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Stop Signs

What you need to know about
Stop Signs


Speed Control

STOP sign: red octagon with white letters.

Each year, the City of Lawrence receives many inquiries about installing STOP signs as a way to reduce speeding. However, research shows that other measures are often more effective than adding more STOP signs. The purpose of STOP signs is to assign right-of-way at an intersection, not to control speeding.

Public understanding of the function of STOP signs is one of the most critical elements in reducing speeding and traffic accidents. The following information explains our policies on the correct use of STOP signs.

Installation Policies

STOP sign on a post.

The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways (MUTCD), published by The Federal Highway Administration dictates the size, shape and color of all traffic signs. This manualhas guidelines for installing signs and thus creates uniformity across the country, from state-to-state, and city-to-city. The State of Kansas has adopted the MUTCD as the official manual for Kansas.

The City of Lawrence is required by State law to comply with the guidelines of the MUTCD.

MUTCD

STOP signs are installed at an intersection only after a careful traffic engineering evaluation of the existing conditions indicates that their installation is appropriate.

Overuse of STOP signs reduces their effectiveness and if installed where not justified, they are largely ignored by drivers who tend to speed up between STOP sign controlled intersections, rather than slow down.

The MUTCD states that "a STOP sign may be warrantedat an intersection where one or more of the following conditions exist:

  • Intersection of a less important road with a main road where application of the normal right-of-way rule is unduly hazardous.
  • Street entering a through highway or street.
  • Unsignalized intersection in a signalized area.
  • Other intersections where a combination of high speed, restricted view, and serious accident record indicates a need for control by the STOP sign.

Prior to the application of these warrants, consideration should be given to less restrictive measures, such as the YIELD sign where a full stop is not necessary at all times."

The MUTCD also states that "portable or part-time STOP signs shall not be used except for emergency purposes. Also, STOP signs should not be used for speed control."

Citizen Concern

The City takes our role in solving traffic problems very seriously, yet the ultimate burden of safety rests with you, the motorist in Lawrence. Due to the number of citizen requests per year, we cannot always investigate your request as quickly as we would like to. However, we will respond after carefully evaluating your request. We appreciate your patience and understanding.

IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS, REQUESTS OR SUGGESTIONS CONCERNING TRAFFIC, PLEASE CALL THE TRAFFIC ENGINEERING DIVISION