Cone color, material, and minimum height
Cones shall be predominantly orange and made of a material that can be struck without causing damage to the impacting vehicle. For daytime and low-speed roadways, cones shall be not less than 18 inches in height. On freeways and other high-speed highways, at night on all highways, or when more conspicuous guidance is needed, cones shall be a minimum of 28 inches in height.
Nighttime retroreflectorization of 28- to 36-inch cones
For nighttime use cones shall be retroreflectorized or equipped with lighting devices. For cones 28 to 36 inches in height, retroreflectorization shall be a 6-inch wide white band located 3 to 4 inches from the top of the cone plus an additional 4-inch wide white band located approximately 2 inches below the 6-inch band.
Retroreflectorization of cones taller than 36 inches
Cones more than 36 inches in height shall have horizontal, circumferential, alternating orange and white retroreflective stripes 4 to 6 inches wide, with a minimum of two orange and two white stripes, the top stripe being orange, and any non-retroreflective spaces between stripes not exceeding 3 inches in width.
Permitted uses of traffic cones
Traffic cones may be used to channelize road users, divide opposing vehicular traffic lanes, divide lanes when two or more lanes are kept open in the same direction, and delineate short-duration maintenance and utility work.
Preventing cone displacement by wind or traffic
Steps should be taken to minimize the possibility of cones being blown over or displaced by wind or moving vehicular traffic. Cones may be doubled up to increase their weight, and ballast should be kept to the minimum amount needed.
Channelizing devices must be crashworthy
Designs of various channelizing devices shall be as shown in Figure 6K-1. All channelizing devices shall be crashworthy.
Channelizing device spacing for tapers and tangents
The spacing between cones, tubular markers, vertical panels, drums, and barricades should not exceed a distance in feet equal to 1 times the speed limit in mph when used for taper channelization, and should not exceed a distance in feet equal to 2 times the speed limit in mph when used for tangent channelization.
Extending channelizing devices beyond transition area
When channelizing devices have the potential of leading vehicular traffic out of the intended vehicular traffic space, the channelizing devices should be extended a distance in feet of 2 times the speed limit in mph beyond the downstream end of the transition area.
Channelizing device retroreflective color day and night
The retroreflective material used on channelizing devices shall display a similar color day or night.
Restriction on owner/manufacturer identification on channelizing devices
Information identifying the owner or manufacturer shall not be displayed on any portion of the device visible to approaching road users; where the highway agency, contractor, or supplier name and telephone number are displayed on the non-retroreflective surface, that area shall be non-retroreflective and not over 2 inches in height.
Replacement of non-serviceable channelizing devices
Channelizing devices that are no longer serviceable shall be replaced.
Redirection of road users in transition area
Except for mobile operations, when redirection of the road users' normal path is required, road users shall be directed from the normal path to a new path with appropriate channelizing devices, traffic control devices, and/or TTC methods.
Taper length criteria by taper type
Merging taper: at least L; Shifting taper: at least 0.5 L; Shoulder taper: at least 0.33 L; One-Lane, Two-Way Traffic taper: 50 feet minimum, 100 feet maximum; Downstream taper: 50 feet minimum, 100 feet maximum.
Taper length calculation formulas
For speeds 40 mph or less: L = (W x S^2) / 60. For speeds 45 mph or more: L = W x S. Where L = taper length in feet, W = width of offset in feet, and S = posted speed limit, off-peak 85th-percentile speed prior to work starting, or the anticipated operating speed in mph.
Downstream taper length and device spacing
If used, a downstream taper should have a minimum length of 50 feet and a maximum length of 100 feet with devices placed at a spacing of approximately 20 feet.
One-lane, two-way traffic taper length and spacing
A taper having a minimum length of 50 feet and a maximum length of 100 feet with channelizing devices at approximately 20-foot spacing should be used to guide traffic into the one-lane section, and a downstream taper should be used to guide traffic back into their original lane.
Shifting taper length
A shifting taper should have a length of approximately ½ L.
Shoulder taper length
If used, shoulder tapers should have a length of approximately 1/3 L. If a shoulder is used as a travel lane, a normal merging or shifting taper should be used.
Recommended advance warning sign minimum spacing
Recommended minimum spacing between advance warning signs (dimensions A/B/C): Urban low speed 100/100/100 feet; Urban high speed 350/350/350 feet; Rural 500/500/500 feet; Expressway/Freeway 1,000/1,500/2,640 feet.
Advance warning sign placement on urban streets
On urban streets, the effective placement of the nearest warning sign to the TTC zone, in feet, should range from 4 to 8 times the speed limit in mph, with the high end used when speeds are relatively high.
Advance warning sign placement on rural highways
On rural highways the effective placement of the first warning sign in feet should be from 8 to 12 times the speed limit in mph, and the advance warning area should extend 1,500 feet or more for open highway conditions.
Advance warning sign placement on freeways and expressways
On freeways and expressways, advance warning sign placement should extend as far as ½ mile or more.
Stopping sight distance as a function of speed
Stopping sight distance values (posted/off-peak 85th-percentile/anticipated operating speed): 20 mph=115 ft; 25 mph=155 ft; 30 mph=200 ft; 35 mph=250 ft; 40 mph=305 ft; 45 mph=360 ft; 50 mph=425 ft; 55 mph=495 ft; 60 mph=570 ft; 65 mph=645 ft; 70 mph=730 ft; 75 mph=820 ft.
No work or storage within buffer space
Neither work activity nor storage of equipment, vehicles, or material should occur within a buffer space.
High-visibility safety apparel for workers in TTC zone
For daytime and nighttime activity, all workers, including emergency responders, within the right-of-way who are within the TTC zone shall wear high-visibility safety apparel that meets the Performance Class 2 or 3 requirements of ANSI/ISEA 107-2015, or equivalent revisions.
High-visibility apparel color requirements
The apparel background (outer) material color shall be fluorescent orange-red, fluorescent yellow-green, or a combination of the two as defined in the ANSI standard. The retroreflective material shall be orange, yellow, white, silver, yellow-green, or a fluorescent version of these colors.
High-visibility apparel for law enforcement handling lane closures
When uniformed law enforcement personnel are used to direct traffic, investigate crashes, or handle lane closures, obstructed roadways, and disasters, high-visibility safety apparel as described in Section 6C.05 shall be worn by the law enforcement personnel.
Flagger high-visibility apparel for nighttime activity
For flagger wear during nighttime activity, high-visibility safety apparel that meets the Performance Class 3 requirements of ANSI/ISEA 107-2015, labeled as meeting the ANSI 107-2015 standard performance for Class 3 risk exposure, should be worn.
Speed limit reduction limited to 10 mph
A TTC plan should be designed so that vehicles can travel through the TTC zone with a speed limit reduction of no more than 10 mph; a reduction of more than 10 mph should be used only when required by restrictive features.
MUTCD is the national standard for traffic control devices
The MUTCD approved by the Federal Highway Administrator is the national standard for all traffic control devices installed on any street, highway, or bicycle trail open to public travel.
State MUTCD substantial conformance requirement
Where State MUTCDs or Supplements are required, they shall be in substantial conformance with the national MUTCD, conforming as a minimum to the Standard statements in the national MUTCD, and shall not contain statements that contravene or negate Standard or Guidance statements in the national MUTCD.
Two-year adoption of MUTCD changes by States
States and other Federal agencies shall adopt changes issued by the FHWA to the National MUTCD within two years from the effective date of the final rule.
Traffic control devices in construction areas must conform to MUTCD
All traffic control devices installed in construction areas using Federal-aid funds shall conform to the MUTCD, and traffic control plans for handling traffic and pedestrians and protecting workers shall conform to 23 CFR part 630, subpart J.
Traffic control devices must conform to FDOT manual and specifications
All official traffic control signals or devices purchased and installed in the state by any public body or official shall conform with the manual and specifications published by the Department of Transportation.
Certification required prior to sale of traffic control devices
It is unlawful for any public body or official to purchase, or for anyone to sell, any traffic control signal or device unless it conforms with the FDOT manual and specifications and is certified to be of such conformance prior to sale.
Florida adopts MUTCD 11th Edition
The FHWA Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, 11th Edition (December 2023), is adopted and made part of the rules of the Department of Transportation.
Taper length "L" formula for work zones
Taper length L = (W x S^2) / 60 for work zone speed 40 mph or less; L = W x S for work zone speed 45 mph or more, where W = width of offset in feet and S = speed in mph.
Buffer length "B" minimums by work zone speed
Minimum buffer length: 25 mph->155 ft; 30->200; 35->250; 40->305; 45->360; 50->425; 55->495; 60->570; 65->645; 70->730. When B cannot be attained due to geometric constraints, use the greatest length possible but not less than 155 feet.
Work zone sign spacing "X" minimums by road type
Minimum work zone sign spacing: Limited Access Roadways 1,500 ft; Arterials and Collectors with work zone speed 45 mph or more 500 ft; Arterials and Collectors with work zone speed 40 mph or less 200 ft.
Channelizing device spacing for cones/tubular markers
Cones or Temporary Tubular Markers maximum spacing: 25 ft on tapers and 50 ft on tangents, for both work zone speed 45 mph or less and 50 mph or more.
Channelizing device spacing for barricades/panels/drums
Type I/II Barricades, Vertical Panels, or Drums maximum spacing: speed 45 mph or less - Taper 25 ft, Tangent 50 ft; speed 50 mph or more - Taper 50 ft, Tangent 100 ft.
Temporary traffic control devices must be on APL
All temporary traffic control devices shall be ON the Department's Approved Products List (APL), with the appropriate APL number permanently marked on the device in a readily visible location.
Removal of temporary traffic control devices when not needed
All temporary traffic control devices shall be removed as soon as practical when no longer needed; when work is suspended for short periods, devices no longer appropriate shall be removed or covered. Do not store devices on the shoulder, sidewalk, or other roadway facility not affected by the work when work is suspended.
Cones limited to active work zones with workers present
Cones shall be used only in active work zones where workers are present.
Cones must be reflectorized for nighttime use
Cones shall be reflectorized as per the MUTCD with Department-approved reflective collars when used at night.
Channelizing device retroreflective sheeting standard
Furnish channelizing devices having retroreflective sheeting meeting the requirements of Section 990.
No sheeting splicing on channelizing devices
The splicing of sheeting is not permitted on channelizing devices or MOT signs.
Ballast placement limits on channelizing devices
Ballast shall not be placed on top rails or any striped rails or higher than 13 inches above the driving surface.
Delineation of trailer mounted devices
Arrow Boards, Portable Changeable Message Signs, Radar Speed Display Trailer, Portable Regulatory Signs, and any other trailer mounted device shall be delineated with a channelizing device placed at each corner when in use and shall be moved outside the travel way and clear zone or be shielded by a barrier or crash cushion when not in use.
Minimum work zone travel lane widths
Provide minimum work zone travel lane widths: 11' for Interstate with at least one 12' lane provided in each direction (unless formally excepted by FHWA); 11' for all other limited access roadways; and 10' for all other facilities.
Maximum length of lane closures on high-speed highways
For interstates and state highways with a posted speed of 55 MPH or greater, lane closures must not exceed 3 miles (includes taper, buffer, and work zone) in any given direction and must not close two consecutive interchanges.
Road closures on State Highway System must comply with statute
Except for emergencies, any road closure on the State Highway System must comply with Section 335.15, F.S.
High-visibility safety apparel for workers
All workers within the right-of-way shall wear ANSI/ISEA Class 2 apparel; Class 3 may be substituted for Class 2. Replace apparel that is not visible at 1,000 feet.
High-visibility safety apparel for flaggers
For daytime activities, Flaggers shall wear ANSI/ISEA Class 2 apparel; for nighttime activities, Flaggers shall wear ANSI/ISEA Class 3 apparel.
Advance warning signs at extended distance
Advance Warning Signs shall be used at extended distance of one-half mile or more when limited sight distance or the nature of the obstruction may require a motorist to bring their vehicle to a stop.
Speed reduction in 10 MPH increments
For speed reductions greater than 10 MPH, reduce the speed in 10 MPH increments of 'X' distance. Do not reduce the speed below the minimum statutory speed for the class of facility.
Interval spacing for additional Speed Limit signs
Place additional "Speed Limit" signs (R2-1) at intervals of no more than one mile for rural conditions and 1,000 feet for urban conditions.
Type III Barricade unit length
The Type III Barricade shall have a unit length of 6'-0" only. When barricades of greater lengths are required, those lengths shall be in multiples of the 6'-0" unit.
Sources
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 6 - Temporary Traffic Control (Ch. 6B, Sec. 6C.05, Secs. 6K.01-6K.03) (6K.03)
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 6 - Temporary Traffic Control (Ch. 6B, Sec. 6C.05, Secs. 6K.01-6K.03) (6K.03)
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 6 - Temporary Traffic Control (Ch. 6B, Sec. 6C.05, Secs. 6K.01-6K.03) (6K.03)
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 6 - Temporary Traffic Control (Ch. 6B, Sec. 6C.05, Secs. 6K.01-6K.03) (6K.03)
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 6 - Temporary Traffic Control (Ch. 6B, Sec. 6C.05, Secs. 6K.01-6K.03) (6K.03)
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 6 - Temporary Traffic Control (Ch. 6B, Sec. 6C.05, Secs. 6K.01-6K.03) (6K.03)
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 6 - Temporary Traffic Control (Ch. 6B, Sec. 6C.05, Secs. 6K.01-6K.03) (6K.01)
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 6 - Temporary Traffic Control (Ch. 6B, Sec. 6C.05, Secs. 6K.01-6K.03) (6K.01)
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 6 - Temporary Traffic Control (Ch. 6B, Sec. 6C.05, Secs. 6K.01-6K.03) (6K.01)
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 6 - Temporary Traffic Control (Ch. 6B, Sec. 6C.05, Secs. 6K.01-6K.03) (6K.01)
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 6 - Temporary Traffic Control (Ch. 6B, Sec. 6C.05, Secs. 6K.01-6K.03) (6K.01)
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 6 - Temporary Traffic Control (Ch. 6B, Sec. 6C.05, Secs. 6K.01-6K.03) (6K.01)
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 6 - Temporary Traffic Control (Ch. 6B, Sec. 6C.05, Secs. 6K.01-6K.03) (6K.01)
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 6 - Temporary Traffic Control (Ch. 6B, Sec. 6C.05, Secs. 6K.01-6K.03) (6B.05)
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 6 - Temporary Traffic Control (Ch. 6B, Sec. 6C.05, Secs. 6K.01-6K.03) (Table 6B-3)
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 6 - Temporary Traffic Control (Ch. 6B, Sec. 6C.05, Secs. 6K.01-6K.03) (Table 6B-4)
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 6 - Temporary Traffic Control (Ch. 6B, Sec. 6C.05, Secs. 6K.01-6K.03) (6B.08)
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 6 - Temporary Traffic Control (Ch. 6B, Sec. 6C.05, Secs. 6K.01-6K.03) (6B.08)
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 6 - Temporary Traffic Control (Ch. 6B, Sec. 6C.05, Secs. 6K.01-6K.03) (6B.08)
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 6 - Temporary Traffic Control (Ch. 6B, Sec. 6C.05, Secs. 6K.01-6K.03) (6B.08)
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 6 - Temporary Traffic Control (Ch. 6B, Sec. 6C.05, Secs. 6K.01-6K.03) (Table 6B-1)
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 6 - Temporary Traffic Control (Ch. 6B, Sec. 6C.05, Secs. 6K.01-6K.03) (6B.04)
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 6 - Temporary Traffic Control (Ch. 6B, Sec. 6C.05, Secs. 6K.01-6K.03) (6B.04)
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 6 - Temporary Traffic Control (Ch. 6B, Sec. 6C.05, Secs. 6K.01-6K.03) (6B.04)
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 6 - Temporary Traffic Control (Ch. 6B, Sec. 6C.05, Secs. 6K.01-6K.03) (Table 6B-2)
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 6 - Temporary Traffic Control (Ch. 6B, Sec. 6C.05, Secs. 6K.01-6K.03) (6B.06)
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 6 - Temporary Traffic Control (Ch. 6B, Sec. 6C.05, Secs. 6K.01-6K.03) (6C.05)
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 6 - Temporary Traffic Control (Ch. 6B, Sec. 6C.05, Secs. 6K.01-6K.03) (6C.05)
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 6 - Temporary Traffic Control (Ch. 6B, Sec. 6C.05, Secs. 6K.01-6K.03) (6C.05)
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 6 - Temporary Traffic Control (Ch. 6B, Sec. 6C.05, Secs. 6K.01-6K.03) (6C.05)
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 6 - Temporary Traffic Control (Ch. 6B, Sec. 6C.05, Secs. 6K.01-6K.03) (6B.01)
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 6 - Temporary Traffic Control (Ch. 6B, Sec. 6C.05, Secs. 6K.01-6K.03) (6B.01)
- 23 CFR 655.603 - Standards (MUTCD adopted as the national standard) (655.603(a))
- 23 CFR 655.603 - Standards (MUTCD adopted as the national standard) (655.603(b)(1))
- 23 CFR 655.603 - Standards (MUTCD adopted as the national standard) (655.603(b)(3))
- 23 CFR 655.603 - Standards (MUTCD adopted as the national standard) (655.603(d)(3))
- Fla. Stat. 316.0745 - Uniform signals and devices (316.0745(3))
- Fla. Stat. 316.0745 - Uniform signals and devices (316.0745(4))
- Rule 14-15.010, F.A.C. - Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (adopts MUTCD 11th Ed.) (14-15.010)
- FDOT Standard Plans FY 2025-26, Index 102-600 - General Information for Traffic Control Through Work Zones (TTC Tables (Sheet 1) - Taper Length L)
- FDOT Standard Plans FY 2025-26, Index 102-600 - General Information for Traffic Control Through Work Zones (TTC Tables (Sheet 1) - Buffer Length B)
- FDOT Standard Plans FY 2025-26, Index 102-600 - General Information for Traffic Control Through Work Zones (TTC Tables (Sheet 1) - Work Zone Sign Spacing X)
- FDOT Standard Plans FY 2025-26, Index 102-600 - General Information for Traffic Control Through Work Zones (TTC Tables (Sheet 1) - Channelizing Device Spacing)
- FDOT Standard Plans FY 2025-26, Index 102-600 - General Information for Traffic Control Through Work Zones (TTC Tables (Sheet 1) - Channelizing Device Spacing)
- FDOT Standard Plans FY 2025-26, Index 102-600 - General Information for Traffic Control Through Work Zones (Temporary Traffic Control Devices (Sheet 2), Note 1)
- FDOT Standard Plans FY 2025-26, Index 102-600 - General Information for Traffic Control Through Work Zones (Temporary Traffic Control Devices (Sheet 2), Note 2)
- FDOT Standard Plans FY 2025-26, Index 102-600 - General Information for Traffic Control Through Work Zones (Channelizing Device Notes (Sheet 10), Note 8a)
- FDOT Standard Plans FY 2025-26, Index 102-600 - General Information for Traffic Control Through Work Zones (Channelizing Device Notes (Sheet 10), Note 8b)
- FDOT Standard Plans FY 2025-26, Index 102-600 - General Information for Traffic Control Through Work Zones (Channelizing Device Notes (Sheet 10))
- FDOT Standard Plans FY 2025-26, Index 102-600 - General Information for Traffic Control Through Work Zones (Channelizing Device Notes (Sheet 10), Note 6)
- FDOT Standard Plans FY 2025-26, Index 102-600 - General Information for Traffic Control Through Work Zones (Channelizing Device Notes (Sheet 10), Note 4)
- FDOT Standard Plans FY 2025-26, Index 102-600 - General Information for Traffic Control Through Work Zones (Temporary Traffic Control Devices (Sheet 2), Note 3)
- FDOT Standard Plans FY 2025-26, Index 102-600 - General Information for Traffic Control Through Work Zones (Lane Widths (Sheet 3))
- FDOT Standard Plans FY 2025-26, Index 102-600 - General Information for Traffic Control Through Work Zones (Length of Lane Closures (Sheet 3))
- FDOT Standard Plans FY 2025-26, Index 102-600 - General Information for Traffic Control Through Work Zones (General Notes (Sheet 1), Note 3)
- FDOT Standard Plans FY 2025-26, Index 102-600 - General Information for Traffic Control Through Work Zones (High-Visibility Safety Apparel (Sheet 3) - Workers)
- FDOT Standard Plans FY 2025-26, Index 102-600 - General Information for Traffic Control Through Work Zones (High-Visibility Safety Apparel (Sheet 3) - Flaggers)
- FDOT Standard Plans FY 2025-26, Index 102-600 - General Information for Traffic Control Through Work Zones (Advance Warning Signs (Sheet 4, excerpt))
- FDOT Standard Plans FY 2025-26, Index 102-600 - General Information for Traffic Control Through Work Zones (Speed Reduction Signing (Sheet 3), Note 4)
- FDOT Standard Plans FY 2025-26, Index 102-600 - General Information for Traffic Control Through Work Zones (Speed Reduction Signing (Sheet 3), Note 5)
- FDOT Standard Plans FY 2025-26, Index 102-600 - General Information for Traffic Control Through Work Zones (Channelizing Device Notes (Sheet 10), Note 2)
Informational only, not legal advice. Confirm against the current standards and your state manual before you build.
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