PERMANENT RULES
Date of Adoption: February 28, 2003.
Purpose: To permanently adopt the millennium edition of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, June 2001 version.
Citation of Existing Rules Affected by this Order: Repealing WAC 468-95-020, 468-95-025, 468-95-030, 468-95-035, 468-95-037, 468-95-040, 468-95-050, 468-95-055, 468-95-060, 468-95-070, 468-95-080, 468-95-090, and 468-95-100; and amending WAC 468-95-010.
Statutory Authority for Adoption: Chapter 34.05 RCW and RCW 47.36.030.
Adopted under notice filed as WSR 03-03-029 on January 9, 2003.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 27, Amended 1, Repealed 13; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's Own Initiative: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted Using Negotiated Rule Making:
New 0,
Amended 0,
Repealed 0;
Pilot Rule Making:
New 0,
Amended 0,
Repealed 0;
or Other Alternative Rule Making:
New 0,
Amended 0,
Repealed 0.
Effective Date of Rule:
Thirty-one days after filing.
February 28, 2003
John F. Conrad
Assistant Secretary
OTS-6123.2
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending Order 127, filed 12/21/90,
effective 1/21/91)
WAC 468-95-010
General.
((The Manual on Uniform Traffic
Control Devices for Streets and Highways (MUTCD), 1988
edition, and future revisions approved by the Federal Highway
Administrator, except as modified by the department of
transportation herein, as the national standard for all
highways open to public travel, published by the U.S.
Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration,
was duly adopted by Administrative Order No. . . . . of the
Secretary of Transportation dated . . . . . . .)) The June
2001 Millennium Edition of the Manual on Uniform Streets and
Highway for Streets and Highways (MUTCD), published by the
Federal Highway Administration and approved by the Federal
Highway Administrator as the national standard for all
highways open to public travel, was duly adopted by the
Washington state secretary of transportation. The manual
includes in part many illustrations, some of which depend on
color for proper interpretation. The code reviser has deemed
it inexpedient to convert these regulations and illustrations
to the prescribed form and style of WAC and therefore excludes
them from publication. ((Copies of the MUTCD may be obtained
from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing
Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.)) The document is available
for public inspection at the headquarters office and all
((district)) region offices of the Washington state department
of transportation. Further, each city, town, and county
engineering office in the state will have a copy of the MUTCD,
with revisions and modifications for Washington, in its
possession.
[Statutory Authority: Chapter 34.05 RCW and RCW 47.36.030. 91-02-008 (Order 127), § 468-95-010, filed 12/21/90, effective 1/21/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 47.36.030. 87-05-043 (Order 108), § 468-95-010, filed 2/18/87; 85-23-041 (Order 98), § 468-95-010, filed 11/18/85; 85-01-056 (Order 93), § 468-95-010, filed 12/17/84.]
(1) A paragraph is added to the standard of MUTCD Section 2B.35, Design of Parking, Standing, and Stopping Signs: A parking space or stall for a physically disabled person shall be indicated by a vertical sign with the international symbol of access, whose colors are white on a blue background, described under RCW 70.92.120 and the notice State Disabled Parking Permit Required.
(2) A second Standard is added to MUTCD Section 2B.36 to read: Signs indicating a parking space or stall for a physically disabled person shall be installed between thirty-six and eighty-four inches off the ground.
[]
The NO TURN ON RED sign (R10-11a, R10-11b) shall be used to prohibit any right turn on red; or a left turn on red from a one-way or two-way street into a one-way street carrying traffic in the direction of the left turn.
[]
For concurrent-flow HOV lanes, ground-mounted HOV signs (R3-11) shall be located at intervals based on engineering judgment. Overhead HOV signs (R3-14) should be used to supplement the ground-mounted HOV signs (R3-11) at intervals based on an engineering study.
[]
(1) There shall be at least 500,000 square feet of leasable retail floor space;
(2) There shall be at least three major department stores owned by national or regional retail chain organizations;
(3) The center shall be located within one highway mile of the state highway;
(4) The center shall generate at least 9,000 daily one-way vehicle trips to the center;
(5) Sufficient sign space as specified in the MUTCD shall be available for installation;
(6) Supplemental follow-through directional signing is required on county roads or city streets at key motorist decision points, if the center is not clearly visible from the point of exit from the state highway. The required supplemental follow-through directional signs shall be installed by the city or county prior to the installation of signs on the state highway;
(7) Signing on the state highway to a county road or city street that bears the name of the regional shopping center fulfills the statutory requirements for signing to those centers;
(8) The costs of materials and labor for fabricating, installing, and maintaining regional shopping center signs shall be borne by the center.
[]
On two-way, two- or three-lane roadways where centerline markings are installed, no-passing zones shall be established at vertical curves and other locations where an engineering study indicates that passing must be prohibited because of inadequate sight distances or other special conditions.
On two-way, two- and three-lane roadways where centerline markings are installed, no-passing zones shall be established at horizontal curves where an engineering study indicates passing must be prohibited because of inadequate sight distances or other special conditions. A January 17, 2007, compliance date is established.
On three-lane roadways where the direction of travel in the center lane transitions from one direction to the other, a no-passing buffer zone shall be provided in the center lane as shown in Figure 3B-4. A lane transition shall be provided at each end of the buffer zone.
The buffer zone shall be a median island consisting of a lane transition in each direction and a minimum of a 15 m (50 ft) buffer zone. In areas where no-passing zones are required because of limited passing sight distances, the buffer zone shall be the distances between the beginnings of the no-passing zones in each direction.
[]
If a continuous median island formed by pavement markings separating travel in opposite directions is used, the island may be formed by two single normal solid yellow lines, a combination of two single normal solid yellow lines with yellow crosshatching between the lines with a total width not less than eighteen inches, two sets of double solid yellow lines, or a solid yellow line not less than eighteen inches in width. All other markings in the median island area shall be yellow, except crosswalk markings, which shall be white (see MUTCD Section 3B.17).
[]
Where crossing is prohibited, the lane line markings shall consist of two normal solid white lines or a single wide white line, supplemented with lane change prohibition signing.
[]
[]
Edge lines shall be used on all interstate highways, on rural multilane divided highways, on all principal arterials and minor arterials within urbanized areas, except when curb or sidewalk exists, and may be used on other classes of roads. Jurisdictions shall conform to these requirements at such time that it undertakes to renew or install permanent markings on new or existing roadways. The lines shall be white except that on the left edge of each roadway of divided streets and highways and one-way roadway in the direction of travel, the lines shall be yellow.
These standards shall be in effect, as provided in this section, unless the legislative authority of the local governmental body finds that special circumstances exist affecting vehicle and pedestrian safety that warrant a site-specific variance.
Pursuant to RCW 47.36.280, the first paragraph under Option of MUTCD Section 3B.13 is revised to read as follows:
Raised pavement markers may also be used to supplement other markings for channelizing islands or approaches to other objects. The general use of raised pavement markers along right edge lines is strongly discouraged because they can cause steering difficulties and make bicyclists lose control of their vehicles. Raised or recessed pavement markers may be used along right edge lines on the taper in lane transition sections, on approaches to objects and within channelization at intersections. Raised or recessed pavement markers can only be used along right edge lines at other locations where an engineering study has determined the markers are essential to preserving pedestrian, bicycle, and motor vehicle safety. At the initiation of the engineering study, local bicycling organizations, the regional member of the state bicycling advisory committee, or the WSDOT bicycle and pedestrian program manager shall be notified of the study for review and comment. Positioning and spacing of the markers in such cases must be determined by engineering judgment taking into consideration their effect on bicycle, pedestrian, and motor vehicle safety. Other applications of raised or recessed pavement markers along right edge lines of arterials are considered to be nonconforming with this section. Cities and counties shall remove nonconforming raised pavement markings at the time that they prepare to resurface roadways, or earlier at their option.
These standards shall be in effect, as provided in this section, unless the legislative authority of the local governmental body finds that special circumstances exist affecting vehicle and pedestrian safety that warrant a site-specific variance.
[]
Pavement markings shall be used to guide traffic away from fixed obstructions within a paved roadway. Approach markings for bridge supports, refuge islands, median islands, and channelization islands (except channelization islands formed by paint stripes or raised pavement markers) shall consist of a diagonal line or lines extending from the centerline or the lane line to a point 0.3 to 0.6 m (1 to 2 ft) to the right side, or to both sides, of the approach end of the obstruction (see Figure 3B-13).
Amend the third Standard of MUTCD Section 3B.10 to read:
If traffic is required to pass only to the right of the obstruction, the markings shall consist of a no-pass marking, approaching the obstruction, at least twice the length of the diagonal portion as determined by the appropriate taper formula (see Figure 3B-13).
Modify MUTCD Figure 3B-13, Item a - Center of two-lane road, to show a single no-pass marking on the approach to the obstruction.
[]
If raised pavement markers are substituted for broken line markings, a group of 3 to 5 markers equally spaced at no greater than N/8 (see Section 3A.06), or at the one-third points of the line segment if N is other than 12 m (40 ft), with a least one retroreflective or internally illuminated marker used per group.
[]
Stop or yield lines, where used, should ordinarily be placed four feet in advance of and parallel to the nearest crosswalk line. In the absence of a marked crosswalk, the stop or yield line should be placed at the desired stopping point, in no case less than 4 feet from the nearest edge of intersecting roadway.
Stop lines at midblock signalized locations should be placed at least 40 feet in advance of the nearest signal indication (see MUTCD Section 4D.15).
[]
If used, the diagonal or longitudinal lines should form a 24-inch wide marking pattern consisting of two 8-inch wide markings separated by an 8-inch wide gap or a 24-inch wide solid marking pattern. The marking patterns should be spaced 12 to 60 inches apart but with the maximum gap between marking patterns not to exceed 2.5 times the marking pattern width. Longitudinal marking patterns should be located to avoid the wheel paths and should be oriented parallel with the wheel paths.
[]
A double solid wide white line or a single wide white line, supplemented with lane change prohibition signing where crossing is prohibited (see Figure 3B-25b and 3B-25c).
Amend the second Standard of MUTCD Section 3B.23, item D.4 to read:
A single dotted normal white line or a single dotted wide white line is permitted for any vehicle to perform a right turn maneuver (see Figure 3B-25b).
Amend all references in Table 3B-2 for double wide white line to allow single solid wide white line, each with lane change prohibition signing.
Amend the callout in figure 3B-25 for a SINGLE DOTTED NORMAL WHITE on the approach to the limited access exit, side-street, or commercial entrance to say SINGLE DOTTED NORMAL WHITE or SINGLE DOTTED WIDE WHITE.
[]
Vehicle operators facing a steady circular red signal may, after stopping, proceed to make a right turn from a one-way or two-way street into a two-way street or into a one-way street carrying traffic in the direction of the right turn; or a left turn from a one-way or two-way street into a one-way street carrying traffic in the direction of the left turn; unless a sign posted by a competent authority prohibits such movement. Vehicle operators planning to make such turns shall remain stopped to allow other vehicles lawfully within or approaching the intersection control area to complete their movements. Vehicle operators planning to make such turns shall also remain stopped for pedestrians who are lawfully within the intersection control area.
Pursuant to RCW 46.61.055, amend the MUTCD Section 4D.04, item C.2 to read:
Vehicle operators facing a steady red arrow indication may, after stopping, proceed to make a right turn from a one-way or two-way street or into a one-way street carrying traffic in the direction of the right turn, or a left turn from a one-way street or two-way street into a one-way street carrying traffic in the direction of the left turn, unless a sign posted by a competent authority prohibits such movement. Vehicle operators planning to make such turns shall remain stopped to allow other vehicles lawfully within or approaching the intersection control area to complete their movements. Vehicle operators planning to make such turns shall also remain stopped for pedestrians who are lawfully within the intersection control area.
[]
A steady RED ARROW signal indication shall be displayed when it is intended to prohibit vehicular traffic from entering the intersection or other controlled area to make the indicated turn when regulatory signing is in place prohibiting such movement. Pedestrians directed by a pedestrian signal head may enter the intersection or other controlled area.
[]
A steady YELLOW X or a flashing RED X means that a driver should prepare to vacate, in a safe manner, the lane over which the signal is located because a lane control change is being made, and to avoid occupying that lane when a steady RED X is displayed.
[]
A moving condition in one direction shall be terminated either by the immediate display of a RED X signal indication or by a YELLOW X signal indication followed by a RED X signal indication or a flashing RED X indication followed by a RED X indication.
[]
The legislative authority of each county may by resolution classify and designate portions of county roads as primitive roads where the designated road portion:
(1) Is not classified as part of the county primary road system, as provided for in RCW 36.86.070;
(2) Has a gravel or earth driving surface; and
(3) Has an average annual daily traffic of 100 or fewer vehicles.
Any road designated as a primitive road shall be marked with a PRIMITIVE ROAD sign at all places where the primitive road portion begins or connects with a highway other than a primitive road.
A sign with the caption CAUTION - NO WARNING SIGNS may be installed on the same post with the PRIMITIVE ROAD sign, and may be individually erected at intermediate points along the road section if conditions warrant. In addition, a sign with the caption NEXT. . . . MILES may be installed on the same post below the CAUTION - NO WARNING SIGNS sign.
[]
| Freeways & Expressways | 55/70 MPH | 1500' ± or per MUTCD |
| Rural Highways | 60/65 MPH | 1000' ± |
| Rural Roads | 45/55 MPH | 500' ± |
| Rural Roads & Urban Arterials | 35/40 MPH | 350' ± |
| Rural Roads, Urban Streets, Residential Business Districts | 25/30 MPH | 200' ± (2) |
| Urban Streets | 25 MPH or less | 100' ± (2) |
(2) This spacing may be reduced in urban areas to fit roadway conditions.
[]
Temporary pavement markings are those that may be used until it is practical and possible to install permanent pavement markings that meet MUTCD standards. Normally, it should not be necessary to leave temporary pavement markings in place for more than 2 weeks, except on roadways being paved with bituminous surface treatment (BST) and having traffic volumes under 2,000 ADT. All temporary pavement markings, including pavement markings for no-passing zones, shall conform to the requirements of Sections 3A and 3B.
Amend the first Guidance of MUTCD Section 6F.66 to read:
For temporary situations of 14 calendar days or less, for a two-lane or three-lane road, no-passing zones may be identified by using W 14-3 No Passing Zone signs (see Section 2C.32) rather than pavement markings (see Section 3B.02). Signs may also be used in lieu of pavement markings on low-volume roads for longer periods, when this practice is in keeping with the state's or other highway agency's policy. These signs should be placed in accordance with Sections 2B.24 and 2B.25.
[]
[]
The reduced school speed zone shall begin at a point 90 m (300 ft) in advance of the crosswalk and end at a point 90 m (300 ft) after the crosswalk. These distances may be modified to fit the field conditions by regulation.
[]
The School Speed Limit assembly shall be either a fixed-message sign assembly or a changeable message sign. The fixed-message School Speed Limit assembly shall consist of a top plaque (S4-3) with the legend SCHOOL, a Speed Limit (R2-1) sign, and a bottom plaque (S4-1, S4-2, S4-4, or S4-501) indicating the specific periods of the day and/or days of the week that the special school speed limit is in effect.
[]
The supplemental or lower panel of a School Speed Limit 20 sign which reads When Children are Present shall indicate to the motorist that the 20 mile per hour school speed limit is in force under any of the following conditions:
(1) School children are occupying or walking within the marked crosswalk.
(2) School children are waiting at the curb or on the shoulder of the roadway and are about to cross the roadway by way of the marked crosswalk.
(3) School children are present or walking along the roadway, either on the adjacent sidewalk or, in the absence of sidewalks, on the shoulder within the posted school speed limit zone extending 300 feet, or other distance established by regulation, in either direction from the marked crosswalk.
[]
If used, the diagonal or longitudinal lines should form a 24-inch wide marking pattern consisting of two 8-inch wide markings separated by an 8-inch wide gap or a 24-inch wide solid marking pattern. The marking patterns should be spaced 12 to 60 inches apart but with the maximum gap between marking patterns not to exceed 2.5 times the marking pattern width. Longitudinal marking patterns should be located to avoid the wheel paths and should be oriented parallel with the wheel paths.
[]
[]
(1) Section 2A.15, Sign Borders
Amend the Standard to read:
Unless specifically stated otherwise, each sign illustrated herein shall have a border of the same color as the legend, at or just inside the edge. The corners of all sign borders shall be rounded, except for STOP signs.
Amend the Guidance to read:
A dark border on a light background should be set in from the edge, while a light border on a dark background should extend to the edge of the panel. A border for 750 mm (30 in) signs with a light background should be from 13 to 19 mm (0.5 to 0.75 in) in width, and 13 mm (0.5 in) from the edge. For similar size signs with a light border, a border width of 25 mm (1 in) should be used. For other sizes, the border width should be of similar proportions, but should not exceed the stroke-width of the major lettering of the sign. On signs exceeding 1800 x 3000 mm (72 x 120 in) in size, the border should be 50 mm (2 in) wide. For signs larger than 1800 x 3000 mm (72 x 120 in), the border should be 75 mm (3 in) wide. Where practical, the corners of the sign should be rounded parallel to the border, except for STOP sign corners which are not rounded.
(2) Section 2A.19, Lateral Offset
Change the first Standard to read:
For overhead sign supports (cantilever or sign bridges), the minimum lateral offset from the edge of the shoulder (or if no shoulder exists, from the edge of the pavement) to the near edge of the supports shall be 1.8 m (6 ft).
Overhead sign supports shall have a barrier or crash cushion to shield them if they are within the clear zone.
Roadside-mounted sign supports shall be breakaway, yielding, or shielded with a longitudinal barrier or crash cushion if within the clear zone.
(3) Section 2C.04 Page 2C-4, Table 2C-2, Warning Sign Sizes
Replace the table with the following:
| Description | ||||||
| Shape | Sign Series | Conventional Roads | Expressways | Freeways | Minimum | Oversized |
| Diamond | W1, W2, W7, W8, W9, W11, W14, W15-1, W17-1 | 750 x 750 (30 x 30) |
900 x 900 (36 x 36) |
1200 x 1200 (48 x 48) |
600 x 600 (24 x 24) |
|
| Diamond | W3, W4, W5, W6, W8-3, W10, W12 | 900 x 900 (36 x 36) |
1200 x 1200 (48 x 48) |
1200 x 1200 (48 x 48) |
750 x 750 (30 x 30) |
|
| Rectangular | W1 - Arrows | 1200 x 600 (48 x 24) |
900 x 450 (36 x 18) |
1500 x 750 (60 x 30) |
||
Rectangular |
W1 - Chevron | 450 x 600 (18 x 24) |
750 x 900 (30 x 36) |
900 x 1200 (36 x 48) |
300 x 450 (12 x 18) |
|
| W7-4 | 1950 x 1200 (78 x 48) |
1950 x 1200 (78 x 48) |
1950 x 1200 (78 x 48) |
|||
| W7-4a, b, c | 1950 x 1500 (78 x 60) |
1950 x 1500 (78 x 60) |
1950 x 1500 (78 x 60) |
|||
| W10-9, W10-10 |
750 x 225 (30 x 9) |
|||||
| W12-2P | 2100 x 600 (84 x 24) |
2100 x 600 (84 x 24) |
2100 x 600 (84 x 24) |
|||
| W13, W25 | 600 x 750 (24 x 30) |
900 x 1200 (36 x 48) |
1200 x 1500 (48 x 60) |
600 x 750 (24 x 30) |
1200 x 1500 (48 x 60) |
|
| Pennant | W14-3 | 900 x 1200 x
1200 (36 x 48 x 48) |
750 x 1000 x
1000 (30 x 40 x 40) |
1200 x 1600 x
1600 (48 x 64 x 64) |
||
| Circular | W10-1 | 900 (36) Dia. | 1200 (48) Dia. | 750 (3) Dia. | 1200 (48) Dia. | |
| Note: | 1. Larger signs may be used when appropriate. |
| 2. Dimensions are shown in millimeters followed by inches in parentheses and are shown as width x height. |
Replace the table and notes with the following:
| Advance Placement Distance1 | |||||||||
| Posted or 85th Percentile Speed | Condition A: Speed reduction and lane changing in heavy traffic2 | Condition B: Deceleration to the listed advisory speed (mph) for the condition4 |
|||||||
03 |
10 |
20 |
30 |
40 |
50 |
60 |
70 |
||
| 20 mph | 225 ft | N/A5 | N/A5 | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| 25 mph | 325 ft | N/A5 | N/A5 | N/A5 | – | – | – | – | – |
| 30 mph | 450 ft | N/A5 | N/A5 | N/A5 | – | – | – | – | – |
| 35 mph | 550 ft | N/A5 | N/A5 | N/A5 | N/A5 | – | – | – | – |
| 40 mph | 650 ft | 125 ft | N/A5 | N/A5 | N/A5 | – | – | – | – |
| 45 mph | 750 ft | 175 ft | 125 ft | N/A5 | N/A5 | N/A5 | – | – | – |
| 50 mph | 850 ft | 250 ft | 200 ft | 150 ft | 100 ft | N/A5 | – | – | – |
| 55 mph | 950 ft | 325 ft | 275 ft | 225 ft | 175 ft | 100 ft | N/A5 | – | – |
| 60 mph | 1100 ft | 400 ft | 350 ft | 300 ft | 250 ft | 175 ft | N/A5 | – | – |
| 65 mph | 1200 ft | 475 ft | 425 ft | 400 ft | 350 ft | 275 ft | 175 ft | N/A5 | – |
| 70 mph | 1250 ft | 550 ft | 525 ft | 500 ft | 425 ft | 350 ft | 250 ft | 150 ft | – |
| 75 mph | 1350 ft | 650 ft | 625 ft | 600 ft | 525 ft | 450 ft | 350 ft | 250 ft | 100 ft |
| Notes: | 1The distances are adjusted for a sign legibility distance of 50 m (175 ft) for Condition A. The distances for Condition B have been adjusted for a sign legibility distance of 75 m (250 ft), which is appropriate for an alignment warning symbol sign. |
| 2Typical conditions are locations where the road user must use extra time to adjust speed and change lanes in heavy traffic because of a complex driving situation. Typical signs are Merge, Right Lane Ends, etc. The distances are determined by providing the driver a PIEV time of 14.0 to 14.5 seconds for vehicle maneuvers (2001 AASHTO Policy, Exhibit 3-3, Decision Sight Distance, Avoidance Maneuver E) minus the legibility distance of 50 m (175 ft) for the appropriate sign. | |
| 3Typical condition is the warning of a potential stop situation. Typical signs are Stop Ahead, Yield Ahead, Signal Ahead, and Intersection Advance Warning signs. The distances are based on the 2001 AASHTO Policy, Stopping Sight Distance, Exhibit 3-1, providing a PIEV time of 2.5 seconds, a deceleration rate of 3.4 m/second2 (11.2 ft/second2), minus the sign legibility distance of 50 m (175 ft). | |
| 4Typical conditions are locations where the road user must decrease speed to maneuver through the warned condition. Typical signs are Turn, Curve, Reverse Turn, or Reverse Curve. The distance is determined by providing a 2.5 second PIEV time, a vehicle deceleration rate of 3 m/second2 (10 ft/second2), minus the sign legibility distance of 75 m (250 ft). | |
| 5No suggested minimum distances are provided for these speeds, as the placement location is dependent on-site conditions and other signing to provide an adequate advance warning for the driver. |
Replace the entire Section text with the following:
Option:
The CROSS TRAFFIC DOES NOT STOP (W4-4) plaque (see Figure 2C-9) may be used in combination with a STOP sign when engineering judgment indicates that drivers frequently misinterpret the intersection to be a multi-way stop condition.
Standard:
If the W4-4 plaque is used, it shall be installed below the STOP sign.
(6) Section 2C.28 Merge Signs (W4-1, W4-1a)
W4-2 Lane End sign is included in MUTCD Revision 2 Section 2C.30.
(7) Section 2C.34 Intersection Warning Signs (W2-1 through W2-6)
Amend the section to read:
Option:
A Cross Road (W2-1) symbol, Side Road (W2-2 or W2-3) symbol, T-Symbol (W2-4), or Y-Symbol (W2-5) sign (see Figure 2C-9) may be used in advance of an intersection to indicate the presence of an intersection and the possibility of turning or entering traffic. The relative importance of the intersecting roadways may be shown by different widths of lines in the symbol.
The Circular Intersection (W2-6) symbol sign accompanied by an educational word message plaque may be installed in advance of a circular intersection.
An advance street name plaque (see Section 2C.45) may be installed below an Intersection Warning sign.
Guidance:
The Intersection Warning sign should illustrate and depict the general configuration of the intersecting roadway, such as cross road, side road, T-intersection, or Y-intersection. Where the side roads are not opposite of each other, the symbol for the intersection should indicate a slight offset.
Intersection Warning signs, other than the Circular Intersection symbol (W2-6) sign should not be used on approaches controlled by STOP signs, YIELD signs, signals, or where Junction signing (see Sections 2D.13 and 2D.28) or advance route turn assembly signs (see Section 2D.29) are present. The Circular Intersection symbol (W2-6) sign should be installed on the approach to a roundabout intersection controlled by a YIELD sign.
(8) Section 2C.37 Crossing Signs (W11-1, W11-2, W11-3, W11-4, W16-7P)
Rename and replace the entire section with the following:
Section 2C.37 Nonvehicular Signs (W11-1, W11-2, W11-3, W11-4, W11-11, W11-14, W11-14a, W11-15)
Option:
Nonvehicular signs (see Figure 2C-10) may be used to alert road users in advance of locations where unexpected entries into the roadway or shared use of the roadway by pedestrians, bicyclists, golf carts, animals, horse-drawn vehicles, and other crossing activities might occur.
Support:
These conflicts might be relatively confined, or might occur randomly over a segment of roadway.
Option:
When used in advance of a crossing, Nonvehicular warning signs may be supplemented with supplemental plaques (see Section 2C.39) with the legend AHEAD, XX METERS (XX FEET), or NEXT XX KILOMETERS (NEXT XX MILES) to provide advance notice to road users of possible crossing activity.
Standard:
When used at the crossing, Nonvehicular warning signs shall be supplemented with a diagonal downward pointing arrow (W16-7) plaque (see Figure 2C-10) showing the location of the crossing.
Option:
The crossing location may be defined with crosswalk markings (see Section 3B.17). Pedestrian, Bicycle, School Advance Crossing, and School Crossing signs and their related supplemental plaques may have a fluorescent yellow-green background with a black legend and border.
Guidance:
When a fluorescent yellow-green background is used, a systematic approach featuring one background color within a zone or area should be used. Mixing standard yellow and fluorescent yellow-green backgrounds within a selected site area should be avoided.
Nonvehicular signs should be used only at locations where the crossing activity is unexpected or at locations not readily apparent.
(9) Section 2C.46 Dead End/No Outlet Plaques (W14-1P, W14-2P)
Amend the section to read:
Option:
DEAD END (W14-1P) or NO OUTLET (W14-2P) plaques (see Figure 2C-11) may be used in combination with Street Name (D3-1) signs (see Section 2D.38) to warn turning traffic that the cross street ends in the direction indicated by the arrow.
At locations where the cross street does not have a name, DEAD END or NO OUTLET plaques may be used alone in place of a street name sign.
(10) Section 3B.13 B1 Raised Pavement Markers Supplementing Other Markings
Under Guidance, amend the section to read:
B. Longitudinal Spacing
1. When supplementing solid line markings, raised pavement markers at a spacing no greater than N (see Section 3A.06) should be used, except when supplementing left edge line markings a spacing no greater than N/2 should be used. Raised markers should not supplement right edge line markings, unless they are spaced closely enough (no greater than 3 m (10 ft) apart) to approximate the appearance of a solid line.
2. When supplementing broken line markings, a spacing no greater than 3N should be used. However, when supplementing broken line markings identifying reversible lanes, a spacing no greater than N should be used.
3. When supplementing dotted line markings, a spacing appropriate for the application should be used.
4. When supplementing longitudinal line markings through at-grade intersections, one raised pavement marker for each short line segment should be used.
5. When supplementing edge line extensions through freeway interchanges, a spacing of N should be used.
(11) Section 3B.24 Markings for Roundabouts
Replace Figure 3B-27, Typical Markings for Roundabouts with Two Lanes, with the same figure in MUTCD Revision 2 available at http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/pdfs/millennium/pr2/3r2.pdf. Page 69.
(12) Section 3B.25 General
Amend the section to read:
Support:
When used for guidance or regulation of traffic, colored pavements are traffic control devices. Colored pavements also are sometimes used to supplement other traffic control devices. Colored pavement located between crosswalk lines to emphasize the presence of the crosswalk is not considered to be a traffic control device.
Guidance:
Colored pavements used as traffic control devices should be used only where they contrast significantly with adjoining paved areas. Colors that degrade the contrast of white crosswalk lines, or that might be mistaken by road users as a traffic control application, should not be used for colored pavement located between crosswalk lines.
Standard:
Colored pavements shall not be used as a traffic control device, unless the device is applicable at all times. Colored pavements used as traffic control devices shall be limited to the following colors and applications:
A. Yellow shall be used only for flush or raised median islands separating traffic flows in opposite directions.
B. White shall be used for delineation on shoulders, and for flush or raised channelizing islands where traffic passes on both sides in the same direction of travel.
(13) Section 4D.18-2 Design, Illumination, and Color of Signal
Delete the entire last Guidance.
(14) Section 7A.04 Scope
Under the Standard, delete the second paragraph.
(15) Section 7B.01 Size of School Signs
Replace Table 7B-1 size of School Signs with the following figure:
| Conventional Roads | ||||
| Sign Minimum | MUTCD Code | Standard | Special | |
| School Crossing | S1-1 | 750 x 750 mm (30 x 30 in) |
900 x 900 mm (36 x 36 in) |
1200 x 1200 mm (48 x 48 in) |
| School Bus Stop Ahead | S3-1 | 750 x 750 mm (30 x 30 in) |
750 x 750 mm (30 x 30 in) |
900 x 900 mm (36 x 36 in) |
| School Speed Limit Ahead | S4-5, S4-5a |
750 x 750 mm (30 x 30 in) |
900 x 900 mm (36 x 36 in) |
1200 x 1200 mm (48 x 48 in) |
| School Speed Limit XX When Flashing (English) | S5-1 | 600 x 1200 mm (24 x 48 in) |
900 x 1800 mm (36 x 72 in) |
1200 x 2400 mm (48 x 96 in) |
| School Speed Limit XX When Flashing (Metric) | S5-1 | 600 x 1350 mm (24 x 54 in) |
900 x 1950 mm (36 x 78 in) |
1200 x 2550 mm (48 x 102 in) |
| End School Zone | S5-2 | 600 x 750 mm (24 x 30 in) |
900 x 1125 mm (36 x 45 in) |
1200 x 1500 mm (48 x 60 in) |
| Speed Limit (School Use) (English) | R2-1 | 600 x 750 mm (24 x 30 in) |
900 x 1125 mm (36 x 45 in) |
1200 x 1500 mm (48 x 60 in) |
| Speed Limit (School Use) (Metric) | R2-1 | 600 x 900 mm (24 x 36 in) |
900 x 1275 mm (36 x 51 in) |
1200 x 1650 mm (48 x 66 in) |
| Conventional Roads | ||||
| Plaque Minimum | MUTCD Code | Standard | Special | |
| When Children Are Present | S4-2 | 600 x 250 mm (24 x 10 in) |
900 x 375 mm (36 x 15 in) |
1200 x 500 mm (48 x 20 in) |
| School | S4-3 | 600 x 200 mm (24 x 8 in) |
900 x 300 mm (36 x 12 in) |
1200 x 400 mm (48 x 16 in) |
| When Flashing | S4-4 | 600 x 250 mm (24 x 10 in) |
900 x 375 mm (36 x 15 in) |
1200 x 500 mm (48 x 20 in) |
| XXX FT or XXX M | W16-2 | 600 x 300 mm (24 x 12 in) |
750 x 375 mm (30 x 15 in) |
900 x 450 mm (36 x 18 in) |
| XXX FT or XXX M | W16-2a | 600 x 450 mm (24 x 18 in) |
750 x 525 mm (30 x 21 in) |
900 x 600 mm (36 x 24 in) |
| Ahead | W16-9p | 600 x 250 mm (24 x 10 in) |
900 x 375 mm (36 x 15 in) |
1200 x 500 mm (48 x 20 in) |
| Diagonal Arrow | W16-7 | 600 x 300 mm (24 x 12 in) |
750 x 375 mm (30 x 15 in) |
900 x 450 mm (36 x 18 in) |
Under Option D, amend the reference to the School Speed Limit sign (S5-1) to become a reference to the SCHOOL portion of the School Speed Limit sign (S5-1).
(17) Section 9B.04, Bicycle Lane Signs (R3-16, R3-17)
Amend the Standard to read:
The BIKE LANE (R3-17) sign (see Figure 9B-2) shall be used only in conjunction with marked bicycle lanes as described in Chapter 9C, and shall be placed at periodic intervals along the bicycle lanes.
[]
The following sections of the Washington Administrative Code are repealed:
| WAC 468-95-020 | Parking for the disabled in urban areas. |
| WAC 468-95-025 | Signing to regional shopping centers. |
| WAC 468-95-030 | No passing zone markings. |
| WAC 468-95-035 | Pavement edgelines and raised pavement markers supplementing other markings. |
| WAC 468-95-037 | Stop line locations. |
| WAC 468-95-040 | Meaning of signal indications. |
| WAC 468-95-050 | Meaning of lane-use control indications. |
| WAC 468-95-055 | "MUTCD Part VI." |
| WAC 468-95-060 | When children are present. |
| WAC 468-95-070 | Meaning of signal indications. |
| WAC 468-95-080 | Functions. |
| WAC 468-95-090 | County road signing. |
| WAC 468-95-100 | Compliance dates. |