An Low Clearance Sign is MUTCD compliant for traffic and pedestrian safety compliance. An Low Clearance Sign is a helpful resource to help protect the drivers and pedestrians on public roadways, private drives, and parking lots.
Compliance
Section 2C.27 Low Clearance Signs (W12-2 and W12-2a)
Standard
The Low Clearance (W12-2) sign (see Figure 2C-5) shall be used to warn road users of clearances less than 12 inches above the statutory maximum vehicle height.
Guidance
The actual clearance should be displayed on the Low Clearance sign to the nearest 1 inch not exceeding the actual clearance. However, in areas that experience changes in temperature causing frost action, a reduction, not exceeding 3 inches, should be used for this condition.
Where the clearance is less than the legal maximum vehicle height, the W12-2 sign with a supplemental distance plaque should be placed at the nearest intersecting road or wide point in the road at which a vehicle can detour or turn around.
In the case of an arch or other structure under which the clearance varies greatly, two or more signs should be used as necessary on the structure itself to give information as to the clearances over the entire roadway.
Clearances should be evaluated periodically, particularly when resurfacing operations have occurred.
Option
The Low Clearance sign may be installed on or in advance of the structure. If a sign is placed on the structure, it may be a rectangular shape (W12-2a) with the appropriate legend.
