT SERVICES XX MILES (D9-17P) sign plaque (see Figure 2I-2) may be used as a separate sign panel installed below the Exit Direction sign.

Standard:

Signs for services shall conform to comply with the format for General Service signs (see Section 2I.02) and as specified provided herein in this Manual. Letter and numeral sizes shall be as shown in Tables 2E-1 through 2E-4. No more than six general road user services shall be displayed on one sign, which includes any appended sign panels supplemental signs or plaques. General Service signs shall carry the legends for one or more of the following services: Food, Gas, Lodging, Camping, Phone, Hospital, 24-Hour Pharmacy, or Tourist Information.

The qualified services available shall be shown displayed at specific locations on the sign.

To provide flexibility for the future when the service might become available, the sign space normally reserved for a given service symbol or word shall be left blank when that service is not present.

Guidance:

The standard display of word messages should be FOOD and PHONE in that order on the top line, and GAS and LODGING on the second line. If used, HOSPITAL and CAMPING should be on separate lines (see Figure 2I-3).

Option:

Signing for DIESEL, LP-Gas, or other alternative fuel services may be substituted for any of the general services or appended to such signs. The International Symbol of Accessibility for the Handicapped (D9-6) sign (see Figure 2I-1) may be used for facilities that qualify.

Guidance:

When symbols are used for the road user services, they should be displayed as follows:

Six services:
1. Top row—GAS, FOOD, and LODGING
2. Bottom row—PHONE, HOSPITAL, and CAMPING
Four services:
1. Top row—GAS and FOOD
2. Bottom row—LODGING and PHONE
Three services:
1. Top row—GAS, FOOD, and LODGING

Option:

Substitutions of other services for any of the services shown described above in Paragraph 16 may be made by placing the substitution in the lower right (four or six services) or extreme right (three services) portion of the sign panel. An action message or an interchange number may be used for symbol signs in the same manner as they are used for word message signs. The Diesel Fuel (D9-11) symbol or the LP-Gas (D9-15) symbol may be substituted for the symbol representing fuel or appended to such assemblies. The Tourist Information (D9-10) symbol or the 24-Hour Pharmacy (D9-20 and D9-20aP) symbol may be substituted on any of the above configurations provided in Paragraph 16.

At rural interchange areas where limited road user services are available and where it is unlikely that additional services will be provided within the near future, a sign panel having supplemental plaque displaying one to three services (words or symbols) may be appended to below a ground post-mounted interchange guide signs.

Standard:

If more than three services become available at rural interchange areas where limited road user services were anticipated, any the appended sign panel supplemental plaque described in Paragraph 18 shall be removed and replaced with an independently mounted General Service sign as described in this Section.

Option:

A separate Telephone Service (D9-1) sign (see Figure 2I-1) may be installed if telephone facilities are located adjacent to the route at places where public telephones would not normally be expected.

The Recreational Vehicle Sanitary Station (D9-12) sign (see Figure 2I-1) may be used as needed to indicate the availability of facilities designed for dumping wastes from recreational vehicle holding tanks.

In some locations, signs may be used to indicate that services are not available.

A separate TRUCK PARKING Truck Parking (D9-16) sign (see Figure 2I-1) may be used on a separate sign panel mounted below the other general road user services to direct truck drivers to designated parking areas.

Section 2I.04 Interstate Oasis Signing

Support:

An Interstate Oasis is a facility near an Interstate highway that provides products and services to the public, 24-hour access to public restrooms, and parking for automobiles and heavy trucks. Interstate Oasis guide signs inform road users on Interstate highways as to the presence of an Interstate Oasis at an interchange and which businesses have been designated by the State within which they are traveling as having met the eligibility criteria of the Federal Highway Administration's Interstate Oasis policy. The FHWA's policy, which is dated October 18, 2006, and which can be viewed on the MUTCD website at http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/res-policy.htm, provides a more detailed definition of an Interstate Oasis and specifies the eligibility criteria for an Interstate Oasis designation in compliance with the requirements of laws enacted by Congress.

Guidance:

If a State elects to provide or allow Interstate Oasis signing (see Figure 2I-4), there should be a statewide policy, program, procedures, and criteria for the designation and signing of a facility as an Interstate Oasis that complies with FHWA's policy and with the provisions of this Section.

States electing to provide or allow Interstate Oasis signing should use the following signing practices on the freeway for any given exit to identify the availability of a designated Interstate Oasis:

If adequate sign spacing allows, a separate Interstate Oasis (D5-12) sign should be installed in an effective location with spacing of at least 800 feet from other adjacent guide signs, including any Specific Service signs. This Interstate Oasis sign should be located upstream from the Advance Guide sign or between the Advance Guide sign and the Exit Direction sign for the exit leading to the Interstate Oasis. The Interstate Oasis sign should have a white legend with a letter height of at least 10 inches and a white border on a blue background and should contain the words INTERSTATE OASIS and the exit number or, for an unnumbered interchange, an action message such as NEXT RIGHT. The names or logos of the businesses designated as Interstate Oases should not be included on this sign.
If the spacing of the other guide signs precludes the use of a separate sign as described in Item A, an INTERSTATE OASIS (D5-12P) supplemental plaque with a letter height of at least 10 inches and with a white legend and border on a blue background should be appended above or below an existing D9-18 series General Service sign for the interchange.

If a separate Interstate Oasis (D5-12) sign is installed, an Interstate Oasis sign panel should be incorporated into the design of the sign (see Figure 2I-4).

Standard:

The Interstate Oasis sign panel shall only be used on the separate Interstate Oasis sign where it is accompanied by the words INTERSTATE OASIS and shall not be used independently without the words.

Option:

If Specific Service signing is provided at the interchange, a business designated as an Interstate Oasis and having a business logo sign panel on the Food and/or Gas Specific Service signs may use the bottom portion of the business logo sign panel to display the word OASIS.

Standard:

If Specific Services signs containing the OASIS legend as a part of the business logo(s) are not used on the ramp and if the Interstate Oasis is not clearly visible and identifiable from the exit ramp, a sign with a white INTERSTATE OASIS legend with a letter height of at least 6 inches and a white border on a blue background shall be provided on the exit ramp to indicate the direction and distance to the Interstate Oasis.

If needed, additional trailblazer guide signs shall be used along the crossroad to guide road users to an Interstate Oasis.

Section 2D.42 2I.05 Rest Area and Other Roadside Area Signs (D5 Series) this Section contains edited text that was formerly in Sections 2D.42, 2D.43, and 2E.52

Section 2D.43 Scenic Area Signs (D6 Series)

Section 2E.52 Rest and Scenic Area Signs

Standard:

Rest Area signs for this purpose (see Figure 2I-5) shall have a retroreflective white letters, symbols, legend and border on a blue background.

Rest Area Signs (see Figure 2D-9) that include the legend REST AREA shall be used only where parking and restroom facilities are available.

Option:

Messages such as REST AREA X MILE (D5-1), REST AREA (D5-2), PARKING AREA X MILE (D5-3), PARKING AREA (D5-4), ROADSIDE TABLE X MILE, ROADSIDE PARK X MILE, and PICNIC AREA X MILE may be used, as well as other appropriate messages.

Guidance:

Signing for rest areas and scenic areas should conform to the provisions set forth in Sections 2D.42 and 2D.43. However, the signs should be suitably enlarged for freeway or expressway application. A roadside area that does not contain restroom facilities should be signed to indicate the major road user service that is provided. For example, the sign legends for an area with only parking should be signed with a use the words PARKING AREA (D5-4) sign (see Figure 2E-44) instead of REST AREA. The sign legends for an area with only picnic tables and parking should be signed with a use words such as PICNIC AREA, (D5-5c) sign or a Picnic Table Area (D5-5a) symbol sign ROADSIDE TABLE, or ROADSIDE PARK instead of REST AREA.

Rest areas that have tourist information and welcome centers should be signed as discussed in Section 2I.08.

Scenic area signing should be consistent with that specified provided for rest areas, Standard messages except that the legends should read use words such as SCENIC AREA (D6-1), SCENIC VIEW (D6-2), or SCENIC OVERLOOK (D6-3), or the equivalent instead of REST AREA.

Option:

Scenic areas may be marked by signs (see Figure 2D-9) carrying the message SCENIC AREA, SCENIC VIEW, SCENIC OVERLOOK, or the equivalent, together with appropriate directional information.

Guidance:

The design of the signs should be consistent with that specified for rest areas in Section 2D.42 and should be white letters, symbols, and border on a blue background. An advance sign and an additional sign at the turnoff point should be used for this kind of attraction.

If used a rest area or other roadside area is provided on a conventional road, a D5-1 and/or D5-1b Rest Area signs should be installed in advance of roadside parks or the rest areas or other roadside area to permit the driver to reduce speed and leave in preparation for leaving the highway reasonably safely. A D5-5 sign (or a D5-2 sign if an exit ramp is provided) should be installed at the turnoff point where the driver needs to leave the highway to access the rest area or other roadside area.

Standard:

On the approach to rest areas If a rest area or other roadside area is provided on a freeway or expressway, a REST AREA advance guide D5-1 sign shall should be placed 1 mile and/or 2 miles in advance of the rest area.

Standard:

A D5-2 sign shall be placed at the rest area or other roadside area exit gore, there shall be a sign with a message REST AREA together with an arrow indicating the appropriate turn as shown in Figure 2E-44.

Option:

A D5-1b sign may be placed between the REST AREA advance guide D5-1 sign and the exit gore of the rest area exit, there may be a REST AREA (D5-1b) sign (see Figure 2F-5) on a freeway or expressway. The words NEXT RIGHT (E2-2) or an arrow may be included as part of the message. A second D5-1 sign may be used in place of the D5-1b sign with a distance to the nearest 1/2 or 1/4 mile displayed as a fraction rather than a decimal for distances of less than 1 mile.

To provide the road user with information on the location of succeeding rest areas, a NEXT REST AREA XX MILES (D5-6) sign (see Figure 2I-5) may be installed independently or as a supplemental sign panel mounted below one of the REST AREA advance guide signs.

Standard:

All signs on freeways and expressways for rest and scenic other roadside areas shall have white letters, symbols, and borders on a blue background. letter and numeral sizes shall that conform to comply with the minimum requirements of Tables 2E-2 through 2E-5. The sizes for General Service signs that have standardized designs shall be as shown in Table 2I-1.

Option:

If the rest area has facilities for the physically impaired (see Section 2I.02), the International Symbol of Accessibility for the Handicapped (D9-6) sign (see Figure 2I-1) may be placed with or beneath the REST AREA advance guide sign.

If telecommunication devices for the deaf (TDD) are available at the rest area, the TDD (D9-21) symbol sign (see Figure 2I-1) may be used to supplement the advance guide signs for the rest area.

If wireless Internet services are available at the rest area, the Wi-Fi (D9-22) symbol sign (see Figure 2I-1) may be used to supplement the advance guide signs for the rest area.

Section 2I.06 Brake Check Area Signs (D5-13 and D5-14)

Guidance:

If an area has been provided for drivers to check the brakes on their vehicle, a BRAKE CHECK AREA XX MILES (D5-13) sign (see Figure 2I-6) should be installed in advance of the brake check area, and a D5-14 sign (see Figure 2I-6) should be placed at the entrance to the brake check area.

Section 2I.07 Chain-Up Area Signs (D5-15 and D5-16)

Guidance:

If an area has been provided for drivers to pull off of the roadway to install chains on their tires, a CHAIN-UP AREA XX MILES (D5-15) sign (see Figure 2I-6) should be installed in advance of the chain-up area, and a D5-16 sign (see Figure 2I-6) should be placed at the entrance to the chain-up area.

Section 2E.53 2I.08 Tourist Information and Welcome Center Signs

Support:

Tourist information and welcome centers have been constructed within rest areas on freeways and expressways and are operated by either a State or a private organization. Others have been located within close proximity to these facilities and operated by civic clubs, chambers of commerce, or private enterprise.

Guidance:

An excessive number of supplemental sign panels should not be installed with Tourist Information or Welcome Center signs so as not to overload the road user.

Standard:

Tourist Information or Welcome Center signs (see Figure 2I-7) shall have a white legend and border on a blue background. Continuously staffed or unstaffed operation at least 8 hours per day, 7 days per week, shall be required.

If operated only on a seasonal basis, the Tourist Information or Welcome Center signs shall be removed or covered during the off seasons.

Guidance:

For freeway or expressway rest area locations that also serve as tourist information or welcome centers, the following signing criteria should be used:

The locations for tourist information and welcome center Advance Guide, Exit Direction, and Exit Gore signs should meet the General Service signing requirements described in Section 2I.03.
If the signing for the tourist information or welcome center is to be accomplished in conjunction with the initial signing for the rest areas, the message on the Advance Guide (D5-7) sign should be REST AREA, TOURIST INFO CENTER, XX MILES or REST AREA, STATE NAME (optional), WELCOME CENTER XX MILES. On the Exit Direction (D5-8 or D5-11) sign the message should be REST AREA, TOURIST INFO CENTER with an diagonally upward-pointing sloping directional arrow (or NEXT RIGHT), or REST AREA, STATE NAME (optional), WELCOME CENTER with an diagonally upward-pointing sloping directional arrow (or NEXT RIGHT).
If the initial rest area Advance Guide and Exit Direction signing is in place, these signs should include, on supplemental signs panels, the legend TOURIST INFO CENTER or STATE NAME (optional), WELCOME CENTER.
The Exit Gore sign should contain only the legend REST AREA with the arrow and should not be supplemented with any legend pertaining to the tourist information center or welcome center.

Option:

An alternative to the supplemental TOURIST INFO CENTER legend is the Tourist Information Symbol (D9-10) sign (see Figure 2I-1), which may be appended beneath the REST AREA advance guide sign.

The name of the State or local jurisdiction may appear on the Advance Guide and Exit Direction tourist information/welcome center signs if the jurisdiction controls the operation of the tourist information or welcome center and the center meets the operating criteria set forth herein in this Manual and is consistent with State policies. The State name may be used on the Advance Guide and the Exit Direction signs.

Guidance:

For tourist information centers that are located off the freeway or expressway facility, additional signing criteria should be as follows:

Each State should adopt a policy establishing the maximum distance that a tourist information center can be located from the interchange in order to be included on official signs.
The location of signing should be in accordance with requirements pertaining to General Service signing (see Section 2I.03).
Signing along the crossroad should be installed to guide the road user from the interchange to the tourist information center and back to the interchange.

Option:

As an alternative, the Tourist Information Symbol (D9-10) sign (see Figure 2I-1) may be appended to the guide signs for the exit providing that provides access to the tourist information center. As a second alternative, the Tourist Information Symbol sign may be combined with General Service signing.

Section 2E.56 2I.09 Radio Information Signing this Section also contains edited text that was formerly in Section 2D.45

Option:

Radio-Weather Information (D12-1) signs (see Figure 2I-8) may be used in areas where difficult driving conditions commonly result from weather systems. Radio-Traffic Information signs may be used in conjunction with traffic management systems.

Standard:

Radio-Weather and Radio-Traffic Information signs shall have a white legend and border on a blue background. Only the numerical indication of the radio frequency shall be used to identify a station broadcasting travel-related weather or traffic information. No more than three frequencies shall be shown displayed on each sign. Only radio stations whose signal will be of value to the road user and who agree to broadcast either of the following two items below shall be identified on Radio-Weather and Radio-Traffic Information signs:

Periodic weather warnings at no more than 15-minute intervals a rate of at least once every 15 minutes during periods of adverse weather; or
Driving condition information (affecting the roadway being traveled) at a rate of at least once every 15 minutes, or when required, during periods of adverse traffic conditions, and when supplied by an official agency having jurisdiction.

If a station to be considered operates only on a seasonal basis, its signs shall be removed or covered during the off season.

Guidance:

The radio station should have a signal strength to adequately broadcast 70 miles along the route. Signs should be spaced as needed for each direction of travel at distances determined by an engineering study. The stations to be included on the signs should be selected in cooperation with the association(s) representing major broadcasting stations in the area to provide: (1) maximum coverage to all road users on both AM and FM frequencies; and (2) consideration of 24 hours per day, 7 days per week broadcast capability.

Option:

In roadway rest area locations, a smaller sign using a greater number of radio frequencies, but of the same general design, may be used.

Standard:

Radio-Weather and Radio-Traffic Information signs installed in rest areas shall be positioned such that they are not visible from the main roadway.

Option:

A Channel 9 Monitored (D12-3) sign (see Figure 2I-8) may be installed as needed. Official public agencies or their designees may be shown displayed as the monitoring agency on the sign (see Section 2E.56).

A Channel 9 Monitored (D12-3) sign or cellular phone sign may be installed as needed.

Standard:

Only official public agencies or their designee shall be shown displayed as the monitoring agency on the Channel 9 Monitored sign.

Option:

An Emergency Dial CALL XXX (D12-4) sign (see Figure 2I-8), along with the appropriate number to dial call, may be used for cellular phone communications.

Section 2I.10 TRAVEL INFO CALL 511 Signs (D12-5 and D12-5a) this Section contains edited text that was formerly in Sections 2D.45 and 2E.56

Support:

Section 2D.45 contains information about the use and application of TRAVEL INFO CALL 511 (D12-5) signs.

Option:

A TRAVEL INFO CALL 511 (D12-5) sign (see Figure 2I-8) may be installed if a 511 travel information services telephone number is available to road users for obtaining traffic, public transportation, weather, construction, or road condition information.

The logo pictograph of the transportation agency or the travel information service or program that is providing the travel information may be incorporated within the D12-5 sign either above or below the TRAVEL INFO CALL 511 legend.

Standard:

The logo of a commercial entity shall not be incorporated within the TRAVEL INFO CALL 511 sign.

The TRAVEL INFO CALL 511 sign shall have a white legend and border on a blue background.

Guidance:

If the logo pictograph of the transportation agency or the travel information service or program is used, the logo's pictograph's maximum height should not exceed two times the letter height used in the legend of the sign.

Section 2E.57 2I.11 Carpool and Ridesharing Signing

Option:

In areas having carpool matching services, Carpool Information (D12-2) signs (see Figure 2I-8) may be provided adjacent to highways with preferential lanes or along any other highway.

Carpool Information signs may include an Internet addresses domain name or telephone numbers of more than four characters within the legend.

Guidance:

Because this is an information sign related to road user services, the Carpool Information sign should have a white legend and border on a blue background.

Standard:

If a local transit logo pictograph or carpool symbol is incorporated into the Carpool Information sign, the maximum vertical dimension of the logo or symbol shall not exceed 18 inches.

CHAPTER 2F 2J. SPECIFIC SERVICE SIGNS

Section 2F.01 2J.01 Eligibility

Standard:

Specific Service signs shall be defined as guide signs that provide road users with business identification and directional information for services and for eligible attractions. Eligible service categories shall be limited to gas, food, lodging, camping, attractions, and 24-hour pharmacies.

Guidance:

The use of Specific Service signs should be limited to areas primarily rural in character or to areas where adequate sign spacing can be maintained.

Option:

Where an engineering study determines a need, Specific Service signs may be used on any class of highways.

Guidance:

Specific Service signs should not be installed at an interchange where the road user cannot conveniently reenter the freeway or expressway and continue in the same direction of travel.

Standard:

Eligible service facilities shall comply with laws concerning the provisions of public accommodations without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, or national origin, and laws concerning the licensing and approval of service facilities.

The attraction services shall include only facilities which have the primary purpose of providing amusement, historical, cultural, or leisure activities to the public.

Distances to eligible 24-hour pharmacies shall not exceed 3 miles in any direction of an interchange on the Federal-aid system.

Guidance:

Except as noted provided in the Option below Paragraph 9, distances to eligible services other than pharmacies should not exceed 3 miles in any direction.

Option:

If, within the 3-mile limit, facilities for the services being considered other than pharmacies are not available or choose not to participate in the program, the limit of eligibility may be extended in 3-mile increments until one or more facilities for the services being considered chooses to participate, or until 15 miles is reached, whichever comes first.

Guidance:

If State or local agencies elect to provide Specific Service signing, there should be a statewide policy for such signing and criteria for the availability of the various types of services. The criteria should consider the following:

To qualify for a GAS logo sign panel, a business should have:
1. Vehicle services including gas and/or alternative fuels, oil, and water;
2. Continuous operation at least 16 hours per day, 7 days per week for freeways and expressways, and continuous operation at least 12 hours per day, 7 days per week for conventional roads; and
3. Modern sanitary facilities and drinking water; and
4. Public telephone.
To qualify for a FOOD logo sign panel, a business should have:
1. Licensing or approval, where required;
2. Continuous operations to serve at least two meals per day, at least 6 days per week;
3. Modern sanitary facilities; and
4. Public telephone. and
To qualify for a LODGING logo sign panel, a business should have:
1. Licensing or approval, where required;
2. Adequate sleeping accommodations;
3. Modern sanitary facilities; and
4. Public telephone. and
To qualify for a CAMPING logo sign panel, a business should have:
1. Licensing or approval, where required;
2. Adequate parking accommodations; and
3. Modern sanitary facilities and drinking water.
To qualify for an ATTRACTION logo sign panel, a facility should have:
1. Regional significance, in compliance with the provisions of Paragraph 6; and
2. Adequate parking accommodations.

Standard:

If State or local agencies elect to provide Specific Service signing for pharmacies, both of the following criteria shall be met for a pharmacy to qualify for signing:

The pharmacy shall be continuously operated 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, and shall have a State-licensed pharmacist present and on duty at all times; and
The pharmacy shall be located within 3 miles of an interchange on the Federal-aid system.

Support:

Section 2I.04 contains information regarding the Interstate Oasis program.

Section 2F.02 2J.02 Application

Standard:

The number of Specific Service signs along an approach to an interchange or intersection, regardless of the number of service types displayed, shall be limited to a maximum of four. In the direction of traffic, successive Specific Service signs shall be for 24-hour pharmacy, attraction, camping, lodging, food, and gas services, in that order.

A Specific Service sign shall display the word message GAS, FOOD, LODGING, CAMPING, ATTRACTION, or 24-HOUR PHARMACY, an appropriate directional legend such as the word message EXIT XX, NEXT RIGHT, SECOND RIGHT, or directional arrows, and the related logo sign panels.

No more than three types of services shall be represented on any sign or sign assembly. If three types of services are shown displayed on one sign, then the logo sign panels shall be limited to two for each service type (for a total of six logo sign panels). If two types of services are displayed on one sign, then the logo sign panels shall be limited to either three for each service type (for a total of six logo sign panels) or four for one service type and two for the other service type (for a total of six logo sign panels). The legend and logo sign panels applicable to a service type shall be displayed such that the road user will not associate them with another service type on the same sign.

No service type shall appear on more than one two signs (see Paragraph 6).

The signs shall have a blue background, a white border, and white legends of upper-case letters, numbers, and arrows.

Guidance:

Where a service type is displayed on two signs, the signs for that service should follow one another in succession.

The Specific Service signs should be located to take advantage of natural terrain, to have the least impact on the scenic environment, and to avoid visual conflict with other signs within the highway right-of-way.

Option:

General Service signs (see Sections 2I.02 and 2I.03) may be used in conjunction with Specific Service signs for eligible types of services that are not represented by a Specific Service sign.

Support:

Examples of Specific Service signs are shown in Figure 2J-1. Examples of sign locations are shown in Figure 2J-2.

Section 2F.03 2J.03 Logos and Logo Sign Panels

Standard:

A logo shall be either an identification symbol/trademark or a word message. Each logo shall be placed on a separate logo sign panel that shall be attached to the Specific Service sign. Symbols or trademarks used alone for a logo shall be reproduced in the colors and general shape consistent with customary use, and any integral legend shall be in proportionate size. A logo that resembles an official traffic control device shall not be used.

Guidance:

A word message logo, not using a symbol or trademark, should have a blue background with white legend and border.

Support:

Section 2J.05 contains information regarding the minimum letter heights for logo sign panels.

Option:

Where business identification symbols or trademarks are used alone for a logo, the border may be omitted from the logo sign panel.

A portion at the bottom of a GAS logo sign panel may be used to display the legends for alternative fuels (see Section 2E.51) available at the facility a supplemental message horizontally along the bottom of the logo sign panel, provided that the message displays essential motorist information (see Figure 2J-3). A portion at the bottom of a FOOD logo panel may be used to display the word CLOSED and the day of the week when the facility is closed.

Standard:

All supplemental messages shall be displayed within the logo sign panel and shall have letters and numerals that comply with the minimum height requirements shown in Table 2J-1.

Guidance:

A logo sign panel should not display more than one supplemental message.

The supplemental message should be displayed in a color to contrast effectively with the background of the business sign or separated from the other legend or logo by a divider bar.

State or local agencies that elect to allow supplemental messages on logo sign panels should develop a statewide policy for such messages.

Support:

Typical supplemental messages might include DIESEL, 24 HOURS, CLOSED and the day of the week when the facility is closed, ALTERNATIVE FUELS (see Section 2I.03), and RV ACCESS.

Option:

The RV ACCESS supplemental message may be circular.

Standard:

If the RV ACCESS supplemental message is circular, it shall be the abbreviation RV in black letters inside a yellow circle with a black border and it shall be displayed within the logo sign panel near the lower right-hand corner (see Figure 2J-4).

Guidance:

If the circular RV ACCESS supplemental message is used, the circle should have a diameter of 10 inches and the letters should have a height of 6 inches.

If a State or local agency elects to display the designation of businesses as providing on-premise accommodations for recreational vehicles with the RV ACCESS supplemental message or the RV Access circular message, there should be a statewide policy for such designation and criteria for qualifying businesses. The criteria should include such site conditions as access between the public roadway and the site, on-premise geometry, and parking.

Option:

If a business designated as an Interstate Oasis (see Section 2I.04) has a business logo sign panel on the Food and/or Gas Specific Service signs, the word OASIS may be displayed on the bottom portion of the logo sign panel for that business.

Standard:

A logo sign panel shall not display the symbol/trademark or name of more than one business.

Section 2F.04 2J.04 Number and Size of Signs and Logos and Signs Panels

Guidance:

Sign sizes should be determined by the amount and height of legend and the number and size of logo sign panels attached to the sign. All logo sign panels on a sign should be the same size.

Standard:

Each Specific Service sign or sign assembly shall be limited to no more than six logo sign panels. There shall be no more than four logo panels for one of the two service types on the same sign or sign assembly.

Option:

Where more than six businesses of a specific service type are eligible for logo sign panels at the same interchange, additional logo sign panels of that same specific service type may also be displayed in accordance with the provisions of Paragraph 4. The additional logo sign panels may be displayed either by placing more than one specific service type on the same sign (see Paragraph 3 of Section 2J.02) or by using a second Specific Service sign of that specific service type if the additional sign can be added without exceeding the limit of four Specific Service signs at an interchange or intersection approach (see Paragraph 6 of Section 2J.02).

Standard:

Where logo sign panels for more than six businesses of a specific service type are displayed at the same interchange or intersection approach, the following provisions shall apply:

No more than 12 logo sign panels of a specific service type shall be displayed on no more than two Specific Service signs or sign assemblies;
No more than six logo sign panels shall be displayed on a single Specific Service sign; and
No more than four Specific Service signs shall be displayed on the approach.

Support:

Section 2J.08 contains information regarding Specific Service signs for double-exit interchanges.

Standard:

Each logo sign panel attached to a Specific Service sign shall have a rectangular shape with a width longer than the height. A logo sign panel on signs for freeways and expressways shall not exceed 60 inches in width and 36 inches in height. A logo sign panel on signs for conventional roads and freeway and expressway ramps shall not exceed 30 inches in width and 18 inches in height. The vertical and horizontal spacing between logo sign panels shall not exceed 8 inches and 12 inches, respectively.

Support:

Sections 2A.14, 2E.15, and 2E.16 contain information regarding borders, interline spacing, and edge spacing.

Section 2F.05 2J.05 Size of Lettering

Standard:

All letters and numerals on Specific Service signs, except on the logo panels, shall be a minimum height of 10 inches for signs on freeways and expressways, and 6 inches for signs on conventional roads and ramps.

All Specific Service signs and logo sign panels shall have letter and numeral sizes that comply with the minimum requirements of Table 2J-1.

Guidance:

Any legend on a symbol/trademark should be proportional to the size of the symbol/trademark.

Section 2F.06 2J.06 Signs at Interchanges

Standard:

The Specific Service signs shall be installed between the previous preceding interchange and at least 800 feet in advance of the Exit Direction sign at the interchange from which the services are available (see Figure 2J-2).

Guidance:

There should be at least an 800-foot spacing between the Specific Service signs, except for Specific Service ramp signs. However, excessive spacing is not desirable. Specific Service ramp signs should be spaced at least 100 feet from the Exit Gore sign, from each other, and from the ramp terminal.

Section 2F.07 2J.07 Single-Exit Interchanges

Standard:

At numbered single-exit interchanges, the name of the service type followed by the exit number shall be displayed on one line above the logo sign panels. At unnumbered interchanges, the directional legend NEXT RIGHT (LEFT) shall be used.

At single-exit interchanges, Specific Service ramp signs shall be installed along the ramp or at the ramp terminal for facilities that have logo sign panels displayed along the main roadway if the facilities are not readily visible from the ramp terminal. Directions to the service facilities shall be indicated by arrows on the ramp signs. Logo sign panels on Specific Service ramp signs shall be duplicates of those displayed on the Specific Service signs located in advance of the interchange, but shall be reduced in size (see Paragraph 6 of Section 2J.04).

Guidance:

Specific Service ramp signs should include distances to the service facilities.

Option:

An exit number plaque (see Section 2E.31) may be used instead of the exit number on the signs located in advance of an interchange.

The reduced size logo panels and signs also may be installed along the crossroad.

Section 2F.08 2J.08 Double-Exit Interchanges

Guidance:

At double-exit interchanges, the Specific Service signs should consist of two sections, one for each exit (see Figure 2J-1).

Standard:

At a double-exit interchange, the top section shall display the logo sign panels for the first exit and the bottom section shall display the logo sign panels for the second exit. At numbered interchanges, the name of the service type and the exit number shall be displayed above the logo sign panels in each section. At unnumbered interchanges, the word message NEXT RIGHT (LEFT) and SECOND RIGHT (LEFT) shall be used in place of the exit number. The number of logo sign panels on the sign (total of both sections) or the sign assembly shall be limited to six.

Guidance:

At a double-exit interchange, where a service type is displayed on two Specific Service signs in accordance with the provisions of Section 2J.04, one of the signs should display the logo sign panels for that service type for the businesses that are accessible from one of the two exits and the other sign should display the logo sign panels for that service type for the businesses that are accessible from the other exit.

Option:

At a double-exit interchange where there are four logo sign panels to be displayed for one of the exits and one or two logo sign panels to be displayed for the other exit, the logo sign panels may be arranged in three rows with two logo sign panels per row.

At a double-exit interchange, where a service is to be signed for only one exit, one section of the Specific Service sign may be omitted, or a single exit interchange sign may be used. Signs on ramps and crossroads as described in Section 2J.07 may be used at a double-exit interchange.

Section 2J.09 Specific Service Trailblazer Signs

Support:

Specific Service trailblazer signs (see Figure 2J-5) are guide signs with one to four logo sign panels that display business identification and directional information for services and for eligible attractions. Specific Service trailblazer signs are installed along crossroads for facilities that have logo sign panels displayed along the main roadway and ramp, and that require additional vehicle maneuvers.

Standard:

Specific Service trailblazer signs shall be installed along crossroads where the route to the business requires a direction change, where it is questionable as to which roadway to follow, or where additional guidance is needed. Where it is not feasible or practical to install Specific Service trailblazer signs to such businesses, those businesses shall not be considered eligible for signing from the ramp and main roadway. A Specific Service trailblazer sign shall not be required at the point where the business is visible from the roadway and its access is readily apparent.

Guidance:

If used, a Specific Service trailblazer sign should be located a maximum of 500 feet in advance of any required turn.

Standard:

The location of other traffic control devices shall take precedence over the location of a Specific Service trailblazer sign.

When used, each Specific Service trailblazer sign or sign assembly shall be limited to no more than four logo sign panels. The logo sign panels on Specific Service trailblazer signs shall be duplicates of those displayed on the Specific Service ramp signs.

Appropriate legends, such as directional arrows or the word message NEXT RIGHT or SECOND RIGHT, shall be displayed with the logo sign panel to provide proper guidance. The directional legend and border shall be white and shall be displayed on a blue background.

Option:

Specific Service trailblazer signs may contain various types of services on a single sign or on a sign assembly.

Specific Service trailblazer signs may be placed farther from the edge of the road than other traffic control signs.

Section 2F.09 2J.10 Signs at Intersections

Standard:

Where both tourist-oriented information (see Chapter 2K) and specific service information would be needed at the same intersection, the design of the tourist-oriented directional signs shall be used, and the needed specific service information shall be incorporated.

Guidance:

If Specific Service signs are used on conventional roads or at intersections on expressways, they should be installed between the previous interchange or intersection and at least 300 feet in advance of the intersection from which the services are available.

The spacing between signs should be determined on the basis of an engineering study.

Logo sign panels should not be displayed for a type of service for which a qualified facility is readily visible.

Standard:

If Specific Service signs are used on conventional roads or at intersections on expressways, the name of each type of service shall be displayed above its logo sign panel(s), together with an appropriate legend, such as NEXT RIGHT (LEFT) or a directional arrow, either displayed on the same line as the name of the type of service or displayed below the logo sign panel(s).

Option:

If Specific Service signs are used on conventional roads or at intersections on expressways, the NEXT RIGHT (LEFT) or other applicable directional legend or action message may be displayed below instead of above the logo panels. this paragraph was incorporated into the Standard in the previous paragraph

Signs similar to Specific Service ramp signs as described in Section 2J.07 may be provided on the crossroad.

Section 2F.10 2J.11 Signing Policy

Guidance:

Each highway agency that elects to use Specific Service signs should establish a signing policy that includes, as a minimum, the guidelines of Section 2J.01 and at least the following criteria:

Selection of eligible businesses;
Distances to eligible services;
The use of logo sign panels, legends, and signs conforming with this Manual and State design requirements;
Removal or covering of logo sign panels during off seasons for businesses that operate on a seasonal basis;
The circumstances, if any, under which Specific Service signs may are permitted to be used in non-rural areas; and
Determination of the costs to businesses for initial permits, installations, annual maintenance, and removal of logo sign panels.

CHAPTER 2G 2K. TOURIST-ORIENTED DIRECTIONAL SIGNS

Section 2G.01 2K.01 Purpose and Application

Support:

Tourist-oriented directional signs are guide signs with one or more sign panels that display the business identification of and directional information for eligible business, service, and activity facilities.

Standard:

A facility shall be eligible for tourist-oriented directional signs only if it derives its major portion of income or visitors during the normal business season from road users not residing in the area of the facility.

Option:

Tourist-oriented directional signs may include businesses involved with seasonal agricultural products.

Standard:

When used, tourist-oriented directional signs shall be used only on rural conventional roads and shall not be used on conventional roads in urban areas or at interchanges on freeways or expressways.

Where both tourist-oriented directional signs and Specific Service signs (see Chapter 2J) would be needed at the same intersection, the tourist-oriented directional signs shall incorporate the needed information from, and be used in place of, the Specific Service signs.

Guidance:

Each State that elects to use tourist-oriented directional signs should have a State policy for use as indicated in Section 2G.07.

Option:

Tourist-oriented directional signs may be used in conjunction with General Service signs (see Section 2I.02).

Support:

Section 2K.07 contains information on the adoption of a State policy for States that elect to use tourist-oriented directional signs.

Section 2G.02 2K.02 Design

Standard:

Tourist-oriented directional signs shall have one or more sign panels for the purpose of displaying the business identification of and directional information for eligible facilities. Each sign panel shall be rectangular in shape and shall have a white legend and border on a blue background.

The content of the legend on each sign panel shall be limited to the business identification and directional information for not more than one eligible business, service, or activity facility. The legends shall not include promotional advertising.

Guidance:

Each sign panel should have a maximum of two lines of legend including not more than one symbol, a separate directional arrow, and the distance to the facility shown displayed beneath the arrow. Arrows pointing to the left or up should be at the extreme left of the sign panel. Arrows pointing to the right should be at the extreme right of the sign panel. Symbols, when used, should be to the left of the word legend or logo sign panel (see Paragraph 7).

Option:

The General Service sign symbols (see Section 2I.02) and the symbols for recreational and cultural interest area signs (see Chapter 2M) may be used.

Logos sign panels (see Section 2J.03) for specific businesses, services, and activities may also be used. Based on engineering judgment, the hours of operation may be added displayed on the sign panels.

Standard:

When used, symbols and logos sign panels shall be an appropriate size (see Section 2K.04). Logos resembling official traffic control devices shall not be permitted.

Option:

The tourist-oriented directional sign may have display the word message TOURIST ACTIVITIES at the top of the sign.

Standard:

The TOURIST ACTIVITIES word message shall be have a white legend in all upper-case letters and a white border on a blue background. If used, it shall be placed above and in addition to the directional sign panels.

Support:

Examples of tourist-oriented directional signs are shown in Figures 2K-1 and 2K-2.

Section 2G.03 2K.03 Style and Size of Lettering

Guidance:

All letters and numbers on tourist-oriented directional signs, except on the logos sign panels, should be upper-case and at least 6 inches in height. Any legend on a logo should be proportional to the size of the logo.

Standard:

Design standards for upper-case letters, lower-case letters, numerals, and spacing shall be as provided in the "Standard Highway Signs and Markings" book (see Section 1A.11).

Section 2G.04 2K.04 Arrangement and Size of Signs

Standard:

The size of a tourist-oriented directional sign shall be limited to a maximum height of 6 feet. However, Additional height shall be allowed to accommodate the addition of the optional TOURIST ACTIVITIES message discussed provided in Section 2K.02 and the directional word action messages discussed provided in Section 2K.05.

Guidance:

The number of intersection approach signs (one sign for tourist-oriented destinations to the left, one for destinations to the right, and one for destinations straight ahead) installed in advance of an intersection should not exceed three. The number of sign panels installed on each sign should not exceed four. The sign panels for right-turn, left-turn, and straight-ahead -through destinations should be on separate signs. The left-turn destination sign should be located farthest from the intersection, then the right-turn destination sign, with the straight-ahead -through destination sign located closest to the intersection (see Figure 2K-2). Signs for facilities in the straight-ahead -through direction should be considered only when there are signs for facilities destinations in either the left or right direction.

When it is If it has been determined to be appropriate to combine the left-turn and right-turn destination sign panels on a single sign, the left-turn destination sign panels should be above the right-turn destination sign panels (see Figure 2K-1). When there are multiple destinations in the same direction, they should be in order based on their distance from the intersection. Except as noted provided in the Option Paragraph 5, a straight-ahead -through sign panel should not be combined with a sign displaying left- and/or right-turn facilities destinations.

The sign panels should not exceed the size necessary to accommodate two lines of legend without crowding. Symbols and logos sign panels on a directional sign panel should not exceed the height of two lines of a word legends. All directional sign panels and other parts of the sign should be the same width, which should not exceed 6 feet.

Option:

At intersection approaches where three or fewer facilities are shown displayed, the left-turn, right-turn, and straight-ahead -through destination sign panels may be combined on the same sign.

Section 2G.05 2K.05 Advance Signs

Guidance:

Advance signs should be limited to those situations where sight distance, intersection vehicle maneuvers, or other vehicle operating characteristics require advance notification of the services destinations and their directions.

The design of the advance sign should be identical to the design of the intersection approach sign. However, the directional arrows and distances to the facilities destinations should be omitted. and the directional word action messages NEXT RIGHT, NEXT LEFT, or AHEAD should be placed on the sign above the business identification sign panels. The directional word action messages should have the same letter height as the other word messages on the directional sign panels (see Figures 2K-1 and 2K-2).

Standard:

The directional word action messages sign panels shall be have a white legend in all upper-case letters and a white border on a blue background.

Option:

The legend RIGHT 1/2 MILE or LEFT 1/2 MILE may be used on advance signs when there are intervening minor roads.

The height required to add the directional word messages recommended for the advance sign may be added to the maximum sign height of 6 feet.

Guidance:

The optional TOURIST ACTIVITIES message, when used on an advance sign, and the action message should be combined on a single sign panel with TOURIST ACTIVITIES as the top line and the action message as the bottom line (see Figure 2K-2).

Section 2G.06 2K.06 Sign Locations

Guidance:

If used, the intersection approach signs should be located at least 200 feet in advance of the intersection. Signs should be spaced at least 200 feet apart and at least 200 feet from other traffic control devices.

If used, advance signs should be located approximately 1/2 mile from the intersection with 500 feet between these signs. In the direction of travel, the order of advance sign placement should be to show the facilities destinations to the left first, then facilities destinations to the right, and last, the facilities destinations straight ahead.

Position, height, and lateral clearance offset of signs should be governed by Chapter 2A except as permitted in this Section.

Option:

Tourist-oriented directional signs may be placed farther from the edge of the road than other traffic control signs.

Standard:

The location of other traffic control devices shall take precedence over the location of tourist-oriented directional signs.

Section 2G.07 2K.07 State Policy

Standard:

To be eligible for tourist-oriented directional signing, facilities shall comply with applicable State and Federal laws concerning the provisions of public accommodations without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, or national origin, and with laws concerning the licensing and approval of service facilities. Each State that elects to use tourist-oriented directional signs shall adopt a policy that complies with these provisions.

Guidance:

The State policy should include:

A definition of tourist-oriented business, service, and activity facilities.
Eligibility criteria for signs for facilities.
Provision for incorporating Specific Service signs into the tourist-oriented directional signs as required by Paragraph 5 of Section 2K.01.
Provision for covering signs during off seasons for facilities operated on a seasonal basis.
Provisions for signs to facilities that are not located on the crossroad when such facilities are eligible for signs.
A definition of the immediate area in compliance with the provisions of Paragraph 2 of Section 2K.01. The major portion of income or visitors to the facility should come from road users not residing in the immediate area of the facility.
Maximum distances to eligible facilities. The maximum distance should be 5 miles.
Provision for information centers (plazas) when the number of eligible sign applicants exceeds the maximum permissible number of sign panel installations.
Provision for limiting the number of signs when there are more applicants than the maximum number of signs permitted.
Criteria for use at intersections on expressways.
Provisions for controlling or excluding those businesses which have illegal signs as defined by the Highway Beautification Act of 1965 (23 U.S.C. 131).
Provisions for States to charge fees to cover the cost of signs through a permit system.
A definition of the conditions under which the time of operation is shown displayed.
Provisions for determining if advance signs will be permitted, and the circumstances under which they will be installed.

CHAPTER 2L. CHANGEABLE MESSAGE SIGNS text was relocated from Sections 2A.07 and 2E.21 to form this Chapter

Section 2L.01 Description of Changeable Message Signs

Support:

Changeable message signs, with more sophisticated technologies, are gaining widespread use to inform road users of variable situations, particularly along congested traffic corridors. Highway and transportation organizations are encouraged to develop and experiment (see Section 1A.10) with changeable message signs and to carefully evaluate such installations so that experience is gained toward adoption of future standards.

Because technology for changeable message signs continues to advance, a specific standard for changeable message signs is not practical. Considerations that influence the selection of the best sign for a particular application include conspicuity, legibility, operation, and maintenance of the changeable message sign. This Section applies to signs for use on freeway and expressway mainlines. It is recognized that similar signs might be used on ramps and at ramp terminals where smaller letter heights and the number of messages might differ from the provisions of this Section.

A changeable message sign (CMS) is a traffic control device that is capable of displaying one or more alternative messages. Some changeable message signs have a blank mode when no message is displayed, while others display multiple messages with only one of the messages displayed at a time (such as OPEN/CLOSED signs at weigh stations).

The provisions in this Chapter apply to both permanent and portable changeable message signs with electronic displays. Additional provisions that only apply to portable changeable message signs can be found in Section 6F.60. The provisions in this Chapter do not apply to changeable message signs with non-electronic displays that are changed either manually or electromechanically, such as a hinged-panel, rotating-drum, or back-lit curtain or scroll CMS.

Guidance Standard:

Except for safety or transportation-related messages as provided in Paragraph 2 of Section 2L.02, changeable message signs should not be used to shall display information other than only traffic operational, regulatory, warning, and guidance information related to traffic control. Changeable message signs shall display pertinent traffic operational and guidance information only, not advertising. Advertising messages shall not be displayed on changeable message signs or its supports or other equipment.

The design of legends for non-electronic display changeable message signs shall comply with the provisions of Chapters 2A through 2K, 2M, and 2N of this Manual. To the extent practical, the design and application of changeable message signs should conform to the general principles of this Manual. To the extent practical, changeable message signs, which are traffic control devices designed to display variable messages, shall conform to the principles established in this Manual, and with the design and applications prescribed in Sections 2E.21, 6F.02, and 6F.55. All other changeable message signs shall comply with the design and application principles established in this Chapter and in Chapter 2A.

Guidance:

Blank-out signs that display only single-phase, predetermined electronic-display legends that are limited by their composition and arrangement of pixels or other illuminated forms in a fixed arrangement (such as a blank-out sign indicating a part-time turn prohibition, a blank-out or changeable lane-use sign, or a changeable OPEN/CLOSED sign for a weigh station) should comply with the provisions of the applicable Section for the specific type of sign, provided that the letter forms, symbols, and other legend elements are duplicates of the static messages as detailed in the "Standard Highway Signs and Markings" book (see Section 1A.11). Because such a sign is effectively an illuminated version of a static sign, the size of its legend elements, the overall size of the sign, and placement of the sign should comply with the applicable provisions for the static version of the sign.

Section 2L.02 Applications of Changeable Message Signs

Support:

Changeable message signs have a large number of applications including, but not limited to, the following:

Incident management and route diversion
Warning of adverse weather conditions
Special event applications associated with traffic control or conditions
Control at crossing situations
Lane, ramp, and roadway control
Priced or other types of managed lanes
Travel times
Warning situations
Traffic regulations
Speed control
Destination guidance

Option:

Changeable message signs, both permanent and portable, may be used by State and local highway agencies to display safety messages, or transportation-related messages, emergency homeland security messages, and America's Missing: Broadcast Emergency Response (AMBER) alert messages.

Guidance:

State and local highway agencies may should develop and establish a policy regarding the display of safety and transportation-related messages on permanent and changeable message signs that specifies the allowable messages and applications, consistent with the provisions of this Manual the types of messages provided in Paragraph 2. When changeable message signs are used at multiple locations to address a specific situation, the message displays should be consistent along the roadway corridor and adjacent corridors, which might necessitate coordination among different operating agencies.

Support:

Examples of safety messages include "SEAT BELT BUCKLED?" and "DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE." Examples of transportation-related messages include "STADIUM EVENT SUNDAY, EXPECT DELAYS NOON TO 4 PM" and "OZONE ALERT CODE RED—USE TRANSIT."

Guidance:

When a CMS is used to display a safety or transportation related message, the requirements of Section 6F.55 should be followed. The message should be simple, brief, legible, and clear. A CMS should not be used to display a safety or transportation-related message if doing so would adversely affect the respect for the sign. "CONGESTION AHEAD" or other overly simplistic or vague messages should not be displayed alone. These messages should be supplemented with a message on the location or distance to the congestion or incident, how much delay is expected and travel time, alternative route, or other similar messages.

Standard:

When a CMS is used to display a safety, or transportation-related, emergency homeland security, or AMBER alert message, the display format shall not be of a type that could be considered similar to advertising displays.

Support:

Section 2B.13 contains information regarding the design of changeable message signs that are used to display variable speed limits that change based on ambient or operational conditions, or that display the speed at which approaching drivers are traveling.

Section 2L.03 Legibility and Visibility of Changeable Message Signs

Support:

The maximum distance at which a driver can first correctly identify letters and words on a sign is called the legibility distance of the sign. Legibility distance is affected by the characteristics of the sign design and the visual capabilities of drivers. Visual capabilities, and thus legibility distances, vary among drivers.

For the more common types of changeable message signs, the longest measured legibility distances on sunny days occur during mid-day when the sun is overhead. Legibility distances are much shorter when the sun is behind the sign face, when the sun is on the horizon and shining on the sign face, or at night.

Visibility is the characteristic that enables a CMS to be seen. Visibility is associated with the point where the CMS is first detected, whereas legibility is the point where the message on the CMS can be read. Environmental conditions such as rain, fog, and snow impact the visibility of changeable message signs and can reduce the available legibility distances. During these conditions, there might not be enough viewing time for drivers to read the message.

Guidance:

Changeable message signs used on roadways with speed limits of 55 mph or higher should be visible from 1/2 mile under both day and night conditions. The message should be designed to be legible from a minimum distance of 600 feet for nighttime conditions and 800 feet for normal daylight conditions. When environmental conditions that reduce visibility and legibility are present, or when the legibility distances stated in the previous sentences in this paragraph cannot be practically achieved, messages composed of fewer units of information should be used and consideration should be given to limiting the message to a single phase (see Section 2L.05 for information regarding the lengths of messages displayed on changeable message signs).

Section 2L.04 Design Characteristics of Changeable Message Signs

Standard:

The display format Changeable message signs shall not include advertising, animation, rapid flashing, dissolving, exploding, scrolling, or other dynamic elements that are characteristic of sports scoreboards or advertising displays.

Support:

Section 6F.61 contains information regarding the use of arrow boards that use flashing or sequential displays for lane closures.

Guidance:

Except in the case of a limited-legend CMS (such as a blank-out or electronic-display changeable message regulatory sign) that is used in place of a static regulatory sign or an activated blank-out warning sign that supplements a static warning sign at a separate location, changeable message signs should be used as a supplement to and not as a substitute for conventional signs and markings.

CMS should be limited to not more than three lines, with no more than 20 characters per line.

The spacing between characters in a word should be between 25 to 40 percent of the letter height. The spacing between words in a message should be between 75 and 100 percent of the letter height. Spacing between the message lines should be between 50 and 75 percent of the letter height.

Except as provided in Paragraph 18, word messages on changeable message signs should be composed of all capital upper-case letters and have a desirable letter size of 18 inches or a minimum letter size of 10.6 inches. The minimum letter height should be 18 inches for changeable message signs on roadways with speed limits of 45 mph or higher. The minimum letter height should be 12 inches for changeable message signs on roadways with speed limits of less than 45 mph.

Support:

Using letter heights of more than 18 inches will not result in proportional increases in legibility distance.

Guidance:

The width-to-height ratio of the sign characters should be between 0.7 and 1.0. The stroke width-to-height ratio should be 0.2.

Support:

The width-to-height ratio is commonly accomplished using a minimum font matrix density of five pixels wide by seven pixels high.

Standard:

Changeable message signs shall automatically adjust their brightness under varying light conditions to maintain legibility.

Guidance:

The luminance of changeable message signs should meet industry criteria for daytime and nighttime conditions. Luminance contrast should be between 8 and 12 for all conditions.

Contrast orientation of changeable message signs should always be positive, that is, with luminous characters on a dark or less luminous background.

Support:

Legibility distances for negative-contrast changeable message signs are likely to be at least 25 percent shorter than those of positive-contrast messages. In addition, the increased light emitted by negative-contrast changeable message signs has not been shown to improve detection distances.

Standard:

The colors used for the legends and backgrounds on changeable message signs shall be as provided in Table 2A-5.

Option:

Changeable message signs (including portable changeable message signs) that display a regulatory or warning message may use a black background with a white, yellow, orange, red, or fluorescent yellow-green legend as appropriate, except where specifically restricted in this Manual for a particular sign.

Guidance:

If a black background is used, the color used for the legend on a changeable message sign should match the background color that would be used on a standard sign for that type of legend, such as white for regulatory, yellow for warning, orange for temporary traffic control, red for stop or yield, fluorescent pink for incident management, and fluorescent yellow-green for bicycle, pedestrian, and school warning.

Standard:

If a green background is used for a guide message on a CMS or if a blue background is used for a motorist services message on a CMS, the background color shall be provided by green or blue lighted pixels such that the entire CMS would be lighted, not just the white legend.

Support:

Some CMS that employ newer technologies have the capability to display an exact duplicate of a standard sign or other sign legend using standard symbols, the Standard Alphabets and letter forms, route shields, and other typical sign legend elements with no apparent loss of resolution or recognition to the road user when compared with a static version of the same sign legend. Such signs are of the full-matrix type and can typically display full-color legends. Use of such technologies for new CMS is encouraged for greater legibility of their displays and enhanced recognition of the message as it pertains to regulatory, warning, or guidance information.

Guidance:

If used, the CMS described in the preceding paragraph should not display symbols or route shields unless they can do so in the appropriate color combinations. For a single-phase message where the Standard Alphabets and other legend elements of standard designs are used, the lettering style, size, and line spacing should comply with the applicable provisions for the type of message displayed as provided elsewhere in this Manual. For two-phase messages, larger legend heights should be used as described previously in this Section because of the need for such messages to be legible at a greater distance. Regardless of the number of phases, the CMS should comply with the legibility and visibility provisions of Section 2L.03.

Section 2L.05 Message Length and Units of Information

Guidance:

The maximum length of a message should be dictated by the number of units of information contained in the message, in addition to the size of the CMS. A unit of information, which is a single answer to a single question that a driver can use to make a decision, should not be more than four words.

Support:

In order to illustrate the concept of units of information, Table 2L-1 shows an example message that is comprised of four units of information.

The maximum allowable number of units of information in a CMS message is based on the principles described in this Section, the current highway operating speed, the legibility characteristics of the CMS, and the lighting conditions.

Standard:

No more than two displays should be used within any message cycle. Each message shall consist of no more than two phases. A phase shall consist of no more than three lines of text. A three-line changeable message sign shall be limited to not more than two messages. Each display should convey a single thought. Each phase shall be understood by itself regardless of the sequence in which it is read. Messages shall be centered within each line of legend. Except for signs located on toll plaza structures or other facilities with a similar booth-lane arrangement, if more than one CMS is visible to road users, then only one sign shall display a sequential message at any given time.

Techniques of message display such as fading, rapid flashing, exploding, dissolving, or moving messages shall not be used. The text of the message shall not scroll or travel horizontally or vertically across the face of the sign.

Changeable message signs shall be capable of displaying several messages in a sequence. Such messages shall be changed manually, by remote control, or by automatic controls.

Guidance:

Within the context of Section 2A.07, these practices should be followed for mainline freeway and expressway applications When designing and displaying messages on changeable message signs, the following principles relative to message design should be used:

The minimum time that an individual phase is displayed should be based on 1 second per word or 2 seconds per unit of information, whichever produces a lesser value. The display time for a phase should never be less than 2 seconds.
The maximum cycle time of a two-phase message should be 8 seconds.
The duration between the display of two phases should not exceed 0.3 seconds.
No more than three units of information should be displayed on a phase of a message.
No more than four units of information should be in a message when the traffic operating speeds are 35 mph or more.
No more than five units of information should be in a message when the traffic operating speeds are less than 35 mph.
Only one unit of information should appear on each line of the CMS.
Compatible units of information should be displayed on the same message phase.

Option:

A unit of information consisting of more than one word may be displayed on more than one line.The entire message cycle should be readable at least twice by drivers traveling at the posted speed, the off-peak 85^th-percentile speed, or the operating speed. An additional changeable message sign at a downstream location may be used for the purpose of allowing the entire message to be read twice.

Guidance:

If more than two phases would be needed to display the necessary information, additional changeable message signs should be used to display this information as a series of two distinct, independent messages with a maximum of two phases at each location, in accordance with the provisions of Paragraph 4.

Section 1A.15 contains information regarding the use of abbreviations on traffic control devices, including changeable message signs. When the message on a CMS includes an abbreviation, the provisions of Section 1A.15 should be used.

Section 2L.06 Installation of Permanent Changeable Message Signs

Guidance:

A CMS that is used in place of a static sign (such as a blank-out or variable legend regulatory sign) should be located in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 2A. The following factors should be considered when installing other permanent changeable message signs:

Changeable message signs should be located sufficiently upstream of known bottlenecks and high crash locations to enable road users to select an alternate route or take other appropriate action in response to a recurring condition.
Changeable message signs should be located sufficiently upstream of major diversion decision points, such as interchanges, to provide adequate distance over which road users can change lanes to reach one destination or the other.
Changeable message signs should not be located within an interchange except for toll plazas or managed lanes.
Changeable message signs should not be positioned at locations where the information load on drivers is already high because of guide signs and other types of information.
Changeable message signs should not be located in areas where drivers frequently perform lane-changing maneuvers in response to static guide sign information, or because of merging or weaving conditions.

Support:

Information regarding the design and application of portable changeable message signs in temporary traffic control zones is contained in Section 6F.60.

CHAPTER 2H 2M. RECREATIONAL AND CULTURAL INTEREST AREA SIGNS

Section 2H.01 2M.01 Scope

Support:

Recreational or cultural interest areas are attractions or traffic generators that are open to the general public for the purpose of play, amusement, or relaxation. Recreational attractions include such facilities as parks, campgrounds, gaming facilities, and ski areas, while examples of cultural attractions include museums, art galleries, and historical buildings or sites.

The purpose of recreation and cultural interest area signs is to guide road users to a general area and then to specific facilities or activities within the area.

Option:

Recreational and cultural interest area guide signs that depict directing road users to significant traffic generators may be used on freeways and expressways where there is direct access to these areas as discussed provided in Section 2M.09.

Recreational and cultural interest area signs may be used off the road network, as appropriate.

Section 2H.02 2M.02 Application of Recreational and Cultural Interest Area Signs

Support:

Standards Provisions for signing recreational or cultural interest areas are subdivided into two different types of signs: (1) symbol signs and (2) destination guide signs.

Guidance:

When highway agencies decide to provide recreational and cultural interest area signing, these agencies should have a policy for such signing. The policy should establish signing criteria for the eligibility of the various types of services, accommodations, and facilities. These signs should not be used where they might be confused with other traffic control signs.

Option:

Recreational and cultural interest area guide signs may be used on any road to direct persons to facilities, structures, and places, and to identify various services available to the general public. These guide signs may also be used in recreational or cultural interest areas for signing non-vehicular events and amenities such as trails, structures, and facilities.

Support:

Section 2A.12 contains information regarding the use of recreational and cultural interest area symbols on other types of signs.

Section 2H.03 2M.03 Regulatory and Warning Signs

Standard:

All regulatory and warning signs installed on public roads and streets within recreational and cultural interest areas shall conform to comply with the requirements of Chapters 2A, 2B, and 2C, 7B, 8B, and 9B.

Section 2H.04 2M.04 General Design Requirements for Recreational and Cultural Interest Area Symbol Guide Signs

Standard:

Recreational and cultural interest area symbol guide signs shall be square or rectangular in shape and shall have a white symbol or message and white border on a brown background. The symbols shall be grouped into the following usage and series categories (see the "Standard Highway Signs" book for design details) this was added to the Support sentence in the next paragraph for clarity:

General Information (RG Series) Applications,
Accommodations Services (RA Series),
Motorist Services (RM Series),
Land Recreation (RL series),
Water Recreation (RW Series), and
Winter Recreation (RS Series).

Support:

Table 2M-1 contains a listing of the symbols within each series category. Drawings showing the design details for these symbols are found in the "Standard Highway Signs and Markings" book (see Section 1A.11).

Option:

Mirror images of symbols may be used where the reverse image will better convey the message.

Section 2H.05 2M.05 Symbol Sign Sizes

Guidance:

Recreational and cultural interest area symbol signs should be 24 x 24 inches. Where greater visibility or emphasis is needed, larger sizes should be used. Symbol sign enlargements should be in 6-inch increments.

Recreational and cultural interest area symbol signs should be 30 x 30 inches when used on guide signs on freeways or expressways.

Option:

A smaller size of 18 x 18 inches may be used on low-speed, low-volume roadways and on non-road applications.

Section 2H.06 2M.06 Use of Educational Plaques

Guidance:

Educational plaques should accompany all initial installations of recreational and cultural interest area symbol signs. The educational plaque should remain in place for at least 3 years after the initial installation. If used, the educational plaque should be the same width as the symbol sign.

Option:

Symbol signs that are readily recognizable by the public may be installed without educational plaques.

Support:

Figure 2M-1 illustrates some examples of the use of educational plaques.

Section 2H.07 2M.07 Use of Prohibitive Circle and Diagonal Slash for Non-Road Applications

Standard:

Where it is necessary to indicate a restriction prohibition of an activity or an item within a recreational or cultural interest area for non-road use and a standard regulatory sign for such a prohibition is not provided in Chapter 2B, a red diagonal slash may be used to indicate that the activity is prohibited the appropriate recreational and cultural interest area symbol shall be used in combination with a red prohibitive circle and red diagonal slash. The recreational and cultural interest area symbol and the sign border shall be black and the sign background shall be white. The symbol shall be scaled proportionally to fit completely within the circle and the diagonal slash shall be oriented from the upper left to the lower right portions of the circle as shown in Figure 2M-1.

The red diagonal slash, if used on a recreational and cultural interest area sign, shall be placed from the upper left corner to the lower right corner of the sign face (see Figure 2H-1). Requirements for retroreflection of the red circle and red diagonal slash shall be the same as those requirements for backgrounds, legends, symbols, arrows, and borders.

Support:

Figure 2H-1 illustrates some examples of the use of prohibitive slashes.

Section 2H.08 2M.08 Placement of Recreational and Cultural Interest Area Symbol Signs

Standard:

If used, recreational and cultural interest area symbol signs shall be placed in accordance with the general requirements contained in Chapter 2A. The symbol(s) shall be placed as sign panels in the uppermost part of the sign assembly and the directional information shall be placed below the symbol(s).

Except as provided in Paragraph 3, where if the name of the recreational or cultural interest area facility or activity is shown displayed on a general directional destination guide sign (see Section 2M.09) and a symbol is used, the symbol shall be placed below the name (see Figure 2M-2).

Option:

When the legend Wildlife Viewing Area is displayed with the RS-076 symbol on a destination guide sign, the symbol may be placed to the left or right of the legend and the arrow may be placed below the symbol (see Figure 2M-2).

The symbols displayed with the facility or activity name may be placed below the destination guide sign as illustrated in Figure 2M-2 instead of as sign panels placed with the destination guide sign.

Secondary symbols of a smaller size (18 x 18 inches) may be placed beneath the primary symbols (see Drawing A in Figure 2M-1), where needed.

Standard:

Recreational and cultural interest area symbols installed for non-road use shall be placed in accordance with the general sign position requirements of the authority having jurisdiction.

Support:

Figure 2M-3 illustrates typical height and lateral mounting positions. Figure 2M-4 illustrates some examples of the placement of symbol signs within a recreational or cultural interest area. Figures 2M-5 through 2M-10 illustrate some of the symbols that can be used.

Guidance:

The number of symbols used in a single sign assembly should not exceed four.

Option:

Symbols for recreational or cultural interest areas may be used as legend components for a directional sign assembly. The Advance Turn (M5 series) or Directional Arrow (M6 series) auxiliary signs with white arrows on brown backgrounds shown in Figure 2D-5 may be used with Recreational and Cultural Area Interest symbol guide signs to create a Recreational and Cultural Interest Area Directional Assembly. The symbols may be used singularly, or in groups of two, three, or four on a single sign assembly (see Figures 2M-1, 2M-3, and 2M-4). Smaller-size secondary symbols (see Figure 2H-1) may be placed beneath the primary symbols, where needed.

Section 2H.09 2M.09 Destination Guide Signs

Guidance:

When recreational or cultural interest area destinations are shown displayed on supplemental guide signs, the sign should be rectangular or trapezoidal in shape. The order of preference for use of shapes and colors should be as follows: (1) rectangular with a white legend and border on a green background; (2) rectangular with a white legend and border on a brown background; or (3) trapezoidal with a white legend and border on a brown background.

Standard:

Whenever the trapezoidal shape is used, the color combination shall be a white legend and border on a brown background.

Option:

White-on-brown Destination guide signs with a white legend and border on a brown background may be posted at the first point where an access or crossroad intersects a highway where recreational or cultural interest areas are a significant destination along conventional roads, expressways, or freeways. White-on-brown Supplemental guide signs with a white legend and border on a brown background may be used along conventional roads, expressways, or freeways to direct road users to recreational or cultural interest areas. Where access or crossroads lead exclusively to the recreational or cultural interest area, the advance guide sign and the exit direction sign may be white-on-brown have a white legend and border on a brown background.

Standard:

Linear parkway-type highways that primarily function as arterial connectors, even if they also provide access to recreational or cultural interest areas, shall not qualify for the use of white-on-brown destination guide signs. Directional guide signs used on these highways shall conform to Chapter 2D.

All Exit Gore (E5-1 and E5-1a) signs (see Section 2E.37) shall have a white legend and border on a green background. The background color of the interchange Exit Number (E1-5P and E1-5bP) panel plaque (see Section 2E.31) shall match the background color of the guide sign. Design characteristics of conventional road, expressway, or freeway guide signs shall conform to comply with Chapter 2D or 2E except as specified provided in this Section for color combination.

The advance guide sign and the Exit Direction sign shall retain the white-on-green color combination where the crossroad leads to a destination other than a recreational or cultural interest area.

Support:

Figure 2M-2 illustrates destination guide signs commonly used for identifying recreational or cultural interest areas or facilities.

Section 2M.10 Memorial or Dedication Signing this text was relocated from the first four paragraphs of Section 2D.49

Support:

Legislative bodies will occasionally adopt an act or resolution memorializing or dedicating a highway, bridge, or other component of the highway.

Guidance:

Such memorial or dedication names should not appear on or along a highway, or be placed on bridges or other highway components. The requirement for signing should be carried out by placing If a route, bridge, or highway component is officially designated as a memorial or dedication, and if notification of the memorial or dedication is to be made on the highway right-of-way, such notification should consist of installing this text was relocated from Section 2E.08 a memorial or dedication plaque marker in a rest area, scenic overlook, recreational area, or other appropriate location where parking is provided with the signing inconspicuously located relative to vehicle operations along the highway.

Option:

If the installation of a memorial or dedication plaque marker off the main roadway is not practical, memorial or dedication signs may be installed on the mainline.

Guidance:

Memorial or dedication signs should have a white legend and border on a brown background.

Standard:

Where such memorial or dedication signs are installed on the mainline, (1) memorial or dedication names shall not appear on directional guide signs, (2) memorial or dedication signs shall not interfere with the placement of any other necessary highway signing, and (3) memorial or dedication signs shall not compromise the safety or efficiency of traffic flow. The memorial or dedication signing shall be limited to one sign at an appropriate location in each route direction, each as an independent sign installation.

Memorial or dedication signs shall be rectangular in shape. The legend displayed on memorial or dedication signs shall be limited to the name of the person or entity being recognized and a simple message preceding or following the name, such as "DEDICATED TO" or "Memorial Parkway." Additional legend, such as biographical information, shall not be displayed on memorial or dedication signs. Decorative or graphical elements, pictographs, logos, or symbols shall not be displayed on memorial or dedication signs. All letters and numerals displayed on memorial or dedication signs shall be as provided in the "Standard Highway Signs and Markings" book (see Section 1A.11). The route number or officially mapped name of the highway shall not be displayed on the memorial or dedication sign.

Memorial or dedication names shall not appear on supplemental signs or on any other information sign on or along the highway or its intersecting routes.

Option:

The lettering for the name of the person or entity being recognized may be composed of a combination of lower-case letters with initial upper-case letters.

Guidance:

Freeways and expressways should not be signed as memorial or dedicated highways.this sentence was relocated from Section 2E.08

Support:

Named highways are officially designated and shown on official maps and serve the purpose of providing route guidance, primarily on unnumbered highways. A highway designated as a memorial or dedication is not considered to be a named highway. Section 2D.53 contains provisions for the signing of named highways.

CHAPTER 2I 2N. EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT SIGNING

Section 2I.01 2N.01 Emergency Management

Guidance:

Contingency planning for an emergency evacuation should be considered by all State and local jurisdictions and should consider the use of all applicable roadways.

In the event of a disaster where highways that cannot be used will be closed, a successful contingency plan should account for the following elements: a controlled operation of certain designated highways, the establishment of traffic operations for the expediting of essential traffic, and the provision of emergency centers for civilian aid.

Section 2I.02 2N.02 Design of Emergency Management Signs

Standard:

Emergency Management signs shall be used to guide and control highway traffic during an emergency.

Emergency Management signs shall not permanently displace any of the standard signs that are normally applicable.

Advance planning for transportation operations' emergencies shall be the responsibility of State and local authorities. The Federal Government shall provide guidance to the States as necessitated by changing circumstances.

Except as provided in Section 2A.11, the sizes for Emergency Management signs shall be as shown in Table 2N-1.

Support:

Section 2A.11 contains information regarding the applicability of the various columns in Table 2N-1.

Option:

Signs larger than those shown in Table 2N-1 may be used (see Section 2A.11).

Guidance:

As conditions permit, the Emergency Management signs should be replaced or augmented by standard signs.

The background of Emergency Management signs should be retroreflective.

Because Emergency Management signs might be needed in large numbers for temporary use during an emergency, consideration should be given to their fabrication from any light and economical material that can serve through the emergency period.

Option:

Any Emergency Management sign that is used to mark an area that is contaminated by biological or chemical warfare agents or radioactive fallout may be accompanied by a the standard triangular plaque, as symbol that is illustrated for in the upper left corner of the EM-7c and EM-7d signs in Figure 2N-1, for marking areas contaminated by biological and chemical warfare agents and radioactive fallout.

Section 2I.03 2N.03 Evacuation Route Signs (EM-1 and EM-1a)

Standard:

The Evacuation Route (EM-1 and EM-1a) signs (see Figure 2I-1) shall be display a rectangular sign with a blue circular symbol with on a white square sign without a border as shown in Figure 2N-1. The EM-1 sign shall include a white directional arrow (except as provided in Paragraph 3) and the a white legend EVACUATION ROUTE within the blue circular symbol. The EM-1a sign shall include a white EVACUATION ROUTE legend and the tsunami symbol within the blue circular symbol. The diameter of the circular symbol shall be 1 inch smaller than the width of the sign. The EM-1 and EM-1a signs shall be retroreflective.

An Advance Turn Arrow (M5 series) or Directional Arrow (M6 series) auxiliary sign as shown in Figure 2D-5, but with a white arrow on a blue background instead of a black arrow on a white background, shall be installed below the EM-1a sign.

Option:

The arrow may be a separate panel attached to the face of the sign.

Instead of including a directional arrow within the blue circular symbol on the EM-1 sign, an Advance Turn Arrow (M5 series) or Directional Arrow (M6 series) auxiliary sign as shown in Figure 2D-5, but with a white arrow on a blue background instead of a black arrow on a white background, may be installed below the EM-1 sign.

The legend on the EVACUATION ROUTE sign may be modified to describe the type of evacuation route, such as HURRICANE.

If desired, the word HURRICANE, or a word that describes some other type of evacuation route, may be added as a third line of text above the white EVACUATION ROUTE legend within the blue circular symbol on the EM-1 sign.

An approved Emergency Management symbol with a diameter of 3.5 inches may appear near the bottom of the an Evacuation Route sign with a diameter of 3.5 inches.

Standard:

The legend and arrow of the EVACUATION ROUTE sign shall be white on a blue circular background. The corners of the sign outside of the blue circle shall be white. The entire sign shall be retroreflective. The arrow designs, if used, on the EM-1 sign shall include a straight, vertical arrow pointing upward, a straight horizontal arrow pointing to the left or right, or a bent arrow pointing to the left or right for advance warning of a turn.

If used, the Evacuation Route sign, with the appropriate arrow, shall be installed 150 to 300 feet in advance of, and at, any turn in an approved evacuation route. The sign shall also be installed elsewhere for straight-ahead confirmation where needed.

If used in urban areas, the Evacuation Route sign shall be mounted at the right-hand side of the roadway, not less than 7 feet above the top of the curb, and at least 1 foot back from the face of the curb. If used in rural areas, it the Evacuation Route sign shall be mounted at the right-hand side of the roadway, not less than 7 feet above the pavement and not less than 6 feet to or more than 10 feet to the right side of the right-hand roadway edge.

Evacuation Route signs shall not be placed where they will conflict with other signs. Where conflict in placement would occur between the Evacuation Route sign and a standard regulatory sign, the regulatory sign shall take precedence.

Option:

In case of conflict with guide or warning signs, the Emergency Management Evacuation Route sign may take precedence.

Guidance:

Placement of Evacuation Route signs should be made under the supervision of the officials having jurisdiction over the placement of other traffic signs. Coordination with Emergency Management authorities and agreement between contiguous political entities should occur to assure continuity of routes.

Section 2I.04 2N.04 AREA CLOSED Sign (EM-2)

Standard:

The AREA CLOSED (EM-2) sign (see Figure 2N-1) shall be used to close a roadway in order to prohibit traffic from entering the area. It shall be installed on the shoulder as near as practical to the right-hand edge of the roadway, or preferably, on a portable mounting or barricade partly or entirely in the roadway.

Guidance:

For best visibility, particularly at night, the sign height should not exceed 4 feet measured vertically from the pavement to the bottom of the sign. Unless adequate advance warning signs are used, it should not be placed to create a complete and unavoidable blocked route. Where feasible, the sign should be located at an intersection that provides a detour route.

Section 2I.05 2N.05 TRAFFIC CONTROL POINT Sign (EM-3)

Standard:

The TRAFFIC CONTROL POINT (EM-3) sign (see Figure 2N-1) shall be used to designate a location where an official traffic control point has been set up to impose such controls as are necessary to limit congestion, expedite emergency traffic, exclude unauthorized vehicles, or protect the public.

The sign shall be installed in the same manner as the AREA CLOSED sign (see Section 2N.04), and at the point where traffic must stop to be checked.

The standard STOP (R1-1) sign shall be used in conjunction with the TRAFFIC CONTROL POINT sign. The TRAFFIC CONTROL POINT sign shall consist of a black legend and border on a retroreflectorized white background.

Guidance:

The TRAFFIC CONTROL POINT sign should be mounted directly below the STOP sign.

Section 2I.06 2N.06 MAINTAIN TOP SAFE SPEED Sign (EM-4)

Option:

The MAINTAIN TOP SAFE SPEED (EM-4) sign (see Figure 2N-1) may be used on highways where conditions are such that it is prudent to evacuate or traverse an area as quickly as possible.

Where an existing Speed Limit (R2-1) sign is in a suitable location, the MAINTAIN TOP SAFE SPEED sign may conveniently be mounted directly over the face of the speed limit sign that it supersedes.

Support:

Since any speed zoning would be impractical under such emergency conditions, no minimum speed limit can be prescribed by the MAINTAIN TOP SAFE SPEED sign in numerical terms. Where traffic is supervised by a traffic control point, official instructions will usually be given verbally, and the sign will serve as an occasional reminder of the urgent need for maintaining the proper reasonably safe speed.

Guidance:

The sign should be installed as needed, in the same manner as other standard speed signs.

Standard:

If used in rural areas, the MAINTAIN TOP SAFE SPEED sign shall be mounted on the right-hand side of the road at a horizontal distance of not less than 6 feet or more than 10 feet from the roadway edge, and with its lower edge not less than at a minimum height, measured vertically from the bottom of the sign to the elevation of the near edge of the traveled way, of 5 feet above the pavement, 6 to 10 feet from the roadway edge. If used in urban areas, the minimum height, measured vertically from the bottom of the sign to the top of the curb, or in the absence of curb, measured vertically from the bottom of the sign to the elevation of the near edge of the traveled way, shall be not less than 7 feet, and the nearest edge of the sign shall be not less than 1 foot back from the face of the curb.

Section 2I.07 2N.07 ROAD (AREA) USE PERMIT REQUIRED FOR THRU TRAFFIC Sign (EM-5)

Support:

The intent of the ROAD (AREA) USE PERMIT REQUIRED FOR THRU TRAFFIC (EM-5) sign (see Figure 2N-1) is to notify road users of the presence of the traffic control point so that those who do not have priority permits issued by designated authorities can take another route, or turn back, without making a needless trip and without adding to the screening load at the post. Local traffic, without permits, can proceed as far as the traffic control post.

Standard:

If used, the ROAD (AREA) USE PERMIT REQUIRED FOR THRU TRAFFIC (EM-5) sign shall be used at an intersection that is an entrance to a route on which a traffic control point is located.

If used, the sign shall be installed in a manner similar to that of the MAINTAIN TOP SAFE SPEED sign (see Section 2N.06).

Section 2I.08 2N.08 Emergency Aid Center Signs (EM-6 Series)

Standard:

In the event of emergency, State and local authorities shall establish various centers for civilian relief, communication, medical service, and similar purposes. To guide the public to such centers a series of directional signs shall be used.

Emergency Aid Center (EM-6 series) signs (see Figure 2N-1) shall carry the designation of the center and an arrow indicating the direction to the center. They shall be installed as needed, at intersections and elsewhere, on the right-hand side of the roadway, in urban areas at a minimum height, measured vertically from the bottom of the sign to the top of the curb, or in the absence of curb, measured vertically from the bottom of the sign to the elevation of the near edge of the traveled way, in urban areas of at least 7 feet, and not less than 1 foot back from the face of the curb, and in rural areas at a minimum height, measured vertically from the bottom of the sign to the elevation of the near edge of the traveled way, of 5 feet, and at a horizontal distance of not less than 6 feet to or more than 10 feet from the roadway edge.

Emergency Aid Center signs shall carry one of the following legends, as appropriate, or others designating similar emergency facilities:

MEDICAL CENTER (EM-6a),
WELFARE CENTER (EM-6b),
REGISTRATION CENTER (EM-6c), or
DECONTAMINATION CENTER (EM-6d).

The Emergency Aid Center sign shall be a horizontal rectangle. Except as provided in Paragraph 5, the identifying word and the word CENTER, the directional arrow, and the border shall be black on a white background.

Option:

When Emergency Aid Center signs are used in an incident situation, such as during the aftermath of a nuclear or biological attack, the background color may be fluorescent pink (see Chapter 6I).

Section 2I.09 2N.09 Shelter Directional Signs (EM-7 Series)

Standard:

Shelter Directional (EM-7 series) signs (see Figure 2N-1) shall be used to direct the public to selected shelters that have been licensed and marked for emergency use.

The installation of Shelter Directional signs shall conform to comply with established highway signing standards. Where used, the signs shall not be installed in competition with other necessary highway guide, warning, and regulatory signs.

The Shelter Directional sign shall be a horizontal rectangle. Except as provided in Paragraph 4, the identifying word and the word SHELTER, the directional arrow, the distance to the shelter, and the border shall be black on a white background.

Option:

When Shelter Directional signs are used in an incident situation, such as during the aftermath of a nuclear or biological attack, the background color may be fluorescent pink (see Chapter 6I).

The distance to the shelter may be omitted from the sign when appropriate.

Shelter Directional signs may carry one of the following legends, or others designating similar emergency facilities:

EMERGENCY (EM-7a),
HURRICANE (EM-7b),
FALLOUT (EM-7c), or
CHEMICAL (EM-7d).

If appropriate, the name of the facility may be used.

The Shelter Directional signs may be installed on the Interstate Highway System or any other major highway system when it has been determined that a need exists for such signs as part of a State or local shelter plan.

The Shelter Directional signs may be used to identify different routes to a shelter to provide for rapid movement of large numbers of persons.

Guidance:

The Shelter Directional sign should be used sparingly and only in conjunction with approved plans of State and local authorities.

As a general rule, The Shelter Directional sign should not be posted more than 5 miles from a shelter.

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Change List for the 2009 Edition of the MUTCD Part 2

CHAPTER 2A. GENERAL

Section 2A.01 Function and Purpose of Signs

Section 2A.02 Definitions

Section 2A.03 Standardization of Application

Section 2A.04 Excessive Use of Signs

Section 2A.05 Classification of Signs

Section 2A.06 Design of Signs

Section 2A.07 Changeable Message Signs the text from this Section has been relocated to new Chapter 2L

Section 2A.08 2A.07 Retroreflectivity and Illumination

Section 2A.09 2A.08 Maintaining Minimum Retroreflectivity

Section 2A.10 2A.09 Shapes

Section 2A.11 2A.10 Sign Colors

Section 2A.12 2A.11 Dimensions

Section 2A.13 2A.12 Symbols

Section 2A.14 2A.13 Word Messages

Section 2A.15 2A.14 Sign Borders

Section 2A.15 Enhanced Conspicuity for Standard Signs

Section 2A.16 Standardization of Location

Section 2A.17 Overhead Sign Installations

Section 2A.18 Mounting Height paragraphs have been rearranged within this Section to improve clarity

Section 2A.19 Lateral Offset

Section 2A.20 Orientation

Section 2A.21 Posts and Mountings

Section 2A.22 Maintenance

Section 2A.23 Median Opening Treatments for Divided Highways with Wide Medians

CHAPTER 2B. REGULATORY SIGNS, BARRICADES, AND GATES

Section 2B.01 Application of Regulatory Signs

Section 2B.02 Design of Regulatory Signs

Section 2B.03 Size of Regulatory Signs

Section 2B.04 Right-of-Way at Intersections

Section 2B.04 2B.05 STOP Sign (R1-1) and ALL WAY Plaque (R1-3P)

Section 2B.05 2B.06 STOP Sign Applications many paragraphs have been relocated to the new Section 2B.04

Section 2B.06 STOP Sign Placement most of the text from this Section has been incorporated into Section 2B.10

Section 2B.07 Multi-Way Stop Applications

Section 2B.08 YIELD Sign (R1-2)

Section 2B.09 YIELD Sign Applications

Section 2B.10 STOP Sign or YIELD Sign Placement this Section was edited to include the STOP sign provisions from Section 2B.06

Section 2B.11 Yield Here To Pedestrians Signs and Stop Here For Pedestrians Signs (R1-5, R1-5a Series)

Section 2B.12 In-Street and Overhead Pedestrian Crossing Signs (R1-6, R1-6a, R1-9, and R1-9a)

Section 2B.13 Speed Limit Sign (R2-1)

Section 2B.14 Truck Speed Limit Sign Plaque (R2-2P)

Section 2B.15 Night Speed Limit Sign Plaque (R2-3P)

Section 2B.16 Minimum Speed Limit Sign Plaque (R2-4P)

Section 2B.17 FINES Higher Fines Signs and Plaque (R2-6P, R2-10, and R2-11)

Section 2B.18 Location of Speed Limit Signs these three paragraphs were incorporated into Section 2B.13

Section 2B.19 2B.18 Turn Movement Prohibition Signs (R3-1 through R3-4, and R3-18, and R3-27)

Section 2B.20 2B.19 Intersection Lane Control Signs (R3-5 through R3-8)

Section 2B.21 2B.20 Mandatory Movement Lane Control Signs (R3-5, R3-5a, and R3-7, and R3-20)

Section 2B.22 2B.21 Optional Movement Lane Control Sign (R3-6)

Section 2B.23 2B.22 Advance Intersection Lane Control Signs (R3-8 Series)

Section 2B.23 RIGHT (LEFT) LANE MUST EXIT Sign (R3-33)

Section 2B.24 Two-Way Left Turn Only Signs (R3-9a, R3-9b)

Section 2B.25 BEGIN and END Plaques (R3-9cP, R3-9dP)

Section 2B.26 Reversible Lane Control Signs (R3-9d, R3-9f R3-9e through R3-9i)

Section 2B.27 Jughandle Signs (R3-23, R3-24, R3-25, and R3-26 Series)

Section 2B.29 2B.28 DO NOT PASS Sign (R4-1)

Section 2B.30 2B.29 PASS WITH CARE Sign (R4-2)

Section 2B.31 2B.30 KEEP RIGHT EXCEPT TO PASS Sign (R4-16) and SLOWER TRAFFIC KEEP RIGHT Sign (R4-3)

Section 2B.32 2B.31 Slow Moving Traffic TRUCKS USE RIGHT LANE Signs (R4-5, R4-6)

Section 2B.33 2B.32 Keep Right and Keep Left Signs (R4-7, R4-8)

Section 2B.33 STAY IN LANE Sign (R4-9)

Section 2B.34 RUNAWAY VEHICLES ONLY Sign (R4-10)

Section 2B.35 Slow Vehicle Turn-Out Signs (R4-12, R4-13, and R4-14)

Section 2B.36 DO NOT DRIVE ON SHOULDER Sign (R4-17) and DO NOT PASS ON SHOULDER Sign (R4-18)

Section 2B.34 2B.37 DO NOT ENTER Sign (R5-1)

Section 2B.35 2B.38 WRONG WAY Sign (R5-1a)

Section 2B.36 2B.39 Selective Exclusion Signs

Section 2B.37 2B.40 ONE WAY Signs (R6-1, R6-2)

Section 2B.41 Wrong-Way Traffic Control at Interchange Ramps text was relocated from Section 2E.50

Section 2B.38 2B.42 Divided Highway Crossing Signs (R6-3, R6-3a)

Section 2B.43 Roundabout Directional Arrow Signs (R6-4, R6-4a, and R6-4b)

Section 2B.44 Roundabout Circulation Plaque (R6-5P)

Section 2B.45 Examples of Roundabout Signing

Section 2B.39 2B.46 Parking, Standing, and Stopping Signs (R7 and R8 Series)

Section 2B.40 2B.47 Design of Parking, Standing, and Stopping Signs

Section 2B.41 2B.48 Placement of Parking, Stopping, and Standing Signs

Section 2B.42 2B.49 Emergency Restriction Signs (R8-4, R8-7, R8-8)

Section 2B.43 2B.50 WALK ON LEFT FACING TRAFFIC and No Hitchhiking Signs (R9-1, R9-4, R9-4a)

Section 2B.44 2B.51 Pedestrian Crossing Signs (R9-2, R9-3)

Change List for the 2009 Edition of the MUTCD
Part 2