What are warrants for traffic control devices?
A warrant for any traffic control device (sign, signal or pavement marking) is the minimum criteria that must be met before such a device can be installed. Meeting a warrant does not mean a traffic control device must be installed. The Michigan Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices spells out these warrants to ensure that each device: • Fulfills a need, • Commands attention, • Conveys a clear, simple meaning, • Commands the respect of road users, and • Gives adequate time for proper response TRAFFIC SIGNALS have 11 warrants, at least one of which must be met before a signal can be installed. These warrants state the number of vehicles, pedestrians, crashes or combination of these that must exist before a signal can be installed. STOP SIGNS have their own set of four Warrants: • Intersections of a less important road with a main road where the normal right-of-way rule is unduly hazardous, • Street entering a through highway or street, • Un-signalized intersection in a signalized are
