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National Boards => General Highway Talk => Traffic Control => Topic started by: peterj920 on August 17, 2016, 02:57:15 AM

Title: Nearly Identical State Law Signs between 2 neigboring states
Post by: peterj920 on August 17, 2016, 02:57:15 AM
Wisconsin and Illinois both post "Move over or slow down for emergency or stopped vehicles" signs when entering either state on I-90 and I-94.  It is pretty redundant since both states have the same law and the signs are very similar.  I'm sure there are other examples of state law signs posted between 2 states that inform of the same law.  What are some other cases?
Title: Re: Nearly Identical State Law Signs between 2 neigboring states
Post by: vdeane on August 17, 2016, 12:46:11 PM
I imagine that case is due to move over laws being relatively new.  Whichever state got one first probably put a sign up, then when the other one did they had to put up one saying "we have that law too".
Title: Re: Nearly Identical State Law Signs between 2 neigboring states
Post by: jeffandnicole on August 17, 2016, 12:56:34 PM
Stop for School Buses applies to all 50 states, and you see those signs posted quite often.

Seat Belts must be worn applies to every state other than those bordering New Hampshire.
Title: Re: Nearly Identical State Law Signs between 2 neigboring states
Post by: Brandon on August 17, 2016, 03:53:00 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on August 17, 2016, 12:56:34 PM
Stop for School Buses applies to all 50 states, and you see those signs posted quite often.

But is the signage the same in the adjoining states (what the OP wanted to know).

Illinois: https://goo.gl/maps/dnQBejFnAcK2
Indiana: https://goo.gl/maps/jxy1QEsLFTp
Michigan: https://goo.gl/maps/CcgLcbCWZUU2
Wisconsin: https://goo.gl/maps/EFjCmVqrZvM2

Seat Belts:

Illinois: https://goo.gl/maps/4hU54QyWYhF2
Indiana: https://goo.gl/maps/wBnqcxYgimw
Michigan: https://goo.gl/maps/Q5HrVcYnAnn
Wisconsin: https://goo.gl/maps/1bMf66YEpyA2

Some are similar, but not exactly alike.
Title: Re: Nearly Identical State Law Signs between 2 neigboring states
Post by: MASTERNC on August 17, 2016, 09:01:20 PM
Delaware and Maryland use the same cell phone restriction sign, though the font in Delaware seems more compressed.

Maryland

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fvoices.washingtonpost.com%2Fdr-gridlock%2F2010%2F09%2F28%2FMD%2520cell%2520phone%2520signs.jpg&hash=8adf9619882a695003ba8428c853bcca971cbaf4)

Delaware

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi67.tinypic.com%2F11r579w.jpg&hash=6c4a580a6b27e4feb78af31371776c13ed75fb9d)
Title: Re: Nearly Identical State Law Signs between 2 neigboring states
Post by: UCFKnights on August 24, 2016, 01:59:58 AM
lights on when raining in at least a lot of the southeastern states
Title: Re: Nearly Identical State Law Signs between 2 neigboring states
Post by: Brandon on August 24, 2016, 06:49:38 AM
Quote from: UCFKnights on August 24, 2016, 01:59:58 AM
lights on when raining in at least a lot of the southeastern states

We have the same law, but never any signs for it.
Title: Re: Nearly Identical State Law Signs between 2 neigboring states
Post by: roadman on August 25, 2016, 10:15:35 AM
Quote from: Brandon on August 24, 2016, 06:49:38 AM
Quote from: UCFKnights on August 24, 2016, 01:59:58 AM
lights on when raining in at least a lot of the southeastern states

We have the same law, but never any signs for it.
Massachusetts enacted a similar "Lights on when wipers in use" law last January.  Although PSAs about the law have been occasionally posted on CMS boards, MassDOT has not yet posted any permanent signs at border crossings about the law like they have for "Move Over" and "No Texting/Seat Belt Use required."
Title: Re: Nearly Identical State Law Signs between 2 neigboring states
Post by: jeffandnicole on August 25, 2016, 10:21:07 AM
Quote from: Brandon on August 17, 2016, 03:53:00 PM

But is the signage the same in the adjoining states (what the OP wanted to know).
...
Some are similar, but not exactly alike.

The OP didn't say *the same*...he said "Nearly Identical"

Every example presented is nearly identical.
Title: Re: Nearly Identical State Law Signs between 2 neigboring states
Post by: Brandon on August 25, 2016, 10:35:46 AM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on August 25, 2016, 10:21:07 AM
Quote from: Brandon on August 17, 2016, 03:53:00 PM

But is the signage the same in the adjoining states (what the OP wanted to know).
...
Some are similar, but not exactly alike.

The OP didn't say *the same*...he said "Nearly Identical"

Every example presented is nearly identical.

They are?  Did you check the difference between the Michigan seat belt sign and the Illinois one?  Hardly nearly identical.
Title: Re: Nearly Identical State Law Signs between 2 neigboring states
Post by: jeffandnicole on August 25, 2016, 10:57:12 AM
Let's re-read the OP's entire statement:

Quote from: peterj920 on August 17, 2016, 02:57:15 AM
Wisconsin and Illinois both post "Move over or slow down for emergency or stopped vehicles" signs when entering either state on I-90 and I-94.  It is pretty redundant since both states have the same law and the signs are very similar.  I'm sure there are other examples of state law signs posted between 2 states that inform of the same law.  What are some other cases?

Let's ignore the fact that Michigan and Illinois only meet in the middle of a lake, so they're not even adjoining as far as the road network goes.  Both have the state law that one must wear seat belts.  The OP didn't want exactly the same sign.  He wanted signs nearly identical in nature that inform of the same law.  Other than one being more colorful than the other (and the fact the states don't have roads that actually connect with each other), everything  meets the requirements the OP was looking for.
Title: Re: Nearly Identical State Law Signs between 2 neigboring states
Post by: Brandon on August 25, 2016, 04:22:12 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on August 25, 2016, 10:57:12 AM


:rolleyes:
Title: Re: Nearly Identical State Law Signs between 2 neigboring states
Post by: vdeane on August 25, 2016, 05:24:09 PM
Honestly, people really need a reminder on using headlights in the rain even in states that had it forever.  Today, heading down the Northway, it was pouring quite hard and traffic was moving 10-20 mph slower than it could have because nobody could be bothered to turn their headlights on, and consequently all the cars were nearly invisible.  I must have been the only driver on the road using headlights.
Title: Re: Nearly Identical State Law Signs between 2 neigboring states
Post by: MikeTheActuary on August 25, 2016, 09:13:11 PM
Quote from: vdeane on August 25, 2016, 05:24:09 PM
Honestly, people really need a reminder on using headlights in the rain even in states that had it forever.  Today, heading down the Northway, it was pouring quite hard and traffic was moving 10-20 mph slower than it could have because nobody could be bothered to turn their headlights on, and consequently all the cars were nearly invisible.  I must have been the only driver on the road using headlights.

Actually, I think the reminder could use a refresh.

Between daytime running lights, and cars that automatically turn on headlights when light levels fall below a certain point, there needs to be an added reminder of, "Turn on headlights when raining (daytime running lights don't count)."

Alternatively, it'd be cool if car manufacturers realized that their auto headlights setting should also test for prolonged wiper usage.
Title: Re: Nearly Identical State Law Signs between 2 neigboring states
Post by: hbelkins on August 25, 2016, 09:37:00 PM
Quote from: MikeTheActuary on August 25, 2016, 09:13:11 PM(daytime running lights don't count)

And why shouldn't they?
Title: Re: Nearly Identical State Law Signs between 2 neigboring states
Post by: Brandon on August 26, 2016, 06:25:49 AM
Quote from: hbelkins on August 25, 2016, 09:37:00 PM
Quote from: MikeTheActuary on August 25, 2016, 09:13:11 PM(daytime running lights don't count)

And why shouldn't they?

Because they do not turn on the rear lights (just as important as the headlights in fog and rain).  The object is to be seen, not necessarily to see.
Title: Re: Nearly Identical State Law Signs between 2 neigboring states
Post by: roadman on August 26, 2016, 09:28:53 AM
Quote from: MikeTheActuary on August 25, 2016, 09:13:11 PM
Alternatively, it'd be cool if car manufacturers realized that their auto headlights setting should also test for prolonged wiper usage.

Don't know about other makes, but Ford's autolamp feature (automatic headlight setting) will turn the headlights and taillights on if the wipers are activated for (IIRC) at least a minute.  From my 2012 Focus - which has the autolamp feature - owner's manual:

QuoteNote: If the vehicle is equipped with autolamps, it will have the windshield wiper rainlamp feature. When the windshield wipers are
turned to low- or high-speed wiping during daylight, and the headlamp control is in the autolamp position, the exterior lamps will turn on after a
brief delay and will remain on until the wipers are turned off.

Quote
Because they (daytime running lights) do not turn on the rear lights (just as important as the headlights in fog and rain).  The object is to be seen, not necessarily to see.

Which is precisely why the standard for DLRs should be to activate both the headlights and taillights.
Title: Re: Nearly Identical State Law Signs between 2 neigboring states
Post by: vdeane on August 26, 2016, 12:46:54 PM
At that point why not make the DRLs brighter so the headlight switch would just be a "set the interior displays to night mode" switch.  Of course, then vehicles that already travel with lights on all the time for visibility (such as motorcycles) would need additional measures to stay visible.
Title: Re: Nearly Identical State Law Signs between 2 neigboring states
Post by: MASTERNC on August 26, 2016, 12:50:11 PM
Quote from: MikeTheActuary on August 25, 2016, 09:13:11 PM
Alternatively, it'd be cool if car manufacturers realized that their auto headlights setting should also test for prolonged wiper usage.

Some cars already do.  My 2015 Honda CR-V turns my lights on when I am using wipers for an extended period of time.  I can tell because there is a separate indicator for headlights vs. DRLs.
Title: Re: Nearly Identical State Law Signs between 2 neigboring states
Post by: FrCorySticha on August 27, 2016, 11:30:46 PM
Quote from: MikeTheActuary on August 25, 2016, 09:13:11 PM
Alternatively, it'd be cool if car manufacturers realized that their auto headlights setting should also test for prolonged wiper usage.

My 2007 Dodge does this as well. It is a setting in the car's computer that can be disabled, but it does it by default.
Title: Re: Nearly Identical State Law Signs between 2 neigboring states
Post by: 1995hoo on August 28, 2016, 08:36:41 AM
Quote from: vdeane on August 25, 2016, 05:24:09 PM
Honestly, people really need a reminder on using headlights in the rain even in states that had it forever.  Today, heading down the Northway, it was pouring quite hard and traffic was moving 10-20 mph slower than it could have because nobody could be bothered to turn their headlights on, and consequently all the cars were nearly invisible.  I must have been the only driver on the road using headlights.

Our sign for that law in Virginia doesn't say "State Law." It just says "Headlights on when using wipers." Strange sign that I think could be more in-your-face, although people will ignore it anyway. The Maryland cell phone sign seen further up the thread is much more noticeable, IMO, especially since often (not always, but often) the area after you cross a state line seems to have a bit more sign clutter than other places might.

Then you have North Carolina's strange variant that says it's state law to "Burn headlights" when using wipers (another sign uses the same wording for motorcycles). The sign is too small anyway, but "burn headlights" is a very strange way to word it. It sounds like something written 50 or 60 years ago and never changed. Every time I see that sign it makes me think of how until 2004 the NHL rulebook prescribed a five-minute penalty for "fisticuffs" (in 2004 they finally changed it to "fighting").
Title: Re: Nearly Identical State Law Signs between 2 neigboring states
Post by: kkt on August 28, 2016, 11:25:09 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on August 28, 2016, 08:36:41 AM
Quote from: vdeane on August 25, 2016, 05:24:09 PM
Honestly, people really need a reminder on using headlights in the rain even in states that had it forever.  Today, heading down the Northway, it was pouring quite hard and traffic was moving 10-20 mph slower than it could have because nobody could be bothered to turn their headlights on, and consequently all the cars were nearly invisible.  I must have been the only driver on the road using headlights.

Our sign for that law in Virginia doesn't say "State Law." It just says "Headlights on when using wipers." Strange sign that I think could be more in-your-face, although people will ignore it anyway. The Maryland cell phone sign seen further up the thread is much more noticeable, IMO, especially since often (not always, but often) the area after you cross a state line seems to have a bit more sign clutter than other places might.

Then you have North Carolina's strange variant that says it's state law to "Burn headlights" when using wipers (another sign uses the same wording for motorcycles). The sign is too small anyway, but "burn headlights" is a very strange way to word it. It sounds like something written 50 or 60 years ago and never changed. Every time I see that sign it makes me think of how until 2004 the NHL rulebook prescribed a five-minute penalty for "fisticuffs" (in 2004 they finally changed it to "fighting").

Burn headlights seems to date from the time your coach had candlelight lamps at the corners...
Title: Re: Nearly Identical State Law Signs between 2 neigboring states
Post by: cl94 on September 02, 2016, 12:02:15 AM
Quote from: Brandon on August 26, 2016, 06:25:49 AM
Quote from: hbelkins on August 25, 2016, 09:37:00 PM
Quote from: MikeTheActuary on August 25, 2016, 09:13:11 PM(daytime running lights don't count)

And why shouldn't they?

Because they do not turn on the rear lights (just as important as the headlights in fog and rain).  The object is to be seen, not necessarily to see.

The New York law, for example, does not discriminate between DRLs and "normal" headlights.
Title: Re: Nearly Identical State Law Signs between 2 neigboring states
Post by: vdeane on September 02, 2016, 08:42:36 PM
Is that why there's such an epidemic of people driving in the rain with no lights on these days?  They really should change that, DRLs don't cut it!
Title: Re: Nearly Identical State Law Signs between 2 neigboring states
Post by: 1995hoo on September 03, 2016, 10:40:56 AM
Quote from: vdeane on September 02, 2016, 08:42:36 PM
Is that why there's such an epidemic of people driving in the rain with no lights on these days?  They really should change that, DRLs don't cut it!

I think some of that is just the MFFY attitude. "I can see, so why should I turn on my lights?"
Title: Re: Nearly Identical State Law Signs between 2 neigboring states
Post by: hbelkins on September 03, 2016, 06:45:35 PM
Quote from: vdeane on September 02, 2016, 08:42:36 PM
Is that why there's such an epidemic of people driving in the rain with no lights on these days?  They really should change that, DRLs don't cut it!

My DRLs are my low beams.
Title: Re: Nearly Identical State Law Signs between 2 neigboring states
Post by: cl94 on September 03, 2016, 08:38:50 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on September 03, 2016, 06:45:35 PM
Quote from: vdeane on September 02, 2016, 08:42:36 PM
Is that why there's such an epidemic of people driving in the rain with no lights on these days?  They really should change that, DRLs don't cut it!

My DRLs are my low beams.

In many cars, they are. Either way, DRLs are legally "headlights". The law says nothing about what type of headlights.
Title: Re: Nearly Identical State Law Signs between 2 neigboring states
Post by: MikeTheActuary on September 03, 2016, 10:55:50 PM
Quote from: cl94 on September 02, 2016, 12:02:15 AM
Quote from: Brandon on August 26, 2016, 06:25:49 AM
Quote from: hbelkins on August 25, 2016, 09:37:00 PM
Quote from: MikeTheActuary on August 25, 2016, 09:13:11 PM(daytime running lights don't count)

And why shouldn't they?

Because they do not turn on the rear lights (just as important as the headlights in fog and rain).  The object is to be seen, not necessarily to see.

The New York law, for example, does not discriminate between DRLs and "normal" headlights.

However, the law in many other states isn't actually "headlights on when raining"; it's "all required lights on when raining".

I spot-checked a few states' statutes and saw that generally, when they added the "when raining" clause, they added it to the law that requires lights at night (sometimes during twilight), in fog, etc.  Since DRL's don't trigger the taillights (which fall under the "all required lights" clause), they aren't sufficient for complying with the law in those states.
Title: Re: Nearly Identical State Law Signs between 2 neigboring states
Post by: cl94 on September 03, 2016, 11:45:16 PM
Quote from: MikeTheActuary on September 03, 2016, 10:55:50 PM
Quote from: cl94 on September 02, 2016, 12:02:15 AM
Quote from: Brandon on August 26, 2016, 06:25:49 AM
Quote from: hbelkins on August 25, 2016, 09:37:00 PM
Quote from: MikeTheActuary on August 25, 2016, 09:13:11 PM(daytime running lights don't count)

And why shouldn't they?

Because they do not turn on the rear lights (just as important as the headlights in fog and rain).  The object is to be seen, not necessarily to see.

The New York law, for example, does not discriminate between DRLs and "normal" headlights.

However, the law in many other states isn't actually "headlights on when raining"; it's "all required lights on when raining".

I spot-checked a few states' statutes and saw that generally, when they added the "when raining" clause, they added it to the law that requires lights at night (sometimes during twilight), in fog, etc.  Since DRL's don't trigger the taillights (which fall under the "all required lights" clause), they aren't sufficient for complying with the law in those states.

All publications put forth by New York are very specific in saying "headlights", however, buried deep in State Vehicle and Traffic Law is a provision stating that vehicles built after Jan 1, 1952 must have 2 red taillights on when windshield wipers are in use. Of course, someone could probably challenge this in court by citing the driver's manual or the signs posted at the state line if they're an out of state driver. Why signs don't just say "lights" is beyond me, as specifically saying "headlights" implies that taillights are not a requirement.
Title: Re: Nearly Identical State Law Signs between 2 neigboring states
Post by: vdeane on September 04, 2016, 12:24:03 PM
It probably didn't matter before the DRL era, so they opted for a way that was easy for the public to understand, and of course, nobody in government cares to change now that the way they're doing it is obsolete.

In any case, my DRLs are noticeably less powerful than my low beams.
Title: Re: Nearly Identical State Law Signs between 2 neigboring states
Post by: UCFKnights on September 04, 2016, 02:53:06 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on September 03, 2016, 06:45:35 PM
Quote from: vdeane on September 02, 2016, 08:42:36 PM
Is that why there's such an epidemic of people driving in the rain with no lights on these days?  They really should change that, DRLs don't cut it!

My DRLs are my low beams.
You sure? I haven't actually seen a car (i.e, sedan, not motorcycles or other vehicle classes) with the low beams were the DRLs. My car (Honda Accord) has the high beams running at a reduced brightness as the DRLs, which is common if there is no dedicated DRL lights. Infact, I thought it was banned to do so because of concerns with glare and reducing the visibility of turn signals during the day.
Title: Re: Nearly Identical State Law Signs between 2 neigboring states
Post by: cl94 on September 04, 2016, 03:23:48 PM
Quote from: UCFKnights on September 04, 2016, 02:53:06 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on September 03, 2016, 06:45:35 PM
Quote from: vdeane on September 02, 2016, 08:42:36 PM
Is that why there's such an epidemic of people driving in the rain with no lights on these days?  They really should change that, DRLs don't cut it!

My DRLs are my low beams.
You sure? I haven't actually seen a car (i.e, sedan, not motorcycles or other vehicle classes) with the low beams were the DRLs. My car (Honda Accord) has the high beams running at a reduced brightness as the DRLs, which is common if there is no dedicated DRL lights. Infact, I thought it was banned to do so because of concerns with glare and reducing the visibility of turn signals during the day.

My Civic's DRLs are different, but the bulbs and the brightness is identical. The biggest problem with how cars are nowadays is that turning on the main headlights dims the instrument panel, which can make driving difficult if it is raining while still bright.
Title: Re: Nearly Identical State Law Signs between 2 neigboring states
Post by: 7/8 on September 05, 2016, 11:02:11 AM
Quote from: cl94 on September 04, 2016, 03:23:48 PM
My Civic's DRLs are different, but the bulbs and the brightness is identical. The biggest problem with how cars are nowadays is that turning on the main headlights dims the instrument panel, which can make driving difficult if it is raining while still bright.

My 2010 Dodge Caliber does this and it annoys me for this exact reason.

Quote from: vdeane on September 02, 2016, 08:42:36 PM
Is that why there's such an epidemic of people driving in the rain with no lights on these days?  They really should change that, DRLs don't cut it!

I like how the 2003 Toyota RAV4 handles this problem (because I see this all the time): The dash is black writing on a lighter background during the day, and when it gets dark out, you can't read the dash anymore. This forces you to turn on your full lights, which lights up the black text to a bright orange.

Title: Re: Nearly Identical State Law Signs between 2 neigboring states
Post by: 1995hoo on September 05, 2016, 01:15:36 PM
Quote from: 7/8 on September 05, 2016, 11:02:11 AM
Quote from: cl94 on September 04, 2016, 03:23:48 PM
My Civic's DRLs are different, but the bulbs and the brightness is identical. The biggest problem with how cars are nowadays is that turning on the main headlights dims the instrument panel, which can make driving difficult if it is raining while still bright.

My 2010 Dodge Caliber does this and it annoys me for this exact reason.

In my 2004 Acura TL, there's a "MAX" button directly above the rocker switch that adjusts the dashboard lights' brightness. "MAX" acts as a toggle between full daytime brightness and whatever dimmer setting you've selected for when the headlights are on. So if you turn on your lights during the day due to precipitation, sun glare, driving on a two-lane road, whatever, you just have to hit "MAX" to make the gauges and navigation screen fully visible again. So simple it ought to be standard in all cars that dim the dash lights when the headlights go on (though you won't hear me calling for the feds to require it).
Title: Re: Nearly Identical State Law Signs between 2 neigboring states
Post by: mrsman on September 08, 2016, 08:18:41 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on September 05, 2016, 01:15:36 PM
Quote from: 7/8 on September 05, 2016, 11:02:11 AM
Quote from: cl94 on September 04, 2016, 03:23:48 PM
My Civic's DRLs are different, but the bulbs and the brightness is identical. The biggest problem with how cars are nowadays is that turning on the main headlights dims the instrument panel, which can make driving difficult if it is raining while still bright.

My 2010 Dodge Caliber does this and it annoys me for this exact reason.

In my 2004 Acura TL, there's a "MAX" button directly above the rocker switch that adjusts the dashboard lights' brightness. "MAX" acts as a toggle between full daytime brightness and whatever dimmer setting you've selected for when the headlights are on. So if you turn on your lights during the day due to precipitation, sun glare, driving on a two-lane road, whatever, you just have to hit "MAX" to make the gauges and navigation screen fully visible again. So simple it ought to be standard in all cars that dim the dash lights when the headlights go on (though you won't hear me calling for the feds to require it).

It would absolutely be nice to have a feature like that.

Most of the cars that I have driven, the dash doesn't light up at all unless the headlights are on.  I've been trained to sense that if it was too dark to see the dash, I need to turn on the  headlights. 

Now on my latest car - the instruments light up without headlights, I frequently drive at night w/o headlights w/o realizing it.
Title: Re: Nearly Identical State Law Signs between 2 neigboring states
Post by: Brandon on September 09, 2016, 11:56:25 AM
Quote from: 7/8 on September 05, 2016, 11:02:11 AM
Quote from: cl94 on September 04, 2016, 03:23:48 PM
My Civic's DRLs are different, but the bulbs and the brightness is identical. The biggest problem with how cars are nowadays is that turning on the main headlights dims the instrument panel, which can make driving difficult if it is raining while still bright.

My 2010 Dodge Caliber does this and it annoys me for this exact reason.

I have a 2011, and all you have to do is twist the dimmer switch next to the light switch on the left stalk to increase the brightness.  It has a few settings: 1) Off, 2) Variable dimmer (twisting it will make the panel lights brighter), 3) Bright panel lights, and 4) Dome light.