Traffic Control Signs

Traffic control signs are devices placed along, beside, or above a highway, roadway, pathway, or other route to guide, warn, and regulate the flow of traffic, including motor vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians, equestrians, and other travelers.

Signs should be placed only where warranted by facts and engineering studies.  Signs are essential where special regulations apply at specific places or at specific times only, or where hazards are not self-evident.  They also give information to highway routes, directions, destinations and points of interest.

Signs ordinarily are not needed to confirm rules of the road.

Signs should be placed as necessary for safety and proper regulation of traffic. However, an excessive use of signs will tend to lose its effectiveness.

A standard device used where it is not appropriate is as objectionable as a non-standard device; in fact, this may be worse, in that such misuse may result in disrespect at those locations where the device is needed.