Manual on Uniform
Traffic Control Devices
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). To view the 2009 MUTCD and other related information, go to http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/kno_2009.htm.
The PDF version of the 2009 Edition of the MUTCD is the most current edition of 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
- On August 31, 2011, a Notice of Proposed Amendments was published in the Federal Register, proposing to revise Table I-2 in the Introduction of the 2009 MUTCD to eliminate, extend, or otherwise revise most of the target compliance dates for upgrading existing traffic control devices in the field that do not meet the current MUTCD standards. The comment period for the docket closed on October 31, 2011. The Federal Register notice, which provides detailed discussion of the FHWA's proposal, can be viewed at PDF 168KB and HTML. To view the proposed revisions to the text of Table I-2 for this revision of the 2009 MUTCD and other related information, go to http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/knowledge/09mutcdproposedrev/compliance_dates/index.htm. (December 2, 2011)
- Standard Highway Signs and Markings (SHSM) Interim Releases - Interim releases of new and significantly revised standard sign designs are being made available while the new edition of SHSM is in development. The interim releases will be posted periodically as they become available. Most recent release was November 16, 2011. (November 16, 2011)
- A slide presentation describing the proposed revisions in the August 2 and August 31 Notices of Proposed Rulemaking is available for public use. A September 27 webinar featuring Hari Kalla, the MUTCD team leader, presenting these slides and answering questions is available for free viewing on the National Work Zone Safety Information Clearinghouse Web site. (October 14, 2011)
- On August 2, 2011, a Notice of Proposed Amendments was published in the Federal Register, proposing to revise Sections 1A.09 and 1A.13 of the 2009 MUTCD to clarify the definition of Standard statements in the MUTCD and clarify the use of engineering judgment and studies in the application of traffic control devices. The comment period for the docket closed on October 3, 2011. The Federal Register notice, which provides detailed discussion of the FHWA's proposal, can be viewed at PDF, 194KB and HTML. To view the proposed text for this revision of the 2009 MUTCD, go to http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/knowledge/09mutcdproposedrev/def_standard_eng/index.htm. (October 11, 2011)
- On July 8, 2011, the FHWA issued a Policy Memorandum: Rest Area Sponsorship outlining the conditions under which Acknowledgment signing may be installed for the sponsorship of rest areas. The memorandum can be viewed in the Policy Statements area. (August 4, 2011)
- An initial compilation of information on the MUTCD 2009 Edition adoption status of each State, including information on which States plan to have State MUTCDs or supplements that are in substantial conformance with the National MUTCD, has been updated. (July 22, 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. (June 15, 2011)
- 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. (December 10, 2010)
- Official Interpretation number 1(09)-1 (I) was issued on October 1, 2010, clarifying the definition of the term "Standard" and the use of engineering judgment and studies in the MUTCD. (October 7, 2010)
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