Special Signs

Trailblazer Signs

Trailblazer signs direct the motoring public to the location of major transportation facilities and various cultural and recreational facilities. The signs are meant to direct motorists who are unfamiliar with a route. A trailblazer is never to be used for advertising purposes or in a manner that would interfere or compete with existing regulatory, warning and directional signage.

  • Trailblazer signage is to be used solely to direct motorists to facilities that are major generators of passenger cars, are open to the general public and provide an adequate number of public parking spaces available in the immediate proximity of the facility.
  • A trailblazer is installed only if it is determined that the sign supplements the existing street information and diminishes uncertainty or confusion on the part of the driver.
  • Trailblazer signage is usually installed on the primary roadway that provides the most direct route and in close proximity to the facility or traffic generator. However, there are some facilities or generators that require trailblazer signs on all appropriate approaches throughout the City (e.g., airports, bridges and highways, stadiums).
  • All signs must conform to the Federal Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) standards. Non-standard typefaces, logos, and colors on signs will not be permitted.
  • The New York State DOT is routinely notified of all proposed signage, including trailblazers, on State, Federal, or Interstate System routes. This ensures that the State considers the inclusion of New York City DOT specified signs in its future signing projects.

Requesting a Trailblazer Sign

Requests for trailblazers should be sent to the appropriate DOT Borough Commissioner. Requesters will be asked to prepare all relevant documentation, including the number of passenger car trips generated and number of parking spaces available. Requests will be reviewed for need and feasibility.

Community Identification Signs

DOT installs Community Identification signs at the request of sponsor, such as an elected official, neighborhood association, or merchant association. Community Identication signs can be used to highlight a block watch, a community achievement or for similar purposes in a specific area. A Community Identification sign should never be used for advertising purposes or in a manner that would interfere or compete with existing regulatory, warning and directional signage. The signs may be oriented to either motorists or pedestrians.

  • Community Identification signs that are motorist-oriented must conform to the Federal Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) standards with respect to color, shape, size, level of reflectivity, etc.
  • Signs must not interfere with existing traffic control signs and signals. Signs that are motorist-oriented must be placed at mid-block locations with only one sign per block face, so as to limit their potential impact on regulatory, warning and directional signs.
  • No sign may exceed 30" x 30" overall size, regardless of location.
  • Signs may not contain the names of individuals.
  • The sponsor is responsible for determining whether other approvals are required from other City agencies and presenting proof that all necessary approvals have been obtained (e.g., Landmarks Preservation Commission, Art Commission).
  • The sponsor is responsible for design, manufacturing, field survey, installation and maintenance costs. In addition, the sponsor must post bond to indemnify the City against property and personal injury claims. The amount of bond will be determined by DOT.
  • Signs will be installed only at sites approved by DOT. On roadways under State jurisdiction, the New York State DOT will be notified of all proposed signage.

Requesting a Community Identification Sign

Direct requests to the appropriate DOT Borough Commissioner. Requests should include specific information regarding the scope of the project and number, type, and location of signs. DOT will follow up with a field survey will be conducted following the initial request to determine feasibility.