U.S. Department 

of Transportation 

Federal Highway 

Administration 

1200 New Jersey Ave., SE 

Washington, D.C. 20590 

In Reply Refer To: 

HSST-1/WZ-431 

John Pasakarnis 

Dicke Safety Products 

1201 Warren Ave 

Downers Grove, IL 60515 

Dear Mr. Pasakarnis: 

This letter is in response to your December 23, 2021 request for the Federal Highway 

Administration (FHWA) to review a roadside safety device, hardware, or system for eligibility 

for reimbursement under the Federal-aid highway program. This FHWA letter of eligibility is 

assigned FHWA control number WZ-431 and is valid until a subsequent letter is issued by 

FHWA that expressly references this device. 

Decision 

The following device is eligible within the length-of-need, with details provided in the form 

which is attached as an integral part of this letter: 

• Dicke Safety Products DF3003S Sign Stand w/ 48in x 48in roll-up sign

Scope of this Letter 

To be found eligible for Federal-aid funding, new roadside safety devices should meet the crash 

test and evaluation criteria contained in the American Association of State Highway and 

Transportation Officials’(AASHTO) Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware (MASH). 

However, the FHWA, the Department of Transportation, and the United States Government do 

not regulate the manufacture of roadside safety devices. Eligibility for reimbursement under the 

Federal-aid highway program does not establish approval, certification or endorsement of the 

device for any particular purpose or use. 

This letter is not a determination by the FHWA, the Department of Transportation, or the United 

States Government that a vehicle crash involving the device will result in any particular 

outcome, nor is it a guarantee of the in-service performance of this device. Proper 

manufacturing, installation, and maintenance are required in order for this device to function as 

tested. 

This finding of eligibility is limited to the crashworthiness of the system and does not cover other 

structural features, nor conformity with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. 

July 26, 2022
2 

Eligibility for Reimbursement 

Based solely on a review of crash test results and certifications submitted by the manufacturer, 

and the crash test laboratory, FHWA agrees that the device described herein meets the crash test 

and evaluation criteria of the AASHTO’s MASH. Therefore, the device is eligible for 

reimbursement under the Federal-aid highway program if installed under the range of tested 

conditions. 

• Name of system: Dicke Safety Products DF3003S Sign Stand w/ 48in x 48in roll-up sign

Type of system: Work Zone

Test Level: TL-3

Testing conducted by: Applus IDIADA KARCO Engineering,

Date of request: December 23, 2021

FHWA concurs with the recommendation of the accredited crash testing laboratory on the 

attached form. 

Full Description of the Eligible Device 

The device and supporting documentation, including reports of the crash tests or other testing 

done, videos of any crash testing, and/or drawings of the device, are described in the attached 

form. 

Notice 

This eligibility letter is issued for the subject device as tested. Modifications made to the device 

are not covered by this letter. Any modifications to this device should be submitted to the user 

(i.e., state DOT) as per their requirements. 

You are expected to supply potential users with sufficient information on design, installation and 

maintenance requirements to ensure proper performance. 

You are expected to certify to potential users that the hardware furnished has the same chemistry, 

mechanical properties, and geometry as that submitted for review, and that it will meet the test 

and evaluation criteria of AASHTO’s MASH. 

Issuance of this letter does not convey property rights of any sort or any exclusive privilege. This 

letter is based on the premise that information and reports submitted by you are accurate and 

correct. We reserve the right to modify or revoke this letter if: (1) there are any inaccuracies in 

the information submitted in support of your request for this letter, (2) the qualification testing 

was flawed, (3) in-service performance or other information reveals safety problems, (4) the 

system is significantly different from the version that was crash tested, or (5) any other 

information indicates that the letter was issued in error or otherwise does not reflect full and 

complete information about the crashworthiness of the system. 
3 

Standard Provisions 

• To prevent misunderstanding by others, this letter of eligibility designated as FHWA 

control number WZ-431 shall not be reproduced except in full. This letter and the test 

documentation upon which it is based are public information. All such letters and 

documentation may be reviewed upon request. 

• This letter shall not be construed as authorization or consent by the FHWA to use, 

manufacture, or sell any patented system for which the applicant is not the patent holder. 

• This FHWA eligibility letter is not an expression of any Agency view, position, or 

determination of validity, scope, or ownership of any intellectual property rights to a 

specific device or design. Further, this letter does not impute any distribution or licensing 

rights to the requester. This FHWA eligibility letter determination is made based solely 

on the crash-testing information submitted by the requester. The FHWA reserves the 

right to review and revoke an earlier eligibility determination after receipt of subsequent 

information related to crash testing. 

Sincerely, 

Michael S. Griffith 

Director, Office of Safety Technologies 

Office of Safety 

Enclosures 
Version 10.0 (05/16) 

Page 1 of 4 

Request for Federal Aid Reimbursement Eligibility 

ofHighway Safety Hardware 

Date of Request: 

Name: 

February 01, 2022 

John Pasakarnis 

I  New  Resubmissio

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Company: 

Address: 

Country: 

Dicke Safety Products 

1201 Warren Avenue, Downers Grove, IL 60515 

United States of America 

To: Michael S. Griffith, Director 

FHWA, Office of Safety Technologies 

I request the following devices be considered eligible for reimbursement under the Federal-aid 

highway program. 

Device & Testing Criterion - Enter from right to left starting with Test Level Fl 

System Type Submission Type Device Name/ Variant Testing Criterion Test 

Level 

'WZ': Crash Worthy Work 

Zone Traffic Control Devices 

 Physical Crash Testing

 Engineering Analysis

DF3003S with 48" x 48" 

Roll-Up Sign 

AASHTO MASH TL3 

By submitting this request for review and evaluation by the Federal Highway Administration, I certify tha1 

the product(s) was (were) tested in conformity with the AASHTO Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware 

and that the evaluation results meet the appropriate evaluation criteria in the MASH. 

Individual or Organization responsible for the product: 

Contact Name: John Pasakarnis Same as Submitter ~ 

Company Name: Dicke Safety Products Same as Submitter ~ 

Address: 1201 Warren Avenue, Downers Grove, IL 60515 Same as Submitter ~ 

Country: United States of America Same as Submitter ~ 

Enter below all disclosures of financial interests as required by the FHWA 'Federal-Aid Reimbursement 

Eligibility Process for Safety Hardware Devices' document. 

Dicke Safety Products is the manufacturer and marketer of device. 

Applus IDIADA KARCO Engineering, LLC (IDIADA KARCO) is an independent research and testing laboratory having 

no affiliation with any other entity. IDIADA KARCO is actively Involved In data acquisition and compliance/ 

certification testing for a variety of government agencies and equipment manufacturers. The principals and staff of 

IDIADA KARCO have no past or present financial, contractual or organizational interest in any company or entity 

directly or indirectly related to the products that KARCO tests. If any financial interest should arise, other than 

receiving fees for testing, reporting, etc., with respect to any project, the company will provide, In writing, a full 

and immediate disclosure to the FHWA. 
Version 10.0 (05/16) 

Page 2 of 4 

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION 

Ce New Hardware or (' Modification to 

Significant Modification Existing Hardware 

Product Description of DF3003S with 48" x 48" Roll-Up Sign 

(Reference Drawing: DF3003S) 

The DF3003S is a work-zone traffic control device used to display traffic control signs. 

Further Description: 

The DICKE Safety Products DF3003S utilized a 48.0 in. (1.2 m) reflective square vinyl roll-up sign mounted at a 

height of 13.5 in. (4,115 mm) measured to the bottom corner of the sign. The device has a total weight of 29.8 lbs 

(13.5 kg). The device consists of a steel base with a double torsion spring system. Each of the sign's four (4) legs 

consist of two (2) telescoping sections constructed of 1.25 in. and 1.0 in. square aluminum tubing with 0.1 in. wall 

thickness. In the deployed state, the DF3003S has a footprint that measures 58 in. wide by 92 in. long. The vinyl 

roll-up sign is mounted to the mast via a fiberglass cross brace constructed of 1.25 in. (32 mm) wide fiberglass. 

The mast was constructed of three (3) sections. The lower section was constructed of 1.0 in. (25.4 mm) sq. 

aluminum tubing with 0.1 in (2.54 mm) wall thickness, the middle section was constructed of0.750 in. (19.05 

mm) sq. steel tubing with 0.065 in (1.65 mm) wall thickness, and the top section was constructed of 1.25 in. 

(31.75 mm) sq. steel tubing. At the top of the mast 18 by 18 in. vinyl with3⁄4 in. round wood dowel flags were 

mounted. The total sign height measured 81.5 in. (2.07 m). 

CRASH TESTING 

By signature below, the Engineer affiliated with the testing laboratory, agrees in support of this submission that all 

of the critical and relevant crash tests for this device listed above were conducted to meet the MASH test criteria. 

The Engineer has determined that no other crash tests are necessary to determine the device meets the MASH 

criteria. 

Engineer Name : Antonio Reyes 

Digitally signed by Antonio Reyes Engineer Signature: Antonio Reyes Date: 2022.02.01 10:29:20 -08'00' 

Address : 9270 Holly Road, Adelanto, CA 92301 Same as Submitter D 

Country: United States of America Same as Submitter ~ 

A brief description of each crash test and its result: 

Required Test 

Number 

Narrative 

Description 

Evaluation 

Results 

3-70 (llOOC) 

Designed to evaluate the ability of a small 

vehicle to activate any breakaway, fracture, 

or yielding mechanism. Is considered optiona l 

for work-zone traffic control devices weighine 

less than 220 lbs (100 kg). The as-tested 

device weighed 29.8 lbs {13.5 kg) and 

therefore Test 70 was not performed. 

Non-Relevant Test, not conducted 
Version 10.0 (05/16) 

Page 3 of 4 

Required Test 

Number 

Narrative 

Description 

Evaluation 

Results 

3-71 (ll00C) 

An llO0C test vehicle approached the test 

article at a nominal speed of 62 mph. The 

first DF3003S with 48" x 48" vinyl roll-up sign 

device was oriented at 0° and was impacted 

at a velocity of 61.70 mph (99.30 km/h). 

Upon impact, the DF3003S yielded in a 

predictable manner and the occupant 

compartment was not penetrated and 

deformations into the occupant 

compartment did not exceed MASH 

recommended limits. The second device was 

oriented at 90° and was impacted at a 

velocity of 60.63 mph (97.57 km/h). Upon 

impact, the DF3003S yielded in a predictable 

manner. The occupant compartment was not 

penetrated and deformations into the 

occupant compartment did not exceed MASH 

recommended limits. The DF3003S with 48" x 

48" vinyl roll-up sign met all the requirement! 

for MASH Test 3-71. 

PASS 

3-72 (2270P) 

An 2270P test vehicle approached the test 

article at a nominal speed of 62 mph. The 

first DF3003S with 48" x 48" vinyl roll-up sign 

device was oriented at 0° and was impacted 

at a velocity of 61.16 mph (98.42 km/h). 

Upon impact, the DF3003S yielded in a 

predictable manner and the occupant 

compartment was not penetrated and 

deformations into the occupant 

compartment did not exceed MASH 

recommended limits. The second device was 

oriented at 90° and was impacted at a 

velocity of 60.53 mph (97.41 km/h). Upon 

impact, the DF3003S yielded in a predictable 

manner and the occupant compartment was 

not penetrated and deformations into the 

occupant compartment did not exceed MASH 

recommended limits. The DF3003S with 48" x 

48" vinyl roll-up sign met all the requirement! 

for MASH Test 3-72. 

PASS 

Full Scale Crash Testing was done in compliance with MASH by the following accredited crash test 

laboratory (cite the laboratory's accreditation status as noted in the crash test reports.): 
Version 10.0 (05/16) 

Page 4 of 4 

Laboratory Name : Applus IDIADA KARCO Engineering, LLC. 

Laboratory Signature: Antonio Reyes Digitally signed by Antonio Reyes 

Date: 2022.02.01 10:29:42 -08'00' 

Address: 9270 Holly Road, Adelanto, CA 92301 Same as Submitter D 

Country: United States of America Same as Submitter [8] 

Accreditation Certificate 

Number and Dates of current 

Accreditation period : 

TL 371: July 1, 2019-July 1, 2022 

ATTACHMENTS 

Attach to this form: 

I) Additional disclosures ofrelated financial interest as indicated above. 

2) A copy of the full test report, video, and a Test Data Summary Sheet for each test conducted in support 

ofthis request. 

3) A drawing or drawings of the device(s) that conform to the Task Force-13 Drawing Specifications 

[Hard,-vare Guide Drawing Standards]. For proprietary products, a single isometric line drawing is 

usually acceptable to illustrate the product, with detailed specifications, intended use, and contact 

information provided on the reverse. Additional drawings (not in TF-13 fomiat) showing details that 

are relevant to understanding the dimensions and performance of the device should also be submitted tc 

facilitate our review. 

FHWA Official Business Only : 

Eligibility Letter 

Number Date Key Words 

I 
I-

- ' 

-

I 

I 

----

71-

_JI 

4, 31 .. [83.6m 27 - 2 

□ 

--. I 

I 

_J 

MASH 2016 Test 3-71 Summary 

0° CIA 90° CIA 

Figure 2 Summary of Test 3-71 

13 TR-P41102-01-A 
,__------------------276'-4f" [842m1------------------------< 

MASH 2016 Test 3-72 Summary 

0° CIA 90° CIA 

General Information Impact Conditions Occupant Risk 

Test Agency..................... Applus IDIADA KARCO Impact Velocity Device 1...... 61.16 mph (98.42 km/h) Longitudinal OIV..................... N/A* 

Test No........................... P41101-01 Impact Velocity Device 2...... 60.53 mph (97.41 km/h) Lateral OIV........................... N/A* 

Test Designation............... 3-72 Device 1 Angle.................. 0.0° Longitudinal RA..................... N/A* 

Test Date......................... 5/3/21 Device 2 Angle.................. 90.0° 

Location / Orientation Device 1.. 21.7 in. (550 mm) From Veh. C/L on Pass. Side 

Location / Orientation Device 2.. 23.0 in. (583 mm) From Veh. C/L on Dr. Side Lateral RA........................... N/A* 

Test Article Device 1 Kinetic Energy...... 628.6 kip-ft (852.2 kJ) THIV.................................... N/A* 

Name / Model..................... DF3003S Device 2 Kinetic Energy...... 615.7 kip-ft (834.8 kJ) PHD.................................... N/A* 

Type................................. Work-Zone Device Minimum KE Required........ 594 kip-ft (806 kJ) ASI.................................... N/A* 

Device Height .................. 6.8 ft. (2.1 m) 

Key Elements..................... Base assembly, legs, vinyl roll-up sign Exit Conditions Test Article Deflections 

Road Surface..................... Smooth, clean concrete Device 1 Exit Velocity......... 60.94 mph (98.1 km/h) 0° Device Debris Field (longitudinal) ... 72.5 ft. (22.1 m) 

Device 2 Exit Velocity......... 0.00 mph (0.0 km/h) 0° Device Debris Field (lateral)... 6.9 ft. (2.1 m) 

Test Vehicle Vehicle Resting Position...... 276.3 ft. (84.2 m) Downstream 90° Device Debris Field (longitudinal).. 66.9 ft. (20.4 m) 

Type / Designation............... 2270P 1.3 ft. (0.4 m) Left 90° Device Debris Field (lateral)...... 37.7 ft. (11.5 m) 

Year, Make, and Model......... 2016 RAM 1500 Vehicle Stability ............... Satisfactory Vehicle Damage 

Curb Mass........................ 5,086.0 lbs (2,307.0 kg) Maximum Roll Angle............ N/A* Vehicle Damage Scale............ 12-FC-1 

Test Inertial Mass............... 5,027.5 lbs (2,280.5 kg) Maximum Pitch Angle......... N/A* CDC.................................... 12FDEN1 

Gross Static Mass............... 5,027.5 lbs (2,280.5 kg) Maximum Yaw Angle......... N/A* Maximum Deformation............ 0.0 in. (0 mm) 

*Occupant risk values are N/A because Occupant Impact Velocity (OIV) event did not occur as defined by Flail Space Model. Figure 2 Summary of Test 3-72 

12 TR-P41101-01-A 
DF3003S STAND

Detail 5

Detail 3

58" 92"

Proprietary

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

✓--

I I 

,,... :> 

DF3003S

(Fold & RollTM)

VINYL ROLL-UP SIGN

81-1/2"

13-1/2"

Detail 1

DF3003S STAND

Base- Steel with double torsion

spring system

Legs- Telescopic 1-1/4" & 1" sq. aluminum 

VINYL ROLL-UP SIGN

Panel - 48" x 48"

Fold & Roll style sign for compact storage

Crossbrace- 1" sq. aluminum tubing with

steel central hub 

Flags - 18" x 18" vinyl with 3/4" round wood

dowel

Weight: DF3003S

Sign and Flags 10.1 lbs.

Sign Stand 19.7 lbs.

Total 29.8 lbs.

DICKE

Since 1886

DICKE SAFETY PRODUCTS www.dicketool.com

Illinois - 1201 Warren Avenue • Downers Grove, IL 60515 • Ph: 630.969.0050 • Fax: 630.969.3973

Oregon - 1845 Anunsen Street, N.E. • Salem, OR 97301 • Ph: 800.333.5641 • Fax: 503.364.0340