Traffic Control Devices
Traffic control devices include all signs, signals, markings, channelizing devices, or other devices that use colors, shapes, symbols, words, sounds, and/or tactile information for the primary purpose of communicating a regulatory, warning, or guidance message to road users on a street, highway, pedestrian facility, bikeway, pathway, or site roadway open to public travel.
WHAT’S THE STANDARD FOR HOW THESE DEVICES ARE USED?
The Federal Highway Administration’s Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) (https://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/kno_11th_Edition.htm) establishes uniform national standards and criteria for the use of traffic control devices that meet the needs and expectancy of road users on all streets, highways, pedestrian and bicycle facilities, and site roadways open to public travel.
HOW DO I GO ABOUT REQUESTING A TRAFFIC SIGNAL?
We ask that you contact your town officials with your request. If they agree that the signal should be reviewed, they can contact the appropriate regional office to request the installation. Once the request is received, MaineDOT Traffic Engineers will perform a signal warrant analysis to determine whether there is justification for installing a traffic signal. The Department will conduct traffic counts and perform an engineering study of traffic conditions, pedestrian flow, crash data, traffic volumes and other physical characteristics of the intersection. MaineDOT warrants all traffic signals, speed limits and stop signs on Maine’s roads, regardless of jurisdiction.
WHAT’S THE HARM IN INSTALLING A TRAFFIC SIGNAL?
It may not be safe. Adding more stop signs or traffic signals along a roadway does not necessarily slow drivers down or increase safety. In fact, in some cases, especially when they are not really needed, the overuse of signs and signals can lead drivers to ignore or not properly obey them.
When examining Maine crashes at signalized and unsignalized intersections we have found that the crash rates for all types of crashes are higher at a signalized intersection. There are areas where traffic signals are appropriate and should be installed, but installation should be based on proven warrants and not on emotion. Installing traffic signals where they are not needed can create traffic congestion, add travel time, and frustrate drivers who may start driving impatiently. Other options may provide better safety. To make travel efficient and safe and to help ensure the proper observance of traffic signals, they are usually installed only where they are necessary.
WHAT ARE SIGNAL WARRANTS?
Warrants are conditions that an intersection must meet to justify a signal installation. The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) specifies eight "traffic control signal needs studies", known as warrants. Our traffic engineers analyze vehicle traffic volume, pedestrian activity, intersection crash history, and the physical environment in order to determine whether the intersection warrants a traffic control signal.
IF AN INTERSECTION MEETS A WARRANT, IS IT GUARANTEED THAT A SIGNAL WILL BE INSTALLED?
Not necessarily. The MUTCD clearly states that, "The satisfaction of a traffic signal warrant or warrants shall not in itself require the installation of a traffic control signal." (MUTCD, 4C.01) The final decision is made based upon the traffic engineer's judgment.
CAN WE HAVE STOP SIGNS PLACED AT INTERSECTIONS IN OUR NEIGHBORHOOD TO REDUCE SPEEDING?
Maybe. Many people are concerned about cars speeding in their neighborhoods. They often ask us to install more stop signs. This concern is very understandable. Unfortunately, adding stop signs may not be the best solution. In some instances, installing stop signs can do more harm than good. Too many stop signs may also actually discourage good driving habits. Studies have shown that if stop signs are overused or are located where they don’t seem to be necessary, some drivers become careless about stopping at them. This can be especially dangerous for pedestrians and bicyclists who may have a false sense of safety from the existence of a stop sign.
Speed Limits
HOW DO I GET THE SPEED LIMIT LOWERED?
All requests for speed limit reviews must come officially from the municipality. Once received, MaineDOT Traffic Engineers will analyze the request and decide based on the highway context, MUTCD criteria, and engineering science.
If a municipality has speed management goals for a particular roadway, municipal staff should reach out to MaineDOT to discuss and learn more about how speeds can be managed on Maine roadways.
ISN’T A LOWER SPEED LIMIT ALWAYS SAFER?
No, lower speed limits do not necessarily improve safety in every location. MaineDOT seeks to align appropriate speeds with the function of the road and the surrounding context. In contexts where speed management goals are centered on pedestrian safety, lower speeds are an important tool in creating a safer system. However, in other contexts Tthe more uniform the speeds of vehicles in a traffic stream, the less chance there is for conflict and crashes. Posting speed limits lower or higher than what most drivers are traveling produces two distinct groups of drivers - those attempting to observe the limit and those driving at what they feel is reasonable and prudent.
These larger differences in vehicle speeds may result in increased crashes severity due to undesired driver behavior such as tailgating, improper passing, reckless driving, and weaving from lane to lane. Inappropriate established speed limits also foster disregard for other speed limits, traffic signs and signals, and contribute to driver frustration.
WHY NOT INSTALL STOP SIGNS, TRAFFIC SIGNALS, SPEED BUMPS, OR SOME OTHER DEVICE TO REDUCE SPEEDS?
Traffic control devices are designed and installed to solve a particular problem. When they are misused for speed control purposes, they are ineffective and may create a hazard. For example:
Stop signs are designed to control traffic at busy intersections. When used to reduce speed, motorists “roll” through them, then increase their speed between such signs.
Traffic signals are designed to control large volumes of traffic at very busy intersections or to reduce broadside crashes. When misused, they may cause drivers to speed up to “beat the light” and may increase crashes.
Speed bumps are installed with prudence and should be coordinated with towns to ensure that they are installed in a safe area. They should be well- marked in advance and visible, or they can be hazardous to vehicles especially emergency vehicles, bicyclists, motorcyclists, school buses, and especially snowplows.
WHAT IS YOUR TOWN AND THE MAINEDOT DOING TO HELP SLOW TRAFFIC?
Speed Feedback Signs. You’ve probably seen them out there, those signs that flash at you how fast you’re going. Many towns/cities in Maine are now using these solar powered radar speed signs to tell the speed of approaching vehicles. These modern devices can capture lots of data and can be used effectively at lower speeds. The data can be sorted in many ways and be utilized to do selective speed enforcement on certain days or hours. However, it does take training and knowledge of how to operate the unit so that it can be used to its potential.
There are many other ways to encourage speeds that are appropriate for the context of the roadway. MaineDOT’s speed management toolkit provides guidance for which tools are appropriate for the location where speed compliance is a problem. (LINK TO UPDATED TRAFFIC CALMING POLICY/GUIDANCE DOC)
Non-vehicular Road Signs
Non-Vehicular Warning Signs include Pedestrian, Large Animals, Snowmobile/ATV, Equestrian, Handicapped and Playground signs. Of these, MaineDOT has individual guidelines for and only installs Pedestrian, Deer, Moose and Snowmobile/ATV signs.
CAN I HAVE A “CHILD AT PLAY” OR OTHER WARNING SIGN IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD?
MaineDOT does not install these signs. Routinely, MaineDOT and municipalities receive requests from citizens to erect other types of signs, such as Deaf Child, Blind Person, Horse Crossing, and Children at Play, with the belief that the placement of these signs will make our roads safer. It has been shown that these signs are often ignored and may provide citizens with a false sense of security. Some towns also have policies against installing these signs. You should contact your town regarding their policy on the installation of these types of signs.
CAN I HAVE A “BUS STOP AHEAD” or “HIDDEN DRIVE” SIGN INSTALLED AT A LOCATION?
These types of warning signs are intended to warn motorists of a possible hazard at a specific location on the roadway. There are engineering criteria that need to be considered such as sight distance, speed limits, traffic volumes, etc. to determine whether they are appropriate. You should contact the MaineDOT Region Traffic Engineer for your region for more information on how to make this request. Different policies apply for different sign types.
HOW DO YOU DETERMINE WHERE TO PUT WILDLIFE SIGNS?
MaineDOT works closely with IF&W wildlife biologists to determine where these signs are most necessary. These signs are only be installed when there is a significant crash pattern that has developed that endangers the vehicular driver and the wildlife. These signs are often installed with an uxiliary sign for mileage.