2 Del. Admin. Code § 3B.01

Current through Register Vol. 28, No. 5, November 1, 2024
Section 3B.01 - Yellow Center Line Pavement Markings and Warrants

Standard:

01 Center line pavement markings, when used, shall be the pavement markings used to delineate the separation of traffic lanes that have opposite directions of travel on a roadway and shall be yellow.

Option:

02 Center line pavement markings may be placed at a location that is not the geometric center of the roadway.
03 (DE Revision) On roadways without continuous center line pavement markings, short sections may be marked with center line pavement markings to control the position of traffic at specific locations, such as around curves, over hills, on approaches to grade crossings, at grade crossings, at bridges, and on approaches to intersections.

Standard:

04 The center line markings on two-lane, two-way roadways shall be one of the following as shown in Figure 3B-1:
A. Two-direction passing zone markings consisting of a normal broken yellow line where crossing the center line markings for passing with care is permitted for traffic traveling in either direction;
B. One-direction no-passing zone markings consisting of a double yellow line, one of which is a normal broken yellow line and the other is a normal solid yellow line, where crossing the center line markings for passing with care is permitted for the traffic traveling adjacent to the broken line, but is prohibited for traffic traveling adjacent to the solid line; or
C. Two-direction no-passing zone markings consisting of two normal solid yellow lines where crossing the center line markings for passing is prohibited for traffic traveling in either direction.
05 A single solid yellow line shall not be used as a center line marking on a two-way roadway.
06 The center line markings on undivided two-way roadways with four or more lanes for moving motor vehicle traffic always available shall be the two-direction no-passing zone markings consisting of a solid double yellow line as shown in Figure 3B-2.

Guidance:

07 On two-way roadways with three through lanes for moving motor vehicle traffic, two lanes should be designated for traffic in one direction by using one- or two-direction no-passing zone markings as shown in Figure 3B-3.

Support:

08 Sections 11-301(c) and 11-311(c) of the "Uniform Vehicle Code (UVC)" contain information regarding left turns across center line no-passing zone markings and paved medians, respectively. The UVC can be obtained from the National Committee on Uniform Traffic Laws and Ordinances at the address shown on Page i.

Standard:

09 (DE Revision) Center line markings shall be placed on all paved roadways that have a traveled way of 19 feet or more in width and an ADT of 500 vehicles per day or greater. Center line markings shall also be placed on all paved two-way streets or highways that have three or more lanes for moving motor vehicle traffic.

Guidance:

10 (DE Revision) Center line markings should be placed on surface-treated roadways that have a traveled way of 19 feet or more in width and an ADT of 1,000 vehicles per day or greater.
11 (DE Revision) Engineering judgment should be used in determining whether to place center line markings on traveled ways that are less than 19 feet wide because of the potential for traffic encroaching on the pavement edges, traffic being affected by parked vehicles, and traffic encroaching into the opposing traffic lane.
11A (DE Revision) Except at the intersection of state-maintained roadways and subdivision roadways, center line markings should not be placed on subdivision roadways unless engineering judgment indicates such a need.
11B (DE Revision) Center line markings should be installed within median crossovers along divided highways where the median width is greater than or equal to 50 feet (see Figure 2B-15).

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11C (DE Revision) Engineering judgment should be used when determining whether to place center line markings along roadways with on-street parking. At a minimum, center line markings should be installed at the beginning and end of a roadway for 30 feet and approaching and departing horizontal traffic calming devices.
11D (DE Revision) Center line markings may be maintained along roadways at the intersection with minor roadways or driveways with ADTs less than 200 vehicles per day.

Option:

12 (DE Revision) Center line markings may be placed on paved roadways that are 19 feet or more in width and have an ADT less than 500 vehicles per day where engineering judgment indicates such a need.
12A (DE Revision) Center line markings may be placed on surface-treated roadways that are 19 feet or more in width and have an ADT less than 1,000 vehicles per day where engineering judgment indicates such a need.
12B (DE Revision) Center line markings may be installed within median crossovers along divided highways where the median width is greater than or equal to 30 feet and less than 50 feet where engineering judgment indicates such a need (see Figure 2B-15).
13 If a traffic count is not available, the ADTs described in this Section may be estimates that are based on engineering judgment.

2 Del. Admin. Code § 3B.01

21 DE Reg. 905 (5/1/2018) (Final)