I often drive between North Carolina and Tennessee, and upon entering North Carolina on any main road you will see this sign:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncrider.com%2Fclipart%2FState-Law-web.JPG&hash=4f2b813fc236fabf83e99c998db660269ad02e67)
There is also always a "State Law: Burn Headlights When Using Wipers" sign nearby.
Tennessee has nothing like this, and I also sometimes drive on to Virginia and there is nothing similar there. Do any other states use signs like these?
Quote from: DSS5 on June 09, 2013, 03:43:12 PM
I often drive between North Carolina and Tennessee, and upon entering North Carolina on any main road you will see this sign:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncrider.com%2Fclipart%2FState-Law-web.JPG&hash=4f2b813fc236fabf83e99c998db660269ad02e67)
There is also always a "State Law: Burn Headlights When Using Wipers" sign nearby.
Tennessee has nothing like this, and I also sometimes drive on to Virginia and there is nothing similar there. Do any other states use signs like these?
Virginia has those annoying 'Radar detectors are illegal' and 'Speed limit enforced by giant robots' signs. North Carolina definitely takes it up a notch though with their headlight signs. It seems like almost every numbered road has those.
In high density living areas, you will find these in towns of New Jersey: (I've seen a couple in Hopewell, NJ)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fupload.wikimedia.org%2Fwikipedia%2Fcommons%2Fthumb%2F5%2F58%2FMUTCD_R1-6a.svg%2F200px-MUTCD_R1-6a.svg.png&hash=4e212e02ab7cd4cd219d688e4fa5e5665c16e975) or (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fupload.wikimedia.org%2Fwikipedia%2Fcommons%2Fthumb%2F2%2F2f%2FMUTCD_R1-6.svg%2F200px-MUTCD_R1-6.svg.png&hash=54d2cbd40e3ab6b7498e3e609dd35ac856845974)
Quote from: Zeffy on June 09, 2013, 04:06:10 PM
In high density living areas, you will find these in towns of New Jersey: (I've seen a couple in Hopewell, NJ)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fupload.wikimedia.org%2Fwikipedia%2Fcommons%2Fthumb%2F5%2F58%2FMUTCD_R1-6a.svg%2F200px-MUTCD_R1-6a.svg.png&hash=4e212e02ab7cd4cd219d688e4fa5e5665c16e975) or (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fupload.wikimedia.org%2Fwikipedia%2Fcommons%2Fthumb%2F2%2F2f%2FMUTCD_R1-6.svg%2F200px-MUTCD_R1-6.svg.png&hash=54d2cbd40e3ab6b7498e3e609dd35ac856845974)
Montana definitely could use those signs and put the law into place. You would not believe the amount of times my roommate got hit by cars.
QuoteMontana definitely could use those signs and put the law into place. You would not believe the amount of times my roommate got hit by cars.
Apparently at least one time less than the number of you have to get hit by a car before you learn not to walk out in the road when there's cars coming
Yes, New York has this kind of sign for a variety of laws, including:
-No hand-held phones
-No driving on shoulder (i.e., to turn right)
-Penalties for violations in work zones
-Headlights required with wipers
...and others. In our case, the "State Law" part of the sign is white-on-black and the rest of the sign the opposite. There is also a variation for "NYC Law", used to mark the blanket no turn on red restriction, for one.
Colorado has started putting it on their KEEP RIGHT EXCEPT TO PASS signs in the last four years or so, which is actually awesome
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/552782_3858514658020_297240945_n.jpg)
Quote from: Zeffy on June 09, 2013, 04:06:10 PM
In high density living areas, you will find these in towns of New Jersey: (I've seen a couple in Hopewell, NJ)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fupload.wikimedia.org%2Fwikipedia%2Fcommons%2Fthumb%2F5%2F58%2FMUTCD_R1-6a.svg%2F200px-MUTCD_R1-6a.svg.png&hash=4e212e02ab7cd4cd219d688e4fa5e5665c16e975) or (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fupload.wikimedia.org%2Fwikipedia%2Fcommons%2Fthumb%2F2%2F2f%2FMUTCD_R1-6.svg%2F200px-MUTCD_R1-6.svg.png&hash=54d2cbd40e3ab6b7498e3e609dd35ac856845974)
those are mutcd signs R1-6 and R1-6a except that the mutcd calls for a yellow background.
Quote from: Big John on June 09, 2013, 05:43:35 PMthose are mutcd signs R1-6 and R1-6a except that the mutcd calls for a yellow background.
MUTCD allows fluorescent yellow-green to be used optionally for any pedestrian sign, so these are in the clear.
Maryland has a black-on-yellow banner "State Law" above "NO TEXTING" and "NO HAND-HELD CELL PHONE."
Virginia usually has a black-on-white sign, without a "state law" banner, that says "HEADLIGHTS ON WHEN USING WIPERS."
DC has a hand-held phone ban but doesn't post a sign about it.
No Street Views as I'm typing this on an iPhone. I'll add links next time I'm at my PC unless someone beats me to it.
I always got a kick out of the "burn headlights" verbiage. Why not "use headlights"? That NC sign brings to mind someone setting fire to their headlights. :-D
Alabama has the "STATE LAW MOVE OVER OR SLOW DOWN FOR EMERGENCY VEHICLES" sign, but it is all black on white; no yellow banner at the top.
Quote from: empirestate on June 09, 2013, 05:08:26 PM
Yes, New York has this kind of sign for a variety of laws, including:
-No hand-held phones
-No driving on shoulder (i.e., to turn right)
-Penalties for violations in work zones
-Headlights required with wipers
...and others. In our case, the "State Law" part of the sign is white-on-black and the rest of the sign the opposite. There is also a variation for "NYC Law", used to mark the blanket no turn on red restriction, for one.
"Don't block side road" and "stop for stopped school bus" are also very common. I wouldn't be surprised if "move over for emergency vehicles" becomes common soon. The Thruway also has its own with "flashers required under 40 mph" and "keep right except to pass".
For work zones, Texas has "OBEY WARNING SIGNS-STATE LAW; which, of course, amkes no sense, because you can only obey a regulatory sign. These signs are completely useless, and, along with the "TRAFFIC FINES DOUBLE WHEN WORKERS ARE PRESENT" signs, just add to the sign clutter in work zones.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1209.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fcc395%2FBrian5561%2F111711068_zpsf1e207f7.jpg&hash=8194c9f62fdeaae0f1cea3f4b38cc7c57bd57631) (http://s1209.photobucket.com/user/Brian5561/media/111711068_zpsf1e207f7.jpg.html)
Quote from: 1995hoo on June 09, 2013, 06:02:02 PM
Maryland has a black-on-yellow banner "State Law" above "NO TEXTING" and "NO HAND-HELD CELL PHONE."
Virginia usually has a black-on-white sign, without a "state law" banner, that says "HEADLIGHTS ON WHEN USING WIPERS."
DC has a hand-held phone ban but doesn't post a sign about it.
No Street Views as I'm typing this on an iPhone. I'll add links next time I'm at my PC unless someone beats me to it.
Street View of Maryland sign: http://goo.gl/maps/l5VUO
Street View of Virginia's sign about headlights when using wipers: http://goo.gl/maps/XzF1W (I've always found this sign to be a bit pompous because it doesn't say "state law.")
The comment by "codyg1985" reminded me that Virginia's started posting signs for the "Move Over" law as well. Here's one on the Beltway that's some five miles west of the state line. I suppose they put it where they did because the location is beyond the western end of a quad-carriageway, allowing them to put one sign on the shoulder for all lanes. I find the black-on-yellow banner more effective at grabbing my attention than the plain "headlights/wipers" sign in the other Street View image linked above.
http://goo.gl/maps/vjSNQ <---Newer signs of this variety take a different format. I believe this sign has been replaced, but I won't be trying for a picture today (weather's too nasty). I believe the re-wording had something to do with an amended statute clarifying that the "Move Over" law doesn't apply only to moving over for cops/ambulances/fire trucks but may also require moving over for tow trucks.
Quote from: 1995hoo on June 10, 2013, 10:11:58 AM
http://goo.gl/maps/vjSNQ <---Newer signs of this variety take a different format. I believe this sign has been replaced, but I won't be trying for a picture today (weather's too nasty). I believe the re-wording had something to do with an amended statute clarifying that the "Move Over" law doesn't apply only to moving over for cops/ambulances/fire trucks but may also require moving over for tow trucks.
Mississippi pretty much has that exact same sign that is posted along interstates and divided highways.
Quote from: corco on June 09, 2013, 05:10:35 PM
Colorado has started putting it on their KEEP RIGHT EXCEPT TO PASS signs in the last four years or so, which is actually awesome
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/552782_3858514658020_297240945_n.jpg)
Wisconsin needs to be flooded with these signs!!!! Clearly, nobody there never learned that the left lane is for PASSING. :banghead:
Quote from: Zeffy on June 09, 2013, 04:06:10 PM
In high density living areas, you will find these in towns of New Jersey: (I've seen a couple in Hopewell, NJ)...
They're quite common along Florida's A1A (District 4), seem to have been installed around 2009-2010 in a lot of high-traffic places without intersections; also a number of downtown shopping districts and college towns.
I've seen several variants of STOP sign with either STATE LAW, or the name of the individual state. ALABAMA LAW, for example. also Mississippi, Louisiana, Georgia.
I believe they were all used at railroad crossings.
they're mostly yellow with black; there's one left in Gadsden, AL as recently as 2011.
Oregon Trucks-Trailers/Campers-Buses Unlawful to use Left Lane Except When Passing (http://maps.google.com/?ll=45.601706,-122.683661&spn=0.000015,0.01134&t=h&z=17&layer=c&cbll=45.602446,-122.683503&panoid=wvzZUeUTPEcuHECiutiphA&cbp=12,226.26,,0,7.35)
In New Jersey you have "N J LAW" (in red), followed by whatever the message is in black on white.
Quote from: StogieGuy7 on June 10, 2013, 07:52:46 PM
Quote from: corco on June 09, 2013, 05:10:35 PM
Colorado has started putting it on their KEEP RIGHT EXCEPT TO PASS signs in the last four years or so, which is actually awesome
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/552782_3858514658020_297240945_n.jpg)
Wisconsin needs to be flooded with these signs!!!! Clearly, nobody there never learned that the left lane is for PASSING. :banghead:
l
Is it the state law in Wisconsin? It took a change in the law in Colorado to make it an explicit violation (on multi-lane highways with speed limit 65 or over only).
Yes, I was living in Illinois when the law took effect. I seem to remember Wisconsin being one of the first in the nation to adopt such a law.
Quote from: The High Plains Traveler on June 10, 2013, 10:47:17 PM
Quote from: StogieGuy7 on June 10, 2013, 07:52:46 PM
Quote from: corco on June 09, 2013, 05:10:35 PM
Colorado has started putting it on their KEEP RIGHT EXCEPT TO PASS signs in the last four years or so, which is actually awesome
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/552782_3858514658020_297240945_n.jpg)
Wisconsin needs to be flooded with these signs!!!! Clearly, nobody there never learned that the left lane is for PASSING. :banghead:
l
Is it the state law in Wisconsin? It took a change in the law in Colorado to make it an explicit violation (on multi-lane highways with speed limit 65 or over only).
It is. Except our signs say SLOWER TRAFFIC KEEP RIGHT (R4-3) and are posted approximately every 7.5 miles (per WisDOT TGM 2-2-50). They're also posted at the beginning to passing lanes on two-lane highways (TGM 2-15-10).
In addition to the standard "move over" sign that many states have, Oklahoma has a "STATE LAW: MERGE NOW [arrow]" sign for use at temporary lane drops, meant to promote early merging rather than the behavior many exhibit of speeding up to the cones and sitting there waiting for a gap.
Quote from: Scott5114 on June 11, 2013, 06:27:32 AM
Oklahoma has a "STATE LAW: MERGE NOW [arrow]" sign for use at temporary lane drops, meant to promote early merging rather than the behavior many exhibit of speeding up to the cones and sitting there waiting for a gap.
I hate those signs. If it's a state law that I not use the left lane anymore, then why is the darned thing wide open?
Quote from: kphoger on June 11, 2013, 09:32:48 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on June 11, 2013, 06:27:32 AM
Oklahoma has a "STATE LAW: MERGE NOW [arrow]" sign for use at temporary lane drops, meant to promote early merging rather than the behavior many exhibit of speeding up to the cones and sitting there waiting for a gap.
I hate those signs. If it's a state law that I not use the left lane anymore, then why is the darned thing wide open?
Meanwhile, Pennsylvania advocates "Use Both Lanes to Merge Point". I doubt it's officially the law, however; I'd be curious to see the text of the OK statute.
Quote from: sp_redelectric on June 10, 2013, 09:26:42 PM
Oregon Trucks-Trailers/Campers-Buses Unlawful to use Left Lane Except When Passing (http://maps.google.com/?ll=45.601706,-122.683661&spn=0.000015,0.01134&t=h&z=17&layer=c&cbll=45.602446,-122.683503&panoid=wvzZUeUTPEcuHECiutiphA&cbp=12,226.26,,0,7.35)
make it unlawful to pass at significantly below the speed of left lane traffic, and we are getting somewhere.
oh wait, this is Oregon, home of the most bovine drivers in the country. "three abreast? uhh, is that a Total Recall reference?"
Quote from: codyg1985 on June 09, 2013, 06:38:42 PM
Alabama has the "STATE LAW MOVE OVER OR SLOW DOWN FOR EMERGENCY VEHICLES" sign, but it is all black on white; no yellow banner at the top.
Similar to Arizona, then.
Leaving aside a technical (and thus meaningless in practical terms) discussion of some supposed difference between a "law" and "rule" or a "regulation" would not EVERYTHING on a regulatory sign on a state maintained highway be a "state law" ? Thus what is the point?
State Law is supposed to imply that it's a unique law specific to [certain] states. Although, that's rarely the case for some of the passing and crosswalk laws.
It's applicable for stuff like weights for trucks, helmets for bicyclists, littering fines, and cell phone laws. All of which vary by state.
QuoteState Law is supposed to imply that it's a unique law specific to [certain] states. Although, that's rarely the case for some of the passing and crosswalk laws.
I thought it was intended to emphasize that it is a law and you can be ticketed for violation- people tend to forget that you have to stop for pedestrians in crosswalks and keep right except to pass.
Quote from: KEK Inc. on June 12, 2013, 05:33:47 AMIt's applicable for stuff like weights for trucks, helmets for bicyclists, littering fines, and cell phone laws. All of which vary by state.
It's strange what laws the state finds worthy of putting on those signs though. NC has a no texting and driving law, but it's not indicated on any signs. Meanwhile I thought that "burning" headlights while using wipers was a standard practice.
Connecticut still makes obtuse references to state statutes on their liability in construction zones. It's kind of the opposite of these blunt declarations, distant and vague while still threatening.
New York still has some signs that say "State Speed Limit 55" even though that's not true anymore.
New Jersey actually switched, I think, from yield to pedestrians to full stop for them. New Jersey also reminds you that it's state law to use headlights with wipers.
Quote from: Pete from Boston on June 12, 2013, 06:17:08 PM
Connecticut still makes obtuse references to state statutes on their liability in construction zones. It's kind of the opposite of these blunt declarations, distant and vague while still threatening.
New York still has some signs that say "State Speed Limit 55" even though that's not true anymore.
How about "State Speed Limit 40"? Unwitting patch job on former NY 172 EB just east of I-684 and just before a stop sign.
Quote from: Pete from Boston on June 12, 2013, 06:17:08 PM
New York still has some signs that say "State Speed Limit 55" even though that's not true anymore.
Actually, it is. If there is no posted speed limit, the limit is considered to be 55. Also, 65 is a special exception for certain freeways. NYSDOT is prohibited from setting a speed limit higher than 55 on non-freeways.
Quote from: DSS5 on June 12, 2013, 03:51:41 PM
Meanwhile I thought that "burning" headlights while using wipers was a standard practice.
Using headlights when it's raining certainly is (or should be) standard practice. By parallel circumstance, using your wipers when it's raining is also standard practice. In other words, you use your headlights because it's raining, not because your wipers are on, but framing the law that way gives a measurable and provable circumstance to require headlight use, whereas "it's raining" may be more arguable.
Quote from: empirestate on June 12, 2013, 11:13:09 PM
Using headlights when it's raining certainly is (or should be) standard practice. By parallel circumstance, using your wipers when it's raining is also standard practice. In other words, you use your headlights because it's raining, not because your wipers are on, but framing the law that way gives a measurable and provable circumstance to require headlight use, whereas "it's raining" may be more arguable.
It also means you don't need a light on your bike when it's raining. (But it's not actually defined that way in Florida. (http://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2011/316.217))
Quote from: Brian556 on June 09, 2013, 11:19:44 PM
For work zones, Texas has "OBEY WARNING SIGNS-STATE LAW; which, of course, amkes no sense, because you can only obey a regulatory sign. These signs are completely useless, and, along with the "TRAFFIC FINES DOUBLE WHEN WORKERS ARE PRESENT" signs, just add to the sign clutter in work zones.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1209.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fcc395%2FBrian5561%2F111711068_zpsf1e207f7.jpg&hash=8194c9f62fdeaae0f1cea3f4b38cc7c57bd57631) (http://s1209.photobucket.com/user/Brian5561/media/111711068_zpsf1e207f7.jpg.html)
I believe the standard wording is actually "OBSERVE WARNING SIGNS"... it looks like someone modified this particular one (note the different typeface).
Quote from: empirestate on June 12, 2013, 11:13:09 PM
Quote from: DSS5 on June 12, 2013, 03:51:41 PM
Meanwhile I thought that "burning" headlights while using wipers was a standard practice.
Using headlights when it's raining certainly is (or should be) standard practice. By parallel circumstance, using your wipers when it's raining is also standard practice. In other words, you use your headlights because it's raining, not because your wipers are on, but framing the law that way gives a measurable and provable circumstance to require headlight use, whereas "it's raining" may be more arguable.
I really wish the law said "when it's raining" rather than "when your wipers are on". Does the law as it is now mean I have to flash my headlights if I need to use the washer fluid to clean my windshield?
I think the issue with defining it as "when it's raining" is... well, at what point does one consider it raining? Like, if it's just a bit sprinkly, is that considered rain? If it's just a drop every once in a while, is that rain?
Whereas rainfall significant enough that you have to run your wipers to see out your windshield makes a handy definition.
Quote from: vdeane on June 13, 2013, 07:40:35 PM
Quote from: empirestate on June 12, 2013, 11:13:09 PM
Quote from: DSS5 on June 12, 2013, 03:51:41 PM
Meanwhile I thought that "burning" headlights while using wipers was a standard practice.
Using headlights when it's raining certainly is (or should be) standard practice. By parallel circumstance, using your wipers when it's raining is also standard practice. In other words, you use your headlights because it's raining, not because your wipers are on, but framing the law that way gives a measurable and provable circumstance to require headlight use, whereas "it's raining" may be more arguable.
I really wish the law said "when it's raining" rather than "when your wipers are on". Does the law as it is now mean I have to flash my headlights if I need to use the washer fluid to clean my windshield?
Picturing someone actually doing this is giving me the giggles.
Quote from: Kacie Jane on June 13, 2013, 09:14:49 PM
I think the issue with defining it as "when it's raining" is... well, at what point does one consider it raining? Like, if it's just a bit sprinkly, is that considered rain? If it's just a drop every once in a while, is that rain?
Whereas rainfall significant enough that you have to run your wipers to see out your windshield makes a handy definition.
The Virginia statute (46.2-1030), for one, limits it:
QuoteA. Every vehicle in operation on a highway in the Commonwealth shall display lighted headlights and illuminating devices as required by this article (i)from sunset to sunrise, (ii) during any other time when, because of rain, smoke, fog, snow, sleet, insufficient light, or other unfavorable atmospheric conditions, visibility is reduced to a degree whereby persons or vehicles on the highway are not clearly discernible at a distance of 500 feet, and (iii)whenever windshield wipers are in use as a result of fog, rain, sleet, or snow. The provisions of this subsection, however, shall not apply to instances when windshield wipers are used intermittently in misting rain, sleet, or snow.
....
Quote from: 1995hoo on June 13, 2013, 10:23:30 PM
The Virginia statute (46.2-1030), for one, limits it:
QuoteA. Every vehicle in operation on a highway in the Commonwealth shall display lighted headlights and illuminating devices as required by this article (i)from sunset to sunrise, (ii) during any other time when, because of rain, smoke, fog, snow, sleet, insufficient light, or other unfavorable atmospheric conditions, visibility is reduced to a degree whereby persons or vehicles on the highway are not clearly discernible at a distance of 500 feet, and (iii)whenever windshield wipers are in use as a result of fog, rain, sleet, or snow. The provisions of this subsection, however, shall not apply to instances when windshield wipers are used intermittently in misting rain, sleet, or snow.
....
But then, does the law actually require use of the wipers in inclement weather? If not, now you've got some wiseguy who doesn't turn on his wipers in a downpour, even though he can't see, so he figures "hey, my wipers aren't on so I can legally leave the headlights off!"
...Of course, that's a far more thorough thought process than you'd expect from such a driver!
Quote from: vdeane on June 12, 2013, 07:40:14 PM
Quote from: Pete from Boston on June 12, 2013, 06:17:08 PM
New York still has some signs that say "State Speed Limit 55" even though that's not true anymore.
Actually, it is. If there is no posted speed limit, the limit is considered to be 55. Also, 65 is a special exception for certain freeways. NYSDOT is prohibited from setting a speed limit higher than 55 on non-freeways.
Yep, "State Speed Limit 55" is actually an abbreviation for "State Speed Limit 55 Unless Otherwise Posted" (lower or higher), same as "Village Speed Limit 30" means the speed limit within the village limits is 30 unless otherwise posted (lower or higher).
All of this makes signs like "END 40 MPH SPEED" or "END 40 MPH LIMIT" mean the speed limit is 55 because the state speed limit is 55 in New York unless otherwise posted.
Quote from: upstatenyroads on June 14, 2013, 12:17:39 PMAll of this makes signs like "END 40 MPH SPEED" or "END 40 MPH LIMIT" mean the speed limit is 55 because the state speed limit is 55 in New York unless otherwise posted.
The problem with that is that they're only posted at state borders. I didn't drive across a state border until I'd already had my license for a year, and your average Joe may not do it enough to actually know that information. It would just be easier if the sign said what the new speed limit was.
Quote from: DSS5 on June 14, 2013, 02:16:10 PM
Quote from: upstatenyroads on June 14, 2013, 12:17:39 PMAll of this makes signs like "END 40 MPH SPEED" or "END 40 MPH LIMIT" mean the speed limit is 55 because the state speed limit is 55 in New York unless otherwise posted.
The problem with that is that they're only posted at state borders. I didn't drive across a state border until I'd already had my license for a year, and your average Joe may not do it enough to actually know that information. It would just be easier if the sign said what the new speed limit was.
I agree with you, but there's the American way and then there's the New York way. :)
I've always wondered why NYSDOT had to come up with all these STATE LAW signs instead of just mirroring what other states use. For example, why did they have to use their own "MOVE OVER" sign with a STATE LAW banner at the top when states that border New York all use the same standard format.
The "State Speed Limit 55" signs aren't just at the borders in New York, they're used regularly throughout the state.
Also, I've noticed that NY seems to be migrating away from the annoying "End 40 MPH Limit" and similar signs.
They've also started posting the yellow diamonds with a new speed limit and an arrow where "Speed Zone Ahead" was the previous standard.
Quote from: empirestate on June 14, 2013, 10:42:01 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on June 13, 2013, 10:23:30 PM
The Virginia statute (46.2-1030), for one, limits it:
QuoteA. Every vehicle in operation on a highway in the Commonwealth shall display lighted headlights and illuminating devices as required by this article (i)from sunset to sunrise, (ii) during any other time when, because of rain, smoke, fog, snow, sleet, insufficient light, or other unfavorable atmospheric conditions, visibility is reduced to a degree whereby persons or vehicles on the highway are not clearly discernible at a distance of 500 feet, and (iii)whenever windshield wipers are in use as a result of fog, rain, sleet, or snow. The provisions of this subsection, however, shall not apply to instances when windshield wipers are used intermittently in misting rain, sleet, or snow.
....
But then, does the law actually require use of the wipers in inclement weather? If not, now you've got some wiseguy who doesn't turn on his wipers in a downpour, even though he can't see, so he figures "hey, my wipers aren't on so I can legally leave the headlights off!"
...Of course, that's a far more thorough thought process than you'd expect from such a driver!
I use windshield cleaner that has Rain-X in it. Consequently, I can usually see just fine out of my windshield, even in heavy rain, without the use of wipers. It has to be raining quite hard, in fact, for me to turn mine on. However, I
do use my headlights in even the slightest rain. I just wanted to point out that it's not just "some wiseguy" who keeps his wipers off. I actually find the wipers more distracting in most cases than the rain itself.
In my Saturn Vue, I let the DRL's and the automatic headlight feature take care of any lighting needs I have.
In my Toyota Tacoma, I had gotten in the habit of turning my lights on anyway whenever I was on a long trip just to increase visibility, since the vehicle did not come equipped with DRL's.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1209.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fcc395%2FBrian5561%2F111711068_zpsf1e207f7.jpg&hash=8194c9f62fdeaae0f1cea3f4b38cc7c57bd57631)
I believe the standard wording is actually "OBSERVE WARNING SIGNS" (//http://)
Actually the standard wording changes from "OBSERVE" to "OBEY" several years ago. "OBSERVE" made alot more sense.
Quote from: Pete from Boston on June 12, 2013, 06:17:08 PM
New Jersey also reminds you that it's state law to use headlights with wipers.
I better not drive in New Jersey then. My headlights don't have wipers on them! :-D
Quote from: vdeane on June 12, 2013, 07:40:14 PM
Quote from: Pete from Boston on June 12, 2013, 06:17:08 PM
New York still has some signs that say "State Speed Limit 55" even though that's not true anymore.
Actually, it is. If there is no posted speed limit, the limit is considered to be 55. Also, 65 is a special exception for certain freeways. NYSDOT is prohibited from setting a speed limit higher than 55 on non-freeways.
Many states have a de-facto speed limit on various types of roads; meaning if it isn't signed otherwise, the speed limit is XX mph. In Massachusetts, the assumed speed limit on a divided highway is 50 mph
unless otherwise posted. However, most divided highways are posted at either 55 and 65 mph.
In PA, no speed limit signs on just about
any road (outside of urban areas) implies that the speed limit for that stretch is 55 mph. Which explains why even some short, dead-end roads have 25 mph speed limit signs on them; even though by the time one accelerates to 25-30, they're at the cul-de-sac.
With regards to NY State's speed limit signage; on some local roads in NY, I've also seen some
VILLAGE SPEED LIMIT 30 signs around.
Quote from: KEK Inc. on June 12, 2013, 05:33:47 AMState Law is supposed to imply that it's a unique law specific to [certain] states.
Actually, that is not quite what it is supposed to mean. It is supposed to mean that the restriction described is part of the rules of the road in that state: in other words, it applies everywhere in that state, whether it is posted on a sign or not. A "STATE LAW" sign is therefore a reminder sign.
In NJ, PA & DE, they all tend to haphazardly mention a few of the traffic laws as you enter the state. Since all 3 states tend to have exits, intersections, etc. just after entering the state, even signage that is posted can be missed because someone already exited the roadway, or they're too busy looking at destination signage, street names, etc.
Heck - In NJ even the roadway's speed limit isn't posted for upwards of a mile or so in some cases upon entering the state.
Quote from: kphoger on June 11, 2013, 09:32:48 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on June 11, 2013, 06:27:32 AM
Oklahoma has a "STATE LAW: MERGE NOW [arrow]" sign for use at temporary lane drops, meant to promote early merging rather than the behavior many exhibit of speeding up to the cones and sitting there waiting for a gap.
I hate those signs. If it's a state law that I not use the left lane anymore, then why is the darned thing wide open?
Totally agree. "Lane Ends 1,000 Feet" or whatever means the lane is ending, and should mean the lane is open for use. One doesn't stop at a "Stop Ahead" sign - they stop at the upcoming stop sign. One doesn't stop at a "Traffic Light Ahead" sign - they stop at the traffic light, and if the light is red. At a reduced speed limit sign, the reduced speed limit takes effect at the speed limit sign. Why are lane ending treated differently?
For what it's worth, NJ only tends to post a temporary lane closure at 1,500 feet prior or 1/4 mile prior to the lane closure point, which mostly ensures that the lanes are fully used. Other states tend to have similiar signage. Most of these states still have signage that say "Road Work 1 Mile Ahead", but don't alert you at that point to any lane closures. (Granted, you can probably see which lane is closed up ahead - there's just no signs regarding it yet.)
Quote from: kphoger on June 11, 2013, 09:32:48 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on June 11, 2013, 06:27:32 AM
Oklahoma has a "STATE LAW: MERGE NOW [arrow]" sign for use at temporary lane drops, meant to promote early merging rather than the behavior many exhibit of speeding up to the cones and sitting there waiting for a gap.
I hate those signs. If it's a state law that I not use the left lane anymore, then why is the darned thing wide open?
So you have room to move over if there's traffic in the other lane.
Quote from: jeffandnicole on June 26, 2013, 01:18:58 PM
At a reduced speed limit sign, the reduced speed limit takes effect at the speed limit sign.
Too bad many people are unaware of this. I've seen many people slow down to be at the reduced speed at the same time they pass the reduced speed limit sign.
Quote from: jeffandnicole on June 26, 2013, 01:18:58 PM
At a reduced speed limit sign, the reduced speed limit takes effect at the speed limit sign.
Too bad many people are unaware of this. I've seen many people slow down to be at the reduced speed at the same time they pass the reduced speed limit sign.
[/quote]
Perhaps they're people who have been nailed for speeding upon entering the new reduced speed limit zone and are unwilling to take future chances.
Quote from: 1995hoo on June 10, 2013, 10:11:58 AM
....
http://goo.gl/maps/vjSNQ <---Newer signs of this variety take a different format. I believe this sign has been replaced, but I won't be trying for a picture today (weather's too nasty). I believe the re-wording had something to do with an amended statute clarifying that the "Move Over" law doesn't apply only to moving over for cops/ambulances/fire trucks but may also require moving over for tow trucks.
The sign shown above has indeed been replaced. The newer one refers to stopped emergency vehicles "with flashing lights." I passed the new sign today with my dashboard camera running and I'll try to edit this with a screen capture, if it's legible and not too grainy, after I download videos from the memory card.
Frankly I thought the old sign was clearer–the new one has more words and they're in varied sizes (but still in all caps).
Quote from: kphoger on June 11, 2013, 09:32:48 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on June 11, 2013, 06:27:32 AM
Oklahoma has a "STATE LAW: MERGE NOW [arrow]" sign for use at temporary lane drops, meant to promote early merging rather than the behavior many exhibit of speeding up to the cones and sitting there waiting for a gap.
I hate those signs. If it's a state law that I not use the left lane anymore, then why is the darned thing wide open?
For me it conjures up images of miles and miles of traffic hugged up against the right shoulder, with cars leap frog passing each other and immediately jumping back into the right lane, for fear of staying in the sacrosanct holy left lane for too long.
If you do that for too long, you get what Arkansas had when I first started to drive: a right lane that was beaten to hell, and a left lane that looked largely unused.
Quote from: ChoralScholar on July 13, 2013, 11:43:37 PM
Quote from: kphoger on June 11, 2013, 09:32:48 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on June 11, 2013, 06:27:32 AM
Oklahoma has a "STATE LAW: MERGE NOW [arrow]" sign for use at temporary lane drops, meant to promote early merging rather than the behavior many exhibit of speeding up to the cones and sitting there waiting for a gap.
I hate those signs. If it's a state law that I not use the left lane anymore, then why is the darned thing wide open?
For me it conjures up images of miles and miles of traffic driving in the right lnae, with cars leap frog passing each other and immediately jumping back into the right lane, the way they're supposed to.
If you do that for too long, you get what Arkansas had when I first started to drive: only one lane that needed the be repaved, and a left lane that could stay open during construction.
FTFY
Quote from: kphoger on July 17, 2013, 04:35:57 PM
Quote from: ChoralScholar on July 13, 2013, 11:43:37 PM
Quote from: kphoger on June 11, 2013, 09:32:48 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on June 11, 2013, 06:27:32 AM
Oklahoma has a "STATE LAW: MERGE NOW [arrow]" sign for use at temporary lane drops, meant to promote early merging rather than the behavior many exhibit of speeding up to the cones and sitting there waiting for a gap.
I hate those signs. If it's a state law that I not use the left lane anymore, then why is the darned thing wide open?
For me it conjures up images of miles and miles of traffic driving in the right lnae, with cars leap frog passing each other and immediately jumping back into the right lane, the way they're supposed to.
If you do that for too long, you get what Arkansas had when I first started to drive: only one lane that needed the be repaved, and a left lane that could stay open during construction.
FTFY
Let's stay out of the left lane, because we'll need it after we wear the right one out? That's a policy based in common sense. </sarcasm>
I prefer: "Let's stay out of the left lane, because I'm human and I make mistakes and I might not realize until it's too late that there's a guy wanting to go 100 mph behind me (might be police, might be civilian), and making him slow down and/or change lanes is more dangerous than just not being in front of him to begin with".
The pavement issue is just a nice benefit of doing things the right way.
Consistent with the guidance in the 2009 MUTCD, the current "work zone double speeding fines" signs in Massachusetts are supposed to read "WORK ZONE (in black on orange)/SPEEDING FINES DOUBLED (in black on white)"
However, the traffic control contractor on the I-93 sound barrier project in Andover has been using the older "STATE LAW SPEEDING FINES DOUBLED IN WORK ZONES" with one modification: "STATE LAW" is black on orange (instead of white on black), and the rest of the sign is black on white.
Unfortunately, the only time I'm through that section of I-93 is PM rush hour when the "active" breakdown lane is in use, so I have yet to get a photograph of one of these signs.