Service Access Routes

INTRODUCTION

What is service access?Federal and state law allows STAA vehicles to exit the National Network (NN) for a distance of one road mile to access food, fuel, lodging, and repair services, provided the exits are identified.

How are the exits identified? The exits could be identified by maps, lists, or signs. Caltrans policy is to identify Service Access roads with signs posted in advance of the ramp or intersection.

What signs are used? The Service Access sign is a white-on-blue information sign with the letter "S" on the back of a truck, as illustrated below:

What is a STAA vehicle? The 1982 federal Surface Transportation Assistance Act (STAA) allowed larger trucks on the National Network. These larger trucks are called "STAA vehicles." (For more details on truck sizes and routes, see the fact sheet Truck Route Classifications.)

Where can STAA vehicles travel? STAA vehicles can use the NN, and can exit the NN only where a "T" signs is posted for Terminal Access, or an "S" sign is posted for Service Access.

What services are available on Service Access routes? A Service Access route may provide food, fuel, lodging, and/or repair; however, at least two of these three services -- food, fuel, and lodging -- must be present before a sign will be posted.

LEGAL HISTORY

What federal laws require Service Access? The 1982 federal STAA required reasonable access to facilities for food, fuel, repairs, and rest. In 1990, federal regulations expanded truck access from one-half mile to one mile off the NN. The Code of Federal Regulations, Title 23, Section 658.19 (a) states "No State may enact or enforce any law denying reasonable access to vehicles with dimensions authorized by the STAA between the NN and... facilities for food, fuel, repairs, and rest." Section (d) states "No State may enact or enforce any law denying access within 1 road-mile from the National Network... except for specific safety reasons... ."

What state laws require Service Access? In 1983, AB 866 implemented the federal STAA in California. The California Vehicle Code, Section 35401.5 states that STAA vehicles may use highways off the National Network "...which provide reasonable access to terminals and facilities for purposes limited to fuel, food, lodging, and repair when that access is consistent with the safe operation of the combinations of vehicles and when the facility is within one road mile of identified points of ingress and egress... ."

NEW SERVICE ACCESS ROUTES

How can a new Service Access route be created?In the mid-1980s, Caltrans evaluated ramps and intersections on the NN and posted Service Access signs. However, a new evaluation may be justified at certain locations, because of new services, or improvement projects that change the highway geometrics. For application guidelines, follow the steps in the fact sheet Terminal Access Application Procedures.

What criteria does Caltrans use to approve Service Access? In 1983, the California Traffic Control Devices Committee developed the following Service Access policy.

Two of the three services -- fuel, food, lodging -- must be provided;

The policy uses a point system that tallies such factors as restaurant seating capacity and hours open for business.

Where can I read this policy? See the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) 2003 California Supplement at: www.dot.ca.gov/hq/traffops/signtech/mutcdsupp/pdf/CA-Chap2D.pdf, starting on page 2D-39.

Are the Service Access routes available on a list? No, not at this time.

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CONTACTS

Caltrans Legal Truck Size & Weight Work Group
Casey Robb
Manuel Fonseca
General number (916) 654-5741
E-mail: Truck Size & Weight Unit.

Return to the Caltrans "Office of Truck Services " page.

Revised 12/6/07.