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, 2003 and it

addresses the use of in-street devices at crosswalks in Sections 2B-12 and

7B-09. The entire MUTCD can be found here:

http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/pdfs/2003r1r2/pdf_index.htm
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 as they

deteriorate over time.
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 it 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. It should also not be placed

directly in the crosswalk to hinder pedestrians. 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”,

we have 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 will follow. Does the

Town have good justification for allowing some, but not others, and does it

have $200+ to pay for each device?

Examples of good vs bad devices: 

Too big with metal sign	Dangerous	Big barrel with metal signs & sandbag on top not-Good!
Better,but State law Says “YIELD”….not "STOP"	Better because the message says “YIELD”	Proper device

Last Updated September 18, 2008