empty cell
Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) arrows logo

Back to 2003 Table of Contents  |  Back to Part 2 Table of Contents

Chapter 2A. General

Section 2A.01 Function and Purpose of Signs

Support:
This Manual contains Standards, Guidance, and Options for the signing within the right-of-way of all types of highways open to public travel. The functions of signs are to provide regulations, warnings, and guidance information for road users. Both words and symbols are used to convey the messages. Signs are not typically used to confirm rules of the road.

Detailed sign requirements are located in the following Chapters of Part 2:

Chapter 2B—Regulatory Signs
Chapter 2C—Warning Signs
Chapter 2D—Guide Signs (Conventional Roads)
Chapter 2E—Guide Signs (Freeways and Expressways)
Chapter 2F—Specific Service (Logo) Signs
Chapter 2G—Tourist-Oriented Direction Signs
Chapter 2H—Recreational and Cultural Interest Area Signs
Chapter 2I—Emergency Management Signs

Standard:
Because the requirements and standards for signs depend on the particular type of highway upon which they are to be used, the following definitions shall apply:

  1. Freeway—a divided highway with full control of access;
  2. Expressway—a divided highway with partial control of access;
  3. Conventional Road—a street or highway other than a low-volume road (as defined in Section 5A.01), a freeway, or an expressway; and
  4. Special Purpose Road—a low-volume, low-speed road that serves recreational areas or resource development activities, or that provides local access.

Section 2A.02 Definitions

Support:
Definitions that are applicable to signs are given in Sections 1A.13 and 2A.01.

Section 2A.03 Standardization of Application

Support:
It is recognized that urban traffic conditions differ from those in rural environments, and in many instances signs are applied and located differently. Where pertinent and practical, this Manual sets forth separate recommendations for urban and rural conditions.

Guidance:
Signs should be used only where justified by engineering judgment or studies, as noted in Section 1A.09.

Results from traffic engineering studies of physical and traffic factors should indicate the locations where signs are deemed necessary or desirable.

Roadway geometric design and sign application should be coordinated so that signing can be effectively placed to give the road user any necessary regulatory, warning, guidance, and other information.

Standard:
Each standard sign shall be displayed only for the specific purpose as prescribed in this Manual. Determination of the particular signs to be applied to a specific condition shall be made in accordance with the criteria set forth in Part 2. Before any new highway, detour, or temporary route is opened to traffic, all necessary signs shall be in place. Signs required by road conditions or restrictions shall be removed when those conditions cease to exist or the restrictions are withdrawn.

Section 2A.04 Excessive Use of Signs

Guidance:
Regulatory and warning signs should be used conservatively because these signs, if used to excess, tend to lose their effectiveness. If used, route signs and directional signs should be used frequently because they promote reasonably safe and efficient operations by keeping road users informed of their location.

Section 2A.05 Classification of Signs

Standard:
Signs shall be defined by their function as follows:

  1. Regulatory signs give notice of traffic laws or regulations.
  2. Warning signs give notice of a situation that might not be readily apparent.
  3. Guide signs show route designations, destinations, directions, distances, services, points of interest, and other geographical, recreational, or cultural information.

Section 2A.06 Design of Signs

Support:
This Manual shows many typical standard signs approved for use on streets, highways, bikeways, and pedestrian crossings.

In the specifications for individual signs, the general appearance of the legend, color, and size are shown in the accompanying tables and illustrations, and are not always detailed in the text.

Detailed drawings of standard signs and alphabets are shown in the "Standard Highway Signs" book. Section 1A.11 contains information regarding how to obtain this publication.

The basic requirements of a highway sign are that it be legible to those for whom it is intended and that it be understandable in time to permit a proper response. Desirable attributes include:

  1. High visibility by day and night; and
  2. High legibility (adequately sized letters or symbols, and a short legend for quick comprehension by a road user approaching a sign).

Standardized colors and shapes are specified so that the several classes of traffic signs can be promptly recognized. Simplicity and uniformity in design, position, and application are important.

Standard:
The term legend shall include all word messages and symbol designs that are intended to convey specific meanings.

Uniformity in design shall include shape, color, dimensions, legends, borders, and illumination or retroreflectivity.

Where a standard word message is applicable, the wording shall be as herein provided. Standardization of these designs does not preclude further improvement by minor changes in the proportion or orientation of symbols, width of borders, or layout of word messages, but all shapes and colors shall be as indicated.

In situations where word messages are required other than those herein provided, the signs shall be of the same shape and color as standard signs of the same functional type.

Except as stated in the Option below, Internet addresses shall not be shown on any sign, supplemental plaque, sign panel (including logo panels on specific service signs), or changeable message sign.

Guidance:
Unless otherwise stated in this Manual for a specific sign, and except as stated in the Option below, phone numbers of more than four characters should not be shown on any sign, supplemental plaque, sign panel (including logo panels on specific service signs), or changeable message sign.

Option:
Internet addresses or phone numbers with more than four characters may be shown on signs, supplemental plaques, sign panels, and changeable message signs that are intended for viewing only by pedestrians, bicyclists, occupants of parked vehicles, or drivers of vehicles on low-speed roadways where engineering judgment indicates that drivers can reasonably safely stop out of the traffic flow to read the message.

State and local highway agencies may develop special word message signs in situations where roadway conditions make it necessary to provide road users with additional regulatory, warning, or guidance information.

Section 2A.07 Changeable Message Signs

Standard:
To the extent practical, changeable message signs, which are traffic control devices designed to display variable messages, shall conform to the principles established in this Manual, and with the design and applications prescribed in Sections 2E.21, 6F.02, and 6F.55.

Guidance:
Except for safety or transportation-related messages, changeable message signs should not be used to display information other than regulatory, warning, and guidance information related to traffic control.

Support:
Changeable message signs, with more sophisticated technologies, are gaining widespread use to inform road users of variable situations, particularly along congested traffic corridors. Highway and transportation organizations are encouraged to develop and experiment (see Section 1A.10) with changeable message signs and to carefully evaluate such installations so that experience is gained toward adoption of future standards.

Information regarding the design and application of portable changeable message signs in temporary traffic control zones is contained in Section 6F.55. Section 1A.14 contains information regarding the use of abbreviations on traffic control devices, including changeable message signs.

Option:
Changeable message signs (including portable changeable message signs) that display a regulatory or warning message may use a black background with a white, yellow, orange, red, or fluorescent yellow-green legend as appropriate, except where specifically restricted in this Manual for a particular sign.

Changeable message signs, both permanent and portable, may be used by State and local highway agencies to display safety or transportation-related messages. State and local highway agencies may develop and establish a policy regarding the display of safety and transportation-related messages on permanent and changeable message signs that specifies the allowable messages and applications, consistent with the provisions of this Manual.

Support:
Examples of safety messages include SEAT BELTS BUCKLED? and DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE. Examples of transportation-related messages include STADIUM EVENT SUNDAY, EXPECT DELAYS NOON TO 4 PM and OZONE ALERT CODE RED—USE TRANSIT.

Guidance:
When a changeable message sign is used to display a safety or transportation-related message, the requirements of Section 6F.55 should be followed. The message should be simple, brief, legible, and clear. A changeable message sign should not be used to display a safety or transportation-related message if doing so would adversely affect the respect for the sign. "CONGESTION AHEAD" or other overly simplistic or vague messages should not be displayed alone. These messages should be supplemented with a message on the location or distance to the congestion or incident, how much delay is expected, alternative route, or other similar messages.

Standard: When a changeable message sign is used to display a safety or transportation related message, the display format shall not be of a type that could be considered similar to advertising displays. The display format shall not include animation, rapid flashing, or other dynamic elements that are characteristic of sports scoreboards or advertising displays.

Section 2A.08 Retroreflectivity and Illumination

Support:
There are many materials currently available for retroreflection and various methods currently available for the illumination of signs. New materials and methods continue to emerge. New materials and methods can be used as long as the signs meet the standard requirements for color, both by day and by night.

Standard:
Regulatory, warning, and guide signs shall be retroreflective or illuminated to show the same shape and similar color by both day and night, unless specifically stated otherwise in the text discussion in this Manual of a particular sign or group of signs.

The requirements for sign illumination shall not be considered to be satisfied by street or highway lighting.

Guidance:
All overhead sign installations should be illuminated unless an engineering study shows that retroreflection will perform effectively without illumination.

Option:
Sign elements may be illuminated by the means shown in Table 2A-1. Retroreflection of sign elements may be accomplished by the means shown in Table 2A-2.

Light Emitting Diode (LED) units may be used individually within the face of a sign and in the border of a sign, except for Changeable Message Signs, to improve the conspicuity, increase the legibility of sign legends and borders, or provide a changeable message. Individual LED pixels may be used in the border of a sign.

Standard:
If used, the LEDs shall be the same color as the sign legend, border, or background. If flashed, all LED units shall flash simultaneously at a rate of more than 50 and less than 60 times per minute. The uniformity of the sign design shall be maintained without any decrease in visibility, legibility, or driver comprehension during either daytime or nighttime conditions.

A module of multiple LED units used as a closely-spaced, single light source shall only be used within the sign face for legends or symbols.

Table 2A-1. Illumination of Sign Elements
Means of Illumination Sign Element To Be Illuminated
Light behind the sign face
  • Symbol or word message
  • Background
  • Symbol, word message, and background (through a translucent material)
Attached or independently mounted light source designed to direct essentially uniform illumination onto the sign face
  • Entire sign face
Light emitting diodes (LEDs)
  • Symbol or word message
  • Portions of the sign border

Other devices, or treatments that highlight the sign shape, color, or message:

Luminous tubing
Fiber optics
Incandescent light bulbs
Luminescent panels
  • Symbol or word message
  • Entire sign face

 

Table 2A-2. Retroreflection of Sign Elements
Means of Retroreflection Sign Element
Reflector "buttons" or similar units Symbol
Word message
Border
A material that has a smooth, sealed outer surface over a microstructure that reflects light Symbol
Word message
Border
Background

Support:
Information regarding the use of retroreflective material on the sign support is contained in Section 2A.21.

Section 2A.09 Minimum Retroreflectivity Levels

Support:
(This section is reserved for future text based on FHWA rulemaking.)

Section 2A.10 Shapes

Standard:
Particular shapes, as shown in Table 2A-3, shall be used exclusively for specific signs or series of signs, unless specifically stated otherwise in the text discussion in this Manual for a particular sign or class of signs.

Table 2A-3. Use of Sign Shapes
Shape
 Signs
Octagon
 * Stop
Equilateral Triangle (1 point down)
 * Yield
Circle
 * Highway-Rail Grade
Crossing (Advance Warning)
Pennant Shape/ Isosceles Triangle
(longer axis horizontal)
 * No Passing
Pentagon (pointed up) * School Advance Warning Sign
* County Route Sign
Crossbuck
(two rectangles in an "X" configuration)		 * Highway-Rail Grade Crossing
Diamond Warning Series
Rectangle (including square) Regulatory Series
** Guide Series
Warning Series
Trapezoid Recreational and Cultural Interest
Area Series
National Forest Route Sign
* This sign shall be exclusively the shape shown
** Guide series includes general service, specific service, recreation, and emergency management signs

Section 2A.11 Sign Colors

Standard:
The colors to be used on standard signs and their specific use on these signs shall be as indicated in the applicable Sections of this Manual. The color coordinates and values shall be as described in 23 CFR, Part 655, Subpart F, Appendix.

Support:
As a quick reference, common uses of sign colors are shown in Table 2A-4. Color schemes on specific signs are shown in the illustrations located in each appropriate Section.

Whenever white is specified herein as a color, it is understood to include silver-colored retroreflective coatings or elements that reflect white light.

The colors coral, purple, and light blue are being reserved for uses that will be determined in the future by the Federal Highway Administration.

Information regarding color coding of destinations on guide signs is contained in Section 2D.03.

Table 2A-4. Common Uses of Sign Colors
Type of Sign Legend Background
Black Green Red White Yellow Black Blue Brown Green Orange Red White Yellow Fluorescent Yellow-Green Fluorescent Pink
Regulatory Regulatory Sign uses Black in the legend empty cell Regulatory Sign uses Red in the legend Regulatory Sign uses White in the legend empty cell Regulatory Sign uses Black in the background empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cellempty cell Regulatory Sign uses Red in the background Regulatory Sign uses White in the background empty cell empty cell empty cell
   Prohibitive empty cell empty cell Prohibitive Sign uses Red in the legend Prohibitive Sign uses White in the legend empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell Prohibitive Sign uses Red in the background Prohibitive Sign uses White in the background empty cell empty cell empty cell
   Permissive empty cell Permissive Sign uses green in the legend empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell Permissive Sign uses white in the background empty cell empty cell empty cell
Warning Warning Sign uses black in the legend empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell Warning Sign uses yellow in the background empty cell empty cell
   Pedestrian Pedestrian Sign uses black in the legend empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell Pedestrian Sign uses yellow in the background Pedestrian Sign uses flourescent yellow-green in the background empty cell
   Bicycle Bicycle Sign uses black in the legend empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell Bicycle Sign uses yellow in the background Bicycle Sign uses flourescent yellow-green in the background empty cell
Guide empty cell empty cell empty cell Guide Sign uses white in the legend empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell Guide Sign uses green in the background empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell
   Interstate Route empty cell empty cell empty cell Interstate Route Sign uses white in the legend empty cell empty cell Interstate Route Sign uses blue in the background empty cell empty cell empty cell Interstate Route Sign uses red in the background empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell
   State Route State Route Sign uses black in the legend empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell State Route Sign uses white in the background empty cell empty cell empty cell
   US Route US Route Sign uses black in the legend empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell US Route Sign uses white in the background empty cell empty cell empty cell
   County Route empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell County Route Sign uses yellow in the legend empty cell County Route Sign uses blue in the background empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell
   Forest Route empty cell empty cell empty cell Forest Route Sign uses white in the legend empty cell empty cell empty cell Forest Route Sign uses brown in the background empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell
   Street Name empty cell empty cell empty cell Street Name signs use white in the legend empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell Street Name signs use green in the background empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell
   Destination empty cell empty cell empty cell Destination signs use white in the legend empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell Destination signs use green in the background empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell
   Reference
Location 		empty cell empty cell empty cell Milepost Signs use white in the legend empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell Milepost Signs use green in the background empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell
Information empty cell empty cell empty cell Information Sign uses white in the legend empty cell empty cell Information Sign uses blue in the background empty cell Information Sign uses green in the background empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell
   Evacuation Route empty cell empty cell empty cell Evacuation Route Sign uses white in the legend empty cell empty cell Evacuation Route Sign uses blue in the background empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell
   Road User Service empty cell empty cell empty cell Road User Service signs use white in the legend empty cell empty cell Road User Service signs use blue in the background empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell
   Recreational empty cell empty cell empty cell Recreational signs use white in the legend empty cell empty cell empty cell Recreational signs use brown in the background Recreational signs use green in the background empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell
Temporary Traffic Control Temporary Traffic Control signs use black in the legend empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell Temporary Traffic Control signs use orange in the background empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell
Incident Management Incident Management signs use black in the legend empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell Incident Management signs uses orange in the background empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell Incident Management signs use coral in the background
Changeable Message Signs* empty cell empty cell empty cell Changeable Message signs use white in the legend Changeable Message signs use yellow in the legend Changeable Message signs use black in the background empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell
School School signs use black in the legend empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell empty cell School signs use yellow in the background School signs use flourescent yellow-green in the background empty cell
* Reverse colors or fluorescent yellow-green pixels may also be used on changeable message signs.

Section 2A.12 Dimensions

Support:
Sign sizes for use on the different classes of highways are shown in Sections 2B.03, 2C.04, 2D.04, 5A.03, 6F.02, 7B.01, 8B.02, and 9B.02 and in the "Standard Highway Signs" book.

The "Standard Highway Signs" book (see Section 1A.11) prescribes design details for up to five different sizes depending on the type of traffic facility, including bikeways. Smaller sizes are designed to be used on bikeways and some other off-road applications. Larger sizes are designed for use on freeways and expressways, and can also be used to enhance road user safety and convenience on other facilities, especially on multi-lane divided highways and on undivided highways having five or more lanes of traffic and/or high speeds. The intermediate sizes are designed to be used on other highway types.

Standard:
The sign dimensions prescribed in this Manual and in the "Standard Highway Signs" book shall be used unless engineering judgment determines that other sizes are appropriate. Where engineering judgment determines that sizes smaller than the prescribed dimensions are appropriate for use, the sign dimensions shall not be less than the minimum dimensions specified in this Manual. Where engineering judgment determines that sizes larger than the prescribed dimensions are appropriate for use, standard shapes and colors shall be used and standard proportions shall be retained as much as practical.

Guidance:
Increases above the prescribed sizes should be used where greater legibility or emphasis is needed. Wherever practical, the overall sign dimensions should be increased in 150 mm (6 in) increments.

Section 2A.13 Symbols

Support:
Sometimes a change from word messages to symbols requires significant time for public education and transition. Therefore, this Manual includes the practice of using educational plaques to accompany some new symbol signs.

Standard:
Symbol designs shall in all cases be unmistakably similar to those shown in this Manual and in the "Standard Highway Signs" book (see Section 1A.11). New symbol designs shall be adopted by the Federal Highway Administration based on research evaluations to determine road user comprehension, sign conspicuity, and sign legibility.

Guidance:
New warning or regulatory symbol signs not readily recognizable by the public should be accompanied by an educational plaque.

Option:
State and/or local highway agencies may conduct research studies to determine road user comprehension, sign conspicuity, and sign legibility.

Educational plaques may be left in place as long as they are in serviceable condition.

Although most standard symbols are oriented facing left, mirror images of these symbols may be used where the reverse orientation might better convey to road users a direction of movement.

Section 2A.14 Word Messages

Standard:
Except as noted in Section 2A.06, all word messages shall use standard wording and letters as shown in this Manual and in the "Standard Highway Signs" book (see Section 1A.11).

Guidance:
Word messages should be as brief as possible and the lettering should be large enough to provide the necessary legibility distance. A minimum specific ratio, such as 25 mm (1 in) of letter height per 12 m (40 ft) of legibility distance, should be used.

Support:
Some research indicates that a ratio of 25 mm (1 in) of letter height per 10 m (33 ft) of legibility distance could be beneficial.

Guidance:
Abbreviations (see Section 1A.14) should be kept to a minimum, and should include only those that are commonly recognized and understood, such as AVE (for Avenue), BLVD (for Boulevard), N (for North), or JCT (for Junction).

Standard:
All sign lettering shall be in capital letters as provided in the "Standard Highway Signs" book, except as indicated in the Option below.

Option:
Word messages on street name signs and destinations on guide signs may be composed of a combination of lower-case letters with initial upper-case letters.

Section 2A.15 Sign Borders

Standard:
Unless specifically stated otherwise, each sign illustrated herein shall have a border of the same color as the legend, at or just inside the edge.

The corners of all sign borders shall be rounded, except for STOP signs.

Guidance:
A dark border on a light background should be set in from the edge, while a light border on a dark background should extend to the edge of the panel. A border for 750 mm (30 in) signs with a light background should be from 13 to 19 mm (0.5 to 0.75 in) in width, 13 mm (0.5 in) from the edge. For similar signs with a light border, a width of 25 mm (1 in) should be used. For other sizes, the border width should be of similar proportions, but should not exceed the stroke-width of the major lettering of the sign. On signs exceeding 1800 x 3000 mm (72 x 120 in) in size, the border should be 50 mm (2 in) wide, or on larger signs, 75 mm (3 in) wide. Except for STOP signs and as otherwise provided in Section 2E.15, the corners of the sign should be rounded to fit the border.

Section 2A.16 Standardization of Location

Support:
Standardization of position cannot always be attained in practice. Examples of heights and lateral locations of signs for typical installations are illustrated in Figure 2A-1, and examples of locations for some typical signs at intersections are illustrated in Figure 2A-2.

Figure 2A-1 Examples of Heights and Lateral Locations of Signs for Typical Installations

Thumbnail image of Figure 2A-1

Figure 2A-2 Examples of Locations for Some Typical Signs at Intersections

Thumbnail image of Figure 2A-2

Standard:
Signs requiring different decisions by the road user shall be spaced sufficiently far apart for the required decisions to be made reasonably safely. One of the factors considered when determining the appropriate spacing shall be the posted or 85th-percentile speed.

Guidance:
Signs should be located on the right side of the roadway where they are easily recognized and understood by road users. Signs in other locations should be considered only as supplementary to signs in the normal locations, except as otherwise indicated.

Signs should be individually installed on separate posts or mountings except where:

  1. One sign supplements another, or
  2. Route or directional signs are grouped to clarify information to motorists, or
  3. Regulatory signs that do not conflict with each other are grouped, such as turn prohibition signs posted with one-way signs, street name signs posted with a stop or yield sign, or a parking regulation sign posted with a speed limit sign.

Signs should be located so that they:

  1. Are outside the clear zone unless placed on a breakaway or yielding support (see Section 2A.19);
  2. Optimize nighttime visibility;
  3. Minimize the effects of mud splatter and debris;
  4. Do not obscure each other; and
  5. Are not hidden from view.

Support:
The clear zone is the total roadside border area, starting at the edge of the traveled way, available for use by errant vehicles. The width of the clear zone is dependent upon traffic volumes, speeds, and roadside geometry. Additional information can be found in the "AASHTO Roadside Design Guide" (see Addresses for AASHTO's address).

Guidance:
With the increase in traffic volumes and the desire to provide road users regulatory, warning, and guidance information, an order of priority for sign installation should be established.

Support:
An order of priority is especially critical where space is limited for sign installation and there is a demand for several different types of signs. Overloading road users with too much information is not desirable.

Guidance:
Because regulatory and warning information is more critical to the road user than guidance information, regulatory and warning signing whose location is critical should be displayed rather than guide signing in cases where conflicts occur. Information of a less critical nature should be moved to less critical locations or omitted.

Option:
Under some circumstances, such as on curves to the right, signs may be placed on median islands or on the left side of the road. A supplementary sign located on the left of the roadway may be used on a multi-lane road where traffic in the right lane might obstruct the view to the right.

Guidance:
In urban areas where crosswalks exist, signs should not be placed within 1.2 m (4 ft) in advance of the crosswalk.

Section 2A.17 Overhead Sign Installations

Guidance:
Overhead signs should be used on freeways and expressways, at locations where some degree of lane-use control is desirable, and at locations where space is not available at the roadside.

Support:
The operational requirements of the present highway system are such that overhead signs have value at many locations. The factors to be considered for the installation of overhead sign displays are not definable in specific numerical terms.

Option:
The following conditions (not in priority order) may be considered in an engineering study to determine if overhead signs would be beneficial:

  1. Traffic volume at or near capacity;
  2. Complex interchange design;
  3. Three or more lanes in each direction;
  4. Restricted sight distance;
  5. Closely spaced interchanges;
  6. Multi-lane exits;
  7. Large percentage of trucks;
  8. Street lighting background;
  9. High-speed traffic;
  10. Consistency of sign message location through a series of interchanges;
  11. Insufficient space for ground-mounted signs;
  12. Junction of two freeways; and
  13. Left exit ramps.

Over-crossing structures may serve for the support of overhead signs, and under some circumstances, may be the only practical solution that will provide adequate viewing distance. Use of such structures as sign supports may eliminate the need for the foundations and sign supports along the roadside.

Section 2A.18 Mounting Height

Support:
The provisions of this Section apply unless specifically stated otherwise for a particular sign elsewhere in this Manual.

Standard:
Signs installed at the side of the road in rural districts shall be at least 1.5 m (5 ft), measured from the bottom of the sign to the near edge of the pavement.

Where parking or pedestrian movements occur, the clearance to the bottom of the sign shall be at least 2.1 m (7 ft).

Directional signs on freeways and expressways shall be installed with a minimum height of 2.1 m (7 ft). If a secondary sign is mounted below another sign, the major sign shall be installed at least 2.4 m (8 ft) and the secondary sign at least 1.5 m (5 ft) above the level of the pavement edge. All route signs, warning signs, and regulatory signs on freeways and expressways shall be at least 2.1 m (7 ft) above the level of the pavement edge.

Option:
The height to the bottom of a secondary sign mounted below another sign may be 0.3 m (1 ft) less than the height specified above.

Where signs are placed 9 m (30 ft) or more from the edge of the traveled way, the height to the bottom of such signs may be 1.5 m (5 ft) above the level of the pavement edge.

A route sign assembly consisting of a route sign and auxiliary signs (see Section 2D.27) may be treated as a single sign for the purposes of this Section.

The mounting height may be adjusted when supports are located near the edge of the right-of-way on a steep backslope.

Support:
Without this flexibility regarding steep backslopes, some agencies might decide to relocate the sign closer to the road, which might be less desirable.

Standard:
Overhead mounted signs shall provide a vertical clearance of not less than 5.2 m (17 ft) to the sign, light fixture, or sign bridge, over the entire width of the pavement and shoulders except where a lesser vertical clearance is used for the design of other structures.

Option:
If the vertical clearance of other structures is less than 4.9 m (16 ft), the vertical clearance to overhead sign structures or supports may be as low as 0.3 m (1 ft) higher than the vertical clearance of the other structures.

In special cases it may be necessary to reduce the clearance to overhead signs because of substandard dimensions in tunnels and other major structures such as double-deck bridges.

Support:
Figure 2A-1 illustrates some examples of the mounting height requirements contained in this Section.

Section 2A.19 Lateral Offset

Standard:
For overhead sign supports, the minimum lateral offset from the edge of the shoulder (or if no shoulder exists, from the edge of the pavement) to the near edge of overhead sign supports (cantilever or sign bridges) shall be 1.8 m (6 ft). Overhead sign supports shall have a barrier or crash cushion to shield them if they are within the clear zone.

Ground-mounted sign supports shall be breakaway, yielding, or shielded with a longitudinal barrier or crash cushion if within the clear zone.

Guidance:
For ground-mounted signs, the minimum lateral offset should be 3.7 m (12 ft) from the edge of the traveled way. If a shoulder wider than 1.8 m (6 ft) exists, the minimum lateral offset for ground-mounted signs should be 1.8 m (6 ft) from the edge of the shoulder.

Support:
The minimum lateral offset is intended to keep trucks and cars that use the shoulders from striking the signs or supports.

Guidance:
All supports should be located as far as practical from the edge of the shoulder. Advantage should be taken to place signs behind existing roadside barriers, on over-crossing structures, or other locations that minimize the exposure of the traffic to sign supports.

Option:
Where permitted, signs may be placed on existing supports used for other purposes, such as highway traffic signal supports, highway lighting supports, and utility poles.

Standard:
If signs are placed on existing supports, they shall meet other placement criteria contained in this Manual.

Option:
Lesser lateral offsets may be used on connecting roadways or ramps at interchanges, but not less than 1.8 m (6 ft) from the edge of the traveled way.

In areas where lateral offsets are limited, a minimum lateral offset of 0.6 m (2 ft) may be used.

A minimum offset of 0.3 m (1 ft) from the face of the curb may be used in urban areas where sidewalk width is limited or where existing poles are close to the curb.

Support:
Figures 2A-1 and 2A-2 illustrate some examples of the lateral offset requirements contained in this Section.

Section 2A.20 Orientation

Guidance:
Unless otherwise stated in this Manual, signs should be vertically mounted at right angles to the direction of, and facing, the traffic that they are intended to serve.

Where mirror reflection from the sign face is encountered to such a degree as to reduce legibility, the sign should be turned slightly away from the road. Signs that are placed 9 m (30 ft) or more from the pavement edge should be turned toward the road. On curved alignments, the angle of placement should be determined by the direction of approaching traffic rather than by the roadway edge at the point where the sign is located.

Option:
On grades, sign faces may be tilted forward or back from the vertical position to improve the viewing angle.

Section 2A.21 Posts and Mountings

Standard:
Sign posts, foundations, and mountings shall be so constructed as to hold signs in a proper and permanent position, and to resist swaying in the wind or displacement by vandalism.

Support:
The latest edition of AASHTO's "Specifications for Structural Supports for Highway Signs, Luminaires, and Traffic Signals" contains additional information regarding posts and mounting (see Addresses for AASHTO's address).

Option:
Where engineering judgment indicates a need to draw attention to the sign during nighttime conditions, a strip of retroreflective material may be used on regulatory and warning sign supports.

Standard:
If a strip of retroreflective material is used on the sign support, it shall be at least 50 mm (2 in) in width, it shall be placed for the full length of the support from the sign to within 0.6 m (2 ft) above the edge of the roadway, and its color shall match the background color of the sign, except that the color of the strip for the YIELD and DO NOT ENTER signs shall be red.

Section 2A.22 Maintenance

Guidance:
All traffic signs should be kept properly positioned, clean, and legible, and should have adequate retroreflectivity. Damaged or deteriorated signs should be replaced.

To assure adequate maintenance, a schedule for inspecting (both day and night), cleaning, and replacing signs should be established. Employees of highway, law enforcement, and other public agencies whose duties require that they travel on the roadways should be encouraged to report any damaged, deteriorated, or obscured signs at the first opportunity.

Steps should be taken to see that weeds, trees, shrubbery, and construction, maintenance, and utility materials and equipment do not obscure the face of any sign.

A regular schedule of replacement of lighting elements for illuminated signs should be maintained.

Section 2A.23 Median Opening Treatments for Divided Highways with Wide Medians

Guidance:
Where divided highways are separated by median widths at the median opening itself of 9 m (30 ft) or more, median openings should be signed as two separate intersections.

Back to Top