School (S1-1) sign required at start of designated school zone
If a school zone has been designated under State or local statute, a School (S1-1) sign shall be installed to identify the beginning point(s) of the designated school zone.
School Speed Limit assembly or School Speed Limit When Flashing sign required at reduced speed zone
A School Speed Limit assembly or a School Speed Limit When Flashing (S5-1) sign shall be used to indicate the speed limit where a reduced school speed limit zone has been established, placed at or as near as practicable to the point where the reduced school speed limit zone begins.
Advance School (S1-1) sign before first School Speed Limit sign
If a reduced school speed limit zone has been established, a School (S1-1) sign shall be installed in advance of the first School Speed Limit sign assembly or S5-1 sign encountered in each direction (see Table 2C-3 for advance placement guidelines).
END SCHOOL SPEED LIMIT sign at downstream end of zone
Except as provided in Paragraph 4, 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.
Beginning point of reduced school speed limit zone distance
The beginning point of a reduced school speed limit zone should be at least 200 feet in advance of the school grounds or a school crossing; this 200-foot distance should be increased if the reduced school speed limit is 30 mph or higher, and the maximum beginning point should not be greater than 500 feet in advance.
School Speed Limit assembly permitted form (static, blank-out, or changeable message)
The School Speed Limit assembly shall be either a static sign assembly, a blank-out sign, or a changeable message sign.
Static School Speed Limit assembly composition
The static School Speed Limit assembly shall consist of a top plaque (S4-3P) with the legend SCHOOL, a Speed Limit (R2-1) sign, and a bottom plaque (S4-1P, S4-2P, S4-4P, or S4-6P) indicating the periods when the special school speed limit is in effect.
Speed Limit Sign Beacon required with When Flashing signs
When a School Speed Limit When Flashing (S5-1) sign or a Speed Limit (R2-1) sign with a supplemental WHEN FLASHING (S4-4P) plaque is used, a Speed Limit Sign Beacon shall be used to identify the periods that the school speed limit is in effect.
Fluorescent yellow-green pixels for SCHOOL message on changeable message sign
Fluorescent yellow-green pixels shall be used when the "SCHOOL" message is displayed on a changeable message sign for a school speed limit.
Reduced School Speed Limit Ahead sign usage
A Reduced School Speed Limit Ahead (S4-5 or S4-5a) sign should be used to inform road users of a reduced speed zone where the speed limit is being reduced by more than 10 mph, or where engineering judgment indicates advance notice would be appropriate.
Reduced School Speed Limit Ahead sign must be followed by School Speed Limit sign
If used, the Reduced School Speed Limit Ahead sign shall be followed by a School Speed Limit sign or a School Speed Limit assembly.
Speed on Reduced School Speed Limit Ahead sign must match subsequent sign
The speed limit displayed on the Reduced School Speed Limit Ahead sign shall be identical to the speed limit displayed on the subsequent School Speed Limit sign or School Speed Limit assembly.
Higher fines zone signing for all traffic violations
Where increased fines are imposed for traffic violations within a designated school zone, a BEGIN HIGHER FINES ZONE (R2-10) sign or a FINES HIGHER (R2-6P), FINES DOUBLE (R2-6aP), or $XX FINE (R2-6bP) plaque shall be installed as a supplement to the School Zone (S1-1) sign at the beginning point, and an END HIGHER FINES ZONE (R2-11) sign or END SCHOOL ZONE (S5-2) sign shall be installed at the downstream end.
Higher fines plaque placement when only speeding is subject to higher fines
If exceeding the speed limit is the only traffic violation subject to higher fines, a FINES HIGHER (R2-6P), FINES DOUBLE (R2-6aP), or $XX FINE (R2-6bP) plaque shall be posted with the School Speed Limit (S5-1) sign and shall not be posted beneath the School Zone (S1-1) sign.
BEGIN HIGHER FINES ZONE sign placement when zone starts downstream
If the portion of roadway subject to higher fines does not begin at the location of the School Zone (S1-1) sign, a BEGIN HIGHER FINES ZONE (R2-10) sign shall be placed at the point where the higher fines begin.
Two-lane SCHOOL word marking letter height
If the two-lane SCHOOL word marking is used, the letters should be 10 feet or more in height.
Crosswalks marked on established school routes
Crosswalks should be marked at all intersections on established routes to a school where there is substantial conflict between motorists, bicyclists, and student movements, or where students are encouraged to cross between intersections, or would not otherwise recognize the proper place to cross, or where motorists or bicyclists might not expect students to cross.
High-visibility apparel for crossing guards
Law enforcement officers performing school crossing supervision and adult crossing guards shall wear high-visibility retroreflective safety apparel labeled as ANSI 107-2020 standard performance for Class 2, Type R.
Adult crossing guards shall use a STOP paddle
Adult crossing guards shall use a STOP paddle as the primary hand-signaling device.
Crossing guard STOP paddle specification
The STOP paddle shall comply with the provisions for a STOP/SLOW paddle except both sides shall be a STOP face.
STOP paddle retroreflective or illuminated at night
The paddle shall be retroreflective or illuminated when used during hours of darkness.
Warning signs for non-intersection school crosswalks
Because non-intersection school crossings are generally unexpected, warning signs should be installed for all marked school crosswalks at non-intersection locations, and adequate visibility should be provided by parking prohibitions or other measures.
Engineering study before marked crosswalk installation
An engineering study considering the factors described in Section 3C.02 should be performed before a marked crosswalk is installed at a location away from a traffic control signal or an approach controlled by a STOP or YIELD sign.
Uniform traffic control device system for school zones
The Department of Transportation shall adopt a uniform system of traffic control devices and pedestrian control devices for use on streets and highways surrounding all schools, public and private.
Installation and maintenance in conformity with uniform system
The Department of Transportation and each county and municipality shall install and maintain traffic and pedestrian control devices in conformity with the uniform system.
School zone speed limit range
A school zone speed limit may not be less than 15 mph except by local regulation, and may not be more than 20 mph in an urbanized area.
School zone speed limit enforcement time window
The restrictive speed limit may be in force only during those times 30 minutes before, during, and 30 minutes after the periods when pupils are arriving at or leaving a regularly scheduled breakfast program or school session.
Permanent school zone signs uniformity and time designation
Permanent signs designating school zones and school zone speed limits shall be uniform in size and color, and shall have the times during which the restrictive speed limit is enforced clearly designated thereon. Flashing beacons (time-clock, automatic, or manually activated) may be used as an alternative to posting the enforcement times.
"Speeding Fines Doubled" sign requirement
Beginning July 1, 2008, for any newly established school zone or any school zone in which the signing has been replaced, a sign stating "Speeding Fines Doubled" shall be installed within the school zone.
DOT to establish sign and flashing beacon standards (permanent)
The Department of Transportation shall establish adequate standards for the permanent school zone signs and flashing beacons.
Portable school zone signs uniformity
Portable signs designating school zones and school zone speed limits shall be uniform in size and color.
Portable school zone signs deployment hours
Portable school zone signs shall be erected on the roadway only during those hours when pupils are arriving at and leaving regularly scheduled school sessions.
DOT to establish standards for portable signs
The Department of Transportation shall establish adequate standards for the portable school zone signs.
Retroreflective materials on school safety patrol devices used at night
All flags, belts, apparel, and devices issued to school safety patrols or persons directing traffic near schools, when used during periods of darkness, shall be made at least in part with retroreflective materials so as to be visible at night at 300 feet to approaching motorists under lawful low-beam headlights.
School zone speeding cited as moving violation
A person may not drive on a roadway designated as a school zone at a speed greater than that posted; violation must be cited as a moving violation, punishable under chapter 318.
School crossing guard training requirement
The Department of Transportation shall adopt uniform guidelines for training of school crossing guards, and each local governmental entity administering a program shall provide training according to those guidelines; successful completion is required of each guard except for the listed exceptions.
Adoption of MUTCD 11th Edition in Florida
The FHWA Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, 11th Edition (December 2023), is adopted by rule and made part of the rules of the Department of Transportation.
Sources
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 7 - Traffic Control for School Areas (Secs. 7B.02, 7B.05, 7B.06, 7C.01, 7C.02, 7D.01, 7D.02) (7B.02)
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 7 - Traffic Control for School Areas (Secs. 7B.02, 7B.05, 7B.06, 7C.01, 7C.02, 7D.01, 7D.02) (7B.05)
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 7 - Traffic Control for School Areas (Secs. 7B.02, 7B.05, 7B.06, 7C.01, 7C.02, 7D.01, 7D.02) (7B.05)
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 7 - Traffic Control for School Areas (Secs. 7B.02, 7B.05, 7B.06, 7C.01, 7C.02, 7D.01, 7D.02) (7B.05)
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 7 - Traffic Control for School Areas (Secs. 7B.02, 7B.05, 7B.06, 7C.01, 7C.02, 7D.01, 7D.02) (7B.05)
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 7 - Traffic Control for School Areas (Secs. 7B.02, 7B.05, 7B.06, 7C.01, 7C.02, 7D.01, 7D.02) (7B.05)
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 7 - Traffic Control for School Areas (Secs. 7B.02, 7B.05, 7B.06, 7C.01, 7C.02, 7D.01, 7D.02) (7B.05)
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 7 - Traffic Control for School Areas (Secs. 7B.02, 7B.05, 7B.06, 7C.01, 7C.02, 7D.01, 7D.02) (7B.05)
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 7 - Traffic Control for School Areas (Secs. 7B.02, 7B.05, 7B.06, 7C.01, 7C.02, 7D.01, 7D.02) (7B.05)
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 7 - Traffic Control for School Areas (Secs. 7B.02, 7B.05, 7B.06, 7C.01, 7C.02, 7D.01, 7D.02) (7B.05)
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 7 - Traffic Control for School Areas (Secs. 7B.02, 7B.05, 7B.06, 7C.01, 7C.02, 7D.01, 7D.02) (7B.05)
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 7 - Traffic Control for School Areas (Secs. 7B.02, 7B.05, 7B.06, 7C.01, 7C.02, 7D.01, 7D.02) (7B.05)
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 7 - Traffic Control for School Areas (Secs. 7B.02, 7B.05, 7B.06, 7C.01, 7C.02, 7D.01, 7D.02) (7B.06)
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 7 - Traffic Control for School Areas (Secs. 7B.02, 7B.05, 7B.06, 7C.01, 7C.02, 7D.01, 7D.02) (7B.06)
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 7 - Traffic Control for School Areas (Secs. 7B.02, 7B.05, 7B.06, 7C.01, 7C.02, 7D.01, 7D.02) (7B.06)
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 7 - Traffic Control for School Areas (Secs. 7B.02, 7B.05, 7B.06, 7C.01, 7C.02, 7D.01, 7D.02) (7C.02)
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 7 - Traffic Control for School Areas (Secs. 7B.02, 7B.05, 7B.06, 7C.01, 7C.02, 7D.01, 7D.02) (7C.01)
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 7 - Traffic Control for School Areas (Secs. 7B.02, 7B.05, 7B.06, 7C.01, 7C.02, 7D.01, 7D.02) (7D.02)
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 7 - Traffic Control for School Areas (Secs. 7B.02, 7B.05, 7B.06, 7C.01, 7C.02, 7D.01, 7D.02) (7D.02)
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 7 - Traffic Control for School Areas (Secs. 7B.02, 7B.05, 7B.06, 7C.01, 7C.02, 7D.01, 7D.02) (7D.02)
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 7 - Traffic Control for School Areas (Secs. 7B.02, 7B.05, 7B.06, 7C.01, 7C.02, 7D.01, 7D.02) (7D.02)
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 7 - Traffic Control for School Areas (Secs. 7B.02, 7B.05, 7B.06, 7C.01, 7C.02, 7D.01, 7D.02) (7C.01)
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 7 - Traffic Control for School Areas (Secs. 7B.02, 7B.05, 7B.06, 7C.01, 7C.02, 7D.01, 7D.02) (7C.01)
- Fla. Stat. 316.1895 - Establishment of school speed zones; enforcement; designation (316.1895(1)(a))
- Fla. Stat. 316.1895 - Establishment of school speed zones; enforcement; designation (316.1895(1)(b))
- Fla. Stat. 316.1895 - Establishment of school speed zones; enforcement; designation (316.1895(5))
- Fla. Stat. 316.1895 - Establishment of school speed zones; enforcement; designation (316.1895(5))
- Fla. Stat. 316.1895 - Establishment of school speed zones; enforcement; designation (316.1895(6))
- Fla. Stat. 316.1895 - Establishment of school speed zones; enforcement; designation (316.1895(6))
- Fla. Stat. 316.1895 - Establishment of school speed zones; enforcement; designation (316.1895(6))
- Fla. Stat. 316.1895 - Establishment of school speed zones; enforcement; designation (316.1895(7))
- Fla. Stat. 316.1895 - Establishment of school speed zones; enforcement; designation (316.1895(7))
- Fla. Stat. 316.1895 - Establishment of school speed zones; enforcement; designation (316.1895(7))
- Fla. Stat. 316.1895 - Establishment of school speed zones; enforcement; designation (316.1895(9))
- Fla. Stat. 316.1895 - Establishment of school speed zones; enforcement; designation (316.1895(10))
- Fla. Stat. 316.75 - School crossing guards (316.75)
- Rule 14-15.010, F.A.C. - Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (adopts MUTCD 11th Ed.) (14-15.010)
Informational only, not legal advice. Confirm against the current standards and your state manual before you build.
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