Slow Moving Vehicle triangle reflector sign used as driveway marker?

[drdoolittle]

Not a problem? SMV signs are banned from posts because in fog or blizzards people have driven into them. Why do you think they passed the law ?

LOL - and why would someone drive purposefully into a SMV in the fog/blizzard? Shouldn't they be trying to slow down and not hit the supposed tractor? If they can't safely drive slow enough to be able to brake in time to not hit the mailbox, I'd say they already had made a poor decision.

Dumb laws to protect dumb drivers if you ask me. The signs are meant to indicate its attached to something your not supposed to drive into.

LOL

 

[Parkanzky]

That would be called looking for trouble. What owner of a SMV sign that he proudly spent time and money on after thinking it was a good idea. Is going to think when some stranger drives onto his property and quotes the highway traffic act ?

I disagree. You can handle this in a friendly way. You can also make it a confrontation if you want to.

Knock on their door and say, "Hello, I'm B&D. I know it seems like that triangle makes a great reflector because it's so visible, but it creates a safety hazard and is illegal to use that way. If you just cut it into three pieces and mount them separately, it will still be very visible and won't create the impression of a slow moving vehicle. I just thought you'd want to know so you could take care of it."

Chances are, they'll fix the issue. If they try to argue, tell them that you were just trying to help, apologize for bothering them, and leave. Then you can call the authorities later.

If you don't think you can have a reasonable conversation without getting your hackles up, then write a nice note.

You're already gearing up to make it worse by calling them shallow thinkers and morons. And you're itching to take the passive-aggressive approach of calling the police from the jump instead of starting with a bit of civil dialogue.

Some people just seem to have a knack for making trouble...

 

[Sodo]

All the neighbors will get SMV signs, and the guy will add a no trespassing sign. This ain't friendly USA anymore this is the new USA.

 

[Parkanzky]

All the neighbors will get SMV signs, and the guy will add a no trespassing sign. This ain't friendly USA anymore this is the new USA.

Those attitudes and behaviors create that new USA.

I can tell you that things are better than what you describe where I live.

 

[Rock knocker]

Not a problem? SMV signs are banned from posts ...............

I don't think that's correct. I looked up Michigan law, and slow moving vehicles must use them, but nowhere could I find that they were prohibited on private structures.

 

[Sodo]

Those attitudes and behaviors create that new USA.

I can tell you that things are better than what you describe where I live.

You are right & its sad to see.

 

[buickanddeere]

I don't think that's correct. I looked up Michigan law, and slow moving vehicles must use them, but nowhere could I find that they were prohibited on private structures.

Who said anything about section 76 of the Ontario highway traffic act applying in Michigan?

 

[Mace Canute]

........Dumb laws to protect dumb drivers if you ask me. The signs are meant to indicate its attached to something your not supposed to drive into.

LOL

Incorrect. They are meant to warn people driving on a road that the vehicle or equipment in front of them that they are overtaking is incapable of traveling faster than 25 mph.


Using these signs as approach markers might lead certain drivers to associate them with an approach, not with a slow moving vehicle.

If people think it's ok to use this sign as an approach marker, why would other signs not also be equally useful for the same purpose? Maybe a stop sign would look nice...

 

[bcp]

Comments from Michigan about the practice.

From:
AgriNotes & News

Misuse of SMV emblems, often as driveway markers, dilutes the symbol's effectiveness and is a violation of the state motor vehicle code. Unlike most traffic markers, SMV emblems are widely available for purchase, but their only legal use is on the back of a vehicle with a maximum designed speed of 25 mph.
From:
AgriNotes & News

Unfortunately, the SMV emblem meaning is lost on many motorists because of its misuse by the public. SMV signs, which are widely available at retailers unlike most official traffic markers, are frequently used illegally as driveway markers or for other reflective or decorative purposes.

The only legal use of an SMV emblem is to mark an implement of husbandry, farm tractor, special mobile vehicle or a vehicle with a maximum designed speed of 25 mph.

"That means if you're using an SMV sign to mark your driveway stop the practice immediately," advised Anderson. "You'll not only bring yourself in compliance with the law, but you'll be doing your part to promote traffic safety.


Then, from Canada:

Driveway Markers | Princess Auto

 

[drdoolittle]

Incorrect. They are meant to warn people driving on a road that the vehicle or equipment in front of them that they are overtaking is incapable of traveling faster than 25 mph.


Using these signs as approach markers might lead certain drivers to associate them with an approach, not with a slow moving vehicle.

If people think it's ok to use this sign as an approach marker, why would other signs not also be equally useful for the same purpose? Maybe a stop sign would look nice...

And why do you need to know that the vehicle is incapable of traveling faster than 25 mph... so you don't drive into it. Period. If driving into slow moving vehicles wasn't a problem, then there would be no need to have the signs. It's called root cause - the sign is not to just say "I'm moving slow", it's to say "I'm moving slow and you need to be aware and avoid hitting me".

The mailbox on the shoulder of the road is incapable of moving faster than 25 mph and should be avoided as well - if you want to split hairs on it. :2cents: :stirthepot:

As for the stop sign, it's not meant to indicate anything other than stop - which I guess would be OK if I wanted everyone to stop at my mailbox rather than just avoiding hitting it.

I will note, I don't use them myself on anything but my tractor, etc., and have regular round reflectors on either side of the culvert down by the road.