Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways

MUTCD 11th Edition – Sign design details (March 12, 2025 Update)

The fourth phased release of sign design details for standard signs in the 11th Edition of the MUTCD is now available on the Standard Highway Signs publication webpage. Specifically, this release includes sign design details for 98 regulatory, warning, temporary traffic control, and school signs. In addition to the sign design details, supporting vector graphics are also included in multiple formats. Additional phased releases will continue to be posted periodically as the sign design details become available, ultimately resulting in a completely new edition of the Standard Highway Signs publication.

Interim Approval for the Optional Use of Residential Driveway Temporary Signal (IA-23)

On January 8, 2025 the FHWA issued Interim Approval 23  allowing the optional use of the Residential Driveway Temporary Signal, (previously referred to as a “driveway assistance device”).  The Residential Driveway Temporary Signal is a temporary traffic control device designed to replace flaggers at residential driveways within one-lane, one-direction work zones. It features a single three-section signal face comprising of a steady circular red signal indication, below which are mounted two adjacent flashing yellow arrow indications. These arrows indicate when traffic can safely enter the road from the driveway and which direction to proceed.

Check out the MUTCD News Feed for up-to-the-minute information on new items such as Interim Approvals, Official Interpretations, Policy Statements, Federal Register notices—everything you need to make the most of your MUTCD and keep road users on the move!

Current Edition of the MUTCD

The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways—the MUTCD—defines the standards used by road managers nationwide to install and maintain traffic control devices on all streets, highways, pedestrian and bicycle facilities, and site roadways open to public travel. 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 19, 2023, a Final Rule adopting the 11th Edition of the MUTCD was published in the Federal Register with an effective date of January 18, 2024. States must adopt the 11th Edition of the 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 final dispositions of major changes from the 2009 edition, can be viewed at https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2023-27178.

FHWA does not print copies of the MUTCD. The PDF version of the 11th Edition of the MUTCD is the most current edition of the official FHWA publication.