Private Go Slow Signs Have No Weight

QUESTION: Is it legal for people to place "Slow Children" signs in the middle of public roadway? I often find them distracting and some are so far out into the road that I have to swerve to avoid hitting them.

ANSWER: I have on occasion observed the “slow children” signs that you are asking about. The signs I have seen are usually at the end of someone’s driveway or at the property edge adjacent to the roadway.  As I am sure you are aware, these signs are not official and have no enforcement authority.

These privately owned signs should not be in the roadway as they could cause an obstruction and, as you indicated, a distraction to motorists. Only town or state entities are authorized to erect signs in the roadway for traffic control, direction or caution.

Public utilities also may place temporary signs in the roadway advising motorists of detours or construction sites nearby. These signs must be approved Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) signs and must meet mandatory requirements for size, color and reflectivity.

In the future, if you should see these signs in the road, please call the police department and advise the dispatcher of the situation. 

I can understand the frustration of parents who want to slow traffic in their neighborhoods for the safety of their children however, placing obstructions in the roadway may at times cause more harm than good.

I would also ask that motorists driving through residential areas slow down and follow the speed limits to ensure the safety of everyone in the neighborhood. For those areas not posted, the speed limit for thickly settled areas is 30 mph.

Anyone with questions for the Chief’s Column may submit them by mail to the Grafton Police Department, 28 Providence Road, Grafton, MA 01519. You may also email your questions or comments to chief@graftonpolice.com. Please include an appropriate subject line, as I do not open suspicious email for obvious reasons. 

Normand A. Crepeau, Jr. is Grafton's Chief of Police.