School Advance Warning Signs and School Crosswalk Signs
Example of a school advance warning sign
Example of a school crosswalk sign.
School advance warning signs and school crosswalk signs are important elements of a safe routes to school program. Chapter 7 in the 2009 edition of the MUTCD designates these signs to be used in advance of and at school crossings, and mandates use of fluorescent yellow green color sheeting for all new school warning signs. School advance warning signs must generally be used in advance of the first school crosswalk sign encountered by each direction of traffic. School crosswalk signs shall not be used at crossings other than those adjacent to schools and those on established school pedestrian routes. In addition, the school crosswalk sign shall not be installed at controlled crossings (where vehicle traffic is controlled by a STOP or YIELD sign). The MUTCD and local and state regulations should be followed when considering installation of these signs. They should not be overused or underused; and when installed, they need to be maintained and kept clear of tree branches and other visual obstructions.
School warning sign with retroreflective yellow-green post covering in Phoenix, AZ. Image provided by Mike Cynecki.
Retroreflective yellow-green post covers can be bolted onto sign-posts to draw additional motorist attention to school warning signs. This treatment is permitted in the MUTCD.