How long is the timeframe for a MAJOR traffic incident?

• A. An expected duration of more than two hours.
• B. 30 minutes
• C. 2-4 hours
• D. 15-30 minutes

Answer: (A)

Major traffic incidents are defined by operations that are expected to continue beyond the two-hour mark. That longer timeframe signals the need for formal incident command, extended staffing and mutual aid, long-duration traffic control, and coordinated resource management to safely and effectively manage the scene. Shorter operations—those under about thirty minutes or up to two hours—do not require the same level of planning and coordination. While a duration like 2-4 hours still falls under the broader idea of extended response, the standard descriptor used for a major incident is “more than two hours,” not a specific range, which is why that phrasing is the best fit.