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Neighborhood Traffic Management Program

CENTERLINE BOTTS DOTS

Botts dots, or “raised pavement markers,” are small bumps lining the centerline or edgeline of a roadway. They are often used on curves where vehicles have a tendency to deviate outside of the proper lane, risking collision. Raised reflectors improve the nighttime visibility of the roadway edges.

Advantages

• Inexpensive
• Does not physically slow emergency vehicles or buses
• Can help keep drivers in the appropriate travel lane on curves and under low-visibility conditions

Disadvantages

• Noise caused by Botts Dots
• Requires regular maintenance
• Has not been shown to significantly reduce travel speeds

For additional information please contact:

Tracy Whitley
Project Engineer
Sacramento County Department of Transportation
whitleyt@SacCounty.net