Welcome to Port St. Lucie's Engineering Traffic Division

The State of Florida has set forth traffic control regulations in Chapter 316 of the Florida Statutes and, except where specifically permitted within the statutes, all local governments must follow this code.  The basic reference in the code is the Manual On Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) of the Federal Highway Administration.  The MUTCD has been endorsed by the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) and is used as the basis for much of the case law that has been made in the United States over the past several decades.

Traffic control devices include traffic signals, traffic signs, and painted roadway lines and markings.  The MUTCD covers all aspects of the placement, construction and maintenance of every form of approved traffic control device.

There are five basic requirements for all traffic control devices.  They must:

1.  Fulfill a need

2.  Command attention

3.  Convey a clear, simple meaning

4.  Command respect of road users

5.  Give adequate time for proper response

The MUTCD emphasizes "uniformity" of traffic control devices.  A uniform traffic control device conforms to the regulations for dimensions, color, wording and graphics.  The standard device should convey the same meaning at all times. Consistent use of traffic control devices protects the clarity of their message.  The MUTCD also requires that similar situations be treated in the same way.1

 

 

 

1-Reference from the Institute of Transportation Engineers Florida Section District 10, Traffic Information Program Series