American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

What defines Level of Service F in traffic conditions?

1. Free flow with no limitations

2. Slight delays with steady traffic

3. Severe congestion with significant stoppages

4. Reasonable flow with occasional backups

The correct answer is: Severe congestion with significant stoppages

Level of Service F is characterized by severe congestion and significant stoppages in traffic flow. This level indicates that the road or intersection is operating at its maximum capacity, where demand exceeds the available road space and vehicles experience lengthy delays. Drivers often face stop-and-go conditions, and the overall travel time increases considerably due to heavy traffic. In the context of traffic engineering, Levels of Service (LOS) are used to categorize the quality of traffic flow based on different conditions. While options that describe free flow, slight delays, and reasonable flow indicate more manageable traffic conditions with minimal disruption, Level of Service F represents the most problematic scenarios, where traffic is severely hindered, often resulting in frustrated drivers and increased travel times.