Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) arrows logo

Interim Approval for Use of Clearview Font for Positive Contrast Legends on Guide Signs (IA-5)—TERMINATION

PDF Version, 785KB
PDF files can be viewed with the Acrobat® Reader®

U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration

Memorandum


Subject: INFORMATION AND ACTION: MUTCD – Interim Approval for Use of
Clearview Font for Positive Contrast
Legends on Guide Signs
(IA-5)—TERMINATION
Date: January 28, 2016
From: Mark R. Kehrli
Director, Office of Transportation
Operations
In Reply Refer To:
HOTO-1
To: Federal Lands Highway Division Engineers
Division Administrators
Empty Cell

Purpose: Through this memorandum, the Federal Highway Administration's (FHWA) Office of Transportation Operations (HOTO) issues guidance to the Federal-Aid Divisions regarding the January 25, 2016, Federal Register notice officially terminating the subject Interim Approval, issued September 2, 2004. The notice discontinues the provisional use of an alternative lettering style in traffic control device applications. The result of this termination rescinds the allowance of the use of letter styles other than the FHWA Standard Alphabets on traffic control devices except as provided otherwise in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways (MUTCD) and herein. Existing signs that use the provisional letter style and comply with the Interim Approval are unaffected by this action and may remain as long as they are in serviceable condition. This action does not create a mandate for the removal or installation of any sign. The requirement of the MUTCD to display destination and street names using upper- and lower-case lettering is unchanged by this action. State agencies should disseminate this message to local jurisdictions for further action

Background: The Federal Register notice provides a synopsis of considerations that led to the termination of the Interim Approval. The attached Technical Brief provides additional detailed information regarding the synthesis of research studies and resulting practices that support this action.

Conclusion: Based on the findings outlined in the Federal Register notice and in the attached Technical Brief, the FHWA does not intend to pursue further consideration, development, or support of an alternative letter style. Accordingly, further implementation of an alternative letter style is discontinued, subject to the following:

Attachments:
January 25, 2016 Federal Register notice
Technical Brief

cc:
Associate Administrators
Chief Counsel
Chief Financial Officer
Directors of Field Services
Director of Technical Services