Laws about traffic signs.

[Amusedmom]

What is the name of your state? Ohio

I'm trying to figure out if there is a law about when a "reduced speed ahead" sign needs to be present.

Situation: On a county road (55 mph and not real familiar with) that goes into a municipality. There is no "reduced speed ahead" sign. As you round a curve there is a "You are entering xxxx. A zoned community." with a 25mph sign beside it.

I have contacted numerous officials within the county and no one can tell me the rules/regulations on this situation. I have spoken to ODOT who referred me to county office. That office referred me to the County Engineer. County Engineer couldn't answer my questions so I was referred to the County Highway Garage. They couldn't answer so referred me to the person who takes care of the signs in the county (who did tell me he knew the area well but no traffic studies have been done there because the county doesn't have the time or funds). He flat out told me he didn't know what the rules and regulations are for a reduced speed ahead sign. I was referred to the township trustees. The one trustee I spoke to couldn't answer my questions and told me that the area I was talking about wasn't in the township, it was in the city. The chief of police said it depends on which side of the road you're on as far as if you are in the municipality. When I asked for a general idea of how many speeding tickets are issued here he replied with "Oh, a lot." I'm hoping someone here can either educate me on when a reduced speed ahead sign needs to be present and/or point me in the right direction.

 

[FlyingRon]

You didn't indicate what state you are in. There are at least at least three that begin with O.

Frankly, I am not aware of any state that REQUIRES prior notice. The speed limit sign is in full regulatory force by itself.

 

[HighwayMan]

What is the name of your state? Ohio

 

[Zigner]

The Ohio Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices covers "Reduced Speed Ahead" signs on page 143.

"A Reduced Speed Limit Ahead (W3-5 or W3-5a) sign (see Figure 2C-7) should be used to inform road users of a reduced speed zone where the speed limit is being reduced by more than 10 mph, or where engineering judgment indicates the need for advance notice to comply with the posted speed limit ahead."

As you can see, there is no requirement that a sign be used, just a suggestion. In fact, the standards listed after the text quoted above start with the words "If used...".

http://www.dot.state.oh.us/Divisions/Engineering/Roadway/DesignStandards/traffic/OhioMUTCD/Documents/2012_OMUTCD_Complete_file01_Cover-Part02_011812_final_bookmarked_013112_inserted 2blank pages_020212.pdf