Cornell Local Roads Program

What is the distance between speed limit signs?

R2-1 sign showing a speed limit of 50 mph

The spacing distance for Speed limit signs (R2-1) depends upon the speed to be posted. These distances are in the NYS Supplement and supersede the information in the National MUTCD.

The first sign is placed as close as possible to the beginning of the speed limit zone, but may be moved if other more critical signs (such as a stop ahead sign) has a higher primacy. The second sign should be placed within 1,100 feet of the first sign. Subsequent signs are spaced as shown in the table.

Spacing of linear speed limit signs in New York State
Speed limit
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
55
Distance between first two signs
1100
1100
1100
1100
1100
1100
1100
1100
1100
Distance between subsequent signs
1500
2000
2500
3000
3500
4000
4500
5000
5500

References

CLRP Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) page

Cover of the Traffic Sign Handbook

Traffic Sign Handbook for Local Roads (pdf)

CLRP Tech Assistance logo

Technical Assistance

 


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