Traffic Signs

Function of Traffic Signs

Signs should be used only where warranted by facts and field studies. Signs are essential where special regulations apply at specific places or at specific times only or where hazards are not self-evident. They also give information as to highway routes, directions, destinations and points of interest. Signs ordinarily are not needed to confirm rules of the road.

Traffic signs in Larimer County are installed and maintained on public, county maintained roadways. These signs are installed in accordance with the provisions of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (or MUTCD). The MUTCD is the national standard governing the use of traffic signs and is in general accord with the Uniform Vehicle Code of the National Committee on Uniform Traffic Laws and Ordinances.

Types of Traffic Signs

There are three types of signs: Regulatory, Warning, and Guide signs.

• Regulatory signs give notice of traffic laws or regulations (stop signs, speed limit signs, no parking signs, turn prohibition signs).
• Warning signs call attention to conditions on, or adjacent to, a highway or street that are potentially hazardous to traffic operations (curve and turn signs, deer crossing signs).
• Guide signs show route designations, destinations, directions, distances, services, points of interest, and other geographical, recreational, or cultural information.

Excessive Use of Signs

Care should be taken not to install too many signs. A conservative use of regulatory and warning signs is recommended as these signs, if used to excess, tend to lose their effectiveness.

Requesting New or Changing Signs

Requests for changing or adding signs may be made through the main Engineering Department phone number (970) 498-5700, through the mail, or through our Citizen Request Portal.

An engineering study is generally required for changing or adding signs. The Traffic Section of the Larimer County Engineering Department performs many of these studies as a service to the public on a time available basis for public, county maintained roadways. These studies can be quite involved for certain types of signs such as speed limits, stops, and deer crossings.