Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices

FHWA's RESPONSE TO THE REQUEST FOR COMMENTS

On January 11, 2013, the FHWA published a Request for Comments (Docket ID: FHWA-2012-0118) in the Federal Register soliciting input on the option of splitting the material in the MUTCD into two separate documents in the interest of providing a simpler, streamlined MUTCD that would be easier to use, and if it is split, what are some of the potential formats for doing so. The direct link to the docket is http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=FHWA-2012-0118.

On June 17, 2013, the FHWA published a Response to the Request for Comments in the Federal Register. The direct link to the June 17th Federal Register notice is http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2013-06-17/pdf/2013-14266.pdf.

Given the lack of support from the MUTCD user community, the FHWA will not proceed with splitting the MUTCD into two documents at this time. Instead, the FHWA will focus on options that would make the MUTCD easier to use. The FHWA believes that focusing on these types of options while continuing to explore ways to enhance and streamline the current MUTCD updating process will best serve the user community. The FHWA will use the valuable information offered in the responses to guide its approach to updating the MUTCD.

Standard Highway Signs and Markings

The 2009 MUTCD sign layouts are now available. The Federal Highway Administration has developed the design details of the new signs added in the 2009 Edition of the MUTCD and signs whose designs have been modified in the 2009 MUTCD. The new designs are provided in the form of a Supplement to the 2004 Edition of Standard Highway Signs.

Current Edition
of MUTCD

The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, or MUTCD defines the standards used by road managers nationwide to install and maintain traffic control devices on all public streets, highways, bikeways, and private roads open to public traffic. The MUTCD is published by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) under 23 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 655, Subpart F.

The MUTCD, which has been administered by the FHWA since 1971, is a compilation of national standards for all traffic control devices, including road markings, highway signs, and traffic signals. It is updated periodically to accommodate the nation's changing transportation needs and address new safety technologies, traffic control tools and traffic management techniques.

On December 16, 2009 a final rule adopting the 2009 Edition of the MUTCD was published in the Federal Register with an effective date of January 15, 2010. States must adopt the 2009 National MUTCD as their legal State standard for traffic control devices within two years from the effective date. The Federal Register notice, which provides detailed discussion of the FHWA's decisions on major changes from the 2003 edition, can be viewed at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-28322.pdf (PDF, 716KB).

FHWA does not print copies of the MUTCD. National organizations have partnered and printed hard copies of the MUTCD. These hard copies are available for sale. Go to ATSSA, ITE, AASHTO, or IMSA to get sales information.

On May 14, 2012 final rules adopting Revisions 1 and 2 of the 2009, MUTCD were published in the Federal Register with an effective date of June 13, 2012. The Federal Register notices, which provide detailed discussions of the FHWA's decisions can be viewed at:

Revision 1 - National Standards for Traffic Control Devices; the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways; Revision; Final Rule [FHWA Docket No. FHWA-2010-0170] (PDF 229KB, HTML)
Revision 2 - National Standards for Traffic Control Devices; the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways; Revision; Final Rule [FHWA Docket No. FHWA-2010-0159] (PDF 242KB, HTML)

The PDF version of the 2009 MUTCD with Revision Numbers 1 and 2 incorporated, dated May 2012 of the MUTCD is the most current edition of the official FHWA publication.

What's New

On May 29, 2012, the hotlinks version of the 2009 MUTCD (PDF 31MB) was placed on the MUTCD web site to assist readers who use the electronic version of the MUTCD in navigating through the many cross-references that contained within the Manual. Hotlinks to cross-referenced chapters, sections, figures, and tables; pop-up definitions; links to external documents and web sites; links to official interpretations; and indications of material affected by known errors are all included in this version of the 2009 MUTCD (with Revisions 1 and 2 included). A description of how to use the additional features that are included in the hotlinks version has also been added to the web site.
On March 13, 2012, the FHWA issued a Directive, Policy on Sponsorship Acknowledgment and Agreements within the Public Right-of-Way, outlining the conditions under which Acknowledgment signing may be installed for the sponsorship of rest areas and other highway-related services. This Directive consolidates and expands upon information found in three previous policy memoranda. The Directive can be viewed in the Policy Statements area.
On June 15, 2011 the "Official Rulings" area of the MUTCD Web site was significantly enhanced and updated. The FHWA is still in the process of adding all official requests, especially those associated with Part 2. After all requests have been added, the FHWA will begin adding links to relevant documents for each request.
On October 1, 2010, Official Interpretation number 1(09)-1 (I) was issued, clarifying the definition of the term "Standard" and the use of engineering judgment and studies in the MUTCD.
On April 22, 2010, a Notice of Proposed Amendments was published in the Federal Register proposing to revise the 2009 MUTCD by adding Standards, Guidance, Options, and Support information regarding maintaining minimum retroreflectivity of longitudinal pavement markings. The deadline for comments to the docket closed on August 20, 2010. The Federal Register notice, which provides detailed discussion of the FHWA's proposal, can be viewed at PDF, 72KB and HTML. To view the proposed text for this revision of the 2009 MUTCD, go to http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/knowledge/proposed09mutcdrev1/index.htm. The docket comments that were received are being reviewed to determine the most appropriate next step.

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