Chapter 1D. Provisions Applicable to Traffic Control Devices in General¶

§1D.01 Purpose and Principles of Traffic Control Devices¶

Support

01. The purpose of traffic control devices, as well as the principles for their use, is to promote highway safety, inclusion and mobility of all road users, and efficiency by providing for the orderly movement of road users on streets, highways, bikeways, and site roadways open to public travel throughout the Nation. Section 1A.03 contains additional information on target road users.

02. This Manual contains the basic principles that govern the design and use of traffic control devices for all streets, highways, bikeways, and site roadways open to public travel (see definition in Section 1C.02) regardless of type or class or the public agency, official, or owner having jurisdiction. The text of this Manual specifies the restriction on the use of a device if it is intended for limited application or for a specific system. It is important that these principles be given primary consideration in the selection and application of each device.

Guidance

03. To be effective, a traffic control device should:

A. Fulfill a need;
B. Command attention;
C. Convey a clear, simple meaning;
D. Command respect from road users; and
E. Give adequate time for proper response.

04. Design, placement, operation, maintenance, and uniformity are aspects that should be carefully considered in order to maximize the ability of a traffic control device to be consistent with the five principles listed in Paragraph 3 of this Section. Vehicle speed and road-user types should be carefully considered as an element that governs the design, operation, placement, and location of various traffic control devices.

05. The proper use of traffic control devices should provide the road user with the information necessary to safely, efficiently, and lawfully use the streets, highways, pedestrian facilities, and bikeways.

Standard

06. Traffic control devices used on site roadways open to public travel shall have the same shape, color, and meaning as those required by the MUTCD for use on public highways, except as provided otherwise elsewhere in this Manual. Sign size exceptions are noted in each Part as applicable.

§1D.02 Responsibility and Authority for Traffic Control Devices¶

Standard

01. The responsibility for the design, placement, operation, maintenance, and uniformity of traffic control devices in compliance with the provisions of this Manual shall rest with the public agency or the official having jurisdiction, or, in the case of site roadways open to public travel, with the private owner or private official having jurisdiction.

02. All regulatory traffic control devices shall be supported by laws, ordinances, or regulations.

03. Traffic control devices, public announcements or notices, and other signs or messages within the highway right-of-way shall be placed only as authorized by a public authority or the official having jurisdiction, or, in the case of site roadways or private toll roads open to public travel, by the private owner or private official having jurisdiction, for the purpose of regulating, warning, or guiding traffic.

04. When the public agency or the official having jurisdiction over a street or highway or, in the case of site roadways open to public travel, the private owner or private official having jurisdiction, has granted proper authority, others such as contractors and public utility companies shall be allowed to install temporary traffic control devices in temporary traffic control zones. Such traffic control devices shall comply with the provisions of this Manual.

05. Signs and other devices that do not have any traffic control purpose that are placed within the highway right-of-way shall not be located where they will interfere with, or detract from, traffic control devices.

Support

05A. Michigan State Statute has the following provisions regarding the responsibility and authority for traffic control devices. Act 300 of 1949 257.609 Traffic control devices; placement and maintenance; restrictions; county road commission, permission, costs. Sec. 609 (1) The state transportation department shall place or require to be placed, and maintain or require to be maintained, upon all state highways traffic control devices as it considers necessary to indicate and carry out the provisions of this chapter or to regulate, warn, or guide traffic. A traffic control device placed and maintained under this subsection shall conform to the most current Michigan manual on uniform traffic control devices. (2) A local authority shall not place or maintain a traffic control device upon a trunk line highway under the jurisdiction of the state transportation department, except by the latter's permission, or upon a county road without the permission of the county road commission having jurisdiction over that road. With the approval of the state transportation department, the board of county road commissioners of a county, at its option, may install and maintain traffic control devices conforming to the Michigan manual on uniform traffic control devices if the cost would be less than that estimated by the state transportation department and bill the state transportation department for its share of the cost of installation. History: 1949, Act 300, Eff. Sept. 23, 1949 ;-- Am. 1953, Act 76, Eff. Oct. 2, 1953 ;-- Am. 1968, Act 98, Imd. Eff. June 7, 1968 ;-- Am. 2016, Act 448, Eff. Jan. 5, 2018 Act 300 of 1949 257.610 Traffic control devices; placement and maintenance by local authorities and county road commissions; compliance with manual; failure to comply with statutory provisions; sale, purchase, or manufacture of devices. Sec. 610 (1) Local authorities and county road commissions in their respective jurisdictions shall place and maintain the traffic control devices upon highways under their jurisdiction that they consider necessary to indicate and to carry out the provisions of this chapter or local traffic ordinances or to regulate, warn, or guide traffic. All traffic control devices shall conform to the Michigan manual on uniform traffic control devices. (2) The state transportation department shall withhold from any incorporated village, city, or county that fails to comply with sections 606, 608, 609, 612, and 613, the share of fuel and vehicle tax revenue that would otherwise be due the incorporated village, city, or county under section 10 of 1951 PA 51, MCL 247.660. Notice of failure to comply, and 1 year's time to comply after notice, shall first be given. (3) A person, firm, or corporation shall not sell or offer for sale to local authorities and local authorities shall not purchase or manufacture any traffic control device that does not conform to the Michigan manual on uniform traffic control devices, except with the permission of the director of the state transportation department. History: 1949, Act 300, Eff. Sept. 23, 1949 ;-- Am. 1955, Act 245, Eff. Oct. 14, 1955 ;-- Am. 1972, Act 72, Imd. Eff. Mar. 9, 1972 ;-- Am. 2016, Act 448, Eff. Jan. 5, 2018 CONTROL OF TRAFFIC IN PARKING AREAS (EXCERPT) Act 235 of 1969 257.942 Local ordinances. Sec. 2. The governing body of a city or village, or the board of a township, may, upon the request of either the owner or the person in charge of the general operation and control of the parking area, by local ordinance: (a) Order stop signs, yield signs, or other traffic control devices erected at specified entrance or exit locations to a parking area or at an intersection in the parking area. (b) Regulate traffic in the parking area, including regulation by means of traffic control signals. (c) Prohibit or regulate the turning of vehicles or specified types of vehicles at intersections or other designated locations in the parking area. (d) Regulate the crossing of a roadway in the parking area by pedestrians. (e) Designate a separate roadway, drive, or lane in the parking area for 1-way traffic. (f) Prohibit, regulate, restrict, or limit the stopping, standing, or parking of vehicles in specified areas of the parking area. (g) Designate safety zones, loading zones, and other restricted area in the parking area. (h) Provide for the removal and storage of vehicles parked or abandoned in the parking area during snowstorms, floods, fires, or other public emergencies, or found unattended in the parking area, if the vehicles constitute an obstruction to traffic or if stopping, standing, or parking is prohibited, and for the payment of reasonable charges for the removal and storage by the owner or operator of the vehicle. (i) Adopt additional reasonable rules with respect to traffic and parking in a parking area as local conditions may require for the safety and convenience of the public or of the users of the parking area. History: 1696, Act 235, Imd. Eff. Aug. 11, 1969; - Am. 1978, Act 630, Imd. Eff. Jan. 8, 1979. TRAFFIC ORDINANCES AT STATE UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES (EXCERPT) Act 291 of 1967 390.891 Parking, traffic, and pedestrian ordinances; violation as misdemeanor or civil infraction; enforcement; persons authorized to issue and serve citations for persons with disabilities ordinance violations; conformity with uniform traffic code. Sec. 1. The governing boards of state universities and colleges may each enact parking, traffic, and pedestrian ordinances for the government and control of their respective campuses. If an ordinance is enacted, the governing board shall specify whether a particular violation is a misdemeanor or a civil infraction. Enforcement of the ordinance shall be by law enforcement officers of this state or the county, township, or city where the violation of the ordinance occurs. The governing board of a state university or college may authorize a person other than a law enforcement officer to issue and serve a citation for a violation of the ordinance pertaining to parking for persons with disabilities if the governing board complies with the requirements of section 675d of the Michigan vehicle code, 1949 PA 300, MCL 257.657d. The ordinance shall be in substantial conformity with the uniform traffic code promulgated pursuant to 1956 PA 62, MCL 257.951 to 257.954. History: 1967, Act 291, Imd. Eff. Aug. 1, 1967; - Am. 1978, Act 515, Eff. Aug. 1, 1979; - Am. 1992, Act 229, Imd. Eff. Oct. 16, 1992; - Am. 1998, Act 441, Imd. Eff. Dec. 30, 1998.

06. Michigan State Statute has the following provisions for unauthorized placement of traffic control devices or other sign or message placed on the highway right-of-way: Act 300 of 1949 257.615 Signs or lights resembling traffic-control devices or emergency vehicles; commercial advertising on traffic signs; prohibition; public nuisance; removal; placement of street decorations and banners. Sec. 615 (c) Every such prohibited sign, signal, marking, device, decoration or banner is hereby declared to be a public nuisance and the authority having jurisdiction over the highway is hereby empowered to remove the same or cause to be removed without notice. (d) Decorations or banners which may be placed over the traveled portion of any street or highway shall be placed not closer than 10 feet on either side of traffic lights or signals and shall be so placed as to not obstruct a clear view of such traffic lights or signals. History: 1949, Act 300, Eff. Sept. 23, 1949 ;-- Am. 1955, Act 245, Eff. Oct. 14, 1955 ;-- Am. 1957, Act 112, Eff. Sept. 27, 1957 ;-- Am. 1958, Act 98, Eff. Sept. 13, 1958 Act 328 of 1931 750.377d Damaging, injuring, defacing, dismantling, tampering with, or removing traffic control device as crime; violation of law arising out of same transaction; "traffic control device" defined. Sec. 377d. (1) A person who willfully and maliciously damages, destroys, injures, defaces, dismantles, tampers with, or removes a traffic control device is guilty of a crime as follows: (a) Except as provided in subdivisions (b) and (c), the person is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for not more than 93 days or a fine of not more than $500.00, or both. (b) A person who violates this section and has 1 prior conviction for violating this section is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for not more than 180 days or a fine of not more than $1,000.00, or both. (c) A person who violates this section and has 2 or more prior convictions for violating this section is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for not more than 1 year or a fine of not more than $10,000.00, or both. (2) This section does not prohibit the person from being charged with, convicted of, or sentenced for any other violation of law arising out of the same transaction as the violation of this section in addition to being charged with, convicted of, or sentenced for the violation of this section. (3) As used in this section, "traffic control device" means a sign, signal, electronic traffic control sign or signal, marking, light post, railroad sign or signal, or device not inconsistent with the Michigan vehicle code, 1949 PA 300, MCL 257.1 to 257.923, placed or erected by authority of a public body or official having jurisdiction, for the purpose of regulating, warning, or guiding traffic, maintaining highway safety, or providing information to motor vehicle operators. History: Add. 2016, Act 111, Eff. Aug. 8, 2016.

§1D.03 Engineering Study and Engineering Judgment¶

Support

Definitions of professional engineer, engineering study, and engineering judgment are provided in Section 1C.02.

02. The application of engineering study and engineering judgment is a fundamental principle of the use of traffic control devices. It is for this reason that, in most cases, the selection of a particular device is not required by a Standard provision, but is determined by engineering study or engineering judgment. Many Standard provisions in this Manual specifically require, by explicit language in the individual provisions or by implication, the application of engineering study or engineering judgment in applying those Standards. Site-specific conditions might result in the determination that it is impossible or impracticable to comply with a Standard at that location. In such a case, a deviation from the requirement of a particular Standard at that location might be the only possibility. In such limited, specific cases, the deviation is allowed, provided that the agency or official having jurisdiction fully documents, through an engineering study, the engineering basis for the deviation.

Standard

03. This Manual describes the application of traffic control devices, but shall not be a legal requirement for their installation.

Support

04. The MUTCD does not mandate, and is not intending to imply, that an engineer must make the final decision whether to implement or execute the determination or advice of an engineer by installing or constructing the traffic control device to the engineer’s specification in the field. Rather, the engineer, individual under supervision of an engineer, or other individual as duly authorized by State law to engage in the practice of engineering, develops an engineering-based solution that includes the specifications for selection and placement of traffic control devices, but the responsibility for a final decision to implement that solution rests with the agency having jurisdiction over the roadway, after consultation with and based on advice from the engineer.

Guidance

05. The decision to use a particular device at a particular location should be made on the basis of either an engineering study or the application of engineering judgment by an engineer, someone under the direct supervision of an engineer, or other individual as duly authorized by State law to engage in the practice of engineering. Thus, while this Manual provides Standards, Guidance, and Options for design and application of traffic control devices, this Manual should not be considered a substitute for engineering judgment. Engineering judgment should be exercised in the selection and application of traffic control devices, as well as in the location and design of roads and streets that the devices complement.

06. Early in the processes of location and design of roads and streets, engineers should coordinate such location and design with the design and placement of the traffic control devices to be used with such roads and streets.

07. Jurisdictions, or owners of site roadways or private toll roads open to public travel, with responsibility for traffic control that do not have an engineer on their staff who is trained and/or experienced in traffic control devices should seek engineering assistance from others, such as the State transportation agency, their county, a nearby large city, or a traffic engineering consultant.

Support

08. The provisions of this Manual are intended to be interpreted and applied by engineers or those under the supervision of an engineer. The construction of the provisions of this Manual, therefore, are informed by bases referenced in Paragraphs 9 and 10 of this Section.

09. The National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) has defined the practice of engineering as “any service or creative work requiring engineering education, training, and experience in the application of engineering principles and the interpretation of engineering data to engineering activities that potentially impact the health, safety, and welfare of the public.” The practice of engineering is, therefore, subject to regulation in the public interest and is regulated by the State licensing boards in order to safeguard the health, safety, and welfare of the public. The NCEES has defined an engineer as “an individual who is qualified to

01. practice engineering by reason of engineering education, training, and experience in the application of engineering principles and the interpretation of engineering data.”

10. The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has defined the professional knowledge of engineering as “the comprehensive, in-depth knowledge of mathematical, physical, and engineering sciences applicable to a specialty field of engineering that characterizes a full 4-year engineering program leading to a bachelor’s degree, or the equivalent.” The OPM has defined professional ability to apply engineering knowledge as “the ability to (a) apply fundamental and diversified professional engineering concepts, theories, and practices to achieve engineering objectives with versatility, judgment, and perception; (b) adapt and apply methods and techniques of related scientific disciplines; and (c) organize, analyze, interpret, and evaluate scientific data in the solution of engineering problems.”

11. Requisite technical training in the application of the principles of the MUTCD might be available from the State’s Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP) for needed engineering guidance and assistance.

§1D.04 Design of Traffic Control Devices¶

Guidance

01. Devices should be designed so that features such as size, shape, color, composition, lighting or retroreflection, and contrast are combined to draw attention to the devices; so that size, shape, color, and simplicity of message combine to produce a clear meaning; so that legibility and size combine with placement to provide adequate time for response; and so that uniformity, size, legibility, and reasonableness of the message combine to command respect.

Option

02. Except for symbols and colors, minor modifications in the specific design elements of a device may be made based on an engineering study or engineering judgment, in accordance with Paragraph 3 of this Section, provided the essential appearance characteristics are preserved.

Guidance

03. Aspects of the standard design of a traffic control device should not be modified unless there is a demonstrated need in unusual circumstances, based on an engineering study or engineering judgment.

Support

04. An example of acceptably modifying the design of a device would be to modify the Combination Horizontal Alignment/Intersection (W1-10) sign to show intersecting side roads on both sides rather than on just one side of the major road within the curve.

§1D.05 Color Code¶

Support

01. The following color code establishes general meanings for 11 colors of a total of 13 colors that have been identified as being appropriate for use in conveying traffic control information.

Standard

02. The general meaning of the 13 colors shall be as follows:

A. Black—regulation
B. Blue—road-user services guidance, tourist information, and evacuation route
C. Brown—recreational and cultural interest area guidance
D. Coral—reserved for future designation (see Paragraph 4 of this Section)
E. Fluorescent Pink—incident management
F. Fluorescent Yellow-Green—pedestrian warning, bicycle warning, playground warning, school bus warning, and school warning
G. Green—indicated movements or actions permitted and direction guidance
H. Light Blue—reserved for future designation (see Paragraph 4 of this Section)
I. Orange—temporary traffic control
J. Purple—restricted to use only by vehicles with registered electronic toll collection (ETC) accounts
K. Red—stop or prohibition
L. White—regulation
M. Yellow—warning

03. These colors shall be used only as prescribed for the specific devices or applications throughout this Manual.

Support

04. The two colors for which general meanings have not yet been assigned are being reserved for future applications that will be determined only by the FHWA after consultation with the States, the engineering community, and the general public. The meanings described in this Section are of a general nature. More specific assignments of colors are given in the individual Parts of this Manual relating to each class of devices.

05. Tolerance limits for each color are contained in 23 CFR Part 655, Appendix to Subpart F and are available at the Federal Highway Administration’s MUTCD Web site at http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov.

§1D.06 Public Domain, Copyrights, and Patents¶

Standard

01. Traffic control device design or application provisions contained in this Manual shall be in the public domain. Traffic control devices contained in this Manual shall not be protected by a patent, trademark, or copyright, except for the Interstate Shield, 511 Travel Information pictograph, National Scenic Byway graphic, and any items under the stewardship of or owned by FHWA.

02. A traffic control device design or application shall not be eligible for official experimentation (see Section 1B.05) or interim approval (see Section 1B.07) unless it is in the public domain. Express abandonment of any and all forms of proprietary protection, such as patents, trademarks, or copyrights, related to the design and application of the traffic control device shall satisfy the requirement for the traffic control device to be in the public domain.

03. The requirement for the traffic control device to be in the public domain shall not apply to individual components used in the assembly or manufacture of the traffic control device.

Support

04. The limitation on patented, trademarked, or copyrighted traffic control devices, applies to the message that the device conveys to the road user. If a patent or other protection covers the device’s communication to the road user by virtue of its appearance, audible message, or other aspects of the message conveyed (such as the order in which traffic control signal indications change from green to yellow and red), then the device is considered to be protected and not in the public domain. Such a device is precluded from inclusion in this Manual. The purpose of this limitation is to ensure uniformity of the messaging of individually approved traffic control devices. This limitation does not apply to other aspects of a device (such as internal controls, circuitry, electronics, mechanics, or housing) so long as the appearance, audible message, or other aspects of the message conveyed, including the manner of conveyance, remain freely reproducible by all without infringing on any proprietary rights or interests. This Manual does not prohibit such other aspects of a traffic control device that meet the legal requirements from being protected through patent, trademark, or copyright; and does not restrict components, parts, manufacturing processes, or similar aspects of traffic control devices from being patented or otherwise protected. Examples of acceptable protected traffic control device components or parts might include: sign sheeting or retroreflectivity technology, internal electronic components of traffic signal controllers, and breakaway sign support mechanisms.

05. Pictographs, as defined in Section 1C.02, are embedded in traffic control devices, but the pictographs themselves are not considered traffic control devices for the purposes of Paragraph 4 of this Section.

06. Business identification logos, as defined in Section 1C.02, are embedded in traffic control devices, but the logos themselves are not considered traffic control devices for the purposes of Paragraph 4 of this Section.

§1D.07 Advertising¶

Standard

01. Traffic control devices or their supports shall not bear any advertising message or any other message that is not related to traffic control.

Support

02. Acknowledgment signs (see Section 2H.13), Specific Service signs (see Chapter 2J), and Tourist-Oriented Directional signs (see Chapter 2K) are not considered advertising.

02A. Section 1D.MI12 contains reference to Michigan State Statute regarding commercial advertising on traffic control devices.

§1D.08 Abbreviations Used on Traffic Control Devices¶

Standard

01. When the word messages shown in Table 1D-1 need to be abbreviated in connection with traffic control devices, the abbreviations shown in Table 1D-1 shall be used.

02. When the word messages shown in Table 1D-2 need to be abbreviated on a portable changeable message sign, the abbreviations shown in Table 1D-2 shall be used. Unless indicated by an asterisk, these abbreviations shall only be used on portable changeable message signs.

Guidance

03. The abbreviations for the words listed in Table 1D-2 that also show a prompt word should not be used on a portable changeable message sign (or on a static sign if indicated in Table 1D-2 by an asterisk) unless the prompt word shown in Table 1D-2 either precedes or follows the abbreviation, as applicable.

Standard

04. The abbreviations shown in Table 1D-3 shall not be used in connection with traffic control devices because of their potential to be misinterpreted by road users.

Guidance

05. If Table 1D-1 or 1D-2 indicates that more than one abbreviation is allowed for a given word or phrase, the same abbreviation should be used throughout a single jurisdiction.

06. Except as otherwise provided in Table 1D-1 or 1D-2 or unless necessary to avoid confusion, periods, commas, apostrophes, question marks, ampersands, and other punctuation marks or characters that are not letters or numerals should not be used in any abbreviation.

Table 1D-1. Acceptable Abbreviations

General Abbreviations Standard Abbreviation Word Message Word Message Standard Abbreviation Afternoon / Evening Mile(s) Alternate Miles per Hour AM Radio Minimum Avenue Ave, Av Minute(s) Bicycle(s) Morning / Late Night Boulevard Blvd Mount Mt Bridge (See Table 1D-2) Mountain Mtn CB Radio National Natl Center Ctr North Circle Cir Northeast Civil Defense Northwest Compressed Natural Gas Parkway Pkwy Court Ct Pedestrian(s) Crossing (other than highway-rail) Place Pl Drive Dr Pounds East Road Rd Electric Vehicle Saint St Expressway Expwy South Feet Southeast FM Radio Southwest Freeway Fwy (See Table 1D-2) Hazardous Material(s) State, county, or other non-US or non-Interstate numbered route High Occupancy Vehicle(s) Street St Highway Hwy Telephone Hospital Temporary Hour(s) Terrace Ter Information Thruway Thwy Inherently Low Emission Vehicle Ton(s) International Intl Trail Tr Interstate (See Table 1D-2) Turnpike Tpk Junction / Intersection Two-Way Intersection, TwoWay Traffic Lane (See Table 1D-2) US Numbered Route (See Table 1D-2) Liquified Petroleum Gas West Maximum Days of the Week Day Standard Abbreviation Day Standard Abbreviation Sunday Thursday Monday Friday Tuesday Saturday Wednesday * Abbreviation shall not be used for any application other than the name of a roadway. See Table 2D-3 for complete list of street name descriptors. Examples include: Bayshore Fwy, Cross County Hwy, Mid-County Pkwy ** Abbreviation shall not be used for any application other than as a descriptor or title within a proper name. Examples include: Vestal Ctr, Mt Hope, Pocono Mtn, Eldorado Natl Forest, St Louis *** Tuesday and Thursday may be abbreviated on a Changeable Message Sign (CMS) to TUE and THU, respectively, when the number of Characters in a message to be displayed cannot be practically reduced through rewording to fit the number of characters supported by the CMS, such as might occur at times on a portable CMS. Note: A bbreviations shown in upper- and lower-case lettering may be in all upper-case lettering when displayed on a changeable message sign with lower resolution that will not accommodate lower-case letter forms. See Chapter 2L of this Manual.

Table 1D-2. Abbreviations that Shall be Used Only for Temporary Messages on Portable Changeable Message Signs (Sheet 1 of 2)

Temporary Messages on Portable Changeable Message Signs (Sheet 1 of 2) Word Message Standard Abbreviation Prompt Word Preceding the Abbreviation Prompt Word Following the Abbreviation Example Access Road Ahead Fog Blocked Lane

02. LANES BLKD Bridge [Name] Cannot Center Lane Chemical Spill Condition Traffic Congested Traffic Construction Ahead Crossing Do Not Downtown Traffic Route Number, Road Name Lane, Traffic Eastbound Emergency Entrance, Enter Exit Next Express Lane Frontage Road Hazardous Driving Interstate Highway-Rail Grade Crossing [Number] It Is Right, Left, Center

02. RIGHT LNS Keep, Next Lane Lane(s) (travel lanes of a highway) Left Local Traffic Lower Level Maintenance Major Crash Minor Crash Normal Route Number, Road Name Lane, Traffic Oversized Load Northbound Parking Pavement Icy Prepare To Stop Quality Air Keep, Next Lane Right Ahead, [Distance] Route Road Work Best Service Shoulder

Table 1D-2. Abbreviations that Shall be Used Only for Temporary Messages on Portable Changeable Message Signs (Sheet 2 of 2)

Temporary Messages on Portable Changeable Message Signs (Sheet 2 of 2) Word Message Slippery Southbound Speed State, County, or other non-U.S. or non-Interstate numbered route Standard Abbreviation Prompt Word Preceding the Abbreviation Prompt Word Following the Abbreviation Example Route Number, Road Name Lane, Traffic [Route Abbreviation determined by highway agency] [Number] Tires With Lugs Traffic Travelers Two-Wheeled Vehicles Level Upper [Number]* Vehicle(s) U.S. Numbered Route Warning Westbound Will Not Route Number, Road Name Lane, Traffic * Abbreviation, when accompanied by the prompt word, may be used on traffic control devices other than portable message signs. See Table 1D-1 for uses and format. ** A space and no hyphen shall be placed between the abbreviation and the number of the route. Note: See Chapter 2L of this Manual for additional information on changeable message signs.

Table 1D-3. Unacceptable Abbreviations

Abbreviation Intended Word Common Misinterpretation Accident Access (Road) Clears Colors Delay Daily Feeder Federal Lane (Merge) Left Light (Traffic) Left Parking Park Pollution (Index) Poll Reduce Red Stadium Standard Warning Wrong

§1D.09 Placement and Operation of Traffic Control Devices¶

Standard

Before any highway, site roadway open to public travel (see definition in Section 1C.02), detour, or temporary route is opened to public travel, all traffic control devices necessary for safe operation shall be in place.

Option

02. Temporary traffic control devices, as provided for in Part 6 of this Manual, may be used in place of permanent devices that have yet to be installed for safe operation.

Guidance

03. Placement of a traffic control device should be within the road user’s view so that adequate visibility is provided. To aid in conveying the proper meaning, the traffic control device should be appropriately positioned with respect to the location, object, or situation to which it applies. The location and legibility of the traffic

01. control device should be such that a road user has adequate time to make the proper response in both day and night conditions.

04. Traffic control devices should be placed and operated in a uniform and consistent manner as part of maintaining uniformity in traffic control.

Support

05. Inconsistent placement or use of a device can result in disrespect for the device at locations where the device is needed and appropriate.

Guidance

06. Unnecessary traffic control devices should be removed. The fact that a device is in good physical condition should not be a basis for deferring needed removal or change.

Support

07. Section 2A.02 contains information on excessive use of signs and other considerations that can reduce their effectiveness and the effectiveness of other traffic control devices.

§1D.10 Maintenance of Traffic Control Devices¶

Guidance

01. Functional maintenance of traffic control devices should be used to determine if certain devices need to be changed to meet current traffic conditions.

02. Physical maintenance of traffic control devices should be performed to retain the legibility and visibility of the device, and to retain the proper functioning of the device.

Support

03. Clean, legible, properly-mounted devices in good working condition command the respect of road users.

§1D.11 Crashworthiness of Traffic Control Devices and Other Roadside Appurtenances¶

Standard

01. In accordance with various Sections of this Manual, certain traffic control devices and their supports, and/or related appurtenances shall be crashworthy (see definition in Section 1C.02). Crashworthiness provisions in this Manual shall apply to all streets, highways, and site roadways open to public travel.

Support

02. Roadside appurtenances include permanent and portable sign supports, other permanent or temporary traffic control devices, and other roadside fixtures that are not traffic control devices, such as longitudinal barriers, bridge railings, and crash cushions, within the clear zone. Crashworthiness of a device or appurtenance is determined by nationally established standards such as the “Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware” (MASH), 2016, AASHTO. Information on the FHWA’s policy on crashworthiness of devices on the National Highway System and other roadways is available at the FHWA Office of Safety Web site at https://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/roadway_dept/ countermeasures/reduce_crash_severity/policy_memo_guidance.cfm.

§1D.MI12 Signs or Lights Resembling Traffic Control Devices or Emergency (Michigan) Vehicle Lights¶

Standard

01. No device shall be placed along a street or highway which resembles a traffic control device or lights authorized by law for emergency vehicles.

Support

02. Michigan State Statute has the following provision for signs or lights resembling traffic control devices or emergency vehicle lights: Act 300 of 1949 257.615 Signs or lights resembling traffic-control devices or emergency vehicles; commercial advertising on traffic signs; prohibition; public nuisance; removal; placement of street decorations and banners. Sec. 615 (a) Except with authority of a statute or of a duly authorized public body or official, no person shall place, maintain, or display along any highway or upon any structure in or over any highway any sign, signal, marking, device, blinking, oscillating or rotating light or lights, decoration or banner which is or purports to be or is in imitation of or resembles or which can be mistaken for a traffic control device or railroad sign or signal, or which attempts to direct the movement of traffic, or which hides from view or interferes with the effectiveness of any traffic control device or any railroad sign or signal, and no person shall place or maintain nor shall any public authority permit upon any highway any traffic sign or signal bearing thereon any commercial advertising. (b) No person shall place, maintain or display along any highway any blinking, oscillating or rotating light or lights sufficiently similar in color and design that they may be mistaken for the distinguishing lights authorized by law for emergency vehicles or that creates a hazard for the safety of drivers using said highways. History: 1949, Act 300, Eff. Sept. 23, 1949 ;-- Am. 1955, Act 245, Eff. Oct. 14, 1955 ;-- Am. 1957, Act 112, Eff. Sept. 27, 1957 ;-- Am. 1958, Act 98,Eff. Sept. 13, 1958