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Interpretation Letter 2(09)-3(I) - Legend Color for Electronic-Display Changeable Message Signs

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DOT Logo Memorandum
U.S. Department
of Transportation
Federal Highway
Administration
Subject: INFORMATION: 2(09)-3(I) - Color of Legend
on Electronic-Display Changeable Message
Signs		 Date: July 15, 2010
From: Mark R. Kehrli
Director, Office of Transportation Operations		 In Reply Refer To: HOTO-1
To: Mr. Joseph Dailey
Division Administrator (HDA-WY)
Cheyenne, Wyoming
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We have reviewed your June 18 request for official interpretation of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) regarding the requirements for the color of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) for regulatory changeable Speed Limit signs. It is our official interpretation of the provisions of the MUTCD that the color of the changeable electronic-display legend for a Speed Limit sign shall be white.

Section 2A.07, paragraph 8 states that the color of LEDs shall be white when used in regulatory signs other than Stop and Yield signs. Section 2A.10, paragraph 1 states that the colors to be used on standard signs and their specific use on these signs shall be as provided in the applicable Sections of the MUTCD. Table 2A-5 specifies common uses of sign colors, in which black is the background color for a regulatory changeable message sign and the color of the legend is white. The colors in this table are further referenced as a requirement in Section 2L.04, paragraph 14.

The use of amber or yellow LEDs in speed displays is for the application of a vehicle approach speed (YOUR SPEED) changeable message sign only, as provided in Section 2B.13.

For recordkeeping purposes, we have assigned your request the following official interpretation number and title: "2(09)-3(I) - Legend Color for Electronic-Display Changeable Message Signs." Please refer to this number and title in any future correspondence regarding this topic. If you have further questions, please contact Mr. Fred Ranck at 708-283-3545 or Mr. Kevin Sylvester at 202-366-2161.