Delaware Administrative Code
Title 2 - Transportation
2000 - Department of Transportation
2400 - Division of Transportation Solutions
2402 - Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD)
Part 2 - Signs
Chapter 2G - PREFERENTIAL AND MANAGED LANE SIGNS
Section 2G.03 - Regulatory Signs for Preferential Lanes- General
Current through Register Vol. 28, No. 3, September 1, 2024
Standard:
01 When a preferential lane is established, the Preferential Lane regulatory signs (see Figure 2G-1) and pavement markings (see Chapter 3D) for these lanes shall be used to advise road users.
Support:
02 Preferential Lane (R3-10 series through R3-15 series) regulatory signs consist of several different general types of regulatory signs as follows (see Figure 2G-1):
Standard:
03 Regulatory signs applicable only to a preferential lane shall be distinguished from regulatory signs applicable to general-purpose lanes by the inclusion of the applicable symbol(s) and/or word(s) (see Figure 2G-1).
Support:
04 The symbol and word message displayed on a particular Preferential Lane regulatory sign will vary based on the specific type of allowed traffic and on other related operational constraints that have been established for a particular lane, such as an HOV lane, a bus lane, or a taxi lane.
Option:
05 Changeable message signs may supplement, substitute for, or be incorporated into static Preferential Lane regulatory signs where travel conditions change or where multiple types of operational strategies (such as variable occupancy requirements or vehicle types) are used and varied throughout the day or week, or on a real-time basis, to manage the use of, control of, or access to preferential lanes.
Support:
06 Figure 2G-1 illustrates examples of changeable messages incorporated into static Preferential Lane regulatory signs.
Standard:
07 When changeable message signs (see Chapter 2L) are used as regulatory signs for preferential lanes, they shall be the required sign size and shall display the required letter height and legend format that corresponds to the type of roadway facility and design speed.
Guidance:
08 When Preferential Lane regulatory signs are used on conventional roads, the decision regarding whether to use a post-mounted or overhead version of a particular type of sign should be based on an engineering study that considers the available space, the existing signs for the adjacent general-purpose traffic lanes, roadway and traffic characteristics, the proximity to existing overhead signs, the ability to install overhead signs, and any other unique local factors.
09 If overhead regulatory signs applicable only to a preferential lane are located in approximately the same longitudinal position along the highway as overhead signs applicable only to the general-purpose lanes, the signs for the preferential lane should be separated laterally from the signs for the general-purpose lanes to the maximum extent practical to minimize conflicting information, while maintaining their visual relationship to the lanes below necessitated by specific legend or arrows indicating lane assignment.
Standard:
10 If used, overhead Preferential Lane (R3-13 series, R3-14 series, and R3-15 series) regulatory signs shall be installed on the side of the roadway where the entrance to the preferential lane is located and any appropriate adjustments shall be made to the sign message.
Option:
11 Where a median of sufficient width is available, the R3-13 series and R3-15 series signs may be post-mounted.
Support:
12 The sizes for Preferential Lane regulatory signs will differ to reflect the design speeds for each type of roadway facility. Table 2G-1 provides sizes for each type of roadway facility.
Guidance:
13 The edges of Preferential Lane regulatory signs that are post-mounted on a median barrier should not project beyond the outer edges of the barrier, including in areas where lateral clearance is limited.
Table 2G-1. Managed and Preferential Lanes Sign and Plaque Minimum Sizes
(Delaware Revision)
| Sign or Plaque | Sign Designation | Section | Conventional Road | Expressway | Freeway | Oversized | |
| Single Lane | Multi-Lane | ||||||
| Preferential Lane Vehicle Occupancy Definition (post-mounted) | R3-10,10a | 2G.04 | 30 x 42 | 30 x 42 | 36 x 60 | 78 x 96 | 78 x 96 |
| Preferential Lane Periods of Operation (post-mounted) | R3-11 series | 2G.05 | 30 x 42 | 30 x 42 | 36 x 60 | 78 x 96 | 78 x 96 |
| Right Lane Buses Bikes Right Turns Only | R3-11b-DE | 2G.05 | 42 x 60 | 42 x 60 | 42 x 60 | - | - |
| Motorcycles Allowed (plaque) | R3-11P | 2G.03 | 30 x 15 | 30 x 15 | 36 x 18 | 78 x 36 | 78 x 36 |
| Preferential Lane Ahead or Ends (post-mounted) | R3-12 series | 2G.06 | 30 x 42 | 30 x 42 | 36 x 60 | 48 x 84 | 48 x 84 |
| Preferential Lane Vehicle Occupancy Definition (overhead) | R3-13,13a | 2G.04 | 66 x 36 | 66 x 36 | 84 x 48 | 144 x 78 | 144 x 78 |
| HOV Lane Periods of Operation (overhead) | R3-14,14a,14b | 2G.05 | 72 x 60 | 72 x 60 | 96 x 72 | 144 x 108 | 144 x 108 |
| Preferential Lane Periods of Operation (overhead) | R3-14c | 2G.05 | 90 x 60 | 90 x 60 | 108 x 72 | 156 x 102 | 168 x 102 |
| HOV Lane Ahead (overhead) | R3-15 | 2G.06 | 66 x 36 | 66 x 36 | 84 x 48 | 102 x 60 | 102 x 60 |
| HOV Lane Begins XX Miles (overhead) | R3-15a | 2G.06 | 78 x 42 | 78 x 42 | 102 x 54 | 132 x 72 | 132 x 72 |
| HOV Lane Ends (overhead) | R3-15b, 15c | 2G.07 | 66 x 36 | 66 x 36 | 84 x 48 | 102 x 60 | 102 x 60 |
| Preferential Lane Ahead or Ends (overhead) | R3-15d,15e | 2G.07 | 42 x 36 | 42 x 36 | 54 x 48 | 72 x 60 | 72 x 60 |
| Priced Managed Lane Vehicle Occupancy Definition (post-mounted) | R3-40 | 2G.17 | - | - | 54 x 66 | 54 x 66 | 66 x 78 |
| Priced Managed Lane Ends (post-mounted) | R3-42,42b | 2G.17 | - | - | 48 x 60 | 48 x 60 | 60 x 78 |
| Priced Managed Lane Ends Advance (post-mounted) | R3-42a,42c | 2G.17 | - | - | 48 x 66 | 48 x 66 | 60 x 84 |
| Priced Managed Lane Vehicle Occupancy Definition | R3-43 | 2G.17 | - | - | 138 x 66 | 138 x 66 | - |
| Priced Managed Lane Periods of Operation (overhead) | R3-44 | 2G.17 | - | - | 90 x 84 | 90 x 84 | - |
| Priced Managed Lane Periods of Operation (overhead) | R3-44a | 2G.17 | - | - | 132 x 84 | 132 x 84 | - |
| Priced Managed Lane Ends (overhead) | R3-45 | 2G.17 | - | - | 90 x 66 | 90 x 66 | - |
| Priced Managed Lane Ends (overhead) | R3-45a | 2G.17 | - | - | 114 x 66 | 114 x 66 | - |
| Priced Managed Lane Toll Rate | R3-48 | 2G.17 | - | - | Varies | Varies | - |
| Priced Managed Lane Toll Rate | R3-48a | 2G.17 | - | - | Varies | Varies | - |
| HOV (plaque) | W16-11P | 2G.09 | 24 x 12 | 24 x 12 | 30 x 18 | 30 x 18 | 30 x 18 |
| Preferential Lane Entrance Gore | E8-1 | 2G.10 | - | - | 48 x 96 | 48 x 96 | - |
| Preferential Lane Intermediate Entrance Gore | E8-1a | 2G.10 | - | - | 48 x 84 | 48 x 84 | - |
| Preferential Lane Entrance Direction (overhead) | E8-2 | 2G.11 | - | - | 222 x 72 | 222 x 72 | - |
| Preferential Lane Entrance Direction (post-mounted) | E8-2a | 2G.11 | - | - | 186 x 108 | 186 x 108 | - |
| Preferential Lane Entrance Advance | E8-3 | 2G.11 | - | - | 186 x 96 | 186 x 96 | - |
| Preferential Lane Direct Exit Gore | E8-4 | 2G.15 | - | - | 60 x 78 | 60 x 78 | - |
| Preferential Lane Intermediate Egress Direction | E8-5 | 2G.13 | - | - | Varies x 90 | Varies x 90 | - |
| Preferential Lane Intermediate Egress Advance | E8-6 | 2G.13 | - | - | Varies x 84 | Varies x 84 | - |
Notes:
Option:
14 Where lateral clearance is limited, Preferential Lane regulatory signs that are post-mounted on a median barrier and that are 72 inches or less in width may be skewed up to 45 degrees in order to fit within the barrier width or may be mounted higher, such that the vertical clearance to the bottom of the sign, light fixture, or structural support, whichever is lowest, is not less than 14 feet above any portion of the pavement and shoulders.
Standard:
15 Where lateral clearance is limited, Preferential Lane regulatory signs that are post-mounted on a median barrier and that are wider than 72 inches shall be mounted with a vertical clearance that complies with the provisions of Section 2A.18 for overhead mounting.
Guidance:
16 On conventional roadways, Preferential Lane regulatory sign spacing should be determined by engineering judgment based on speed, block length, distances from adjacent intersections, and other site-specific considerations.
Support:
17 Sections 2G.04 and 2G.05 contain provisions regarding the placement of Preferential Lane regulatory signs on freeways and expressways.
Standard:
18 The signs illustrated in Figure 2G-1 that incorporate the diamond symbol shall be used exclusively with preferential lanes for high-occupancy vehicles to indicate the particular occupancy requirement and time restrictions applying to that lane. The signs illustrated in Figure 2G-1 that do not have a diamond symbol shall be used with preferential lanes that are not HOV lanes, but are designated for use by other types of vehicles (such as bus and/or taxi use).
Option:
19 Agencies may select from either the HOV abbreviation or the diamond symbol, or use both, to reference the HOV lane designation.
Standard:
20 When the diamond symbol (or HOV abbreviation) is used without text on the post-mounted Preferential Lane (R3-10 series, R3-11 series, and R3-12 series) regulatory signs, it shall be centered on the top line of the sign. When the diamond symbol (or HOV abbreviation) is used with associated text on the post-mounted Preferential Lane (R3-10 series, R3-11 series, and R3-12 series) regulatory signs, it shall appear to the left of the associated text. When the diamond symbol is used on the overhead Preferential Lane (R3-13, R3-13a, R3-14, and R3-14a) regulatory signs, it shall appear in the top left quadrant. The diamond symbol for the R3-15, R3-15a, R3-15b, and R3-15c signs shall appear on the left side of the sign. The diamond symbol shall not be used on the bus, taxi, or bicycle Preferential Lane signs.
21 Vehicle Occupancy Definition, Periods of Operation, and Preferential Lane Advance regulatory signs for HOV lanes shall display the minimum allowable vehicle occupancy requirement established for each HOV lane, displayed immediately after the word message HOV or the diamond symbol.
Support:
22 The agencies that own and operate HOV lanes have the authority and responsibility to determine how they are operated and the minimum occupancy requirements. Information about federal requirements for certain types of vehicles not meeting the minimum occupancy requirement to be eligible to use HOV lanes that receive Federal-aid program funding and about requirements associated with proposed significant changes to the operation of an existing HOV lane and certain vehicles are contained in the "Federal-Aid Highway Program Guidance on High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Lanes" (see Section 1A.11).
Standard:
23 The provisions of Sections 2G.03 through 2G.07 regarding regulatory signs for Preferential lanes shall apply to managed lanes operated at all times or at certain times by varying vehicle occupancy requirements (HOV) or by using vehicle type restrictions as a congestion management strategy. Such managed lanes shall use changeable message signs or changeable message elements within static signs to display the appropriate regulatory sign messages only when they are in effect.
24 When certain types of vehicles (such as trucks) are prohibited from using a managed lane or when a managed lane is restricted to use by only certain types of vehicles during certain operational strategies, regulatory signs or regulatory panels within the appropriate guide signs that include changeable message elements shall be used to display the open/closed status of the managed lane for such vehicle types.
25 When the vehicle occupancy required for use of an HOV lane is varied as a part of a managed lane operational strategy, regulatory signs that include changeable message elements shall be used to display the required vehicle occupancy in effect.
Support:
26 See Section 2G.17 for regulatory signs for managed lanes that use tolling or pricing as a congestion management strategy, either exclusively or with other management strategies.
27 Figures 2G-2 and 2G-3 illustrate the use of regulatory signs for the beginning, along the length, and at the end of contiguous or buffer-separated preferential lanes that provide continuous access with the adjacent general-purpose lanes.
