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Frequently Asked Questions - Part 6 - Temporary Traffic Controls

The following list of questions relates to the MUTCD Part 6 - Temporary Traffic Controls:

  1. Does Part 6 of the MUTCD require all workers to wear safety vests?
  2. Does Part 6 address the use of police officers?
  3. What is the difference between a work zone and a temporary traffic control zone?

Part 6 - Temporary Traffic Controls: Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Q: Does Part 6 of the MUTCD require all workers to wear safety vests?

A: Yes, Part 6 contains a requirement for all workers within the right of way of any public roadway to wear high visibility garments meeting the ANSI 107-2004 Class 2 or 3 standard. There is an option for emergency responders and law enforcement personnel to wear garments meeting the ANSI 207-2006 standard, which is commonly referred to as the Public Safety garment. Section 6E.02 also recommends that flaggers should wear a Class 3 high visibility garment for night flagging operations.

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  1. Q: Does Part 6 address the use of police officers?

A: Yes, there are several sections in Part 6 that address the use of police officers in temporary traffic control zones. In Chapter 6H, three "Typical Applications" (TA-10, TA-13, and TA-27) have notes referring to the use of uniformed law enforcement officers as flaggers. Chapter 6I, Control of Traffic Through Traffic Incident Management Areas, makes frequent references to police and uniformed law enforcement officers throughout the Chapter.

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  1. Q: What is the difference between a work zone and a temporary traffic control zone?

A: A work zone is one particular kind of temporary traffic control zone. Section 6C.02, Temporary Traffic Control Zone, states that "a temporary traffic control zone is an area of highway where road user conditions are changed because of a work zone or an incident through the use of temporary traffic control devices, uniformed law enforcement officers, or authorized personnel." The same section also states that "a work zone is an area of a highway with construction, maintenance, or utility work activities. A work zone is typically marked by signs, channelizing devices, barriers, pavement markings, and/or work vehicles."

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