Traffic Issues

All traffic-related controls on all Maine roads open to the public must follow the national "Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices" (MUTCD). This manual provides guidance for traffic signs, pavement markings, work zones, school areas, and much more.

MaineDOT also has extensive traffic information and data in its Traffic Engineering Division relative to traffic counts, crash records, permits, and official business signs. Another excellent resource is the National Center for Rural Road Safety.

  • Speed Limits
  • Traffic Ordinances
  • Signs
  • Striping
  • Heavy Loads
  • Traffic Counting

Speed Limit

How MaineDOT establishes Maine speed limits

Watch the 11 minute video entitled “Establishing Speed Limits in Maine”
For a free DVD copy, please email local.web@maine.gov with your name and mailing address.

When establishing a speed limit, the main premise is that most drivers are prudent and will voluntarily comply with a reasonable speed limit. To determine what is reasonable, engineers measure drivers' speed on a section of roadway, the speed at which 85% of drivers are at or below is the standard for determining a speed limit. A properly set speed limit will be within 3 miles per hour ( ) of this observed speed. The posted speed limit will then be rounded to the nearest 5 miles per hour.

This is a graphic showing the 85th percentile Research has shown that the 85th percentile speed is the speed where accident involvement is the lowest. Reducing the speed limit below what is warranted can actually be detrimental to safety.

Measurements to determine the 85th percentile value are made under free flowing and ideal traffic conditions. This means that if speeds are measured on any section of road, 85% of the motorists will be driving at or below the 85th percentile speed.

Speed zoning is based upon several fundamental concepts deeply rooted in our American system of government and law:

  • Driving behavior is an extension of social attitude, and the majority of drivers respond in a safe and reasonable manner as demonstrated by their consistently favorable driving records.
  • The normally careful and competent actions of a reasonable person should be considered legal.
  • Laws are established for the protection of the public and the regulation of unreasonable behavior on the part of individuals.
  • Laws cannot be effectively enforced without the consent and voluntary compliance of the public majority.

In Maine, state law (29-A § 2073 §-1 and 2075, §-3) authorizes the MaineDOT, with the approval of the chief of the State Police, as the only legal entity to create or change a speed limit on a public way which includes, state and state aid highways and townways.On September 21, 2001, the law changed to allow certain “qualifying municipalities” to have the full responsibility and authority for setting speed limits on local roads if they choose that option.A “qualifying municipality” is one that (1) has a population over 2,500 as measured by the last US census, or (2) employs a professional engineer (PE) licensed in Maine.Qualifying roads are ONLY townways which are federally classified as “local” roads. As of early 2022, there is not a single “qualifying municipality” that has chosen this option.

If a town creates or changes a speed limit or simply erects speed limit signs without going through the proper process, there is no legal authority to the change and it is unenforceable.

Except when conditions or other regulations require a lower speed, the following are maximum rates of speed:

  • 15 m.p.h. in a school zone at specific times of the day.
  • 25 m.p.h. in a business or residential area or built up portion, unless otherwise posted.
  • 45 m.p.h. on all other public ways, unless otherwise posted.
  • However, the noted 25 and 45 mph limits are usually unenforceable if they do not have MaineDOT approval

A “school zone” was also redefined in 2001 through LD 843 which became Public Law 2001, Chapter 145 and became effective on May 14, 2001. A “school zone” “means the portion of the public highway abutting improved school property or 300 feet on either side of a school entrance, whichever is greater.”

" Improved school property” now is defined as “the developed portion of school property including driveways, parking lots, playgrounds, athletic fields or school buildings.”

If there are roads in your town that the municipal officers feel a strong need to create or change a speed limit, a municipal official from the town must request the change in writing to your local MaineDOT regional traffic engineer. Due to a large number of “No Change” speed studies, any request for a study must include a recommendation (from a municipal official or law enforcement) that the existing Speed Limit is unsafe. The Town Official should drive the roadway during off-peak hours, in good health and in free-flowing conditions. The request should communicate clearly that driving the roadway at, or slightly below, the existing Speed Limit feels, or is, unsafe.

It's important to understand that any resultant study may have the current speed limit go up, in addition to maybe going down, or remaining the same. A field study will be made and then a recommended speed will be forwarded to the MaineDOT Commissioner and the State Police. Then the town will be notified of the speed limit and will be responsible for erecting the standard and minimum 24" x 30" black-on-white signs in the proper locations if the change is on a town way. If the change is on a state road, then the MaineDOT will make the signing changes.

List of Regional Traffic Engineers:

MaineDOT Region Location Traffic Engineer Telephone Number
Region 1 Scarborough Randy Illian 207-885-7000
Region 2 Augusta Darryl Belz 207-624-8200
Region 3 Dixfield Tim Soucie 207-562-4228
Region 4 Bangor Victor Smith 207-941-4500
Region 5 Presque Isle Ray DeMerchant 207-764-2060

During the field study, there are several factors that engineers use to determine an acceptable speed limit.In fact, if your town is a “qualifying town” and chooses to set local speed limits, local officials should be studying the same factors.

  • Geometric design of the road,
  • Public and private access points,
  • The number of intersections,
  • The number of roadside businesses,
  • Observed travel speeds of traffic,
  • The 85th percentile of the observed speed ranges,
  • Total accidents in a 3-year time frame,
  • Accidents just from driveways and intersections within a 3 year period,
  • A series of test runs on that section of road driving a certain speed, evaluating safety and drivability.

There are two types of speed limits: one is “regulatory” and the other is “advisory.” A regulatory speed limit is set by MaineDOT and printed in black on a white background. The minimum size of regulatory speed limit signs is 24 X 30 inches. Also, regulatory speed limit signs shall be in increments of 5 M.P.H. A special regulatory speed sign that drivers need to be aware of is the school speed limit in school zones. The posted speed is in effect when school is in session, before school begins, after school, and at recess.

The other type of speed limit is an advisory limit. This black on yellow speed limit sign is used to advise motorists of a comfortable speed at which to travel when different situations lie ahead. It is used with a warning sign like a right or left curve sign. The standard size for these signs is 18 by 18 inches, except in cases where it is 24 by 24 inches because it supplements a 36 inch and larger warning sign. Another type of advisory speed limit sign can be found in work zones. These signs are black on orange. These are used to advise drivers of construction ahead and provide work crews safety.

 

MUTCD standards on speed limits

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

  • Standard: After an engineering study has been made in accordance with established traffic engineering practices, the Speed Limit (R2-1) sign (see Figure 2B-1) shall display the limit established by law, ordinance, regulation, or as adopted by the authorized agency. The speed limits shown shall be in multiples of 10 km/h or 5 mph.
  • Guidance: At least once every 5 years, States and local agencies should reevaluate non-statutory speed limits on segments of their roadways that have undergone a significant change in roadway characteristics or surrounding land use since the last review. No more than three speed limits should be displayed on any one Speed Limit sign or assembly. When a speed limit is to be posted, it should be within 10 km/h or 5 mph of the 85th-percentile speed of free-flowing traffic.
  • Option: Other factors that may be considered when establishing 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
    • 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 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 km/h (MPH) or such similar legend should be shown. 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 are discussed in Sections 2C.36 and 2C.46 and Temporary Traffic Control Zone Speed signs are discussed in Part 6.

Section 2B.03 Size of Speed Limit Signs

  • Standard: The Speed Limit Sign (R2-1) shall be 24” by 30” unless conditions warrant a larger sign which can be 36” by 48” or 48” by 60”
  • Option: 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

Section 2B.18 Location of Speed Limit Signs

  • 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.
Lowering the speed limit may NOT increase safety.

An unrealistically low speed limit can actually lead to crashes. Here's why:

  • Many studies conducted over several decades in all parts of the country have shown that a driver's speed is influenced more by the appearance of the roadway and the prevailing traffic conditions than it is by the posted speed limit.
  • Some drivers will obey the lower posted speed while others will feel it's unreasonable and simply ignore it. This disrupts the uniform traffic flow and increases crash potential between the faster and the slower drivers.
  • When traffic is traveling at different speeds, the number of breaks in traffic to permit safe crossing is reduced. Pedestrians also have greater difficulty in judging the speed of approaching vehicles.

Maine Statutes, Title 29A, Sections 2073 to 2075 deals with unlawful speed. This law states that "a person may not operate a vehicle in excess of maximum speed limits..."

Maine Statutes, Title 29A, Sections 2073 and 2075 authorizes the commissioner of the Maine Department of Transportation, with the approval of the chief of the State Police, to set maximum and minimum speed limits on a public way.

Maine Statutes, Title 29A, Section 2074 states that the following are maximum rates of speed, except when conditions or other regulations require a lower speed:

  • 15 mph in a school zone during recess or during opening or closing hours
  • 25 mph in a business or residential area or built-up portion, unless otherwise posted
  • 45 mph on all other public ways, unless otherwise posted. (In addition, there are 3 other exceptions not stated here.)

Maine Statutes, Title 29A, Section 2075, states that speed limits may be specifically restricted in a work zone on a public way. A person may not exceed the speed limit as long as the speed limit has been posted on standard black and white speed limit signs on that way. The penalty is a fine equal to twice the normal fine.

Maine law also states that a municipality may not alter, enact, or enforce a regulation contrary to the state statutes. In other words, any town must receive approval of the MaineDOT and the chief of the Maine State Police before any speed limit is enacted or altered.

Setting Speed Limits on Local Roads

2001 letter from MaineDOT to "qualifying municipalities" (PDF)

Summary of Law and Pertinent Details

September, 2001

The law now allows certain municipalities to set certain limits on certain roads. As a result of LD 643 in the 120th Maine Legislature, the law has changed relative to WHO has authority to set speed limits on Maine’s local roads.The new law was signed by the governor on May 29, 2001 as Public Law 2001, Chapter 313.It amends Title 29-A § 2075, §-3 and became effective on September 21, 2001.

Here are the highlights:

  • The MaineDOT no longer has sole authority or responsibility for speed limits in Maine. Certain municipalities will now have the full responsibility and authority for setting speed limits on local roads after providing written notice to MaineDOT if they choose that option.
  • Only “qualifying municipalities” will have this authority.A “qualifying municipality” is one that (1) has a population over 2,500 as measured by the last US Census, or (2) employs a professional engineer (PE) licensed in Maine.
  • Qualifying roads are ONLY townways which are federally classified as “local” roads.Typically, these are local neighborhood streets and not the busier main roads through town.
  • In order to accept this responsibility, the municipality MUST provide written notice to the Commissioner (on the proper MaineDOT form letter) and understand that it shall accept the full responsibility to set speed limits on ALL qualifying roads in that town-not just a few roads for a short amount of time.The municipality will now be “in the speed zoning business” and will accept all the pros and cons related to this work.
  • Regardless of whether your town is an urban compact town or not, local control will ONLY apply to local roads or “townways.” Speed limits on State or State Aid highways will remain the full responsibility of the MaineDOT.
  • Speed zoning is a technical subject and requires proper review and analysis of many factors. Therefore, all speed limits must be set in conformance with procedures set forth in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD).Traffic engineers also agree that an unreasonably low speed limit WILL NOT “get people to slow down.” Speed limits which are set too low do a disservice to everyone and breed greater disrespect for the law.
  • Speed limits must be in 5 mph increments and be within the following ranges:
    • From 20 to 25 mph, inclusive, for roads in a business or residential district or a compact area, except that 15 mph can be used on roads on islands not accessible by road, or dead end roads less than mile in length, and
    • From 30 to 50 mph, inclusive, on roads in all other areas.
  • Any municipally-set speed limits are legal if the following 3 steps are followed:
    • The limits must be validated as a municipal traffic ordinance as set forth in Title 30-A, § 3009.

    • Standard speed limit signs must be posted per the MUTCD (min. 24 by 30 inches), and

    • Written notice of the speed limit zones must be sent to the MDOT (on MDOT form letter) after passage of the municipal traffic ordinance.
  • For those towns which have a population of 5,000 or more, the MDOT may require the town to gather all the proper technical information, send it to MDOT, and the MDOT will determine the actual speed limit.The technical data will include number of driveways, traffic volume, prevailing speed, accident history, and speed enforcement efforts, etc

 

Qualifying Municipalities with a Population over 2500 (2010 US Census)
Alfred
Anson
Arundel
Auburn
Augusta
Bangor
Bar Harbor
Bath
Belfast
Belgrade
Benton
Berwick
Bethel
Biddeford
Blue Hill
Boothbay
Bowdoin
Bowdoinham
Brewer
Bridgton
Bristol
Brunswick
Bucksport
Buxton
Calais
Camden
Cape Elizabeth
Caribou
Carmel
Casco
Chelsea
China
Clinton
Corinth
Cumberland
Dexter
Dixfield
Dover-Foxcroft
Durham
Eliot
Ellsworth
Fairfield
Falmouth
Farmingdale
Farmington
Fort Fairfield
Fort Kent
Freeport
Fryeburg
Gardiner
Glenburn
Gorham
Gray
Greene
Hampden
Harpswell
Harrison
Hermon
Holden
Hollis
Houlton
Jay
Kennebunk
Kennebunkport
Kittery
Lebanon
Levant
Lewiston
Limerick
Limington
Lincoln
Lisbon
Litchfield
Livermore Falls
Lyman
Madawaska
Madison
Manchester
Mechanic Falls
Mexico
Milford
Millinocket
Minot
Monmouth
Naples
New Gloucester
Newport
Norridgewock
North Berwick
North Yarmouth
Norway
Oakland
Old Orchard Beach
Old Town
Orono
Orrington
Oxford
Paris
Pittsfield
Pittston
Poland
Portland
Presque Isle
Raymond
Readfield
Richmond
Rockland
Rockport
Rumford
Sabattus
Saco
Sanford
Scarborough
Searsport
Shapleigh
Sidney
Skowhegan
South Berwick
South Portland
St. George
Standish
Thomaston
Topsham
Turner
Vassalboro
Waldoboro
Warren
Waterboro
Waterville
Wells
West Gardiner
Westbrook
Wilton
Windham
Windsor
Winslow
Winterport
Winthrop
Wiscasset
Yarmouth
York
Speed Limits in School Zones

State law is very specific when it comes to the regulation of vehicle speeds through school zones.Although the law has been around for years, some changes in 2001 clarified several issues relative to:

  • What defines a school?
  • Where does the school zone begin and end?
  • What if there are no kids around?
  • What times of day is 15 mph the limit?

Changes made in the 120th Legislature were made under LD 843.This bill was passed as emergency legislation as 2001 PL 145 and became effective on May 14, 2001.

A “school” is "any public or private elementary or secondary school in the State.”, as defined under 20-A MRSA § 6353 (7).

A “school zone” was also redefined under 29-A MRSA §101, 64B and “means the portion of the public highway abutting improved school property or 300 feet on either side of a school entrance, whichever is greater.”

“ Improved school property” now is defined under 29-A MRSA § 101, 28B as “the developed portion of school property including driveways, parking lots, playgrounds, athletic fields or school buildings.”

Speed Limit: except when conditions or other regulations require a lower speed, shall be fifteen miles per hour (15 mph) when traveling in a school zone:

  • During recess.
  • When children are going to or leaving school during school opening or closing hours.For purposes of this paragraph, school opening and closing hours are 1/2 hour before and 1/2 hour after the beginning of the school day and 1/2 hour before and 1/2 hour after the end of the school day.
  • When school speed limit signs are flashing during school opening or closing hours.
  • At other times designated by a municipal traffic ordinance that regulates town ways that are classified as local by the Department of Transportation in accordance with the federal functional classification system.
Speed Humps vs Speed Bumps (traffic calming)
Speed Humps vs Speed Bumps

Speed bumps/humps - adapted from MMA's "Legal Notes", June, 2018 (PDF)

In an effort to get drivers to slow down, many towns have considered, or been asked by citizens, to construct speed bumps, or humps, or tables, etc. on public roads. If these public roads are townways, then the decision can be made by the municipal officers. If these roads are state highways or state aid highways (inside or outside urban compact areas), then these controls are generally not allowed but may be in certain areas after consultation with MaineDOT .

In contemplating this decision, a town must consider several related issues. If the road is planned for reconstruction or it is a new subdivision road, then a "different" design could be done that incorporates traffic calming measures in the geometry so that humps or bumps are not needed.

However, if the road exists today and people are looking to the town to slow drivers down, then the municipality has a few options.

  • First, you need to step up enforcement of current ordinances and speed limits (officially lowering the speed limit or erecting unwarranted STOP signs is not the right approach).
  • Second, the same geometric design options exist which could mean obtaining right-of-way and spending some significant dollars to reconfigure the road.
  • Third, the cheaper option is to construct some speed humps or tables. Do not construct speed bumps which are the shorter, more abrupt obstructions that you see in parking lots and bank driveways and private roads. A speed hump (or table) is a viable option, if designed correctly, that will slow traffic to a certain level. They usually are 12 to 15 feet long and 4 inches in height. Usually, they are painted to identify a vertical change in the road and there should be advance warning signs from both directions. There are many municipalities across the country that have successfully installed these humps even though they create loads of local controversy. You could choose to install permanent bituminous ones or you could buy portable rubber ones-there are pros and cons to each type. A town will probably will not find a lot of positive reaction from the folks who have to drive plow trucks, or ambulances, or fire trucks over them.

From the legal perspective, it's important to pass a "traffic ordinance." As stated in state law in 30-A MRSA Section 3009, "the municipal officers have exclusive authority to enact all traffic ordinances in the municipality." Therefore, the board of selectmen (or town council) can authorize the use of these traffic control devices. From a liability perspective, anyone will sue for anything and a speed hump could be viewed as a "highway defect."

However, state law in 23 MRSA Section 3651(1) states that "legal objects are not defects. Trees, structures and other things which exist in accordance with municipal ordinances are not defects in a public way." It may also be difficult to prove that they are dangerous especially when they have been used successfully by some many entities in the US and in foreign countries. If the town decides to start allowing these humps, I would want to make sure that they are properly designed and marked and signed according to the standards in the MUTCD.

It's important to consider all the ramifications before you decide to open this "can of worms." Once you install one hump, many other folks will want them on their road.

Speed Humps

  • Are a gradual raised area in the pavement surface extending across the entire travel width
  • Typically, are 3 to 4 inches in height with a travel length of 12 to 15 ft
  • Have evolved from extensive research and testing
  • Create a gentle vehicle rocking motion which results in most vehicles slowing to 15 mph at each hump and 25 to 30 mph between properly spaced humps in a system
  • Need to be designed and installed with proper planning and engineering
  • Effective at controlling speeds without creating accidents or imposing unreasonable or unacceptable safety risks
Speed Hump Speed Hump

Speed Bumps

  • Are an abrupt raised area in the pavement surface.
  • Effective at controlling speeds on low volume, low speed roads, especially private driveways and parking lots
  • Typically, 3 to 6 inches in height with a travel length of 6 in. to 3 ft.
  • Cause significant driver discomfort at typical residential speeds.
  • Cause vehicles to slow to 5 mph or less at the bump.
  • Maintenance headaches especially for plow trucks.
Speed Bump Speed Bump
Speed Feedback Signs

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 to 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. MaineDOT has done some selected in person training around the state for municipal officials to attend but we felt it better to capture the training in some short videos.

This training is focused on the "Traffic Logix Safe Pace 650" unit:

rand rear rand sign

Flashing School Zone Beacons

Beginning in 2022, MaineDOT partnered with many school districts and towns throughout the state to provide enhanced safety equipment in the way of flashing school zone lights. This enhanced solar powered equipment comes with programmable radar speed feedbacks signs. These signs not only collect speed data for targeted enforcement on motorists, but also control the flashing lights by individual school schedules. The below videos demonstrate the schedule programming.

This training is focused on the Carmanah G Series Traffic Beacon and SpeedCheck radar speed feedback sign:


Inputting your School's calendar


Uploading your school's calendar to the sign/lights

Traffic Ordinances (Municipal)

Question: 30-A MRSA 3009 grants the municipal officers the exclusive authority to adopt ordinances regulating the operation of vehicles in the public ways and on publicly owned property. What procedures should be followed to adopt such ordinances?

Answer: Assuming your municipality does not have any local charter provision providing a different process, the procedures which must be followed for the municipal officers to adopt traffic ordinances are set forth in 30-A MRSA 3009. The following is a suggested format for complying with those requirements:

  • The municipal officers must cause a public notice to be posted at least seven days prior to the time of the meeting at which the traffic ordinance is to be considered for adoption and that notice must be posted in the same place as the town meeting warrant. If your town customarily posts in two or more places, the same number of postings would apply to these notices.
  • The notice must give the date, the time, and the place of the municipal officers’ meeting.
  • The notice should be directed to the voters of the municipality.
  • The notice must contain in full the text of the proposed ordinance.
  • The notice must be signed by at least a majority of the municipal officers, attested in the manner provided for town meeting warrants, and contain a return executed by the person who posted the notice.
  • Example Ordinance Form ( PDF)

At the time of the meeting, the municipal officers should place the ordinance before the meeting for general discussion and by way of a statement explain the need for the ordinance. After that, the public should have the right to ask questions and engage in general discussion concerning the ordinance itself. After a satisfactory discussion period has been completed, the municipal officers should proceed with the consideration of the ordinance.

The enactment is not difficult. It may be accomplished by a motion made by one of the municipal officers, seconded by another, and voted upon by majority vote. Because there must be a record of the action, it is suggested that the town clerk be present, record the motion, record the second, and poll and record the individual votes of the municipal officers. The minutes of the town clerk plus a certified copy of the ordinance enacted should be record in the town’s records in the same manner as an action by a town meeting (By W.W.L.)

Once the ordinance is passed, the municipality must purchase the hardware and erect the signs following the standards established in the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD).

Adapted from "Maine Townsman", November, 1983

Traffic Signs

Stop Signs

“Let’s put a STOP Sign There And Slow Down Traffic” WRONG!

Many local and county officials are often pressured by constituents to put in STOP signs at intersections where the citizens of the neighborhood want to interrupt traffic, either by making the vehicles stop or by making it an inconvenience so that the traffic will use more expedient routes.This is a bad practice and will usually create more problems than they solve. In addition, if the municipality does not pass a traffic ordinance to authorize the placement of this regulatory device, the sign has no enforceability.

Studies from around the country show that there is a high incidence of intentional violations where the STOP signs are installed as a speed deterrent. These studies showed that the speed was reduced in the immediate vicinity of the sign but the speeds were actually higher between intersections than they would have been if the signs had not been there.

When installed correctly, a STOP sign will tell the driver and pedestrian who has the right of way.The Federal Highway Administration’s Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices contains criteria, which must be met in order to justify the installation of STOP signs as well as traffic control signals.Among other things, these criteria consider traffic speed, sight distance, traffic volume and the frequency of gaps that occur in the traffic that would allow for safe vehicle entry or pedestrian crossing.

Most drivers are reasonable, but when faced with unreasonable restrictions, may violate them and develop contempt for other traffic controls.Not only is this dangerous for the driver but for the responsible agency as well.Unwarranted or substandard traffic control devices contributing to an accident can sometimes be grounds to award a judgment against an agency involved in a lawsuit.

School Bus Signs

School Bus turnaround and STOP AHEAD signs, if justifiable and needed, can be erected on public ways. All signing on state or local roads must follow the criteria defined in MUTCD sections 7B.13 and 7B.14. It's important to understand that roadway bus signing may not make it any safer for buses or the travelling public. The best solution for a safe pickup area is to provide adequate sight distance for all vehicles. When one understands that these signs are usually visible 24/7/365 to all passing drivers and they are really only ‘needed’ for 1 minute or less during school pickup and dropoff times, their ultimate value is minimal at best.

Children at Play Signs

Road signs give messages to drivers. If the messages are unclear, unnecessary, or confusing they can cause danger to motorists and others. Maine municipalities and the Maine Department of Transportation use the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) as the standard for placing traffic signs and markings to give clear messages to motorists.

According to the report "Maintenance Management of Street and Highways Signs" by the Transportation Research Board, improvements in traffic signing have the highest benefit-cost ratio of any highway safety improvement. About 29% of tort liability lawsuits against highway departments are related to traffic signing. For these reasons alone, it is worthwhile to install road signs according to the MUTCD.

Citizens often demand that the town erect "Children at Play" signs on their street to reduce the risk of automobile-pedestrian accidents. Selectmen ask: What does the MUTCD say about "Children at Play" signs? If we erect a sign on one street, won't we get requests from other neighborhoods in town to do the same? What's the town's liability?

The short answer is DO NOT ERECT "Children at Play" signs. The long answer is a bit more complicated:

  • First, the "Children at Play" sign is unclear and unnecessary. It suggests to the driver that, if no such sign is present on another street, children are not playing there, and it is OK to speed or to be less careful. Another driver might interpret the sign to mean that children are playing in the road. Always? At what time of day?
  • Second, it gives parents and children a false sense of security. By relying on the sign, parents might monitor their children less closely and children might interpret the sign to mean it is acceptable to play in the street.
  • Third, one "Children at Play" sign leads to a proliferation of signs throughout the town. Since nearly every block has children living on it, there would have to be signs on each one. The effect of too many signs is that they become ineffective. The proliferation of signs breeds disrespect, not only for the specific signs, but for all signs.
  • Fourth, to erect "Children at Play" signs in response to one request usually generates similar requests, thereby basing sign placement on politics rather than on sound traffic engineering judgment.
  • Fifth, based on numerous studies, there is no evidence that "Children at Play" signs prevent injury or decrease the speed of vehicles.
  • Sixth, because they are confusing and do not meet specific criteria for good signing, placing "Children at Play" signs opens the municipality to liability.
  • Seventh, since all signs need to be maintained to be effective, the proliferation of unnecessary signs places an undue burden on maintenance crews. Purchasing, erecting and keeping these signs in good order is expensive.

For these reasons, the MUTCD discourages the use of "Children at Play" signs. However, municipalities can and should post signs for school zones, pedestrian crossings, and playgrounds. The MUTCD makes specific reference to these situations. Signing such areas gives clear messages to drivers about the kind of zone they are entering. "Children at Play" signs, on the other hand, do not meet a specific criteria.

Adapted from "Vermont Local Roads News"

Wisconsion Study

Jake Brake Issues

MMA's "Maine Townsman" article-Nov. 2008

JAKE BRAKE ADVISORY

from Maine Townsman, "Legal Notes," November 2008

For several years, and for several reasons, we've advised against the adoption of "Jake Brake" or engine braking ordinances as a means of controlling truck engine noise (see " Jake Brake' Ordinances," Maine Townsman, "Legal Notes," October 2000). Now we learn, courtesy of the MaineDOT's Maine Local Roads Center, that engine braking ordinances may actually be pre-empted by federal law.

The Noise Control Act of 1972 (now codified at 42 U.S.C. § 4917) authorizes the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to promulgate uniform national noise emission regulations for motor carriers engaged in interstate commerce. The federal statute expressly prohibits the states and their political subdivisions (including municipalities) from adopting or enforcing noise standards applicable to any motor carrier engaged in interstate commerce unless the standards are identical to the federal standards (see § 4917[c][1]). (The current version of the EPA's regulations is codified at 40 C.F.R. § 202.20.) Therefore, unless the noise standards in an engine braking ordinance are identical to the federal standards, the ordinance is unenforceable as applied to motor carriers engaged in interstate commerce.

As we've advised all along, engine braking ordinances can be difficult to enforce and may not get at the real problem, which is often a modified or defective exhaust system (which is already against State law, 29-A M.R.S.A. § 1912). The federal preemption of these ordinances as applied to motor carriers engaged in interstate commerce may be one more good reason to reject them.

Thanks to the Maine Local Roads Center (and its Vermont counterpart) for bringing this issue to our attention. (By R.P.F.)

Jake Brake Issues

  • What they are and can a town control the truck engine noise?
    • What they are and can a town control the truck engine noise? Many towns around Maine have started erecting “No Jake Brake” signs (or something similar) in hopes of “controlling” the engine noise from downshifting trucks Many residents are conscious of the noise and want the town “to do something” about the noise. Depending on your town and the cooperation of truckers, the results may be positive or they may be negligible.
  • What is a Jake Brake?
    • What is a Jake Brake? "Jake Brake " is a registered trademark of Jacobs Vehicle SystemsTM. The term “Jake Brake” is sometimes incorrectly used to refer to compression release type engine brakes in general. The term correctly refers to all of Jacobs Vehicle Systems retarding products, including their line of Exhaust Brakes and Driveline Brakes. as well as Jacobs Engine Brakes. The Jacobs Engine Brake is a device that mounts on the engine overhead. The principle behind the Jacobs Engine BrakeTM engine retarder is simple. It changes the action of the exhaust valves, turning the engine into a giant air compressor. It makes a distinctive sound while in operation, and converts a power-producing diesel engine into a power-absorbing retarding mechanism. It is typically used on class 7 and 8 vehicles and can be activated or deactivated at the flip of a switch or foot on the pedal Further details can be seen on the company’s website:

      www.jakebrake.com

      When operating, it produces a distinctive staccato sound. When used on a vehicle with a poorly muffled or un-muffled exhaust (straight pipes for example), the sound can be quite loud.. which is what citizens will complain about. According to the Jacobs Company, the real problem here is the illegally modified or defective exhaust systems.

      The signs around Maine are probably unfairly using the company trademark, because they are brand-specific. The term "Jake Brake" also refers to the company’s nearly silent exhaust brakes and driveline brakes, so these signs don't make sense for all Jake Brakes.. and don't target the root problem of illegal exhaust systems Therefore, any sign or ordinance should avoid use of the term “jake brake”.

  • What are the benefits of using a “jake brake”?
    • A “jake brake” can provide:

      • Faster, steadier, more efficient braking performance.
      • Reduced wear on engine, tires, and service brakes.
      • Lower vehicle maintenance costs.
      • Less vehicle downtime.
      • Enhanced driver confidence.
  • Can our town pass an ordinance to “control” the noise?
    • Can our town pass an ordinance to “control” the noise? First of all, erecting a sign or two without an ordinance has no legal authority As with any regulatory traffic issue, a traffic ordinance must be in place to “enforce” the actual signs, or the sign is advisory only.Enacting a traffic ordinance to deal with “jake brakes” under 30-A § 3009 may seem like a kind and responsive reaction to engine noise, but is safety of the public being compromised?? Engine brakes are very effective at reducing the speed of heavy trucks on a downgrade, but what if the trucker had to stop quickly for a child or elderly person or an entering vehicle, and only use his regular brakes?? In most cases, the stopping distance will be longer without the engine braking system and this could lead to disaster at the bottom of the hill.

      At best, the success of an ordinance will probably be voluntary compliance from truckers Some truckers may be sensitive to their truck noise and will try to reduce the noise, while others may intentionally try to make it worse, especially if a “squeaky wheel” citizen is emphatic about the noise problem. If a town passes a specific "jake brake ordinance", is the “No Jake Brake” sign or “Quiet Zone” sign a black lettering-on-white regulatory type sign.... or is it (wrongly) on a black-on-yellow warning sign?? If the local police get into the action of enforcement, are they going to check the actual engine braking system installed on each truck, or have a decibel meter to measure the noise level? What if the trucker says he had to stop quickly for a pedestrian? Or the car in front of him stopped quickly?

  • What is the real problem?
    • The federal government has required all vehicles manufactured since 1978 to meet noise requirements when delivered to the customer. Today, trucks are required to emit less than 80 dBa of noise when they drive by, as measured at 50 feet. So trucks have been required to meet noise requirements when they leave the dealership as new vehicles for quite some time. In many “noisy truck” areas, the real problem is modified or defective exhaust systems. There is a good chance that the noisy trucks are running with straight stacks or gutted mufflers. Some are poorly maintained vehicles, while others have drivers who simply enjoy making noise. In any case, the use of the engine brake may not be the problem. The real problem in this noise issue is the illegal exhaust systems in many trucks At other times, it may be the engine braking system, which is being used by the driver who has not tried to slow down in advance of a hill or traffic signal. The regulations on vehicle noise relating to engine/muffler systems need to be enforced Otherwise, atown would be fining for using engine brakes (sometimes being used justifiably) and not fining for the illegal muffler system
  • What can a town do?
    • Most states, including Maine, already have a law on the books that prohibits operating a motor vehicle on a public highway without a serviceable muffler (MRSA 29-A§ 1912). The real noise offenders, those with straight stacks or gutted mufflers, are operating in violation of this law. Have your local police stop noisy vehicles and check them for muffler integrity. Cite those that are not in compliance. This is a fairly easy step that should produce a noticeable improvement in the quality of life of your community.

      If the town decides to enact a traffic ordinance under 30-A § 3009, it probably is best to hope for voluntary compliance, but who will do the enforcement? Another ordinance without enforcement possibilities is relatively useless Be sure to use the black-on-white signs and try to avoid the term “jake brake”. maybe use “quiet zone ahead”, or “reduce engine noise ahead”.

      If a town does not adopt an ordinance and simply puts up a sign or two, the signs have no legal authority or enforceability.

  • The MaineDOT response
    • The MaineDOT will not erect these signs on state roads The only way that a sign will appear is if a town officially adopts an ordinance and erects the signs themselves Then the town will be responsible for enforcement, sign maintenance, or any liability issues

Reviewed and edited by MMA Legal Division (October, 2000)

New Retroreflectivity Requirements

MUTCD Compliance Date Rulemaking

As of May, 2012, the FHWA completed its review of nationwide public comments relative to certain deadlines for sign reflectivity for all types of roadway signs. Their review is detailed in a Federal Register dated May 14, 2012 and can be found here: http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/. The effective date of their ruling was June 13, 2012.

Essentially, they changed the target dates for certain traffic control devices, including street name signs, and reduced the impacts of these dates on state and local agencies. They eliminated compliance dates for 46 items and extended or revised 4 more items. A couple of the eliminated dates related to sign reflectivity and deadlines to meet those conditions. More details can be found here: http://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/roadway_dept/night_visib/signreg.cfm.

Even more info can be found here, especially on nighttime visibility of different devices: http://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/roadway_dept/night_visib/.

Prior to this 2012 ruling, the National MUTCD, which is the standard for all roads open to public travel in Maine and every state, had some important dates of January 2012, 2015, and 2018 that spoke about having a state or local sign management plan plus some replacement dates for specific signs. That has now been simplified and replaced with this May 2012 information. The details are now incorporated in the online version of the 2009 MUTCD http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/kno_2009r1r2.htm and specific details can be found in Table I-2 in the Introduction, and Table 2A-3 in Section 2A.08.

For Maine towns and cities, it’s important to understand that compliance with this standard is achieved by having an assessment or management method in place by June 14, 2014 even though some individual signs do not meet the minimum levels at a certain point in time. The Center is now working on some sign inventory software for municipal use to help towns/cities meet this requirement.

The MaineDOT Traffic Division has chosen the Management Method entitled “expected sign life”. Typically this means that individual signs are labelled to mark the date of fabrication or installation.

Pamphlet on Sign Assessment and Management Methods.

"Bright" Warning Signs

The use of bright yellow-green fluorescent warning signs is permissible for certains signs on public roads in Maine. Up to this time, national standards, as described in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), only allowed the use of yellow as the background color for permanent warning signs such as curve
signs, pedestrian signs, school zone signs, etc.

The 2003 MUTCD includes the optional use of these fluorescent signs for pedestrian, bicycle, and school applications. Specifically, the allowable signs include the following:

  • Pedestrian W arning (W11-2)
  • Bicycle W arning (W11-1)
  • School Advance W arning Sign (S1-1)
  • "School" Plaque (S4-3)
  • School Bus Stop Ahead (S3-1)
  • Playground W arning (W15-1)
  • In-Street Pedestrian Crossing Signs (R1-6)

No other applications are allowed for the use of this very bright color. The intent of this unique color is to increase the driving public's awareness of crosswalks, schools, and bicycle areas. If the color was allowed for other "regular" warning applications, the color would grow "old" very fast and would not command as much attention.Limiting this color to these particular signs will hopefully make them more noticeable to the driving public.

The initial cost of purchasing one or more of these signs is more than a conventional engineering grade sheeting. A town which decides to erect some of these bright signs at certain areas in town will pay a higher initial price for the fluorescence. The payoff is a sign which has been shown to be more visible and which may result in better motorist recognition, thus reducing vehicular-pedestrian conflicts.

It's worth trying some of these signs if your town has a typical pedestrian/vehicle conflict on some of its roads. This color has been received positively as an accepted and innovative tool to provide for increased pedestrian safety.

Street Name Signs and E-911: New standards call for larger signs

Most towns throughout Maine are finished with their E-911 process and have invested in and erected new street name signs. Recent changes on the federal level have raised a few questions about sign color, size, and reflectivity. How will this affect Maine towns and cities?

Consider the following factors:

  • The driving population is getting older
  • Older drivers have only 65 % to 77% of the legibility distance of younger drivers at night
  • Drivers of ambulances, fire trucks & police cars depend on highly visible signs especially when it's foggy or snowy, especially if they have to cover a large territory and many towns
  • Tourists rely on signs for guidance to hotels, homes, etc
  • other drivers, including UPS and Federal Express drivers depend on good street sign

Examples of old and new signs

Recommended standard for new or replacement signs after 2012
Recommended standard for new or replacement signs after 2012

Former standard
Former standard

New Standards call for Sign changes during replacements

The national Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) governs the design and placement of all signs on roads that are open to the public.
There are several varieties of signs that are available for public road use. The most suitable is the green background with reflective white lettering. It is important to insure that letters are tall enough and thick enough to be easily seen day or night. Proper mounting height is also very important.

Listed below are the recommended standards concerning the size, placement, materials, colors, and lettering for road signs. They are based on the MUTCD, which is the national standard for all public agencies, including municipalities, the Maine DOT, and the Federal Highway Administration.

Size

  • Changes to the MUTCD in 2012 list a new recommended size for lettering on any new (or replacement) road name signs. Existing signs can remain “as-is” until there is a need to replace them in the future.
  • The lettering for names of streets and highways shall be composed of a combination of lower-case letters with initial upper-case letters, such as “Main St” rather than “MAIN ST”. As of June 2012, the MUTCD recommends that initial upper-case letters be at least 6 inches in height and lower-case letters be at least 4.5 inches in height.
  • Supplementary lettering (such as St, Ave, Ln, or Rd) or the section of the city (such as NW) may be in smaller lettering, composed of initial upper-case letters at least 3 inches in height and lower-case letters at least 2.25 inches in height.
  • For local roads with speed limits of 25 mph or less, the lettering on post-mounted Street Name signs may be composed of initial upper-case letters at least 4 inches in height and lower-case letters at least 3 inches in height.
  • On multi-lane streets with speed limits greater than 40 mph, the lettering on post-mounted Street Name signs should be composed of initial upper-case letters at least 8 inches in height and lower-case letters at least 6 inches in height.
  • If overhead signs are used, the lettering should be composed of initial upper-case letters at least 12 inches in height and lower-case letters at least 9 inches in height.
  • Typical blade heights are 6 and 9 inches. Blade lengths can vary with the names but longer signs can become unstable if not built with the proper material or thickness.

Placement

  • In business or commercial areas and on principal arterials, 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.
  • The preferred mounting method for road signs is post top-mounting brackets. Hardware for mounting signs to posts can vary but an agency should choose the more durable product to minimize vandalism and the ease of removal.
  • In rural areas, 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 shall be 5 feet.
  • In business, commercial, or residential areas where parking or pedestrian movements are likely to occur, the minimum height, measured vertically from the bottom of the sign to the top of the curb, or to the elevation of the near edge of the traveled way, of signs installed at the side of the road or where the view of the sign might be obstructed, shall be 7 feet.
  • To optimize visibility, Street Name signs may be mounted overhead.
  • Road name signs can be mounted on top of another sign, such as a STOP sign as long as the visibility of the two signs, especially the STOP sign, is not compromised.

Colors

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 border, if used) shall contrast with the background color of the sign which is normally green. The only acceptable alternative background colors 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. An alternative background color, other than the normal green, may be used when the town wants to distinguish between public vs private roads. Retroreflective sheeting should be high intensity prismatic or better.

Lettering

All word messages shall use standard wording and letters as shown in the MUTCD and in the "Standard Highway Signs and Markings" book.

Materials

The most commonly used material for blades is either extruded aluminum with a 0.25 inch flange edge thickness and a 0.063 to 0.08 inch web (min.) or flat sheet aluminum with a minimum thickness of 0.08 inches (6 in. blade) to 0.125 inches (9 in. blade). Other materials, such as fiberglass or wood can be used, if they achieve the same level of visibility, durability, and reflectivity but that can be difficult to impossible to achieve compared to aluminum. On lower speed roadways in federally-recognized historic districts, historic street name signs may be used without complying with many of these provisions such as color, letter size and reflectivity.

Dig-Safe

Calling Dig-Safe is also a MUST before you install posts in new locations. In fact, it is a State Law. Driving posts is technically "excavation", with the possibility of damaging underground cables or utility lines. It may seem like overkill, but calling a free 888-number with the exact locations of all your posts is really not a difficult task. Damaging a fiber optic cable which "I knew wasn't there" can create major headaches for everyone and cost you a lot of money. For more info, see www.digsafe.com

Can a Town Legally erect Street Name Signs on Private Property for E-911?

Maine Municipal Association recently provided the following information to guide towns who would like to post road signs on privately owned roads:

  • Ordinarily, it is unconstitutional for towns to expend public funds for private property, BUT, towns can expend public funds for signs to post on private property for public safety reasons.
  • In order for towns to install signs on private property, they must first get permission from the landowner, unless the sign is being posted on the public right-of-way or easement.
  • It is recommended that land owner permission be granted in the form of an easement because verbal permission can be revoked at any time. A letter granting permission would be second best.
  • If a town were to install a sign on a private road without permission, the owner could legally remove it.
  • If a person removes a sign on a public right-of-way, it is a criminal offense. In addition, the town can recover costs in a civil suit against the perpetrator.
  • Towns are not under any obligation to post signs on a public or private way. The Emergency Services Communication Bureau (E-911 office) strongly recommends that, in the interest of public safety, towns do post signs on ALL roads. In many, many places, that sign is the only identifying object to the responding ambulance or policeman.
  • Often residents of private roads are concerned that having a road sign will encourage more traffic. "Some towns differentiate between public and private roads by signing public roads with green signs and private roads with blue or red signs," explained Stephan M. Bunker, E9-1-1 Director (former). "Other towns add a small sign with the ‘PVT" on it to designate a private road."

    Adapted with permission from MMA, Sept. 1997
Examples of Street Signs: The Good vs. the Bad

Street Signs

New standard for all new and replacement signs as of June 2012 with proper size, color, retro-reflectivity, and letter sizes.

Street Signs

A Street sign in good condition with properly sized letters, and correct usage of color contrast as recommended by the MUTCD (white on Green). As of June 2012, when this is replaced, the letters need to look like “James” and not “JAMES”.

Street Signs

Marginal sign because it has no reflectivity for nighttime visibility and it is bent with chipped paint. While the MUTCD recommends white-on-green for contrasting colors, black-on-white is acceptable too. When this sign is replaced, it needs to be retro-reflective and say “Central” and not “CENTRAL”.

Street Signs

Not recommended. It's distinctive but lettering is too small and sign is non reflective

Street Signs

Marginal sign because it has no reflectivity for nighttime visibility. While the MUTCD recommends white-on-green for contrasting colors, white-on-blue is acceptable too. When this sign is replaced, it needs to say “Sheldon” and not “SHELDON”.

Street Signs

Good sign but lettering is only 2" tall when it should be minimum 4" tall.

Street Signs

A sign in poor condition. No reflectivity, but does it use contrasting colors. However, the MUTCD recommends using white lettering on a green background. Plus, E-911 standards discourage "FR" (Fire Road) signs, because you would have addresses such as 24 Fire Rd. 42 or 42 Fire Rd. 24.

Street Signs

This is not a recommended standard in the MUTCD. It has vertical lettering (which may be buried in the snow), a wooden post, non-reflective paint and black on white lettering instead of white on green lettering. It is also "unnatural" for human eyes to read vertically.

Street Signs

Quaint idea and provides refuge for birds, but is NOT recommended for street name signs.

In-Street Pedestrian Crossing Signs

There are many of these devices on Maine roads. Some are on state roads and others are on local roads. This is the MaineDOT's position and policy regarding the use of in-street devices to alert motorists to the potential presence of pedestrians in marked crosswalks. These devices are specifically for unsignalized pedestrian crossings where there is a marked crosswalk. The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) is the official guide for the installation and use of traffic control devices on all Maine highways. The latest version of this document was published in December, 2009 and it addresses the use of in-street devices at crosswalks in Sections 2B-12 and 7B-12.

The MaineDOT does not support an independent development of another standard or the use of "nonstandard" devices sold by vendors. As a practical matter, if you have any one of a variety of these devices now in your town/city, then it is recommended to replace these devices with this new standard. Maine DOT has generally not objected to these devices being placed in marked crosswalks on State roads at the discretion of the local municipality.

Consideration should be given to the overall width of the street, the existence of parking, and ability of the motorists to recognize that a crosswalk exists and potential liability. In addition, does the device create a sense of false security to pedestrians who "feel" more protection from one of these devices and proceed with less caution across the crosswalk? Also, it's important to understand that if the State is restriping the centerline near these devices, the striping truck will probably turn off the paint guns, drive around this device and resume striping on the other side, especially if they are bolted into the pavement.

If a device is placed in the road, it must not encumber the movement of vehicles along the street. That is, it should be a flexible vertical panel which does not encroach into the normal travel lane and it must bounce back to its normal vertical position when struck by a vehicle. It should also not be placed directly in the crosswalk to hinder pedestrians. Any sign shall not be post-mounted on the left or right side of the road. The message/device must be reflectorized if it is to be left in place during night time hours and it must not have metal signs or heavy weighting devices such as concrete blocks or sandbags. It must use the word "YIELD" and not "STOP" to be consistent with Maine law.

MaineDOT recognizes that pedestrian concerns are an important issue to many communities throughout the State. The Department has also accepted the fact that the use of these in-street devices has apparently had a positive effect on driver behavior and awareness of pedestrian needs. Although State law (23 § 1351) states that "all traffic control devices, erected by towns, on state and state aid highways shall be subject to approval of the Department", MaineDOT has not prohibited their use in those locations which have been determined by local agencies to meet the criteria for installation.

It's also very important to realize that municipalities are subject to the so- called "highway defect law" (23§ 3651-3655) and these devices may create some liability issues if injury or property damage results due to the presence of these devices. Also, it's important to realize that if you ultimately decide to allow the first device on a road, many more requests may follow. Does the Town have good justification for allowing some, but not others, and does it have $200+ to pay for each device?

Sign Examples

Street Signs

Too big with metal sign

Street Signs

Dangerous

Street Signs

Big barrel with metal signs& sandbag on top not good

Street Signs

Better because the message says “YIELD

Street Signs

Better,but State law Says “YIELD”.not "STOP"

Street Signs

Proper device

Road Striping

Pavement markings are painted centerlines, edge lines, crosswalks and special messages. Markings have definite and important functions in traffic control. Sometimes they supplement the regulations or warnings of other traffic control devices. Used alone they can produce results that other devices can't, effectively designating a lane, locating the road center, and locating a stopping point, information that could not otherwise be made understandable. Pavement markings have limitations. They are obliterated by snow, may not be clearly visible when wet, and may not be very durable under heavy traffic. It may be necessary to repaint them every year, or more often. Despite these limitations, pavement markings are still used because of their unique advantage: they convey information to drivers without diverting their attention from the road.

MaineDOT Striping Policy

General Principles

All pavement markings should conform to several general principles:
  • Yellow lines separate traffic flowing in opposite directions or mark the left edge of the pavement on one-way roadways.
  • White lines separate traffic flowing in the same direction or mark the right edge of the pavement.
  • Line width indicates the degree of emphasis. Normal center lines and edge lines are four inches wide. A wide line is at least twice the width of a normal line.
  • Double lines, two normal width lines separated by a discernible space, indicate maximum restrictions.
  • A broken line is formed by segments and gaps, usually in the ratio of one to three. A recommended standard on rural roads is ten foot segments followed by 30 foot gaps.
Centerline
  • The MUTCD does NOT allow the use of a single yellow or white centerline on a two-lane two-way roadway. It does, however, have minimum thresholds under which a centerline may not be needed.
  • When resurfacing a road which has an existing centerline, a centerline should be provided on the new surface to reduce possible liability, since people have become accustomed to and expect a centerline.
  • When a centerline is used, all no passing zones must be marked with a double line of two normal solid yellow lines.
  • The MUTCD and/or traffic engineering personnel should be consulted regarding the markings of passing and no-passing zones.
Pavement Edge Lines
  • Particularly useful during bad weather and poor visibility conditions.
  • Break edge lines for intersections, but do not break them for driveways.
  • Solid white line for right hand edge. Solid yellow line for left edge of a one-way roadway, divided street or highway.
Stop Lines
  • Solid white lines normally 12 to 24 inches wide.
  • Stop lines emphasize the stop condition and indicate where to stop.
  • Should ordinarily be placed 4 feet in advance of and parallel to the nearest crosswalk line. In the absence of a marked crosswalk, the stop line should be placed at the desired stopping point, in no case more than 30 feet or less than 4 feet from the nearest edge of the intersecting roadway.
  • Should be placed in line with the STOP sign. However, if the sign can not be placed exactly where vehicles are expected to stop, the stop line should be placed at the stopping point.
Crosswalks
  • MaineDOT Crosswalk Policy (PDF)
  • On roads where traffic is not controlled by signals or stop signs, crosswalk markings warn the motorist of a pedestrian crossing point.
  • On controlled intersections, crosswalk markings primarily guide pedestrians in the proper paths.
  • Do NOT use crosswalk markings indiscriminately. Only an engineering study should recommend installing crosswalks where there are no traffic signals or stop signs.
  • Crosswalk lines shall be:
    • Two parallel solid white lines spaced not less than six feet apart.
    • Solid white lines shall be a minimum of 6 inches wide and may be up to 24 inches wide in certain circumstances.
    • Crosswalk lines on both sides should be extended the entire width of the pavement.
  • For added visibility, the area inside the crosswalk may be marked with white diagonal lines at a 45 degree angle or with white longitudinal lines at a 90 degree angle to the edge lines of the crosswalk. These lines should be about 12 to 24 inches wide and spaced 12 to 24 inches apart.
  • When diagonal lines are used to mark a crosswalk, the transverse lines may be omitted. This type of "piano key" design is intended for use where many pedestrians cross without any other type of traffic control device.
  • Non-conforming designs and colors should be avoided.
  • Advance crossing signs should be used when the crosswalk is not obvious or in high traffic volume situations, to alert drivers of unexpected pedestrian entries into the crosswalk.

Heavy Loads

Heavy loads can cause significant damage to our state's highway and bridge infrastructure. A 16 minute video was produced recently for municipal officials that explains the importance of posting and the correct steps and practical aspects of restricting vehicles. It has been endorsed by MMA and the State Police. In addition, here is a link to two streaming videos that illustrate the impact of loads on roads. Although they were produced in Minnesota and South Dakota, they pertain to Maine as well.

Under authority of Maine law Title 29-A § 2395, all public roads may be temporarily posted to prevent abuse by heavy vehicles. The statute states that all municipal officers (not officials), the MaineDOT, and county commissioners "may restrict the weight or passage of any vehicle over any way when, in its judgment, such passage would be unsafe or likely to cause excessive damage to the way or bridge." The MaineDOT"may adopt rules to ensure proper use and prevent abuse of the public ways under the department's jurisdiction whenever those ways require special protection...". County commissioners and municipal officers may impose restrictions within their respective jurisdictions similar to those made by the DOT. Many of Maine's local roads are not capable of handling today's heavier vehicle loads even during the summer and fall, so it may be advisable to post roads during these "other" seasons, if necessary. MaineDOT Rules allow posted rules on state roads during any time between November 15 and June 1. The MaineDOT Posted Road page has an interactive map of state-posted roads, and a list of local roads posted by towns/cities/counties.
State Rule 308 SEASONAL LOAD RESTRICTIONS ON STATE ROADS (Word)

Maine law was changed in the Fall of 2000 and Spring of 2017 respectively for the benefit of home heating fuel delivery trucks and carriers of organic animal bedding. The law now reads that "any vehicle delivering home heating fuel or organic animal bedding and operating in accordance with a permit issued by the Department of Transportation... may travel over any county or townway without a specific municipal or county permit." In other words, if one of these fuel trucks has a DOT permit, then it is good for travel on State roads and townways. This allows fuel truck drivers to get only one DOT permit and not one from every town which it may be traveling in. These revisions also state that a municipality may continue to "impose additional restrictions for a vehicle delivering home heating fuel or organic animal bedding to operate on public ways within that municipality but may not require a permit to operate according to those restrictions." In other words, 1) these trucks carrying these two specific products must obey local regs which may be stricter, and, 2) restrictions and/or permits can still apply to trucks carrying other commodities on local roads.

How does a Town "impose restrictions"?
Per 29-A M.R.S.A. § 2395, the municipal officers (Board of Selectmen or Town/City Council) may "impose restrictions" similar to rules developed by MaineDOT. It is best to develop a set of local rules and regulations in the form of a "traffic ordinance", per 30-A § 3009, because the term "ordinance" is more familiar to courts and to law enforcement officers. If your municipality wishes to adopt the sample ordinance from the Maine Municipal Association, as of 2017, it no longer directly refers to MaineDOT rules and regulations in that ordinance. No matter what they are called, these regulations should be adopted only at a public meeting of the Board; public notice of the meeting, given at least 7 days in advance, and a copy of the proposed regulations should be posted in all the places where town meeting warrants are usually posted. Once adopted by the Board/Council, the ordinance must be kept on file and should be posted in the Town Office/City Hall or on the website. Please note that voter approval is not necessary.
Once the restrictions are established, it is good business to inform local residents, contractors, suppliers, etc. before you actually post your roads. The best procedure is to put a notice in the local newspaper(s) several days in advance stating which roads will be closed and during which time period. The main idea is to enact rules which are related to the registered gross vehicle weight. This eliminates the need to actually weigh vehicles --- simply check the registrations. If you do not specify registered weight in your rules, then actually weighing vehicles is a requirement if you want to prosecute violators.

Heavy Loads and Local Roads in Maine: Seasonal Signing Information

It is probably easiest to develop local rules which follow the format of the Maine Municipal Association which has a "model ordinance" available. This "model" could be very helpful in developing your local regulations.

MMA Model ordinance (Word) (PDF) Updated February 2018

Seasonal Heavy Load Sign The main idea is to enact rules which are related to the registered gross vehicle weight. This eliminates the need to actually weigh vehicles-simply check the registrations. If you do not specify registered weight in your rules, then actually weighing vehicles is a requirement if you want to prosecute violators.

WHEN TO POST

In Maine, there is a large variation in weather from south to north and road conditions can vary dramatically. Whether it's in the "January thaw" or later in the winter and early spring, the top road layers begin thawing and can't drain excess water which makes the road highly susceptible to damage. To reduce roadway damage, the MaineDOT and many towns apply spring load restrictions ( or "post" the roads) during the critical time interval when the pavement is most vulnerable to damage. That is usually when temps starting getting above 32 F. However, there is now a very handy technical tool to help make that takes the guesswork out of when to post a road.

A statewide freezing/thawing map is available at: http://nrcc.cornell.edu/industry/roads/ In the top right, be sure to switch the map to the "Cumulative Thawing Index" (CTI) and look for the areas that exceed 25 (brown and yellow). These are the areas where postings should exist where applicable. Click on the "Forecast Days" to see how thawing or freezing is projected to change based on the current weather forecasts. This is a final product resulting from a research project that took place over the past couple years. Being a tool, one needs to combine this with local knowledge and local soil and road base conditions to help fine tune your decision to post a road.

SIGN PLACEMENT

Signs "must be conspicuously posted" at each end of each section of road which the Town wants to temporarily restrict heavy vehicles. The actual signs should be highly visible in color and size. You may want to place the signs high enough to be out of easy reach of vandals, but not so high as to be missed by drivers. The law does not specify any particular height.

The signs must specify the "designated sections of a public way, the periods of closing and prescribed restrictions or exclusions."

Also, if a vehicle must travel over an adjacent town's unposted road first before it gets to your town's posted road, what do you expect them to do? It's best to work with the adjacent town before you create this difficult situation.

TYPE OF SIGNS

Where to buy the orange "Heavy Load" signs (PDF)
Typically, fluorescent orange signs measuring 11" x 22" are available at many local printshops around the State. The color does not have to be fluorescent orange - it may be white, yellow, or any other visible color. The thickness of the signs is also important because a thin sign will not stand up to snow, rain, or slush.
The "Heavy Loads Limited" signs, which are the most commonly used signs in Maine are OK, but how does a truck driver know the weight limit, vehicle types, and posting dates when driving by them? Drivers are not known to stop and go over and read the signs!
In early 2017, the MaineDOT redesigned its signs to graphically highlight the 23,000 pound limit at the top. It also changed some of the exemptions (the "fine print") to comply with some recent Rule changes. Those signs are available at local print shops too. It's important to realize that these new signs DO NOT have to be used immediately. If your town has some of the "old" style, use them up first before you purchase the new ones.
Or you may want to design your own and put your weight limits in BOLD PRINT. This format will get your message across more clearly.

FILLING IN THE BLANKS

Each sign shall state:

  • The name of the road and if all or parts of the road are being posted.
  • The "prescribed restrictions" (i.e. weight limits)
  • The periods of closing.
  • Any "exclusions", such as exempt vehicles.
It would also be helpful to have the signature of at least one of the Selectmen or other municipal officers on the bottom with a telephone number. A Road Commissioner could also sign it, under the authority of the Board or Council, even though he is a municipal official and not an officer.

POSTING DATES

The effective date of posting should precede any significant thawing period. Temperatures vary greatly around the State, but generally the MaineDOT has found that posting roads in early March is relatively typical. Use this statewide freezing/thawing map to help you determine when to post your roads. This prohibits heavy vehicles during those warmer days when the road surface softens, and then refreezes at night. Vehicles should not be allowed on any road which is anything less than solidly frozen.

Per MaineDOT Rule, updated in June 2019, a road is considered "solidly frozen" only when the air temperature is 32 F. or below and no water is showing in the cracks of the road (if paved). Alternatively, if the air temperature is 32 degrees F. or below and there is water showing in the cracks of the highway, the highway will be considered “frozen” if the adjacent gravel driveways, shoulders, or lawns remain frozen. On a gravel road, “solidly frozen” may mean if there is less than 1/4" of "thaw" on the gravel surface.

WHEN TO REMOVE YOUR POSTING

The last day of posting can be variable across the State. There is nothing "magical" about the commonly used date of May 15. The posting should remain in effect until after the frost has come out AND all of the excess water has drained off. Generally, it is best to "build-in" a couple of weeks beyond which conditions are back to "normal". Typically, State roads are posted until mid-April in southern Maine and late April/early May in northern Maine. Therefore, a posted ending date of early May is suggested. Use this statewide freezing/thawing map to help you determine when to post your roads.

ENFORCING THE LAW

By law, "the municipal officers within their respective municipality have the same power as the State Police in the enforcement of all rules of the DOT, the County Commissioners, and the municipal officers that pertain...". In other words, a Selectman or Councilor could stop vehicles, but it is probably best to leave these enforcement activities to law officers who are familiar with such duties. The State or County Police do not have to be called in to nab violators. If delegated, your local constable or police officer has the same power. Violations are considered Class E crimes and a "traffic infraction punishable by a fine of not less than $250". Simply issue a traffic citation.

EXEMPTION DETAILS
EXEMPTIONS

In the spirit of aligning the exemptions allowed on both state and local roads, the MMA model ordinance lists the same exemptions as MaineDOT. That is fine but a municipality has a choice of how to permit various types of vehicles on posted roads. The main question is do you want to be very restrictive and only allow certain exempt vehicles, if any, or do you want to be less restrictive and deal with situations as they occur every day?

The main difference between this sample ordinance and the MaineDOT process is that DOT rules only exempt certain vehicles such as highway maintenance vehicles, utility vehicles, school buses, emergency vehicles, etc. PLUS any vehicle with a "limited load permit" (formerly called an exemption certificate) transporting commodities such as bulk milk, feed, home heating fuel, groceries, trash, etc. at a reduced load. This MMA sample references the same exemptions BUT it also allows the municipal officers some discretion in allowing ANY OTHER VEHICLE, such as pulp trucks, cement trucks, heavy vehicles, etc. if certain conditions are met in Section 5.

EXPLAINING THE EXEMPTIONS

The following paragraphs explain the various exempted vehicles in Section 4.

Exemption 1. It is probably best to be consistent with the State on the actual registered gross weight, BUT a Town may want to set weights less than the 23,000 pounds (11.5 tons). Many local roads (and State roads, too!) cannot take that weight, simply because they were never built to carry today's vehicle loads. You may want to have an engineer provide you with some guidance on your actual limits. (your "orange signs" must reflect the actual limit)

Exemption 2. First sentence means that any vehicle registered for more than 23,000 pounds travelling without a load (empty pulp truck, empty concrete truck, empty dump truck, etc.) is legally allowed across the road. This means that those trucks which typically weigh significantly more than 23,000 pounds are allowed only if they have no load. As soon as any amount of load is put in or on that vehicle, it is in violation. "Special mobile equipment" is defined in MaineDOT Rules Section 1(5). These types of vehicles (graders, excavators, well drillers, etc.) are not allowed over posted roads. The third sentence states that any vehicle registered in excess of 23,000 pounds with a load is exempt if its actual gross weight is less than 23,000 pounds. Vehicles would have to be actually weighed, though, to prove this.

Exemption 3. This Section exempts MaineDOT vehicles or other vehicles authorized by MaineDOT or a municipality or County to maintain roads under their authority. In practice, it is best to operate as little as possible on posted roads. If it can't be avoided, vehicle loads should be reduced to minimize road damage.

Exemption 4. This Section specifically exempts:

  • authorized emergency vehicles as defined in state law 29-A MRSA 2054
  • school buses
  • a wrecker towing a disabled vehicle of legal weight from a posted road
  • vehicles with 3 axles or less under the direction of a public utility and engaged in utility maintenance or repair
The last exemption (utility vehicles) is intended to apply to emergency situations. Travel on posted roads by utility vehicles engaged in "routine" construction or maintenance is generally discouraged.

Exemption 5. As of 2017 after a change in MaineDOT Rules, any 2 axle vehicles registered for gross weight between 23K and 34K pounds that are carrying any Special Commodity, as defined, are exempt and do not require a permit. A municipality has the option to retain or modify that exemption.

Section 5. all vehicles operating with a special permit to travel over posted roads, as issued by the governing agency. Permits can be issued upon certain findings. There may also be other situations which present unusual conditions. Usually, a phone call to the municipality is advised so that both parties can mutually agree on a solution

Commercial Vehicles
The State police web site on Commercial Vehicles Enforcement can be found here.
Heavy Loads and Local Roads in Maine: Permanent Signing Information
Permanent Heavy Loads Sign

For permanent posting, better known as "No Thru Trucks", it is necessary to develop local rules which define the meaning and purpose of this sign. Usually, the purpose of these signs is to stop trucks from using this road as a shortcut or an alternate to avoiding traffic lights or built-up areas. It may be worth considering the creation of a "truck route" which is a positive step in providing clear direction to larger vehicles rather than a prohibitive motion that relies on enforcement which may or may not be readily available in a given municipality.

SIGN PLACEMENT   TYPES

Regulatory signs should be posted at each end of each road which the Town wants to restrict heavy vehicles. Where one road passes between two towns, it is highly recommended to work with the adjacent town to either jointly post the entire road or not at all. This eliminates the possibility of a driver suddenly seeing posting signs at the town line and wondering if he should turn around or continue on while in possible violation of a local ordinance. The actual signs must be rectangular black lettering-on-white and be at least 24 by 30 inches.
Depending on the local ordinance wording, the sign could refer to "trucks" or "axles" or a designated weight. If the sign refers to "Trucks", then your ordinance needs to define a "truck". does it mean only tractor trailers, or commercial vehicles over 26,000 lbs, or 2 or 3 axle delivery trucks, or simply a Ford F-150 ? If the sign refers to "axles", that's rather definitive and can be counted easily on any truck. If the sign refers to "GVW" or a specific weight like "7 tons", then it should be referring to the registered gross vehicle weight.
As a comment about using the word "Thru" on a sign, it should be clear that the intent is to regulate heavy trucks that are using this road more as a shortcut from one end to the other rather than using it to access homes or a delivery or pickup point along the road.

Truck Restriction Policy on State roads (MaineDOT Rule #17-229-104)

MaineDOT Policy on Truck Restrictions on State and State Aid Highways

Acting on the recommendation of Carl A. Croce, Director, Bureau of Planning, and Bruce Ibarguen, Engineer of Traffic, the Commissioner approved the creation of a Department policy on July 13, 2005 that reaffirms State Rule 17-229, Chapter 104, entitled: Travel on State and State Aid Highways. This policy retains the concept that the MaineDOT has sole jurisdiction over restriction of commercial vehicles on state roads, and that municipalities may not prohibit commercial vehicles on state roads whether they are inside "urban compact" areas or not. However, this policy allows time-of-day restrictions of commercial vehicles, in very narrow circumstances, as long as there is substantial agreement between all affected parties, including neighborhoods, trucking firms, municipalities and other stakeholders.

Department Policy

Simply stated, no restrictions can be put on State or State Aid Highways whether these roads are in rural areas or "urban compact" areas, unless specifically restricted by the MaineDOT Commissioner.

This is affirmed in State Rule 17-229- 104:

"It is the goal of the State of Maine, Department of Transportation that Maine's public highways be safe and efficient and contribute to the economic growth of the State and the well-being of its people. MaineDOT will make good faith efforts to have Maine's public highway network meet the social, economic, and environmental needs of the public. In addition, public highways are intended for the overall general use of the traveling public and for business, recreation, and overall access to areas across the State. Therefore, MaineDOT recognizes that there is an affirmative right for all individuals and entities, public and private, domestic or commercial, to travel on all State or State Aid highways in Maine. This right shall exist until the Commissioner of MDOT suspends or otherwise restricts any such traffic on any highway under MaineDOT jurisdiction."

However, there are growing issues relative to through commercial truck traffic on State and State Aid highways passing through residential areas. In certain cases, municipal officials are requesting some type of relief for homeowners who have chosen to live along these busy corridors. Because the requests usually respond to neither a severe safety issue nor the structural condition of a road or bridge, there is an option for municipalities to request time-of-day through truck restrictions on certain State roads from the MaineDOT. The following steps must be taken:

  • The municipality must make a written request to the Department. Requests from an individual or groups of individuals will be referred back to the municipality.
  • The request must be made following substantial public process and buy-in by all affected parties. Municipalities shall be encouraged to conduct neighborhood/stakeholder meetings before submitting a request.
  • The request must not significantly affect traffic in municipalities other than the municipality which made the request.
  • There is a reasonable alternate route for all traffic affected by the posting, as documented in part by the buy-in of affected commercial interests.
  • The alternate routes do not create severe safety or congestion concerns.
  • The municipality has passed a municipal traffic ordinance as described in Title 30A § 3009.

These restrictions may apply to all through commercial traffic over 26,001 pounds. It is understood that heavier local traffic (as opposed to through traffic), such as moving vans or fuel delivery trucks, should be allowed. However, because enforcement issues are largely local, and because the affected homeowners are entirely local, there is no statewide interest arising from this local choice of 26,001 pounds so a municipality may increase it if desired.

Basis for Authority

  • 23 § 1 -- State Highway Law -- General Provisions
  • 23 § 52 -- State Highway Law -- DOT -- General Powers and Duties
  • 23 § 53 -- State Highway Law -- DOT -- Classification of Highways
  • 23 § 1351 -- State Highway Law--Protection of Highways --Installation of signals, devices & signs
  • 29A § 2395 -- Motor Vehicles -- Ways requiring special protection
  • 30A § 3009 -- Municipalities & Counties -- Authority of municipal officers to enact ordinances
  • 30A § 3001 -- Municipalities & Counties -- Ordinances -- Ordinance Power
  • State of Maine Rule 17-229-104 -- Travel on State and State Aid Highways
    • This Rule is a brief statement affirming the basic right of all highway users to travel on all State and State Aid highways in Maine.

Traffic Counts: Equipment Loan Program for Towns

The MaineDOT Traffic Engineering Division has a limited number of traffic counters available for free loan to Maine towns and cities. If your town wants to borrow a set, you can have it for up to 2 weeks and count traffic on as many roads as you want to within that 2 week period. All counts have to be done on weekdays for a minimum of 24 consecutive hours.

If you’re interested, contact Aaron Buotte via e-mail or at 207-215-8103. You’ll have to come to Augusta to get it and Aaron will explain how/where/when the equipment is to be installed on your local roads. After the data is collected, his office will process the data and send you the finished “annual average daily traffic” counts (AADT’s) in an Excel spreadsheet.