GUIDE FOR THE PREPARATION
OF
TRAFFIC IMPACT STUDIES
STATE OF CALIFORNIA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
December 2002
ii
PREFACE
The California Department of Transportation ( Caltrans) has developed this " Guide for the
Preparation of Traffic Impact Studies" in response to a survey of cities and counties in California.
The purpose of that survey was to improve the Caltrans local development review process ( also
known as the Intergovernmental Review/ California Environmental Quality Act or IGR/ CEQA
process). The survey indicated that approximately 30 percent of the respondents were not aware of
what Caltrans required in a traffic impact study ( TIS).
In the early 1990s, the Caltrans District 6 office located in Fresno identified a need to provide
better quality and consistency in the analysis of traffic impacts generated by local development and
land use change proposals that effect State highway facilities. At that time, District 6 brought
together both public and private sector expertise to develop a traffic impact study guide. The
District 6 guide has proven to be successful at promoting consistency and uniformity in the
identification and analysis of traffic impacts generated by local development and land use changes.
The guide developed in Fresno was adapted for statewide use by a team of Headquarters and
district staff. The guide will provide consistent guidance for Caltrans staff who review local
development and land use change proposals as well as inform local agencies of the information
needed for Caltrans to analyze the traffic impacts to State highway facilities. The guide will also
benefit local agencies and the development community by providing more expeditious review of
local development proposals.
Even though sound planning and engineering practices were used to adapt the Fresno TIS guide, it
is anticipated that changes will occur over time as new technologies and more efficient practices
become available. To facilitate these changes, Caltrans encourages all those who use this guide to
contact their nearest district office ( i. e., IGR/ CEQA Coordinator) to coordinate any changes with
the development team.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The District 6 traffic impact study guide provided the impetus and a starting point for developing
the statewide guide. Special thanks is given to Marc Birnbaum for recognizing the need for a TIS
guide and for his valued experience and vast knowledge of land use planning to significantly
enhance the effort to adapt the District 6 guide for statewide use. Randy Treece from District 6
provided many hours of coordination, research and development of the original guide and should
be commended for his diligent efforts. Sharri Bender Ehlert of District 6 provided much of the
technical expertise in the adaptation of the District 6 guide and her efforts are greatly appreciated.
A special thanks is also given to all those Cities, Counties, Regional Agencies, Congestion
Management Agencies, Consultants, and Caltrans Employees who reviewed the guide and provided
input during the development of this Guide for the Preparation of Traffic Impact Studies.
iii
T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S
Contents Page Number
PREFACE and ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ii
I. INTRODUCTION 1
II. WHEN A TRAFFIC IMPACT STUDY IS NEEDED 1
A. Trip Generation Thresholds 2
B. Exceptions
C. Updating An Existing Traffic Impact Study 2
III. SCOPE OF TRAFFIC IMPACT STUDY 2
A. Boundaries of the Traffic Impact Study 2
B. Traffic Analysis Scenarios 2
IV. TRAFFIC DATA 4
A. Trip Generation 4
B. Traffic Counts 4
C. Peak Hours 4
D. Travel Forecasting ( Transportation Modeling) 5
V. TRAFFIC IMPACT ANALYSIS METHODOLOGIES 5
A. Freeway Sections 5
B. Weaving Areas 5
C. Ramps and Ramp Junctions 5
D. Multi- lane Rural and Urban Highways 5
E. Two- lane Highways 5
F. Signalized Intersections 5
G. Unsignalized Intersections 5
H. Transit Capacity 5
I. Pedestrians 5
J. Bicycles 5
K. Caltrans Criteria/ Warrants 5
L. Channelization 5
VI. MITIGATION MEASURES 6
Appendix " A" Minimum Contents of Traffic Impact Study
Appendix " B" Methodology for Calculating Equitable Mitigation Measures
Appendix " C" Measures of Effectiveness by Facility Type
1
I. INTRODUCTION
Caltrans desires to provide a safe and efficient State transportation system for the citizens of
California pursuant to various Sections of the California Streets and Highway Code. This is
done in partnership with local and regional agencies through procedures established by the
California Environmental Quality Act ( CEQA) and other land use planning processes. The
intent of this guide is to provide a starting point and a consistent basis in which Caltrans
evaluates traffic impacts to State highway facilities. The applicability of this guide for local
streets and roads ( non- State highways) is at the discretion of the effected jurisdiction.
Caltrans reviews federal, State, and local agency development projects1, and land use change
proposals for their potential impact to State highway facilities. The primary objectives of this
guide is to provide:
 guidance in determining if and when a traffic impact study ( TIS) is needed,
 consistency and uniformity in the identification of traffic impacts generated by local land
use proposals,
 consistency and equity in the identification of measures to mitigate the traffic impacts
generated by land use proposals,
 lead agency2 officials with the information necessary to make informed decisions regarding
the existing and proposed transportation infrastructure ( see Appendix A, Minimum Contents
of a TIS)
 TIS requirements early in the planning phase of a project ( i. e., initial study, notice of
preparation, or earlier) to eliminate potential delays later,
 a quality TIS by agreeing to the assumptions, data requirements, study scenarios, and
analysis methodologies prior to beginning the TIS, and
 early coordination during the planning phases of a project to reduce the time and cost of
preparing a TIS.
II. WHEN A TRAFFIC IMPACT STUDY IS NEEDED
The level of service3 ( LOS) for operating State highway facilities is based upon measures of
effectiveness ( MOEs). These MOEs ( see Appendix “ C- 2”) describe the measures best suited
for analyzing State highway facilities ( i. e., freeway segments, signalized intersections, on- or
off- ramps, etc.). Caltrans endeavors to maintain a target LOS at the transition between LOS
“ C” and LOS “ D” ( see Appendix “ C- 3”) on State highway facilities, however, Caltrans
acknowledges that this may not always be feasible and recommends that the lead agency consult
with Caltrans to determine the appropriate target LOS. If an existing State highway facility is
operating at less than the appropriate target LOS, the existing MOE should be maintained.
1 " Project" refers to activities directly undertaken by government, financed by government, or requiring a permit or
other approval from government as defined in Section 21065 of the Public Resources Code and Section 15378 of the
California Code of Regulations.
2 “ Lead Agency” refers to the public agency that has the principal responsibility for carrying out or approving a project.
Defined in Section 21165 of the Public Resources Code, the " California Environmental Quality Act, and Section 15367
of the California Code of Regulations.
3 “ Level of service” as defined in the latest edition of the Highway Capacity Manual, Transportation Research Board,
National Research Council.
2
A. Trip Generation Thresholds
The following criterion is a starting point in determining when a TIS is needed. When a
project:
1. Generates over 100 peak hour trips assigned to a State highway facility
2. Generates 50 to 100 peak hour trips assigned to a State highway facility – and,
affected State highway facilities are experiencing noticeable delay; approaching
unstable traffic flow conditions ( LOS “ C” or “ D”).
3. Generates 1 to 49 peak hour trips assigned to a State highway facility – the following
are examples that may require a full TIS or some lesser analysis4:
a. Affected State highway facilities experiencing significant delay; unstable or
forced traffic flow conditions ( LOS “ E” or “ F”).
b. The potential risk for a traffic incident is significantly increased ( i. e., congestion
related collisions, non- standard sight distance considerations, increase in traffic
conflict points, etc.).
c. Change in local circulation networks that impact a State highway facility ( i. e.,
direct access to State highway facility, a non- standard highway geometric design,
etc.).
Note: A traffic study may be as simple as providing a traffic count to as complex as a
microscopic simulation. The appropriate level of study is determined by the particulars of a
project, the prevailing highway conditions, and the forecasted traffic.
B. Exceptions
Exceptions require consultation between the lead agency, Caltrans, and those preparing the
TIS. When a project’s traffic impact to a State highway facility can clearly be anticipated
without a study and all the parties involved ( lead agency, developer, and the Caltrans district
office) are able to negotiate appropriate mitigation, a TIS may not be necessary.
C. Updating An Existing Traffic Impact Study
A TIS requires updating when the amount or character of traffic is significantly different
from an earlier study. Generally a TIS requires updating every two years. A TIS may
require updating sooner in rapidly developing areas and not as often in slower developing
areas. In these cases, consultation with Caltrans is strongly recommended.
III. SCOPE OF TRAFFIC IMPACT STUDY
Consultation between the lead agency, Caltrans, and those preparing the TIS is recommended
before commencing work on the study to establish the appropriate scope. At a minimum, the
TIS should include the following:
A. Boundaries of the Traffic Impact Study
All State highway facilities impacted in accordance with the criteria in Section II should be
studied. Traffic impacts to local streets and roads can impact intersections with State
highway facilities. In these cases, the TIS should include an analysis of adjacent local
facilities, upstream and downstream, of the intersection ( i. e., driveways, intersections, and
interchanges) with the State highway.
4 A “ lesser analysis” may include obtaining traffic counts, preparing signal warrants, or a focused TIS, etc.
3
B. Traffic Analysis Scenarios
Caltrans is interested in the effects of general plan updates and amendments as well as the
effects of specific project entitlements ( i. e., site plans, conditional use permits, sub-divisions,
rezoning, etc.) that have the potential to impact a State highway facility. The
complexity or magnitude of the impacts of a project will normally dictate the scenarios
necessary to analyze the project. Consultation between the lead agency, Caltrans, and those
preparing the TIS is recommended to determine the appropriate scenarios for the analysis.
The following scenarios should be addressed in the TIS when appropriate:
1. When only a general plan amendment or update is being sought, the following scenarios
are required:
a) Existing Conditions - Current year traffic volumes and peak hour LOS analysis of
effected State highway facilities.
b) Proposed Project Only with Select Zone5 Analysis - Trip generation and assignment
for build- out of general plan.
c) General Plan Build- out Only - Trip assignment and peak hour LOS analysis. Include
current land uses and other pending general plan amendments.
d) General Plan Build- out Plus Proposed Project - Trip assignment and peak hour LOS
analysis. Include proposed project and other pending general plan amendments.
2. When a general plan amendment is not proposed and a proposed project is seeking
specific entitlements ( i. e., site plans, conditional use permits, sub- division, rezoning,
etc.), the following scenarios must be analyzed in the TIS:
a) Existing Conditions - Current year traffic volumes and peak hour LOS analysis of
effected State highway facilities.
b) Proposed Project Only - Trip generation, distribution, and assignment in the year the
project is anticipated to complete construction.
c) Cumulative Conditions ( Existing Conditions Plus Other Approved and Pending
Projects Without Proposed Project) - Trip assignment and peak hour LOS analysis in
the year the project is anticipated to complete construction.
d) Cumulative Conditions Plus Proposed Project ( Existing Conditions Plus Other
Approved and Pending Projects Plus Proposed Project) - Trip assignment and peak
hour LOS analysis in the year the project is anticipated to complete construction.
e) Cumulative Conditions Plus Proposed Phases ( Interim Years) - Trip assignment and
peak hour LOS analysis in the years the project phases are anticipated to complete
construction.
3. In cases where the circulation element of the general plan is not consistent with the land
use element or the general plan is outdated and not representative of current or future
forecasted conditions, all scenarios from Sections III. B. 1. and 2. should be utilized with
the exception of duplicating of item 2. a.
5 " Select zone" analysis represents a project only traffic model run, where the project's trips are distributed and assigned
along a loaded highway network. This procedure isolates the specific impact on the State highway network.
4
IV. TRAFFIC DATA
Prior to any fieldwork, consultation between the lead agency, Caltrans, and those preparing the
TIS is recommended to reach consensus on the data and assumptions necessary for the study.
The following elements are a starting point in that consideration.
A. Trip Generation
The latest edition of the Institute of Transportation Engineers’ ( ITE) TRIP GENERATION
report should be used for trip generation forecasts. Local trip generation rates are also
acceptable if appropriate validation is provided to support them.
1. Trip Generation Rates – When the land use has a limited number of studies to support
the trip generation rates or when the Coefficient of Determination ( R2) is below 0.75,
consultation between the lead agency, Caltrans and those preparing the TIS is
recommended.
2. Pass- by Trips6 – Pass- by trips are only considered for retail oriented development.
Reductions greater than 15% requires consultation and acceptance by Caltrans. The
justification for exceeding a 15% reduction should be discussed in the TIS.
3. Captured Trips7 – Captured trip reductions greater than 5% requires consultation and
acceptance by Caltrans. The justification for exceeding a 5% reduction should be
discussed in the TIS.
4. Transportation Demand Management ( TDM) – Consultation between the lead agency
and Caltrans is essential before applying trip reduction for TDM strategies.
NOTE: Reasonable reductions to trip generation rates are considered when adjacent State
highway volumes are sufficient ( at least 5000 ADT) to support reductions for the land use.
B. Traffic Counts
Prior to field traffic counts, consultation between the lead agency, Caltrans and those
preparing the TIS is recommended to determine the level of detail ( e. g., location, signal
timing, travel speeds, turning movements, etc.) required at each traffic count site. All State
highway facilities within the boundaries of the TIS should be considered. Common rules for
counting vehicular traffic include but are not limited to:
1. Vehicle counts should be conducted on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays during
weeks not containing a holiday and conducted in favorable weather conditions.
2. Vehicle counts should be conducted during the appropriate peak hours ( see peak
hour discussion below).
3. Seasonal and weekend variations in traffic should also be considered where
appropriate ( i. e., recreational routes, tourist attractions, harvest season, etc.).
C. Peak Hours
To eliminate unnecessary analysis, consultation between the lead agency, Caltrans and those
preparing the TIS is recommended during the early planning stages of a project. In general,
the TIS should include a morning ( a. m.) and an evening ( p. m.) peak hour analyses. Other
peak hours ( e. g., 11: 30 a. m. to 1: 30 p. m., weekend, holidays, etc.) may also be required to
determine the significance of the traffic impacts generated by a project.
6 “ Pass- by” trips are made as intermediate stops between an origin and a primary trip destination ( i. e., home to work, home to
shopping, etc.).
7 “ Captured Trips” are trips that do not enter or leave the driveways of a project’s boundary within a mixed- use development.
5
D. Travel Forecasting ( Transportation Modeling)
The local or regional traffic model should reflect the most current land use and planned
improvements ( i. e., where programming or funding is secured). When a general plan build-out
model is not available, the closest forecast model year to build- out should be used. If a
traffic model is not available, historical growth rates and current trends can be used to
project future traffic volumes. The TIS should clearly describe any changes made in the
model to accommodate the analysis of a proposed project.
V. TRAFFIC IMPACT ANALYSIS METHODOLOGIES
Typically, the traffic analysis methodologies for the facility types indicated below are used by
Caltrans and will be accepted without prior consultation. When a State highway has saturated
flows, the use of a micro- simulation model is encouraged for the analysis ( please note however,
the micro- simulation model must be calibrated and validated for reliable results). Other analysis
methods may be accepted, however, consultation between the lead agency, Caltrans and those
preparing the TIS is recommended to agree on the data necessary for the analysis.
A. Freeway Segments – Highway Capacity Manual ( HCM)*, operational analysis
B. Weaving Areas – Caltrans Highway Design Manual ( HDM)
C. Ramps and Ramp Junctions – HCM*, operational analysis or Caltrans HDM, Caltrans Ramp
Metering Guidelines ( most recent edition)
D. Multi- Lane Highways – HCM*, operational analysis
E. Two- lane Highways – HCM*, operational analysis
F. Signalized Intersections8 – HCM*, Highway Capacity Software**, operational analysis,
TRAFFIXTM**, Synchro**, see footnote 8
G. Unsignalized Intersections – HCM*, operational analysis, Caltrans Traffic Manual for signal
warrants if a signal is being considered
H. Transit – HCM*, operational analysis
I. Pedestrians – HCM*
J. Bicycles – HCM*
K. Caltrans Criteria/ Warrants – Caltrans Traffic Manual ( stop signs, traffic signals, freeway
lighting, conventional highway lighting, school crossings)
L. Channelization – Caltrans guidelines for Reconstruction of Intersections, August 1985,
Ichiro Fukutome
* The most current edition of the Highway Capacity Manual, Transportation Research Board,
National Research Council, should be used.
** NOTE: Caltrans does not officially advocate the use of any special software. However,
consistency with the HCM is advocated in most but not all cases. The Caltrans local
development review units utilize the software mentioned above. If different software or
analytical techniques are used for the TIS then consultation between the lead agency, Caltrans
and those preparing the TIS is recommended. Results that are significantly different than those
produced with the analytical techniques above should be challenged.
8 The procedures in the Highway Capacity Manual " do not explicitly address operations of closely spaced signalized
intersections. Under such conditions, several unique characteristics must be considered, including spill- back potential
from the downstream intersection to the upstream intersection, effects of downstream queues on upstream saturation
flow rate, and unusual platoon dispersion or compression between intersections. An example of such closely spaced
operations is signalized ramp terminals at urban interchanges. Queue interactions between closely spaced intersections
may seriously distort the procedures in" the HCM.
6
VI. MITIGATION MEASURES
The TIS should provide the nexus [ Nollan v. California Coastal Commission, 1987, 483 U. S.
825 ( 108 S. Ct. 314)] between a project and the traffic impacts to State highway facilities. The
TIS should also establish the rough proportionality [ Dolan v. City of Tigard, 1994, 512 U. S. 374
( 114 S. Ct. 2309)] between the mitigation measures and the traffic impacts. One method for
establishing the rough proportionality or a project proponent's equitable responsibility for a
project's impacts is provided in Appendix " B." Consultation between the lead agency, Caltrans
and those preparing the TIS is recommended to reach consensus on the mitigation measures and
who will be responsible.
Mitigation measures must be included in the traffic impact analysis. This determines if a
project's impacts can be eliminated or reduced to a level of insignificance. Eliminating or
reducing impacts to a level of insignificance is the standard pursuant to CEQA and the National
Environmental Policy Act ( NEPA). The lead agency is responsible for administering the CEQA
review process and has the principal authority for approving a local development proposal or
land use change. Caltrans, as a responsible agency, is responsible for reviewing the TIS for
errors and omissions that pertain to State highway facilities. However, the authority vested in
the lead agency under CEQA does not take precedence over other authorities in law.
If the mitigation measures require work in the State highway right- of- way an encroachment
permit from Caltrans will be required. This work will also be subject to Caltrans standards and
specifications. Consultation between the lead agency, Caltrans and those preparing the TIS early
in the planning process is strongly recommended to expedite the review of local development
proposals and to reduce conflicts and misunderstandings in both the local agency CEQA review
process as well as the Caltrans encroachment permit process.
APPENDIX “ A”
MINIMUM CONTENTS
OF A
TRAFFIC IMPACT STUDY
2
MINIMUM CONTENTS OF TRAFFIC IMPACT STUDY REPORT
I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
II. TABLE OF CONTENTS
A. List of Figures ( Maps)
B. List of Tables
III. INTRODUCTION
A. Description of the proposed project
B. Location of project
C. Site plan including all access to State highways ( site plan, map)
D. Circulation network including all access to State highways ( vicinity map)
E. Land use and zoning
F. Phasing plan including proposed dates of project ( phase) completion
G. Project sponsor and contact person( s)
H. References to other traffic impact studies
IV. TRAFFIC ANALYSIS
A. Clearly stated assumptions
B. Existing and projected traffic volumes ( including turning movements), facility geometry
( including storage lengths), and traffic controls ( including signal phasing and multi-signal
progression where appropriate) ( figure)
C. Project trip generation including references ( table)
D. Project generated trip distribution and assignment ( figure)
E. LOS and warrant analyses - existing conditions, cumulative conditions, and full build of
general plan conditions with and without project
V. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
A. LOS and appropriate MOE quantities of impacted facilities with and without mitigation
measures
B. Mitigation phasing plan including dates of proposed mitigation measures
C. Define responsibilities for implementing mitigation measures
D. Cost estimates for mitigation measures and financing plan
VI. APPENDICES
A. Description of traffic data and how data was collected
B. Description of methodologies and assumptions used in analyses
C. Worksheets used in analyses ( i. e., signal warrant, LOS, traffic count information, etc.)
APPENDIX “ B”
METHODOLOGY FOR
CALCULATING EQUITABLE
MITIGATION MEASURES
2
METHOD FOR CALCULATING EQUITABLE MITIGATION MEASURES
The methodology below is neither intended as, nor does it establish, a legal standard for
determining equitable responsibility and cost of a project’s traffic impact, the intent is to provide:
1. A starting point for early discussions to address traffic mitigation equitably.
2. A means for calculating the equitable share for mitigating traffic impacts.
3. A means for establishing rough proportionality [ Dolan v. City of Tigard, 1994, 512 U. S. 374
( 114 S. Ct. 2309)].
The formulas should be used when:
 A project has impacts that do not immediately warrant mitigation, but their cumulative effects
are significant and will require mitigating in the future.
 A project has an immediate impact and the lead agency has assumed responsibility for
addressing operational improvements
NOTE: This formula is not intended for circumstances where a project proponent will be receiving
a substantial benefit from the identified mitigation measures. In these cases, ( e. g., mid- block access
and signalization to a shopping center) the project should take full responsibility to toward
providing the necessary infrastructure.
EQUITABLE SHARE RESPONSIBILITY: Equation C- 1
NOTE: TE < TB, see explanation for TB below.
Where:
P = The equitable share for the proposed project's traffic impact.
T = The vehicle trips generated by the project during the peak hour of adjacent State highway facility in
vehicles per hour, vph.
TB = The forecasted traffic volume on an impacted State highway facility at the time of general plan
build- out ( e. g., 20 year model or the furthest future model date feasible), vph.
TE = The traffic volume existing on the impacted State highway facility plus other approved projects that
will generate traffic that has yet to be constructed/ opened, vph.
EQUITABLE COST: Equation C- 2
Where:
C = The equitable cost of traffic mitigation for the proposed project, ($). ( Rounded to nearest one
thousand dollars)
P = The equitable share for the project being considered.
CT = The total cost estimate for improvements necessary to mitigate the forecasted traffic demand on the
impacted State highway facility in question at general plan build- out, ($).
NOTES
1. Once the equitable share responsibility and equitable cost has been established on a per trip
basis, these values can be utilized for all projects on that State highway facility until the
forecasted general plan build- out model is revised.
2. Truck traffic should be converted to passenger car equivalents before utilizing these equations
( see the Highway Capacity Manual for converting to passenger car equivalents).
T T
P = T
B  E
C  P  CT 
3
3. If the per trip cost is not used for all subsequent projects, then the equation below will be
necessary to determine the costs for individual project impact and will require some additional
accounting.
Equation C- 2. A
Where:
C = Same as equation C- 2.
P = Same as equation C- 2.
CT = Same as equation C- 2.
CC = The combined dollar contributions paid and committed prior to current project’s contribution. This
is necessary to provide the appropriate cost proportionality. Example: For the first project to
impact the State highway facility in question since the total cost ( CT) estimate for improvements
necessary to mitigate the forecasted traffic demand, CC would be equal to zero. For the second
project however, C would equal P2( CT – C1) and for the third project to come along C would equal
P3[ CT – ( C1 + C2)] and so on until build- out or the general plan build- out was recalculated.
C P  C C  T C  
APPENDIX “ C”
MEASURES OF EFFECTIVENESS
BY
FACILITY TYPE
2
MEASURES OF EFFECTIVENESS BY FACILITY TYPE
TYPE OF FACILITY MEASURE OF EFFECTIVENESS ( MOE)
Basic Freeway Segments Density ( pc/ mi/ ln)
Ramps Density ( pc/ mi/ ln)
Ramp Terminals Delay ( sec/ veh)
Multi- Lane Highways Density ( pc/ mi/ ln)
Two- Lane Highways Percent- Time- Following
Average Travel Speed ( mi/ hr)
Signalized Intersections Control Delay per Vehicle ( sec/ veh)
Unsignalized Intersections Average Control Delay per Vehicle ( sec/ veh)
Urban Streets Average Travel Speed ( mi/ hr)
Measures of effectiveness for level of service definitions located in the
most recent version of the Highway Capacity Manual, Transportation
Research Board, National Research Council.
3
Transition between LOS " C" and LOS " D" Criteria
( Reference Highway Capacity Manual)
BASIC FREEWAY SEGMENTS @ 65 mi/ hr
LOS Maximum
Density
( pc/ mi/ ln)
Minimum
Speed
( mph)
Maximum
v/ c
Maximum
Service
Flow Rate
( pc/ hr/ ln)
A 11 65.0 0.30 710
B 18 65.0 0.50 1170
C 26 64.6 0.71 1680
D 35 59.7 0.89 2090
E 45 52.2 1.00 2350
SIGNALIZED INTERSECTIONS and RAMP TERMINALS
LOS Control Delay
per Vehicle
( sec/ veh)
A  10
B  10 - 20
C  20 - 35
D  35 - 55
E  55 - 80
F  80
MULTI- LANE HIGHWAYS @ 55 mi/ hr
LOS Maximum
Density
( pc/ mi/ ln)
Minimum
Speed
( mph)
Maximum
v/ c
Maximum
Service
Flow Rate
( pc/ hr/ ln)
A 11 55.0 0.29 600
B 18 55.0 0.47 990
C 26 54.9 0.68 1430
D 35 52.9 0.88 1850
E 41 51.2 1.00 2100
Dotted line represents the transition between LOS " C" and LOS " D"
4
TWO- LANE HIGHWAYS
LOS Percent
Time- Spent- Following
Average Travel Speed
( mi/ hr)
A  35  55
B  35 - 50  50 - 55
C  50 - 65  45 - 50
D  65 - 80  40 - 45
E  80  40
URBAN STREETS
Urban Street Class I II III IV
Range of FFS 55 to 45 mi/ hr 45 to 35 mi/ hr 35 to 30 mi/ hr 35 to 25 mi/ hr
Typical FFS 50 mi/ hr 40 mi/ hr 35 mi/ hr 30 mi/ hr
LOS Average Travel Speed ( mi/ hr)
A  42  35  30  25
B  34 - 42  28 - 35  24 - 30  19 - 25
C  27 - 34  22 - 28  18 - 24  13 - 19
D  21 - 27  17 - 22  14 - 18  9 - 13
E  16 - 21  13 - 17  10 - 14  7 - 9
F  16  13  10  7
Dotted line represents the transition between LOS " C" and LOS " D"
GRAY DAVIS
Governor
MARIA CONTRERAS- SWEET
Secretary
Business, Transportation and Housing Agency
JEFF MORALES
Director
California Department of Transportation
RANDELL H. IWASAKI BRIAN J. SMITH
Deputy Director Deputy Director
Maintenance and Operations Planning and Modal Programs
JOHN A. ( Jack) BODA JOAN SOLLENBERGER
Chief Chief
Division of Traffic Operations Division of Transportation Planning
Additional copies of these guidelines can be copied from the internet at,
http:// www. dot. ca. gov/ hq/ traffops/ developserv/ operationalsystems/