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Standard Highway Signs (SHS) Publication

Update on the 11th Edition MUTCD sign layouts

The new edition of Standard Highway Signs will contain the details for all signs and pavement markings in the 11th Edition of the MUTCD, expanded sign design guidelines, and details for symbolic traffic and lane-control signal indications. It is taking some additional time to prepare the publication, and information is expected to be posted in the coming months.

The 2009 MUTCD sign layouts

The Federal Highway Administration has developed the design details of the 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.

2004 Edition, English Version, and 2012 Supplement


2004 Edition English Version
2012 Supplement to the 2004 Edition

How to use the 2012 Supplement with the 2004 Edition

These links represent the current version of Standard Highway Signs and the 2012 Supplement to the 2004 Standard Highway Signs. The 2012 Supplement contains the new and revised sign designs adopted in the 2009 Edition of the MUTCD. Where a sign design is included in the 2012 Supplement, its previous design in the 2004 Standard Highway Signs is superseded. Together, these two documents are a companion to the 2009 Edition of the MUTCD.

FHWA Word Calculator for Highway Signs

Try the new design tool to automatically determine the length of any traffic sign legend. Now, you can quickly and easily determine word lengths and estimate sign sizes based on the results. All the FHWA Standard Alphabet letter series—B, C, D, E, E(mod), and F—are supported for both upper- and lower-case letter forms. The tool can also be used to verify the output of sign design software programs.

Vector-based PDF and EPS Sign Formats

Undimensioned, full-size layouts for selected signs are provided for use by sign fabricators in the electronic fabrication process. These full-size layouts are made available in vector-based PDF and EPS formats that can be used directly with electronic vinyl cutting equipment.