Nine STOP/SLOW paddle and AFAD checks start with an octagonal paddle on a rigid handle, according to Federal Highway Administration.
Key takeaways
- The STOP/SLOW paddle must be octagonal and should be made of light semi-rigid material, serving as the primary hand-signaling device according to Federal Highway Administration.
- If flashing lights are used on the paddle, the rate shall be at least 50 but no more than 60 flashes each minute, with specific color requirements for STOP and SLOW faces according to Federal Highway Administration.
- AFAD signs require an octagonal shape, rigid material, and a mounting height of at least 6 feet above the pavement, as stated by Federal Highway Administration.
- Automated Flagger Assistance Devices should be positioned in advance of one-lane, two-way tapers and downstream from the traffic stop point, according to Federal Highway Administration.
- Flaggers must use a specific left-arm flashlight technique, waving in a slow arc from left to right that does not exceed 45 degrees from vertical, according to Federal Highway Administration.
Flagger device compliance starts with verifying paddle shape and material
When preparing a traffic control plan for a public road bid, the first step in verifying device specifications involves confirming the physical characteristics of the hand-signaling tool. The Federal Highway Administration states that the STOP/SLOW paddle should be the primary and preferred hand-signaling device because it gives road users more positive guidance than red flags, according to Federal Highway Administration. This preference establishes the baseline for what equipment must be priced and procured for the project.
Beyond the preference for the device type, specific physical attributes are mandated. The STOP/SLOW paddle shall have an octagonal shape on a rigid handle, according to Federal Highway Administration. Estimators must verify that the supplier’s specification sheet lists an octagonal face mounted on a rigid handle to avoid compliance rejections during the bid review process.
Material selection is the second critical physical characteristic. The STOP/SLOW paddle should be fabricated from light semi-rigid material, according to Federal Highway Administration. The paddle should be light semi-rigid material, and the handle shall be rigid.
To verify these specifications, check the product data sheet for the following three points: 1. Shape: Confirm the sign face is octagonal. 2. Handle: Confirm the handle is rigid. 3. Material: Confirm the paddle is made of light semi-rigid material.
A filled reference table of flagger device specs by publisher
The following table lists the nine specific verification points for STOP/SLOW paddles and AFADs.
The Federal Highway Administration identifies the STOP/SLOW paddle as the primary and preferred hand-signaling device because it gives road users more positive guidance than red flags, according to Federal Highway Administration. The table above isolates the specific physical and operational requirements that must be verified during the bid preparation phase.
When reviewing these items, note that the lighting modifications are optional but, if included, follow white or red on the STOP face, white or yellow on the SLOW face, 50 to 60 flashes each minute, and the more-than-eight arrangement rule. The STOP/SLOW paddle may be modified to improve conspicuity by incorporating either white or red flashing lights on the STOP face, and either white or yellow flashing lights on the SLOW face, according to Federal Highway Administration. If you choose to use more than eight flashing lights, the arrangement must clearly convey the shape of the face, according to Federal Highway Administration.
For AFADs, the beacon placement is also specified. A Stop Beacon is mounted a maximum of 24 inches above the STOP face and a Warning Beacon is mounted a maximum of 24 inches above, below, or to the side of the SLOW face, according to Federal Highway Administration. These details ensure that the equipment you price matches the functional requirements of the traffic control plan.
Use this table to cross-check your vendor quotes. If a vendor’s paddle sheet does not explicitly confirm the octagonal shape, or the 50-60 flash rate only if lights are used, request clarification before finalizing the bid. Check AFAD mounting of at least 6 feet at the bottom of the sign on the AFAD sheet.
For other site-bid checks, see guardrail, net, and platform specs, ladder safety rules, and concrete safety answers for estimating bids.
STOP/SLOW paddle construction and lighting standards
The Federal Highway Administration allows modifications to the STOP/SLOW paddle to improve conspicuity for road users. According to the Federal Highway Administration, the paddle may incorporate either white or red flashing lights on the STOP face. The same source specifies that either white or yellow flashing lights may be used on the SLOW face. These lighting options provide a method to enhance visibility without altering the fundamental device geometry.
When selecting the number of lights for the paddle, the arrangement must maintain the specific shape of each face. The Federal Highway Administration states that if more than eight flashing lights are used, the lights shall be arranged such that they clearly convey the octagonal shape of the STOP face. The same requirement applies to the diamond shape of the SLOW face. This rule ensures that the visual silhouette remains distinct even when the light count increases above eight flashing lights.
The flash rate for any lights used on the paddle is strictly defined to ensure consistent signaling. According to the Federal Highway Administration, if flashing lights are used, the flash rate shall be at least 50, but not more than 60, flashes each minute. This specific range applies to the STOP/SLOW paddle lights. Verifying that your equipment meets this 50 to 60 flashes each minute standard is a critical step in the bid verification process.
For your estimating sheet, confirm that the paddle specification includes the correct light colors for each face. Ensure the light count and arrangement preserve the octagonal and diamond shapes if you exceed eight lights. Check that the flash rate falls within the 50 to 60 flashes each minute window. These three checks cover the lighting standards required by the Federal Highway Administration for compliant traffic control equipment.
Automated flagger assistance device placement and mounting
When pricing an Automated Flagger Assistance Device (AFAD) for a public road bid, the location relative to the taper is the first physical constraint to verify. According to the Federal Highway Administration, if used, AFADs should be located in advance of one-lane, two-way tapers and downstream from the point where approaching traffic is to stop in response to the device. This positioning rule ensures the device is placed where it can effectively manage the transition of traffic into the work zone.
The physical mounting of the AFAD sign follows specific dimensional requirements. The AFAD's STOP/SLOW sign shall have an octagonal shape, shall be fabricated of rigid material, and shall be mounted with the bottom of the sign a minimum of 6 feet above the pavement on an appropriate support, according to the Federal Highway Administration. The sign assembly must also maintain stability during operation. The AFAD's STOP/SLOW sign shall have a means to positively lock, engage, or otherwise maintain the sign assembly in a stable condition when the sign is in the STOP or SLOW position, according to the Federal Highway Administration.
Lighting placement on the AFAD is strictly defined to ensure proper signal recognition. A Stop Beacon (see Section 4L.05) is mounted a maximum of 24 inches above the STOP face and a Warning Beacon (see Section 4L.03) is mounted a maximum of 24 inches above, below, or to the side of the SLOW face, according to the Federal Highway Administration. These beacon positions are critical for distinguishing the STOP and SLOW commands visually.
Regarding mechanical components, the AFAD should include a gate arm for additional traffic control. The STOP/SLOW AFAD should include a gate arm that descends to a down position across the approach lane of traffic when the STOP face is displayed and then ascends to an upright position when the SLOW face is displayed, according to the Federal Highway Administration. Note that this is a recommendation for inclusion if the device is used, not a mandatory requirement for all AFADs.
Signal methods and station positioning rules
The Federal Highway Administration specifies the exact hand motion a flagger must use to command traffic to halt. According to the Federal Highway Administration, to inform road users to stop, the flagger shall hold the flashlight with the left arm extended and pointed down toward the ground. The flagger then slowly waves the flashlight in front of the body in a slow arc from left to right. The arc must reach no farther than 45 degrees from vertical. Estimators should verify that their traffic control plans describe this precise arc and arm position. If a plan describes a different waving motion, it may not align with the documented standard.
Station placement follows a separate rule regarding advance warning. According to the Federal Highway Administration, except in emergency situations, flagger stations shall be preceded by an advance warning sign or signs. This requirement applies to standard, non-emergency work zones. Your bid documentation should account for the cost and placement of these advance warning signs. If your project involves emergency work, this specific advance warning requirement may not apply, but you should confirm local emergency protocols.
When pricing your traffic control equipment, include the cost of the flashlight used for signaling. Ensure your labor rates cover the training required for flaggers to execute this specific 45-degree arc correctly. Misinterpretation of the signal could lead to compliance issues or safety incidents.
Keep the claim tied to the named source. Do not treat one publisher's rule as every firm's rule, and do not treat one jurisdiction's rule as the rule everywhere. Use these checks to ensure your traffic control plan meets the specific device specifications required for the public road bid.
Illustrative example of a paddle and AFAD check
An estimator prices one flagger station and one automated device on a one-lane, two-way taper. The paddle is octagonal, the handle is rigid, and the face is light semi-rigid material. Lights stay off, so the 50 and 60 bounds are unused. A second choice adds lights only if they flash from 50 to 60 times each minute, and only if a count above 8 still shows the STOP octagon and the SLOW diamond. The automated sign is octagonal and rigid. Its bottom is 6 feet above the pavement. It locks in the STOP position and the SLOW position, and its gate arm lowers on STOP and rises on SLOW. The flashlight arc stays within 45 degrees from vertical.
Review your current traffic control plan against the STOP/SLOW paddle shape and lighting rate requirements listed in the reference table.
FAQ: stop slow paddle and afad specifications for traffic control bids
What shape must the STOP/SLOW paddle have?
According to the Federal Highway Administration, the STOP/SLOW paddle shall have an octagonal shape on a rigid handle.
What is the required flash rate for paddle lights?
If flashing lights are used on the STOP/SLOW paddle, the flash rate shall be at least 50, but not more than 60, flashes each minute, according to the Federal Highway Administration. Estimators should verify that any purchased paddle units meet this specific frequency standard to avoid compliance rejections.
How high must an AFAD sign be mounted?
The AFAD's STOP/SLOW sign shall be mounted with the bottom of the sign a minimum of 6 feet above the pavement on an appropriate support, according to the Federal Highway Administration. The sign must also be fabricated of rigid material and maintain an octagonal shape.
Where should AFADs be located relative to tapers?
If used, AFADs should be located in advance of one-lane, two-way tapers and downstream from the point where approaching traffic is to stop in response to the device, according to the Federal Highway Administration. This positioning allows the device to effectively manage the flow of traffic as it narrows to a single lane. Proper placement is critical for maintaining safety and efficiency at the work zone entrance.
What is the recommended hand-signaling device?
The STOP/SLOW paddle should be the primary and preferred hand-signaling device because it gives road users more positive guidance than red flags, according to the Federal Highway Administration. This preference is based on the clarity and effectiveness of the paddle's signals compared to traditional flags. Using the recommended device helps ensure consistent communication between flaggers and drivers.