Traffic Policies

The speed limit on-site is 30 miles per hour unless otherwise posted.

The Laboratory Protection Division manages the enforcement of the BNL Traffic Safety requirements, which are developed using the New York State Vehicle and Traffic Laws as a guide. To drive on-site, all drivers must have a valid operator's license. Non-residents or visitors from another country who have a valid operator's license may legally drive in New York State. If you become a resident of New York State, you have thirty days after establishing residency to apply for a New York State driver's license.

All BNL and non-BNL staff must follow the requirements below. Failure to follow them will result in a citation being issued for a traffic violation and disciplinary action.

License/Registration/Insurance

You must be properly qualified to operate a motor vehicle on-site. Ensure your driver's license, vehicle inspection, and insurance are current and available for inspection. States that do not require insurance for their motor vehicles are exempt from having to provide proof. The Laboratory Protection Division maintains a list of these states for verification.

Follow all posted traffic safety signs/signals

• Speed limits: Follow the Laboratory speed limit, which is a maximum of 30 miles per hour, except where otherwise posted. Do not drive a vehicle at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions at the time and regard actual and potential hazards. If it becomes necessary to drive on the undeveloped roads and firebreaks throughout site, drive at reduced speeds and in a vehicle capable of negotiating the terrain.
• Stop Signs: Come to a full stop at all Stop signs;
• Traffic Signals: Obey all traffic signals.

Pedestrian Safety

Stop for a pedestrian who enters a crosswalk, no matter on which side of the street the pedestrian enters. Other important crosswalk rules of etiquette that are based on respect for others are the following:

• Pedestrians should not suddenly walk or run into a crosswalk, into the path of a vehicle that is so close that the driver may not be able to yield;
• Where traffic lights and pedestrian-illuminated crossing signs are operating, pedestrians should follow the indications of the lights;
• When a vehicle stops at a marked crosswalk or at any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection to permit a pedestrian to cross the road, the driver behind may not overtake and pass the stopped vehicle.

Pedestrians and wildlife must be given every consideration when they are crossing the road on-site or off-site. The Lab has a large population of deer, wild turkey, fox and geese.

Parking

Park on-site only on paved or stone covered areas and only where it does not interfere with the flow of traffic or with the movement of emergency vehicles.

Parking is specifically prohibited:

• In designated no-parking zones, which are identified by yellow markings or signs;
• On the wrong side of the street (i.e., facing on-coming traffic);
• In handicapped spaces unless the appropriate permit is displayed. Note: Staff who have a documented illness with the Occupational Medicine Clinic may be eligible to reserve a temporary handicap parking card to use only on-site;
• In fire lanes;
• Within 15 feet of a fire hydrant;
• On the grass except near the gazebo, softball fields during athletic events, and Building 30 on special occasions;
• In excess of an allotted time limit identified by white markings or signs.

Personal vehicles must be registered with the Laboratory Protection Division (LPD). You will receive a vehicle sticker that must be attached to the back of the rear view mirror of your vehicle.

The Lab Protection Division must be notified immediately at 344-2238 after any accident involving a vehicle or bicycle on-site or a government vehicle off-site.

Right-of-Way must be followed at all times. Fire trucks, police vehicles, ambulances and utility emergency vehicles have the Right-of-Way on-site. All other vehicles shall move to the side of the road and stop when such emergency vehicles approach. Emergency vehicles shall display flashing red lights and use sirens.

The Lab Protection Division monitors the speed of traffic on-site and tickets those who exceed the posted speed limits. Driving safely is everyone's responsibility, whether it is on the BNL site, or anywhere else. It is imperative for all employees, visitors, users, and guests to understand the traffic requirements and follow the established traffic safety rules.

It is strongly recommended that you contact a local driving school to provide driving lessons for those who have little or no driving experience.

Local Driving Schools

NOTE: Inclusion in this list does not imply an endorsement by Brookhaven National Laboratory or Brookhaven Science Associates.