New Mexico Administrative Code
Title 18 - TRANSPORTATION AND HIGHWAYS
Chapter 19 - MOTOR VEHICLE PROCEDURES, LICENSES, PERMITS
Part 8 - SIZE AND WEIGHT OF VEHICLES AND LOADS
Section 18.19.8.99 - FLAGMEN

A. Flagmen are required on all loads 20 feet wide or wider or whenever otherwise required by the special permit. Flagmen shall not be used in lieu of an escort vehicle. A dismounted driver of an escort vehicle shall serve as a flagman as necessary during the movement of an escorted oversize vehicle or load.

B. A flagman shall be at least eighteen years of age and an employee or agent of the permittee or an escort vehicle service.

C. A flagman shall wear an orange or red safety jacket and an orange or red hard hat or bump cap. A flagman shall be equipped with a paddle sign.

D. A paddle sign shall be constructed of rigid durable material and consist of a handle at least eight inches long attached to an octagon sign the shape of a standard street stop sign. Each of the eight sides of the octagon sign shall be at least 14 inches, point to point. One side of the sign shall have a red background with white letters, one and one-half inches thick, reading "STOP". The other side shall have a yellow or orange background with black letters, one and one half inches thick, reading "CAUTION". The handle shall be affixed to the sign in such a manner that the word on the sign is displayed to motorists when the sign is held up to view.

E. A flagman shall use a paddle sign to direct traffic at all locations where traffic may be obstructed, or when necessary to infringe on the oppositely-bound traffic lane because of breakdown, pulling onto or off the pavement, or avoiding obstacles in the path of movement.

F. A flagman shall use a paddle sign to warn traffic of an approaching oversize vehicle at danger points, such as narrow bridges or sharp corners, where the oversize vehicle will travel.

G. Flagmen shall position themselves far enough in advance of a problem area so that approaching traffic is allowed sufficient distance to reduce speed and come to a stop. Depending upon approach speed and physical conditions at the site, a distance of 200 to 300 feet is usually adequate. In urban areas, a shorter distance may be appropriate.

H. Flagmen shall face traffic on the edge of the shoulder of the road just outside of the traffic lane and shall always stand where they are visible by approaching motorists.

I. When warning or stopping traffic, the paddle sign shall be kept in a horizontal position in the path of the vehicle. The free arm shall be raised with the palm of the hand toward approaching traffic.

J. To slow traffic, but not stop it, the flagman shall extend the paddle sign into the traffic lane. The paddle sign shall be lowered before traffic is completely stopped.

K. The paddle sign shall not be used to signal traffic to move ahead. When signaling traffic to move ahead, a flagman shall lower the paddle sign behind his body and signal with the free hand, using a sweeping motion in the direction traffic is to move.

L. The paddle sign shall not be waved. Signals from a flagman shall be clear and distinct.

M. If time permits and when possible, a flagman shall inform motorists of the reason for the delay.