New Mexico Administrative Code › Title 18 - TRANSPORTATION AND HIGHWAYS › Chapter 19 - MOTOR VEHICLE PROCEDURES, LICENSES, PERMITS › Part 8 - SIZE AND WEIGHT OF VEHICLES AND LOADS › Section 18.19.8.99 - FLAGMEN

Current through Register Vol. 35, No. 13, July 16, 2024
A. Flagmen are
				required on all loads 20 feet wide or wider or whenever otherwise required by
				the special permit. Flagmen shall not be used in lieu of an escort vehicle. A
				dismounted driver of an escort vehicle shall serve as a flagman as necessary
				during the movement of an escorted oversize vehicle or load.
B. A flagman shall be at least eighteen years
				of age and an employee or agent of the permittee or an escort vehicle
				service.
C. A flagman shall wear an
				orange or red safety jacket and an orange or red hard hat or bump cap. A
				flagman shall be equipped with a paddle sign.
D. A paddle sign shall be constructed of
				rigid durable material and consist of a handle at least eight inches long
				attached to an octagon sign the shape of a standard street stop sign. Each of
				the eight sides of the octagon sign shall be at least 14 inches, point to
				point. One side of the sign shall have a red background with white letters, one
				and one-half inches thick, reading "STOP". The other side shall have a yellow
				or orange background with black letters, one and one half inches thick, reading
				"CAUTION". The handle shall be affixed to the sign in such a manner that the
				word on the sign is displayed to motorists when the sign is held up to
				view.
E. A flagman shall use a
				paddle sign to direct traffic at all locations where traffic may be obstructed,
				or when necessary to infringe on the oppositely-bound traffic lane because of
				breakdown, pulling onto or off the pavement, or avoiding obstacles in the path
				of movement.
F. A flagman shall use
				a paddle sign to warn traffic of an approaching oversize vehicle at danger
				points, such as narrow bridges or sharp corners, where the oversize vehicle
				will travel.
G. Flagmen shall
				position themselves far enough in advance of a problem area so that approaching
				traffic is allowed sufficient distance to reduce speed and come to a stop.
				Depending upon approach speed and physical conditions at the site, a distance
				of 200 to 300 feet is usually adequate. In urban areas, a shorter distance may
				be appropriate.
H. Flagmen shall
				face traffic on the edge of the shoulder of the road just outside of the
				traffic lane and shall always stand where they are visible by approaching
				motorists.
I. When warning or
				stopping traffic, the paddle sign shall be kept in a horizontal position in the
				path of the vehicle. The free arm shall be raised with the palm of the hand
				toward approaching traffic.
J. To
				slow traffic, but not stop it, the flagman shall extend the paddle sign into
				the traffic lane. The paddle sign shall be lowered before traffic is completely
				stopped.
K. The paddle sign shall
				not be used to signal traffic to move ahead. When signaling traffic to move
				ahead, a flagman shall lower the paddle sign behind his body and signal with
				the free hand, using a sweeping motion in the direction traffic is to
				move.
L. The paddle sign shall not
				be waved. Signals from a flagman shall be clear and distinct.
M. If time permits and when possible, a
				flagman shall inform motorists of the reason for the delay.