ROAD CLOSED (R11-2) sign use for fully closed roadway
The ROAD CLOSED (R11-2) sign should be used when the roadway is closed to all road users except contractors' equipment or officially authorized vehicles, and should be accompanied by appropriate warning and detour signing.
Substitute closure signs for Road Closed
STREET CLOSED (R11-2a), BRIDGE OUT (R11-2b), or PATH CLOSED (R11-2c) signs may be substituted for Road Closed signs where applicable.
Road Closed signs mounted on or above Type 3 Barricade
Road Closed signs should be installed at or near the center of the roadway on or above a Type 3 Barricade that closes the roadway.
Prohibited use of Road Closed signs where flow is maintained
Road Closed signs shall not be used where road user flow is maintained through the TTC zone with a reduced number of lanes on the existing roadway or where the actual closure is some distance beyond the sign.
Local Traffic Only signs use
The Local Traffic Only signs should be used where road user flow detours to avoid a closure some distance beyond the sign, but where local road users can use the roadway to the point of closure; these signs should be accompanied by appropriate warning and detour signing.
Rural Local Traffic Only sign legend (R11-3)
In rural applications, the Local Traffic Only sign should have the legend ROAD CLOSED XX MILES AHEAD, LOCAL TRAFFIC ONLY (R11-3).
Detour marking with route and destination signs
Each detour shall be adequately marked with standard temporary route signs and destination signs.
Detour Arrow (M4-10) mounting below Road Closed sign
The Detour Arrow (M4-10) sign should normally be mounted just below the ROAD CLOSED (R11-2, R11-3a, or R11-4) sign and should include a horizontal arrow pointed to the right or left as required.
DETOUR (M4-9) sign use
The DETOUR (M4-9) sign should be used for unnumbered highways, for emergency situations, for periods of short durations, or where, over relatively short distances, road users are guided along the detour and back to the desired highway without route signs.
Street Name sign with DETOUR (M4-9) sign
A Street Name sign should be placed above, or the street name should be incorporated into, a DETOUR (M4-9) sign to indicate the name of the street being detoured.
END DETOUR mounting on numbered highway
When the END DETOUR sign is used on a numbered highway, the sign should be mounted above a route sign after the downstream end of the detour.
Pedestrian/Bicyclist Detour (M4-9a) sign arrow requirement
If used, the Pedestrian/Bicyclist Detour sign shall have an arrow pointing in the appropriate direction.
Detour (E5-3) guide sign size
The Detour (E5-3) guide sign is 48 x 36 inches (width x height) for both Conventional Road and Freeway or Expressway applications. Larger signs may be used for greater legibility or emphasis.
End Detour (M4-8P) plaque size
The End Detour (M4-8P) plaque is 24 x 12 inches for Conventional Road and 30 x 15 inches for Freeway or Expressway (width x height).
Bike/Pedestrian Detour (M4-9) sign size
The Bike/Pedestrian Detour (M4-9) sign is 30 x 24 inches for Conventional Road and 48 x 36 inches for Freeway or Expressway (width x height).
Periodic reassurance signing on long detours
When a detour is long, Detour (M4-8, M4-9) signs should be installed to remind and reassure road users periodically that they are still successfully following the detour.
Detour and advance warning for entire roadway closure
When an entire roadway is closed, a detour should be provided and road users should be warned in advance of the closure. If local road users are allowed to use the roadway up to the closure, the ROAD CLOSED AHEAD, LOCAL TRAFFIC ONLY (R11-3a) sign should be used, and the portion open to local road users should have adequate signing, marking, and delineation.
Detours signed for full traverse and return
Detours should be signed so that road users will be able to traverse the entire detour route and back to the original roadway.
Modification of regulatory devices for detour duration
Regulatory traffic control devices should be modified as needed for the duration of the detour.
Placement of Road Closed and Detour signs on Type 3 Barricades at edge of traveled way
If the road is opened for some distance beyond the intersection and/or there are significant origin/destination points beyond the intersection, the ROAD CLOSED and DETOUR signs on Type 3 Barricades may be located at the edge of the traveled way.
MUTCD is the national standard for traffic control devices
The MUTCD approved by the Federal Highway Administrator is the national standard for all traffic control devices installed on any street, highway, or bicycle trail open to public travel.
State MUTCD substantial conformance
Where State or other Federal agency MUTCDs or Supplements are required, they shall be in substantial conformance with the national MUTCD, conforming as a minimum to the Standard statements in the national MUTCD.
Adoption of MUTCD changes within two years
States and other Federal agencies shall adopt changes issued by the FHWA to the National MUTCD within two years from the effective date of the final rule.
Construction area devices must conform to MUTCD
All traffic control devices installed in construction areas using Federal-aid funds shall conform to the MUTCD, and traffic control plans shall conform to 23 CFR part 630, subpart J.
State traffic control devices must conform to DOT manual
The Department of Transportation shall have all original jurisdiction over all state roads and may place and maintain traffic control devices which conform to its manual and specifications on such highways as necessary to regulate, warn, or guide traffic.
Municipal traffic control devices must conform to DOT manual and specifications
Chartered municipalities have original jurisdiction over streets and highways within their boundaries (except state roads) and may place and maintain traffic control devices which conform to the manual and specifications of the Department of Transportation to regulate, warn, or guide traffic.
County traffic control devices must conform to DOT manual and specifications
Counties have original jurisdiction over streets and highways within their boundaries (except state roads and municipal streets) and may place and maintain traffic control devices which conform to the manual and specifications of the Department of Transportation to regulate, warn, or guide traffic.
Prohibition on willful obstruction of public roads
A person may not willfully obstruct the free, convenient, and normal use of a public street, highway, or road by impeding traffic, standing/remaining in the road, or endangering safe movement of vehicles or pedestrians.
Special event permit exception to obstruction prohibition
The obstruction prohibition does not prohibit a local governmental entity from issuing a special event permit as authorized by law.
Local authority power to restrict use of streets
Local authorities, with respect to streets and highways under their jurisdiction and within reasonable exercise of the police power, may restrict the use of streets.
Local authority power to adopt temporary or emergency regulations
Local authorities may adopt and enforce such temporary or experimental regulations as may be necessary to cover emergencies or special conditions.
DOT written approval required for local traffic control devices on state roads
No local authority shall erect or maintain any official traffic control device at any location so as to regulate traffic on any state road unless approval in writing has first been obtained from the Department of Transportation.
Florida adopts MUTCD 11th Edition (December 2023)
The FHWA Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, 11th Edition (December 2023), is adopted by rule and made a part of the rules of the Department of Transportation.
Sources
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 6 - Road Closed & Detour signs (Secs. 6G.04, 6G.05, 6I.02, and TA-8 / Fig. 6P-8) (6G.04)
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 6 - Road Closed & Detour signs (Secs. 6G.04, 6G.05, 6I.02, and TA-8 / Fig. 6P-8) (6G.04)
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 6 - Road Closed & Detour signs (Secs. 6G.04, 6G.05, 6I.02, and TA-8 / Fig. 6P-8) (6G.04)
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 6 - Road Closed & Detour signs (Secs. 6G.04, 6G.05, 6I.02, and TA-8 / Fig. 6P-8) (6G.04)
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 6 - Road Closed & Detour signs (Secs. 6G.04, 6G.05, 6I.02, and TA-8 / Fig. 6P-8) (6G.05)
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 6 - Road Closed & Detour signs (Secs. 6G.04, 6G.05, 6I.02, and TA-8 / Fig. 6P-8) (6G.05)
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 6 - Road Closed & Detour signs (Secs. 6G.04, 6G.05, 6I.02, and TA-8 / Fig. 6P-8) (6I.02)
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 6 - Road Closed & Detour signs (Secs. 6G.04, 6G.05, 6I.02, and TA-8 / Fig. 6P-8) (6I.02)
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 6 - Road Closed & Detour signs (Secs. 6G.04, 6G.05, 6I.02, and TA-8 / Fig. 6P-8) (6I.02)
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 6 - Road Closed & Detour signs (Secs. 6G.04, 6G.05, 6I.02, and TA-8 / Fig. 6P-8) (6I.02)
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 6 - Road Closed & Detour signs (Secs. 6G.04, 6G.05, 6I.02, and TA-8 / Fig. 6P-8) (6I.02)
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 6 - Road Closed & Detour signs (Secs. 6G.04, 6G.05, 6I.02, and TA-8 / Fig. 6P-8) (6I.02)
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 6 - Road Closed & Detour signs (Secs. 6G.04, 6G.05, 6I.02, and TA-8 / Fig. 6P-8) (Table 6I-1)
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 6 - Road Closed & Detour signs (Secs. 6G.04, 6G.05, 6I.02, and TA-8 / Fig. 6P-8) (Table 6I-1)
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 6 - Road Closed & Detour signs (Secs. 6G.04, 6G.05, 6I.02, and TA-8 / Fig. 6P-8) (Table 6I-1)
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 6 - Road Closed & Detour signs (Secs. 6G.04, 6G.05, 6I.02, and TA-8 / Fig. 6P-8) (6N.09)
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 6 - Road Closed & Detour signs (Secs. 6G.04, 6G.05, 6I.02, and TA-8 / Fig. 6P-8) (6N.09)
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 6 - Road Closed & Detour signs (Secs. 6G.04, 6G.05, 6I.02, and TA-8 / Fig. 6P-8) (6N.09)
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 6 - Road Closed & Detour signs (Secs. 6G.04, 6G.05, 6I.02, and TA-8 / Fig. 6P-8) (Figure 6P-8 Note 1)
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 6 - Road Closed & Detour signs (Secs. 6G.04, 6G.05, 6I.02, and TA-8 / Fig. 6P-8) (Figure 6P-8 Note 2)
- 23 CFR 655.603 - Standards (MUTCD adopted as the national standard) (655.603(a))
- 23 CFR 655.603 - Standards (MUTCD adopted as the national standard) (655.603(b)(1))
- 23 CFR 655.603 - Standards (MUTCD adopted as the national standard) (655.603(b)(3))
- 23 CFR 655.603 - Standards (MUTCD adopted as the national standard) (655.603(d)(3))
- Fla. Stat. 316.006 - Jurisdiction (authority over state, municipal, and county roads) (316.006(1))
- Fla. Stat. 316.006 - Jurisdiction (authority over state, municipal, and county roads) (316.006(2)(a))
- Fla. Stat. 316.006 - Jurisdiction (authority over state, municipal, and county roads) (316.006(3)(a))
- Fla. Stat. 316.2045 - Obstruction of public streets, highways, and roads (316.2045(1)(a))
- Fla. Stat. 316.2045 - Obstruction of public streets, highways, and roads (316.2045(1)(c))
- Fla. Stat. 316.008 - Powers of local authorities (regulate/restrict roadway use) (316.008(1)(g))
- Fla. Stat. 316.008 - Powers of local authorities (regulate/restrict roadway use) (316.008(1)(t))
- Fla. Stat. 316.008 - Powers of local authorities (regulate/restrict roadway use) (316.008(3))
- Rule 14-15.010, F.A.C. - Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (adopts MUTCD 11th Ed.) (14-15.010)
- Rule 14-15.010, F.A.C. - Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (adopts MUTCD 11th Ed.) (History)
Informational only, not legal advice. Confirm against the current standards and your state manual before you build.
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