Traffic engineers have received calls from concerned citizens asking "Aren't those new stop signs rather high?"

In Florida, as in most states, the standard for signs, signals and pavement markings is the "Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices " (MUTCD). This publication by the U.S. Department of Transportation, serves as the standard for the installation of all traffic control devices.

The MUTCD indicates that " in business, commercial and residential districts where parking and/or pedestrian movement is likely to occur or where there are other obstructions to view, the clearance to the bottom of the sign shall be at least 7 feet'. "Signs erected at the side of the road in rural districts shall be mounted at a height of at least 5 feet, measured from the bottom of the sign to the near edge of the pavement."

"Why must signs be so high?" One major reason is the improved visibility that results. In urban areas parked cars and other obstructions often obscure signs that are too low. Also, pedestrians are not likely to collide with properly mounted signs under conditions of reduced visibility (darkness). In rural areas, bushes and even weeds can block signs that are installed too low.

Another reason for installing signs high enough is the improved condition and life of the sign. A sign 7 feet above the ground is less susceptible to vandalism. It is also less likely to be sprayed with dirt from passing cars. And finally, signs mounted at their correct height have been found to command more respect than those that are too low.

Another concern of citizens is the lateral placement of STOP signs from the roadway.

The MUTCD states that "signs should have the maximum practical lateral clearance from the edge of the traveled way for the safety of motorists who may leave the roadway and strike the

sign support." It is further stated that "Normally, signs should not be closer than 6 feet from the edge of the shoulder, or if none, 12 feet from the edge of the traveled way. In urban areas, a lesser clearance may be used where necessary. Although 2 feet is recommended as a working urban minimum, a clearance of 1 foot from the curb face is permissible where sidewalk width is limited or where existing poles are close to the curb."