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Selective barriersUnited States

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of United States. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.

Traffic signs
Traffic rules
United States

38. Selective barriers

Selective barriers are physical access-control devices that allow certain road users or authorised vehicles to pass while restricting other traffic. They may include fixed, removable, folding or retractable bollards, gates, barriers and width-filtering installations.

The permitted users are determined by traffic signs, access conditions and local regulations, not by the barrier alone. Drivers should approach slowly, verify that they are authorised and wait until any moving barrier is fully open or retracted before continuing.

Selective barriers
8 ft 6 in (2.6 m) height barrier on the Flower Hill side of Webster Avenue Bridge. (New York, United States)
Wikimedia.org • LINYperson615 • CC BY-SA
What does a selective barrier control in the United States?

A bollard, gate, bus filter or other physical access-control device can admit some users and exclude others. It is not a universal traffic-sign category. In United States, the relevant sign or local traffic order must be checked.

🔗 dmv.ca.gov • California DMV — obey actual access controls and traffic rules; hypothetical local facility advice, no US scheme or deployment claimed

🔗 mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov • FHWA MUTCD11th Edition Revision1 — actual applicable control/guide devices

May a cyclist or motorcycle rider use a gap beside a selective barrier in the United States?

Only if the applicable access rule permits that road user and the opening is safe and intended for them. A gap designed for pedestrians or cyclists is not permission for an unauthorised motorcycle or car.

🔗 dmv.ca.gov • California DMV — obey actual access controls and traffic rules; hypothetical local facility advice, no US scheme or deployment claimed

🔗 mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov • FHWA MUTCD11th Edition Revision1 — actual applicable control/guide devices

Can you drive through a movable barrier while it is opening in the United States?

Wait until the barrier is fully open or lowered and a permitted signal or authorisation allows movement. Do not follow an authorised bus or emergency vehicle through a closing gate.

🔗 dmv.ca.gov • California DMV — obey actual access controls and traffic rules; hypothetical local facility advice, no US scheme or deployment claimed

🔗 mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov • FHWA MUTCD11th Edition Revision1 — actual applicable control/guide devices

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