Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices

2009 MUTCD Is Now Available

On December 16, 2009 a final rule adopting the 2009 Edition of the MUTCD was published in the Federal Register. States must adopt the 2009 National MUTCD as their legal State standard for traffic control devices within two years. 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). To view the 2009 MUTCD and other related information, go to http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/kno_2009.htm.

United States Department of Transportation Press Release
(Release Date: Wednesday, December 16, 2009)
Federal Highway Administration Revises Rules to Make Highways Safer
U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood Calls Updates Needed and Welcome

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 electronic version of the 2009 Edition of the MUTCD is the most current edition. The 2009 MUTCD posted electronically on this MUTCD Web site is the official FHWA publication. 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.

What's New

A link to the MUTCD History web site of Dr. Gene Hawkins of Texas A&M University has been added on our "Evolution of the MUTCD" page. Scans of old MUTCD editions and predecessors of the MUTCD dating from 1927 to 1988 can be accessed at Dr. Hawkins' site. (December 28, 2009)
Information about the Traffic Control Devices Pooled Fund Study (TCD PFS) consortium and access to their completed research reports has been added on our "Amendment Process" page. (December 28, 2009)

Federal Register Notice, June 15, 2009 - Worker Visibility - Final Rule

On November 24, 2008, the Interim Final Rule revising the Worker Visibility rule (23CFR 634) was issued to create an exemption for the firefighting community. This interim Final rule allowed firefighters or other emergency responders working within the right-of-way of a Federal-aid highway and engaged in emergency operations that directly expose them to flame, fire, heat, and/or hazardous materials to wear. The FHWA decided to issue this interim final rule to address safety concerns raised by fire fighting community. Three comments were submitted to the Interim Final Rule. Those have been addressed and it was issued as a Final Rule on June 15, 2009. If you have any questions, please contact Hari Kalla or Ken Wood.

Additional What's New Items

Webinar: Taking Proper Care of Pedestrians in Work Zones - The MUTCD requires that work zone traffic control meet the needs of all road users on a facility, including pedestrians. The National Work Zone Safety Information Clearinghouse hosted a free webinar on September 30 that discussed how to meet the work zone traffic control needs of pedestrians, including those with disabilities. (October 6, 2009)
Article: The Color of Safety - An expert symposium cosponsored by FHWA looked at the use of color in conveying safety messages, particularly in highway applications. (FHWA's Public Roads Article July/August 2009 Edition) (July 29, 2009)

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