903.18 Signing for School Areas: Difference between revisions

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[[image:903.16 Traffic Control for School Areas.jpg|right|325px]]
[[image:903.16 Traffic Control for School Areas.jpg|right|250px]]


==903.16.1 Need for Standards (MUTCD Section 7A.01)==


'''Support.'''  Regardless of the school location, the best way to achieve reasonably safe and effective traffic control is through the uniform application of realistic policies, practices and standards developed through engineering judgment.


Pedestrian safety depends upon public understanding of accepted methods for efficient traffic control. This principle is especially important in the control of pedestrians, bicycles, and other vehicles in the vicinity of schools. Neither pedestrians on their way to or from school nor road users can be expected to move safely in school areas unless they understand both the need for traffic controls and how these controls function for their benefit.
==903.18.1 Size of School Signs ([https://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/ MUTCD] Section 7B.01)==


Procedures and devices that are not uniform might cause confusion among pedestrians and road users, prompt wrong decisions, and contribute to crashes.  To achieve uniformity of traffic control in school areas, comparable traffic situations need to be treated in a consistent manner. Each traffic control device and control method described in Traffic Controls for School Areas fulfills a specific function related to specific traffic conditions.
'''Standard.''' The sizes of signs and plaques to be used on conventional roadways in school areas shall be as shown in Table 903.19.1.  


A uniform approach to school area traffic controls assures the use of similar controls for similar situations (which promotes uniform behavior on the part of motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists).
'''Option.''' Signs and plaques larger than those shown in Table 903.18.1 may be used at other locations that require increased emphasis, improved recognition, or increased legibility.


A school traffic control plan permits the orderly review of school area traffic control needs and the coordination of school/pedestrian safety education and engineering activities.


'''Guidance.'''  The type(s) of school area traffic control devices used, either warning or regulatory, should be related to the volume and speed of vehicular traffic, street width and the number and age of the students.
===<center>''Table 903.18.1 School Area Sign and Plaque Sizes''===
 
<center>
==903.16.2 School Routes and Established School Crossings (MUTCD Section 7A.02)==
{| border="1" class="wikitable" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto" style="text-align:center"
 
|+
'''Support.'''  Not applicable to MoDOT.
! style="background:#BEBEBE" rowspan="2"|Sign or Plaque!! style="background:#BEBEBE" rowspan="2"|Sign Designation !! style="background:#BEBEBE" rowspan="2"|EPG Article !! style="background:#BEBEBE" colspan="3"|Conventional Road (in. x in.)!! style="background:#BEBEBE"|Freeway/Expressway (in. x in.)
 
|-
==903.16.3 School Crossing Control Criteria (MUTCD Section 7A.03)==
! style="background:#BEBEBE"|Single Lane!! style="background:#BEBEBE"|Multi-Lane!! style="background:#BEBEBE"| Oversized !! style="background:#BEBEBE" WIDTH=130|Mainline and Ramps
{| align="right"
|-
!School
||S1-1||[https://epg.modot.org/index.php?title=903.19_Signing_for_School_Areas#903.18.8_School_Sign_.28S1-1.29_and_Plaques_.28S4-3p.2C_W16-9P_and_W16-7P.29_.28MUTCD_Section_7B.08.29 903.18.8]|| 36 X 36|| 36 X 36|| -|| -
|-
!School (plaque)
||S4-3P||[[#903.18.9 School Zone Sign (S1-1) and Plaques (S4-3P) and END SCHOOL ZONE Sign (S5-2) (MUTCD Section 7B.09)|903.18.9]]|| 36 X 12|| 36 X 12|| -|| -
|-
|-
|[[image:903.16.4.1.jpg|left|thumb|245px|<center>
!School Bus Stop Ahead
{| style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto"
||S3-1||[[#903.18.13 School Bus Stop Ahead Sign (S3-1) (MUTCD Section 7B.13) |903.18.13]]|| 36 X 36|| 36 X 36|| -|| -
|-
|-
|'''Painting Hashes (above)'''
!School Speed Limit XX When Flashing
||S5-1||[[#903.18.14 School Speed Limit Flasher Assembly (S4-3P, R2-1, S4-4P) and END SCHOOL SPEED LIMIT Sign (S5-3) (MUTCD Section 7B.15)|903.18.14]]|| 36 X 72|| 36 X 72|| -|| -
|-
|-
|'''Placing a New Sign (right)'''
!End School Speed Limit
|}
||S5-3||[[#903.18.14 School Speed Limit Flasher Assembly (S4-3P, R2-1, S4-4P) and END SCHOOL SPEED LIMIT Sign (S5-3) (MUTCD Section 7B.15)|903.18.14]]|| 24 X 30|| 24 X 30|| -|| -
</center>]][[image:903.16.4.2.jpg|right|135px]]
|-
|-
|align="center"|'''Finishing Touches for a New School's Turn Lane in Lincoln County'''
!Diagonal Downward Arrow (plaque)
||W16-7P||[[#903.18.12 School Crossing Assembly (MUTCD Section 7B.12)|903.18.12]]|| 30 X 18|| 30 X 18|| -|| -
|-
|-
|colspan="2"|[[image:903.16.4.3.jpg|center|430px|thumb|<center>'''Putting Down a Turn Arrow'''</center>]]
!Ahead
||W16-9P||[[#903.18.11 School Advance Crossing Assembly (MUTCD Section 7B.11)|903.18.11]]|| 30 X 18|| 30 X 18|| -|| -
|}
|}
'''Support.'''  Not applicable to MoDOT.
</center>


==903.16.4 Scope (MUTCD Section 7A.04 through 7A.10)==
==903.18.2 Illumination and Reflectorization ([https://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/ MUTCD] Section 7B.02)==
'''Standard.''' The signs used for school area traffic control shall be retroreflectorized only.


'''Standard.''' This article sets forth basic principles and prescribes standards that shall be followed in the design, application, installation and maintenance of all traffic control devices (including signs, signals and markings) and other controls (including adult crossing guards, student patrols and grade-separated crossings) required for the special pedestrian conditions in school areas.
==903.18.3 Position of Signs ([https://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/ MUTCD] Section 7B.03)==
'''Support.''' [[903.2 Extent of Signing#903.2.18 Standardization of Sign Location (MUTCD Section 2A.16)|EPG 903.2.18]] and [[903.4 Overhead Guide Sign Mounting#903.4.1 Overhead Sign Installations (MUTCD Section 2A.17)|EPG 903.4.1]] contain provisions regarding the placements and locations of signs.


'''Option.'''  In-roadway signs for school traffic control areas may be used consistent with the requirements of [[903.5 Regulatory Signs#903.5.7 IN-STREET PEDESTRIAN CROSSING Sign (R1-6, R1-6a) (MUTCD Section 2B.12)|EPG 903.5.7]], EPG 903.16.5.8 and EPG 903.16.5.9.
[[903.3 Post-Mounted Signing#903.3.2 Lateral Offset (MUTCD Section 2A.19)|EPG 903.3.2]] contains provisions regarding the lateral offsets of signs.


'''Support.''' Requirements discussed in [[903.1 Extent of Signing|903.1]] and [[903.5 Regulatory Signs#903.5.4 STOP Sign (R1-1) (MUTCD Section 2B.04)|EPG 903.5.4.1, Stop Sign Applications]] are applicable in school areas.
'''Option.''' In-roadway signs for school traffic control areas may be used consistent with the requirements of [[#903.18.8 School Sign (S1-1) and Plaques (S4-3p, W16-9P and W16-7P) (MUTCD Section 7B.08)|EPG 903.18.8]] and [[#903.18.12 School Crossing Assembly (MUTCD Section 7B.12)|EPG 903.18.12]].


Refer to [[903.19 Highway Signing General Information#903.19.2 Purpose of Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD Section 1A.01)|EPG 903.19.2]], [[903.19 Highway Signing General Information#903.19.3 Principles of Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD Section 1A.02)|EPG 903.19.3]], [[903.19 Highway Signing General Information#903.19.6 Maintenance of Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD Section 1A.05)|EPG 903.19.6]], [[903.19 Highway Signing General Information#903.19.8 Authority for Placement of Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD Section 1A.08)|EPG 903.19.8]] and [[903.19 Highway Signing General Information#903.19.9 Engineering Study and Engineering Judgment (MUTCD Section 1A.09)|EPG 903.19.9]] for additional information about the purpose of traffic control devices, principles of traffic control devices, maintenance of traffic control devices, authority for placement of traffic control devices and engineering study and engineering judgment, respectively.
==903.18.4 Height of Signs ([https://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/ MUTCD] Section 7B.04)==
'''Support.''' [[903.3 Post-Mounted Signing#903.3.3 Mounting Height (MUTCD Section 2A.18)|EPG 903.3.3]] contains provisions regarding the mounting height of signs.  


==903.16.5 School Signs (MUTCD Section 7B)==
==903.18.5 Installation of Signs ([https://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/ MUTCD] Section 7B.05)==
'''Support.''' [[903.2 Extent of Signing#903.2.18 Standardization of Sign Location (MUTCD Section 2A.16)|EPG 903.2.18]] contains provisions regarding the installation of signs.


'''903.16.5.1 Size of School Signs.''' '''(MUTCD Section 7B.01)'''
===903.18.5.1 School Assembly Installation Contracts===


'''Standard.''' The sizes of signs and plaques to be used on conventional roadways in school areas shall be as shown in Table 903.16.5.4.
'''Standard.''' Before a School Crossing and/or Advanced School Crossing sign(s) are installed a [[153.20 Traffic|TR11 School Crossing contract]] shall be executed. All requests shall be reviewed in the district. A competent adult crossing guard acting for the school district shall supervise the operation of the crosswalk and the crossing of the students during hours of operation.


The Conventional Road sign size shall be used on public roads, streets, and highways unless engineering judgment determines that a Minimum or Oversized sign size would be more appropriate.
Before a School Flasher is installed above a School Warning sign or School Zone sign, a [[153.20 Traffic|TR08 Roadside Flashers for School Operations contract]] shall be executed.


The Oversized sign size shall be used on expressways.
Before a School Speed Limit is installed, a TR08 Roadside Flashers for School Operations contract shall be executed. All School Speed Limit assemblies shall use a flasher to indicate when the school speed limit is active.


'''Option.'''  The Oversized sign size may be used for applications that require increased emphasis, improved recognition, or increased legibility. The minimum sign size may be used on local residential streets, in urban areas, and where there are low traffic volumes and low vehicle speeds, as determined by engineering judgment.
==903.18.6 Lettering ([https://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/ MUTCD] Section 7B.06) ==


'''903.16.5.2 Illumination and Reflectorization.''' '''(MUTCD Section 7B.02)'''
'''Support.''' [[:Category:900 TRAFFIC CONTROL#900.1.11 Relation to Other Publications (MUTCD Section 1A.11)|EPG 900.1.11 Relation to Other Publications]] contains information regarding sign lettering.


'''Standard.''' The signs used for school area traffic control shall be retroreflectorized.
==903.18.7 Sign Color for School Warning Signs ([https://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/ MUTCD] Section 7B.07)==
'''Standard.''' School warning signs, including the “SCHOOL” portion of the School Speed Limit (S5-1) sign and including any supplemental plaques used in association with these warning signs, shall have a fluorescent yellow-green background with a black legend and border unless otherwise specified.  


'''903.16.5.3  Position of Signs.''' '''(MUTCD Section 7B.03)'''
==903.18.8 School Sign (S1-1) and Plaques (S4-3p, W16-9P and W16-7P) ([https://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/ MUTCD] Section 7B.08) ==
 
{| style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto"
'''Guidance.'''  Signs should be placed in positions where they will convey their messages most effectively without restricting lateral clearance or sight distances.  Placement therefore should consider highway design, alignment, vehicle speed and roadside development.
 
Signs should have a maximum practical clearance from the edge of the travelway for the safety of vehicles that might leave the roadway and strike the sign supports.  Except as noted in paragraph below, signs are not to be closer than 6 ft. from the edge of a paved shoulder, or if none, 12 ft. from the edge of the travelway.
 
'''Option.'''  In urban areas, a lesser clearance of not less than 2 ft. from the face of the curb may be used.  In urban areas, where sidewalk width is limited or existing poles are close to the curb, a clearance of 1 ft. from the curb face may be used.
 
'''903.16.5.4 Height of Signs.''' '''(MUTCD Section 7B.04)'''
 
'''Support.'''  [[903.3 Overhead Guide Sign Mounting#903.3.3 Vertical Clearances (MUTCD Section 2A.18)|EPG 903.3.3]] contains information regarding the mounting height of signs. 
 
====<center>''Table 903.16.5.4 School Sign Sizes''</center>====
{| border="1" class="wikitable" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto"
|+
! style="background:#BEBEBE"|Sign !! style="background:#BEBEBE"|Sign Number !! style="background:#BEBEBE"|Article !! style="background:#BEBEBE"|Conventional !! style="background:#BEBEBE"|Expressway (At Grade) !! style="background:#BEBEBE"|Freeway (Grade Separated) !! style="background:#BEBEBE"|Other
|-
|-
|SCHOOL ADVANCE ||S1-1||903.16.5.8|| 36 x 36|| -|| -|| -
|[[image:S1-1.jpg|center|120px|thumb|<Center>'''S1-1'''</center>]]||[[image:S4-3P.jpg|center|120px|thumb|<Center>'''S4-3P'''</center>]]||[[image:W16-9P.jpg|center|120px|thumb|<Center>'''W16-9P'''</center>]]||[[image:W16-7P.jpg|center|120px|thumb|<Center>'''W16-7P'''</center>]]||[[image:w16-6P.jpg|center|120px|thumb|<Center>'''W16-6P'''</center>]]
|}
{| align="right"
|-
|-
|SCHOOL ADVANCE (FLUORESCENT YELLOW GREEN)||S1-1(fyg)||903.16.5.8||36 x 36|| -||-|| -
|[[image:903.16.4.1.jpg|left|thumb|245px|<center>
{| style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto"
|-
|-
|AHEAD||W16-9P ||903.16.5.8|| 36 x 12||- ||- ||-
|'''Painting Hashes (above)'''
|-
|-
|AHEAD (FLUORESCENT YELLOW GREEN)||W16-9P(fyg)||903.16.5.8||36 x 12||-||-||-
|'''Placing a New Sign (right)'''
|}
</center>]][[image:903.16.4.2.jpg|right|135px]]
|-
|-
|DIAGONAL ARROW PLAQUE||W16-7P||903.16.5.9||30 x 18||-||-||-
|align="center"|'''Finishing Touches for a New School's Turn Lane in Lincoln County'''
|-
|-
|DIAGONAL ARROW PLAQUE (FLUORESCENT YELLOW GREEN)||W16-7P(fyg)|| 903.16.5.09|| 30 x 18 ||- ||-|| -
|colspan="2"|[[image:903.16.4.3.jpg|center|430px|thumb|<center>'''Putting Down a Turn Arrow'''</center>]]
|-
|SCHOOL BUS STOP AHEAD|| S3-1|| 903.16.5.10||36 x 36||-||-|| -
|-
|SCHOOL||S4-3 ||903.16.5.11|| 30 x 12||-||-|| -
|-
|SCHOOL (FLUORESCENT YELLOW GREEN)||S4-3||903.16.5.11|| 30 x 12||-||-|| -
|-
|WHEN FLASHING||S4-4||903.16.5.11||30 x 12||-|| -|| -
|}
|}




'''903.16.5.5 Installation of Signs.''' '''(MUTCD Section 7B.05)'''


'''Support.'''  [[903.1 Extent of Signing#903.1.19 Dimensions (MUTCD Section 2A.12)|EPG 903.1.19]] contains information regarding the installation of signs.
'''Support.''' Many local jurisdictions find it beneficial to advise road users that they are approaching a school that is adjacent to a highway, where additional care is needed, even though no school crossing is involved and the speed limit remains unchanged. Additionally, some jurisdictions designate school zones that have a unique legal standing where special enforcement techniques such as photo radar systems are used (refer to [[:Category:950 Automated Traffic Enforcement|EPG 950 Automated Traffic Enforcement]]).  It is important and sometimes legally necessary to mark the beginning and end points of these designated school zones so that the road user is given proper notice.


'''903.16.5.6 Lettering.''' '''(MUTCD Section 7B.06)'''
The School (S1-1) sign has the following four applications:


'''Support.'''  The  Federal Highway Administration’s ''Standard  Highway Signs'' (see [[903.19 Highway Signing General Information#903.19.11 Relation to Other Publications (MUTCD Section 1A.11)|EPG 903.19.11]]) contains information regarding sign lettering.
A. School Area – the S1-1 sign can be used to warn road users that they are approaching a school area that might include school buildings or grounds, a school crossing, or school related activity adjacent to the highway.


'''903.16.5.7 Sign Color for School Warning Signs.''' '''(MUTCD Section 7B.07)'''
B. School Zone – the S1-1 sign can be used to identify the location of the beginning of a designated school zone.


'''Standard.'''  Except as noted in the two paragraphs below, school warning signs shall have a fluorescent yellow background with a black legend and border unless otherwise stated in this article for a specific sign.
C. School Advance Crossing – if combined with an AHEAD (W16-9P) plaque to comprise the School Advance Crossing assembly, the S1-1 sign can be used to warn road users that they are approaching a crossing where schoolchildren cross the roadway.


'''Option.'''  MoDOT will allow the fluorescent yellow-green background on the School Advance Warning assembly and the School Crossing Warning assembly when there has been a request from the community for this sign color.  This request may be considered in order to provide consistency within a community.  MoDOT signs may be changed while the community is replacing all existing School Advance Warning and School Crossing Warning assemblies on their systems. Where the only assemblies in the community are on the state system, our existing signs may be replaced at the discretion of the district after a request has been received.
D. School Crossing – if combined with a diagonal downward pointing arrow (W16-7P) plaque to comprise the School Crossing assembly, the S1-1 sign can be used to warn approaching road users of the location of a crossing where schoolchildren cross the roadway.[[image:s1-1 assembly.jpg|left|120px|thumb|'''<center>S1-1<br/> S4-3P<br/> W16-6P'''</center>]]


The following school warning signs may have a fluorescent yellow-green background with a black legend and border:
'''Option.''' If added emphasis is determined to be required for a School Area assembly, an amber flasher may be used to supplement the assembly.  See [[#903.18.5.1 School Assembly Installation Contracts|EPG 903.18.5.1 School Assembly Installation Contracts]] for contract requirements.


A. School Advance Warning sign (S1-1);
If a school area, school zone, or school crosswalk is located on a cross street in close proximity to the intersection, a School (S1-1) sign with a supplemental arrow (W16-6P) plaque may be installed on each approach of the street or highway to warn road users making a turn onto the cross street that they will encounter a school area soon after making the turn.


B. AHEAD plaque (W16-9p);


C. Diagonal Arrow plaque (W16-7p); and


D. School (S4-3);


'''Guidance.'''  When the fluorescent yellow-green background color is used, a systematic approach featuring one background color within a zone or area should be used.  The mixing of standard fluorescent yellow and fluorescent yellow-green backgrounds within a zone or area should be avoided.


'''Support.'''  As a community partner, MoDOT will pay for the cost of the signs on the state system.


'''903.16.5.8 School Advance Warning Assembly (S1-1, S1-1fyg, with Supplemental Plaque).''' '''(MUTCD Section 7B.08)'''
==903.18.9 School Zone Sign (S1-1) and Plaques (S4-3P) and END SCHOOL ZONE Sign (S5-2) ([https://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/ MUTCD] Section 7B.09)==
{| style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto"
|-
|width=10| ||[[image:S1-1 S4-3P.jpg|left|120px|thumb|<Center>'''S1-1 <br/> S4-3P'''</center>]]||[[image:S5-2.jpg|left|100px|thumb|<Center>'''S5-2'''</center>]]
 
|}
 
'''Standard.''' If a school zone has been designated under Missouri or local statute, a School (S1-1) sign shall be installed to identify the beginning point(s) of the designated school zone, See Fig. 903.18.9.


'''Standard.''' The School Advance Warning assembly should be installed in advance of locations where school buildings or grounds are adjacent to the highway, except where a physical barrier such as fencing separates school children from the highway.
[[image:903.19.9.jpg|center|350px|thumb|<center>'''Fig. 903.18.9, Example of Signing for a School Zone'''</center>]]


The School Advance Warning assembly shall be used in advance of any installation of the School Crosswalk Warning assembly (see Figure 903.16.5.9.1), or in advance of the first installation of the School Speed Limit assembly (see Figure 7B-3).
'''Option.''' A School Zone (S1-1) sign may be supplemented with a SCHOOL (S4-3P) plaque.


If used, the School Advance Warning assembly shall be installed not less than 150 ft. nor more than 700 ft. in advance of the school grounds or school crossings.
If added emphasis is determined to be required for a School Zone assembly, an amber flasher may be used to supplement the assembly.  See [[#903.18.5.1 School Assembly Installation Contracts|EPG 903.18.5.1 School Assembly Installation Contracts]] for contract requirements.


If used, the School Advance Warning assembly shall consist of a School Advance Warning (S1-1, S1-1fyg) sign supplemented with a plaque with the legend AHEAD (W16-9p, W16-9pfyg) to provide advance notice to road users of crossing activity.
The downstream end of a designated school zone may be identified with an END SCHOOL ZONE (S5-2) sign.


'''903.16.5.9 School Crosswalk Warning Assembly (S1-1, S1-1fyg, with Diagonal Arrow)''' '''(MUTCD Section 7B.09)'''
==903.18.10 Higher Fines Zone Signs (R2-10, R2-11) and Plaques ([https://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/ MUTCD] Section 7B.10)==


'''Standard.''' If used, the [http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/HTM/2003/part7/fig7b-02_longdesc.htm School Crosswalk Warning assembly] shall be installed at the marked crosswalk, or as close to it as possible, and shall consist of a School Advance Warning (S1-1, S1-1fyg) sign supplemented with a diagonal downward pointing arrow (W16-7p, W16-7pfyg) plaque to show the location of the crossing.
'''Standard.''' Not used by MoDOT. Fines in school zones cannot be raised above statutory limits by MoDOT or local jurisdictions so these signs and plaques cannot be used in this state.


The School Crosswalk Warning assembly shall not be used at marked crosswalks other than those adjacent to schools and those on established school pedestrian routes.
==903.18.11 School Advance Crossing Assembly ([https://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/ MUTCD] Section 7B.11)==
{|style="padding: 0.3em; margin-left:1px; border:2px solid #a9a9a9; text-align:center; font-size: 95%; background:#f5f5f5" width="180px" align="right"
|-
|'''School Crosswalk Warning Assembly Figures'''
|-
|[http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/HTM/2003/part7/fig7b-02_longdesc.htm Example of Signing for School Crosswalk Warning Assembly]
|-
|[http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/HTM/2003/part7/fig7b-03_longdesc.htm Example of Signing for School Area Traffic Control with School Speed Limits]
|}


The School Crosswalk Warning assembly shall not be installed on approaches controlled by a STOP sign.
[[image:S1-1 W16-9P.jpg|center|120px|thumb|<center>'''S1-1 <br/> W16-9P'''</center>]]


A school-crossing contract shall be required prior to the installation of these signs.  All requests shall be reviewed in the district.
'''Standard.''' The School Advance Crossing assembly shall consist of a School (S1-1) sign supplemented with an AHEAD (W16-9P) plaque.


A competent adult crossing guard acting for the School District shall supervise the operation of the crosswalk and the crossing of the students during hours of operation.
Except as provided in the option below, a School Advance Crossing assembly shall be used in advance (see [[903.6 Warning Signs#Table 903.6.6 Guidelines for Advance Placement of Warning Sign|Table 903.6.6]] for advance placement guidelines) of the first School Crossing assembly that is encountered in each direction as traffic approaches a school crosswalk, see Fig. 903.18.11.


'''Guidance.'''  The School Crosswalk Warning assembly should be installed at marked crosswalk(s) used by students going to and from school with the exceptions of [http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/HTM/2003/part7/fig7b-03_longdesc.htm crossings controlled by permanent signal installations].  At permanent signal installation locations, the School Crossing Warning assembly should be omitted.
A School Crossing contract shall be required prior to the installation of these signs. See [[#903.18.5.1 School Assembly Installation Contracts|EPG 903.18.5.1 School Assembly Installation Contracts]] for contract requirements.  
'''Support.'''  The school-crossing contract can be found on the Chief Counsel’s Office Intranet site.  The district engineer is authorized to sign all contracts for signs at school crossings.  
<div id="903.16.5.10 SCHOOL BUS STOP AHEAD Sign (S3-1)."></div>
'''903.16.5.10 SCHOOL BUS STOP AHEAD Sign (S3-1).''' '''(MUTCD Section 7B.10)'''


'''Guidance.'''  The SCHOOL BUS STOP AHEAD (S3-1) sign should be installed in advance of locations where a school bus, when stopped to pick up or discharge passengers, is not visible to travelers for a the minimum distance shown in Table 903.16.5.10 in advance and where there is no opportunity to relocate the bus stop to provide the minimum feet of visibility.
[[image:903.19.11.jpg|center|520px|thumb|<center>'''Fig. 903.18.11, Example of Signing for a School Crossing Outside of a School Zone'''</center>]]


'''Support.''' [http://www.moga.mo.gov/statutes/C300-399/3040000050.HTM Section 304.050, RSMo], paragraph 4, defines, by state statute the minimum allowable sight distance a school bus stop must have.  The statute says “…nor shall any passengers be taken on or discharged while the vehicle is upon the road or highway proper unless the vehicle so stopped is plainly visible for at least five hundred feet in each direction to drivers of other vehicles in the case of a highway with no shoulder and a speed limit greater than 60 miles per hour and at least three hundred feet in each direction to drivers of other vehicles upon other highways”.  While shoulder is not defined in state statutes, for this purpose it will mean a shoulder of sufficient width and strength for a school bus to be able to safely and completely leave the traveled portion of the roadway.  At those locations not meeting the requirements above, a school bus stop is not allowed.
'''Option.''' The School Advance Crossing assembly may be omitted (see [[#Fig. 903.18.14.1|Fig. 903.18.14.1]]) where a School Zone (S1-1) sign is installed to identify the beginning of a school zone in advance of the School Crossing assembly if the distance is reasonably close or determined by engineering judgment.


It is not intended that these signs be used everywhere a school bus stops to pick up or discharge passengers, but for use where terrain and roadway features limit the approach sight distance and where there is no opportunity to relocate the stop to another location with adequate sight distance.
==903.18.12 School Crossing Assembly ([https://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/ MUTCD] Section 7B.12)==
[[image:S1-1 W16-7P.jpg|center|120px|thumb|<center>'''S1-1 <br/> W16-7P'''</center>]]


'''Standard.''' The requirements to use the SCHOOL BUS STOP AHEAD signs are:
'''Standard.''' If used, the School Crossing assembly shall be installed at the school crossing, or as close to it as possible, and shall consist of a School (S1-1) sign supplemented with a diagonal downward pointing arrow (W16-7P) plaque to show the location of the crossing.  
A.  For this policy, the school bus stop shall be defined as the location where passengers wait to be picked up or are discharged.


B.  The sight distance shall be determined using a 3.5 ft. eye height and a 8 ft. object height.
The School Crossing assembly shall not be used at crossings other than those adjacent to schools and those on established school pedestrian routes.  


C.  Each approach to the school bus stop shall be considered independently of each other, i.e. it may not be necessary to sign both approaches to the school bus stop.
The School Crossing assembly shall not be installed on approaches controlled by a STOP or YIELD sign.  


The location of school bus stops may change from year to year.  It is therefore, imperative the district keep track of all School Bus Stop Ahead signs. The school districts shall provide confirmation to the district office when the school bus stops are active. This shall be done prior to the fall session. Also, whenever the school districts are aware of a school bus stop location change, they shall advise the district office as soon as possible.
A School Crossing contract shall be required prior to the installation of these signs. See [[#903.18.5.1 School Assembly Installation Contracts|EPG 903.18.5.1 School Assembly Installation Contracts]] for contract requirements.  


'''Option.''' If a location has more than the minimum sight distance required by statute, as described above, but less than the values in Table 903.16.5.10, placement of the SCHOOL BUS STOP AHEAD sign may be allowed.
==903.18.13 School Bus Stop Ahead Sign (S3-1) ([https://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/ MUTCD] Section 7B.13) ==
{| style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto"
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|[[image:S3-1.jpg|center|120px]]||[[image:903.19.13 bus.jpg|center|120px]]
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|colspan="2" align="center"|'''S3-1'''
|}
'''Guidance.''' The School Bus Stop Ahead (S3-1) sign should be installed in advance of locations where a school bus stops to pick up or discharge passengers and the sight distance of the bus available to other drivers is greater than the minimum sight distance and less than the maximum sight distance shown in Table 903.18.13. All attempts should be made to relocate the school bus stop to improve available sight distance and eliminate the need for the School Bus Stop Ahead (S3-1) sign.  


====<center>''Table 903.16.5.10 Sight Distance Requirements (for use of S3-1 sign)''</center>====
===<center>''Table 903.18.13 Sight Distance Requirements for use of the S3-1 sign''</center>===
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| align="center"|55|| align="center"| 300|| align="center"| 560
| align="center"|55|| align="center"| 300|| align="center"| 560
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| align="center"|60|| align="center"| 500|| align="center"| 625
| align="center"|60|| align="center"| 300|| align="center"| 625
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| align="center"|65|| align="center"| 500|| align="center"| 700
| align="center"|65|| align="center"| 500|| align="center"| 700
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'''903.16.5.11 School Speed Limit Flasher Assembly (S4-1, S4-3, S4-4)''' '''(MUTCD Section 7B.11)'''  
'''Support.''' [https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=304.050 Section 304.050, RSMo], paragraph 4, defines, by state statute the minimum allowable sight distance a school bus stop must have. The statute states “…nor shall any passengers be taken on or discharged while the vehicle is upon the road or highway proper unless the vehicle so stopped is plainly visible for at least five hundred feet in each direction to drivers of other vehicles in the case of a highway with no shoulder and a speed limit greater than 60 miles per hour and at least three hundred feet in each direction to drivers of other vehicles upon other highways”. While shoulder is not defined in state statutes, for this purpose it will mean a shoulder of sufficient width and strength for a school bus to be able to safely and completely leave the traveled portion of the roadway. At those locations not meeting the requirements above, a school bus stop is not allowed.
 
It is not intended that these signs be used everywhere a school bus stops to pick up or discharge passengers, but for use where terrain and roadway features limit the approach sight distance and where there is no opportunity to relocate the stop to another location with adequate sight distance.
 
'''Standard.''' The requirements to use the School Bus Stop Ahead signs are:
 
A. For this policy, the school bus stop shall be defined as the location where passengers wait to be picked up or are discharged.
 
B. The sight distance shall be determined using a 3.5 ft. eye height and an 8 ft. object height.
 
C. Each approach to the school bus stop shall be considered independently of each other, i.e. it may not be necessary to sign both approaches to the school bus stop.
 
D.  Placement will be as per [[903.6 Warning Signs#Table 903.6.6 Guidelines for Advance Placement of Warning Sign|Table 903.6.6 Guidelines for Advance Placement of Warning Signs]].
 
The location of school bus stops may change from year to year. It is therefore, imperative the district keep track of all School Bus Stop Ahead signs. The school districts shall provide confirmation to the district office when the school bus stops are active. This shall be done prior to the fall session. Also, whenever the school districts are aware of a school bus stop location change, they shall advise the district office as soon as possible.
 
'''Option.''' If a location has more than the minimum sight distance required by statute, as described above, but less than the values in Table 903.19.13, placement of the SCHOOL BUS STOP AHEAD sign may be allowed.
 
==903.18.14 School Speed Limit Flasher Assembly (S5-1) and END SCHOOL SPEED LIMIT Sign (S5-3) ([https://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/ MUTCD] Section 7B.15)==
 
{| style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto"
|-
|[[image:S5-1.jpg|center|120px|thumb|<center>'''S5-1'''</center>]]||[[image:S5-3.jpg|center|120px|thumb|<center>'''S5-3'''</center>]]
|}
 
'''Standard.''' A School Speed Limit Flasher assembly shall be used to indicate the speed limit where a reduced speed zone for a school area has been established (based upon an engineering study) or where a speed limit is specified for such areas by statute. The School Speed Limit Flasher assembly shall be placed at or as near as practical to the point where the reduced speed zone begins.
 
If a reduced school speed limit zone has been established, a School (S1-1) sign shall be installed in advance (see [[903.6 Warning Signs#Table 903.6.6 Guidelines for Advance Placement of Warning Sign|Table 903.6.6]] for advance placement guidelines) of the first School Speed Limit Flasher sign assembly that is encountered in each direction as traffic approaches the reduced school speed limit zone. See Fig. 903.18.14.1.
 
The downstream end of an authorized and posted reduced school speed limit zone shall be identified with an END SCHOOL SPEED LIMIT (S5-3) sign. See Fig. 903.18.14.2.
 
Before a School Speed Limit is installed a TR08 Roadside Flashers for School Operations contract shall be executed. See [[#903.18.5.1 School Assembly Installation Contracts|EPG 903.18.5.1 School Assembly Installation Contracts]] for contract requirements.
<div id="Fig. 903.18.14.1"></div>
{| style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto"
|-
|[[image:903.18.14.1 2021.jpg|center|520px]]|| || [[image:903.18.14.2 2021.jpg|center|520px]]
|-
|width="525"|<center>'''Fig. 903.18.14.1, Example of Signing for a School Zone with a School Speed Limit and a School Crossing '''</center>||width="25"| ||width="525"|<center>'''Fig. 903.18.14.2, Example of Signing for a School Speed Limit '''</center>
|}
 
'''Guidance.''' The reduced speed zone should begin either at a point 200 ft. from the crosswalk, or at a point 100 ft. from the school property line, based on whichever is encountered first as traffic approaches the school.


'''Standard.'''  A School Speed Limit Flasher assembly (see Figure 903.16.5.9.2) shall be used to indicate the speed limit where a reduced speed zone for a school area has been established (in accordance with law based upon an engineering study) or where a speed limit is specified for such areas by statute.  The School Speed Limit Flasher assembly shall be placed at or as near as practical to the point where the reduced speed zone begins.
If a school speed limit flasher is installed, no other school flasher should be permitted.  


'''Guidance.''' The reduced speed zone should begin either at a point 200 ft. from the crosswalk, or at a point 100 ft. from the school property line, based on whichever is encountered first as traffic approaches the school.
'''Standard.''' The fixed-message School Speed Limit assembly shall consist of a SCHOOL SPEED LIMIT XX WHEN FLASHING sing (S5-1).  


If a school speed limit flasher is installed, no other school flasher should be permitted.
School speed limits are in effect only when the flasher is operational.


'''Standard.'''  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 (S4-4) with the legend WHEN FLASHING.
===903.18.14.1 School Speed Limits===


School speed limits are in effect only when the flasher is operational.   
'''Standard.''' Upon receipt of a school speed limit request, the district shall perform a site investigation. A speed study and a crash study may be performed based on engineering judgement.  The school speed limit shall be 10 mph below the posted speed limit. In no case shall a school speed limit of less than 25 mph be allowed.


'''903.16.5.12 Reduced speed School Zone Ahead Sign (S4-5, S4-5a).''' '''(MUTCD Section 7B.012)'''
If in the course of the speed study it is determined that the posted speed for the corridor is not proper, the posted speed shall be reevaluated and changed as necessary following [[949.2 Speed Limit Guidelines|EPG 949.2 Speed Limit Guidelines]].


'''Support.''' Not used in Missouri.
==903.18.15 Parking and Stopping Signs (R7 and R8 Series) ([https://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/ MUTCD] Section 7B.17)==
'''Option.''' Parking and stopping regulatory signs may be used to prevent parked or waiting vehicles from blocking pedestrians’ views, and drivers’ views of pedestrians and to control vehicles as a part of the school traffic plan.  


'''903.16.5.13 End School Zone Speed Limit Sign (S5-2).''' '''(MUTCD Section 7B.13)'''
'''Support.''' Parking signs and other signs governing the stopping and standing of vehicles in a school area cover a wide variety of regulations.


'''Standard.'''  The end of an authorized and posted school speed zone shall be marked with a standard Speed Limit sign showing the speed limit for the section of highway that follows.
[[903.5 Regulatory Signs#903.5.26 Parking, Standing and Stopping Signs (R7 and R8 Series) (MUTCD Section 2B.46)|EPG 903.5.26]] contains information regarding the signing of parking regulations in school zone areas.


'''903.16.5.14 Parking and Stopping Signs (R7 and R8 Series).''' '''(MUTCD Section 7B.14)'''
==903.18.16 STOP FOR SCHOOL BUS LOADING OR UNLOADING CHILDREN STATE LAW (Special R0-1), ALL LANES (Special W0-1) Signing==
[[image:903.18.16 assembly.jpg|center|150px|thumb|<center>'''Special R0-1<br/>Special W0-1'''</center>]]
'''Support.''' The Stop for School Bus sign was originally used as a place holder on posts for School Bus Stop Ahead signs when they were removed for the summer.  Many of these original 24 inch x 24 inch signs remained in place and are on the Do Not Replace List. 


'''Option.'''  Parking and stopping regulatory signs may be used to prevent parked or waiting vehicles from blocking pedestrians’ views, and drivers’ views of pedestrians and to control vehicles as a part of the school traffic plan.
With the advent of the Alternating Passing lanes, which are not addressed in state law for yielding to school buses, the Stop for School Bus sign was resurrected, but in a larger version for legibility.


'''Support.'''  [[903.5 Regulatory Signs#903.5.35 Parking, Standing and Stopping Signs (R7 and R8 Series) (MUTCD Section 2B.39)|EPG 903.5.35]] and [[903.5 Regulatory Signs#903.5.36 COMMUTER PAKING LOT RESTRICTION Sign (R7-104) (MUTCD Section 2B.41a)|EPG 903.5.36]] contain information regarding the signing of parking regulations in school zone areas.
'''Standard.'''  If used, the Stop for School Bus Loading or Unloading Children State Law (Special R0-1), with the ALL LANES warning plaque (Special W0-1) installed at the bottom of the assembly, shall only be used on Alternating passing lanes to notify drivers that they must stop for school buses that are stopped in the opposing direction. If used, one sign assembly should be installed in advance of the first school bus stop in each direction.  
The Stop for School Bus Loading or Unloading Children State Law (Special R0-1) shall only be used on routes which have active school bus stops, when the school bus stops are no longer active, the Stop for School Bus Loading or Unloading Children State Law (Special R0-1) shall be removed.


==903.16.6 School Speed Limits==
'''Option.'''  When engineering judgement determine the need, the Stop for School Bus Loading or Unloading Children State Law (Special R0-1) and the ALL LANES warning plaque (Special W0-1) may be installed on 3-lane and 5-lane roadways.


Upon receipt of a school speed limit request, the district shall perform a speed study and site investigation.  The school speed limit shall be 10 mph below either the posted speed limit or the 85<sup>th</sup> percentile speed, whichever is higher, as determined by the speed study.  In no case will a school speed limit of less than 25 mph be allowed.  Also see [[902.4 Installation of Equipment by Others|EPG 902.4 Installation of Equipment by Others]].   


[[image:903.16.6.jpg|center|750px]]
[[image:903.16.6.jpg|center|750px]]


[[Category:903 Highway Signing]]
[[Category:903 Highway Signing]]

Latest revision as of 14:14, 26 October 2021


903.18.1 Size of School Signs (MUTCD Section 7B.01)

Standard. The sizes of signs and plaques to be used on conventional roadways in school areas shall be as shown in Table 903.19.1.

Option. Signs and plaques larger than those shown in Table 903.18.1 may be used at other locations that require increased emphasis, improved recognition, or increased legibility.


Table 903.18.1 School Area Sign and Plaque Sizes

Sign or Plaque Sign Designation EPG Article Conventional Road (in. x in.) Freeway/Expressway (in. x in.)
Single Lane Multi-Lane Oversized Mainline and Ramps
School S1-1 903.18.8 36 X 36 36 X 36 - -
School (plaque) S4-3P 903.18.9 36 X 12 36 X 12 - -
School Bus Stop Ahead S3-1 903.18.13 36 X 36 36 X 36 - -
School Speed Limit XX When Flashing S5-1 903.18.14 36 X 72 36 X 72 - -
End School Speed Limit S5-3 903.18.14 24 X 30 24 X 30 - -
Diagonal Downward Arrow (plaque) W16-7P 903.18.12 30 X 18 30 X 18 - -
Ahead W16-9P 903.18.11 30 X 18 30 X 18 - -

903.18.2 Illumination and Reflectorization (MUTCD Section 7B.02)

Standard. The signs used for school area traffic control shall be retroreflectorized only.

903.18.3 Position of Signs (MUTCD Section 7B.03)

Support. EPG 903.2.18 and EPG 903.4.1 contain provisions regarding the placements and locations of signs.

EPG 903.3.2 contains provisions regarding the lateral offsets of signs.

Option. In-roadway signs for school traffic control areas may be used consistent with the requirements of EPG 903.18.8 and EPG 903.18.12.

903.18.4 Height of Signs (MUTCD Section 7B.04)

Support. EPG 903.3.3 contains provisions regarding the mounting height of signs.

903.18.5 Installation of Signs (MUTCD Section 7B.05)

Support. EPG 903.2.18 contains provisions regarding the installation of signs.

903.18.5.1 School Assembly Installation Contracts

Standard. Before a School Crossing and/or Advanced School Crossing sign(s) are installed a TR11 School Crossing contract shall be executed. All requests shall be reviewed in the district. A competent adult crossing guard acting for the school district shall supervise the operation of the crosswalk and the crossing of the students during hours of operation.

Before a School Flasher is installed above a School Warning sign or School Zone sign, a TR08 Roadside Flashers for School Operations contract shall be executed.

Before a School Speed Limit is installed, a TR08 Roadside Flashers for School Operations contract shall be executed. All School Speed Limit assemblies shall use a flasher to indicate when the school speed limit is active.

903.18.6 Lettering (MUTCD Section 7B.06)

Support. EPG 900.1.11 Relation to Other Publications contains information regarding sign lettering.

903.18.7 Sign Color for School Warning Signs (MUTCD Section 7B.07)

Standard. School warning signs, including the “SCHOOL” portion of the School Speed Limit (S5-1) sign and including any supplemental plaques used in association with these warning signs, shall have a fluorescent yellow-green background with a black legend and border unless otherwise specified.

903.18.8 School Sign (S1-1) and Plaques (S4-3p, W16-9P and W16-7P) (MUTCD Section 7B.08)

S1-1
S4-3P
W16-9P
W16-7P
W16-6P
Painting Hashes (above)
Placing a New Sign (right)
Finishing Touches for a New School's Turn Lane in Lincoln County
Putting Down a Turn Arrow


Support. Many local jurisdictions find it beneficial to advise road users that they are approaching a school that is adjacent to a highway, where additional care is needed, even though no school crossing is involved and the speed limit remains unchanged. Additionally, some jurisdictions designate school zones that have a unique legal standing where special enforcement techniques such as photo radar systems are used (refer to EPG 950 Automated Traffic Enforcement). It is important and sometimes legally necessary to mark the beginning and end points of these designated school zones so that the road user is given proper notice.

The School (S1-1) sign has the following four applications:

A. School Area – the S1-1 sign can be used to warn road users that they are approaching a school area that might include school buildings or grounds, a school crossing, or school related activity adjacent to the highway.

B. School Zone – the S1-1 sign can be used to identify the location of the beginning of a designated school zone.

C. School Advance Crossing – if combined with an AHEAD (W16-9P) plaque to comprise the School Advance Crossing assembly, the S1-1 sign can be used to warn road users that they are approaching a crossing where schoolchildren cross the roadway.

D. School Crossing – if combined with a diagonal downward pointing arrow (W16-7P) plaque to comprise the School Crossing assembly, the S1-1 sign can be used to warn approaching road users of the location of a crossing where schoolchildren cross the roadway.

S1-1
S4-3P
W16-6P

Option. If added emphasis is determined to be required for a School Area assembly, an amber flasher may be used to supplement the assembly. See EPG 903.18.5.1 School Assembly Installation Contracts for contract requirements.

If a school area, school zone, or school crosswalk is located on a cross street in close proximity to the intersection, a School (S1-1) sign with a supplemental arrow (W16-6P) plaque may be installed on each approach of the street or highway to warn road users making a turn onto the cross street that they will encounter a school area soon after making the turn.




903.18.9 School Zone Sign (S1-1) and Plaques (S4-3P) and END SCHOOL ZONE Sign (S5-2) (MUTCD Section 7B.09)

S1-1
S4-3P
S5-2

Standard. If a school zone has been designated under Missouri or local statute, a School (S1-1) sign shall be installed to identify the beginning point(s) of the designated school zone, See Fig. 903.18.9.

Fig. 903.18.9, Example of Signing for a School Zone

Option. A School Zone (S1-1) sign may be supplemented with a SCHOOL (S4-3P) plaque.

If added emphasis is determined to be required for a School Zone assembly, an amber flasher may be used to supplement the assembly. See EPG 903.18.5.1 School Assembly Installation Contracts for contract requirements.

The downstream end of a designated school zone may be identified with an END SCHOOL ZONE (S5-2) sign.

903.18.10 Higher Fines Zone Signs (R2-10, R2-11) and Plaques (MUTCD Section 7B.10)

Standard. Not used by MoDOT. Fines in school zones cannot be raised above statutory limits by MoDOT or local jurisdictions so these signs and plaques cannot be used in this state.

903.18.11 School Advance Crossing Assembly (MUTCD Section 7B.11)

S1-1
W16-9P

Standard. The School Advance Crossing assembly shall consist of a School (S1-1) sign supplemented with an AHEAD (W16-9P) plaque.

Except as provided in the option below, a School Advance Crossing assembly shall be used in advance (see Table 903.6.6 for advance placement guidelines) of the first School Crossing assembly that is encountered in each direction as traffic approaches a school crosswalk, see Fig. 903.18.11.

A School Crossing contract shall be required prior to the installation of these signs. See EPG 903.18.5.1 School Assembly Installation Contracts for contract requirements.

Fig. 903.18.11, Example of Signing for a School Crossing Outside of a School Zone

Option. The School Advance Crossing assembly may be omitted (see Fig. 903.18.14.1) where a School Zone (S1-1) sign is installed to identify the beginning of a school zone in advance of the School Crossing assembly if the distance is reasonably close or determined by engineering judgment.

903.18.12 School Crossing Assembly (MUTCD Section 7B.12)

S1-1
W16-7P

Standard. If used, the School Crossing assembly shall be installed at the school crossing, or as close to it as possible, and shall consist of a School (S1-1) sign supplemented with a diagonal downward pointing arrow (W16-7P) plaque to show the location of the crossing.

The School Crossing assembly shall not be used at crossings other than those adjacent to schools and those on established school pedestrian routes.

The School Crossing assembly shall not be installed on approaches controlled by a STOP or YIELD sign.

A School Crossing contract shall be required prior to the installation of these signs. See EPG 903.18.5.1 School Assembly Installation Contracts for contract requirements.

903.18.13 School Bus Stop Ahead Sign (S3-1) (MUTCD Section 7B.13)
S3-1

Guidance. The School Bus Stop Ahead (S3-1) sign should be installed in advance of locations where a school bus stops to pick up or discharge passengers and the sight distance of the bus available to other drivers is greater than the minimum sight distance and less than the maximum sight distance shown in Table 903.18.13. All attempts should be made to relocate the school bus stop to improve available sight distance and eliminate the need for the School Bus Stop Ahead (S3-1) sign.

Table 903.18.13 Sight Distance Requirements for use of the S3-1 sign

Posted Speed (mph) Minimum Sight Distance (ft.) Maximum Sight Distance (ft.)
30 300 500
35 300 500
40 300 500
45 300 500
50 300 510
55 300 560
60 300 625
65 500 700
70 500 740

Support. Section 304.050, RSMo, paragraph 4, defines, by state statute the minimum allowable sight distance a school bus stop must have. The statute states “…nor shall any passengers be taken on or discharged while the vehicle is upon the road or highway proper unless the vehicle so stopped is plainly visible for at least five hundred feet in each direction to drivers of other vehicles in the case of a highway with no shoulder and a speed limit greater than 60 miles per hour and at least three hundred feet in each direction to drivers of other vehicles upon other highways”. While shoulder is not defined in state statutes, for this purpose it will mean a shoulder of sufficient width and strength for a school bus to be able to safely and completely leave the traveled portion of the roadway. At those locations not meeting the requirements above, a school bus stop is not allowed.

It is not intended that these signs be used everywhere a school bus stops to pick up or discharge passengers, but for use where terrain and roadway features limit the approach sight distance and where there is no opportunity to relocate the stop to another location with adequate sight distance.

Standard. The requirements to use the School Bus Stop Ahead signs are:

A. For this policy, the school bus stop shall be defined as the location where passengers wait to be picked up or are discharged.

B. The sight distance shall be determined using a 3.5 ft. eye height and an 8 ft. object height.

C. Each approach to the school bus stop shall be considered independently of each other, i.e. it may not be necessary to sign both approaches to the school bus stop.

D. Placement will be as per Table 903.6.6 Guidelines for Advance Placement of Warning Signs.

The location of school bus stops may change from year to year. It is therefore, imperative the district keep track of all School Bus Stop Ahead signs. The school districts shall provide confirmation to the district office when the school bus stops are active. This shall be done prior to the fall session. Also, whenever the school districts are aware of a school bus stop location change, they shall advise the district office as soon as possible.

Option. If a location has more than the minimum sight distance required by statute, as described above, but less than the values in Table 903.19.13, placement of the SCHOOL BUS STOP AHEAD sign may be allowed.

903.18.14 School Speed Limit Flasher Assembly (S5-1) and END SCHOOL SPEED LIMIT Sign (S5-3) (MUTCD Section 7B.15)

S5-1
S5-3

Standard. A School Speed Limit Flasher assembly shall be used to indicate the speed limit where a reduced speed zone for a school area has been established (based upon an engineering study) or where a speed limit is specified for such areas by statute. The School Speed Limit Flasher assembly shall be placed at or as near as practical to the point where the reduced speed zone begins.

If a reduced school speed limit zone has been established, a School (S1-1) sign shall be installed in advance (see Table 903.6.6 for advance placement guidelines) of the first School Speed Limit Flasher sign assembly that is encountered in each direction as traffic approaches the reduced school speed limit zone. See Fig. 903.18.14.1.

The downstream end of an authorized and posted reduced school speed limit zone shall be identified with an END SCHOOL SPEED LIMIT (S5-3) sign. See Fig. 903.18.14.2.

Before a School Speed Limit is installed a TR08 Roadside Flashers for School Operations contract shall be executed. See EPG 903.18.5.1 School Assembly Installation Contracts for contract requirements.

Fig. 903.18.14.1, Example of Signing for a School Zone with a School Speed Limit and a School Crossing
Fig. 903.18.14.2, Example of Signing for a School Speed Limit

Guidance. The reduced speed zone should begin either at a point 200 ft. from the crosswalk, or at a point 100 ft. from the school property line, based on whichever is encountered first as traffic approaches the school.

If a school speed limit flasher is installed, no other school flasher should be permitted.

Standard. The fixed-message School Speed Limit assembly shall consist of a SCHOOL SPEED LIMIT XX WHEN FLASHING sing (S5-1).

School speed limits are in effect only when the flasher is operational.

903.18.14.1 School Speed Limits

Standard. Upon receipt of a school speed limit request, the district shall perform a site investigation. A speed study and a crash study may be performed based on engineering judgement. The school speed limit shall be 10 mph below the posted speed limit. In no case shall a school speed limit of less than 25 mph be allowed.

If in the course of the speed study it is determined that the posted speed for the corridor is not proper, the posted speed shall be reevaluated and changed as necessary following EPG 949.2 Speed Limit Guidelines.

903.18.15 Parking and Stopping Signs (R7 and R8 Series) (MUTCD Section 7B.17)

Option. Parking and stopping regulatory signs may be used to prevent parked or waiting vehicles from blocking pedestrians’ views, and drivers’ views of pedestrians and to control vehicles as a part of the school traffic plan.

Support. Parking signs and other signs governing the stopping and standing of vehicles in a school area cover a wide variety of regulations.

EPG 903.5.26 contains information regarding the signing of parking regulations in school zone areas.

903.18.16 STOP FOR SCHOOL BUS LOADING OR UNLOADING CHILDREN STATE LAW (Special R0-1), ALL LANES (Special W0-1) Signing

Special R0-1
Special W0-1

Support. The Stop for School Bus sign was originally used as a place holder on posts for School Bus Stop Ahead signs when they were removed for the summer. Many of these original 24 inch x 24 inch signs remained in place and are on the Do Not Replace List.

With the advent of the Alternating Passing lanes, which are not addressed in state law for yielding to school buses, the Stop for School Bus sign was resurrected, but in a larger version for legibility.

Standard. If used, the Stop for School Bus Loading or Unloading Children State Law (Special R0-1), with the ALL LANES warning plaque (Special W0-1) installed at the bottom of the assembly, shall only be used on Alternating passing lanes to notify drivers that they must stop for school buses that are stopped in the opposing direction. If used, one sign assembly should be installed in advance of the first school bus stop in each direction.

The Stop for School Bus Loading or Unloading Children State Law (Special R0-1) shall only be used on routes which have active school bus stops, when the school bus stops are no longer active, the Stop for School Bus Loading or Unloading Children State Law (Special R0-1) shall be removed.

Option. When engineering judgement determine the need, the Stop for School Bus Loading or Unloading Children State Law (Special R0-1) and the ALL LANES warning plaque (Special W0-1) may be installed on 3-lane and 5-lane roadways.


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