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

2009 Edition Part 2. Signs

QUICK LINKS
 
[ Tables ]
     

 

PART 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER 2A. GENERAL
Section 2A.01 Function and Purpose of Signs
Section 2A.02 Definitions
Section 2A.03 Standardization of Application
Section 2A.04 Excessive Use of Signs
Section 2A.05 Classification of Signs
Section 2A.06 Design of Signs
Section 2A.07 Retroreflectivity and Illumination
Section 2A.08 Maintaining Minimum Retroreflectivity
Section 2A.09 Shapes
Section 2A.10 Sign Colors
Section 2A.11 Dimensions
Section 2A.12 Symbols
Section 2A.13 Word Messages
Section 2A.14 Sign Borders
Section 2A.15 Enhanced Conspicuity for Standard Signs
Section 2A.16 Standardization of Location
Section 2A.17 Overhead Sign Installations
Section 2A.18 Mounting Height
Section 2A.19 Lateral Offset
Section 2A.20 Orientation
Section 2A.21 Posts and Mountings
Section 2A.22 Maintenance
Section 2A.23 Median Opening Treatments for Divided Highways with Wide Medians
 
CHAPTER 2B. REGULATORY SIGNS, BARRICADES, AND GATES
Section 2B.01 Application of Regulatory Signs
Section 2B.02 Design of Regulatory Signs
Section 2B.03 Size of Regulatory Signs
Section 2B.04 Right-of-Way at Intersections
Section 2B.05 STOP Sign (R1-1) and ALL WAY Plaque (R1-3P)
Section 2B.06 STOP Sign Applications
Section 2B.07 Multi-Way Stop Applications
Section 2B.08 YIELD Sign (R1-2)
Section 2B.09 YIELD Sign Applications
Section 2B.10 STOP Sign or YIELD Sign Placement
Section 2B.11 Yield Here To Pedestrians Signs and Stop Here For Pedestrians Signs (R1-5 Series)
Section 2B.12 In-Street and Overhead Pedestrian Crossing Signs (R1-6, R1-6a, R1-9, and R1-9a)
Section 2B.13 Speed Limit Sign (R2-1)
Section 2B.14 Truck Speed Limit Plaque (R2-2P)
Section 2B.15 Night Speed Limit Plaque (R2-3P)
Section 2B.16 Minimum Speed Limit Plaque (R2-4P)
Section 2B.17 Higher Fines Signs and Plaque (R2-6P, R2-10, and R2-11)
Section 2B.18 Movement Prohibition Signs (R3-1 through R3-4, R3-18, and R3-27)
Section 2B.19 Intersection Lane Control Signs (R3-5 through R3-8)
Section 2B.20 Mandatory Movement Lane Control Signs (R3-5, R3-5a, R3-7, and R3-20)
Section 2B.21 Optional Movement Lane Control Sign (R3-6)
Section 2B.22 Advance Intersection Lane Control Signs (R3-8 Series)
Section 2B.23 RIGHT (LEFT) LANE MUST EXIT Sign (R3-33)
Section 2B.24 Two-Way Left Turn Only Signs (R3-9a, R3-9b)
Section 2B.25 BEGIN and END Plaques (R3-9cP, R3-9dP)
Section 2B.26 Reversible Lane Control Signs (R3-9e through R3-9i)
Section 2B.27 Jughandle Signs (R3-23, R3-24, R3-25, and R3-26 Series)
Section 2B.28 DO NOT PASS Sign (R4-1)
Section 2B.29 PASS WITH CARE Sign (R4-2)
Section 2B.30 KEEP RIGHT EXCEPT TO PASS Sign (R4-16) and SLOWER TRAFFIC KEEP RIGHT Sign (R4-3)
Section 2B.31 TRUCKS USE RIGHT LANE Sign (R4-5)
Section 2B.32 Keep Right and Keep Left Signs (R4-7, R4-8)
Section 2B.33 STAY IN LANE Sign (R4-9)
Section 2B.34 RUNAWAY VEHICLES ONLY Sign (R4-10)
Section 2B.35 Slow Vehicle Turn-Out Signs (R4-12, R4-13, and R4-14)
Section 2B.36 DO NOT DRIVE ON SHOULDER Sign (R4-17) and DO NOT PASS ON SHOULDER Sign (R4-18)
Section 2B.37 DO NOT ENTER Sign (R5-1)
Section 2B.38 WRONG WAY Sign (R5-1a)
Section 2B.39 Selective Exclusion Signs
Section 2B.40 ONE WAY Signs (R6-1, R6-2)
Section 2B.41 Wrong-Way Traffic Control at Interchange Ramps
Section 2B.42 Divided Highway Crossing Signs (R6-3, R6-3a)
Section 2B.43 Roundabout Directional Arrow Signs (R6-4, R6-4a, and R6-4b)
Section 2B.44 Roundabout Circulation Plaque (R6-5P)
Section 2B.45 Examples of Roundabout Signing
Section 2B.46 Parking, Standing, and Stopping Signs (R7 and R8 Series)
Section 2B.47 Design of Parking, Standing, and Stopping Signs
Section 2B.48 Placement of Parking, Stopping, and Standing Signs
Section 2B.49 Emergency Restriction Signs (R8-4, R8-7, R8-8)
Section 2B.50 WALK ON LEFT FACING TRAFFIC and No Hitchhiking Signs (R9-1, R9-4, R9-4a)
Section 2B.51 Pedestrian Crossing Signs (R9-2, R9-3)
Section 2B.52 Traffic Signal Pedestrian and Bicycle Actuation Signs (R10-1 through R10-4, and R10-24 through R10-26)
Section 2B.53 Traffic Signal Signs (R10-5 through R10-30)
Section 2B.54 No Turn on Red Signs (R10-11 Series, R10-17a, and R10-30)
Section 2B.55 Photo Enforced Signs and Plaques (R10-18, R10-19P, R10-19aP)
Section 2B.56 Ramp Metering Signs (R10-28 and R10-29)
Section 2B.57 KEEP OFF MEDIAN Sign (R11-1)
Section 2B.58 ROAD CLOSED Sign (R11-2) and LOCAL TRAFFIC ONLY Signs (R11-3 Series, R11-4)
Section 2B.59 Weight Limit Signs (R12-1 through R12-5)
Section 2B.60 Weigh Station Signs (R13 Series)
Section 2B.61 TRUCK ROUTE Sign (R14-1)
Section 2B.62 Hazardous Material Signs (R14-2, R14-3)
Section 2B.63 National Network Signs (R14-4, R14-5)
Section 2B.64 Headlight Use Signs (R16-5 through R16-11)
Section 2B.65 FENDER BENDER Sign (R16-4)
Section 2B.66 Seat Belt Symbol
Section 2B.67 Barricades
Section 2B.68 Gates
 
CHAPTER 2C. WARNING SIGNS AND OBJECT MARKERS
Section 2C.01 Function of Warning Signs
Section 2C.02 Application of Warning Signs
Section 2C.03 Design of Warning Signs
Section 2C.04 Size of Warning Signs
Section 2C.05 Placement of Warning Signs
Section 2C.06 Horizontal Alignment Warning Signs
Section 2C.07 Horizontal Alignment Signs (W1-1 through W1-5, W1-11, W1-15)
Section 2C.08 Advisory Speed Plaque (W13-1P)
Section 2C.09 Chevron Alignment Sign (W1-8)
Section 2C.10 Combination Horizontal Alignment/Advisory Speed Signs (W1-1a, W1-2a)
Section 2C.11 Combination Horizontal Alignment/Intersection Signs (W1-10 Series)
Section 2C.12 One-Direction Large Arrow Sign (W1-6)
Section 2C.13 Truck Rollover Warning Sign (W1-13)
Section 2C.14 Advisory Exit and Ramp Speed Signs (W13-2 and W13-3)
Section 2C.15 Combination Horizontal Alignment/Advisory Exit and Ramp Speed Signs (W13-6 and W13-7)
Section 2C.16 Hill Signs (W7-1, W7-1a)
Section 2C.17 Truck Escape Ramp Signs (W7-4 Series)
Section 2C.18 HILL BLOCKS VIEW Sign (W7-6)
Section 2C.19 ROAD NARROWS Sign (W5-1)
Section 2C.20 NARROW BRIDGE Sign (W5-2)
Section 2C.21 ONE LANE BRIDGE Sign (W5-3)
Section 2C.22 Divided Highway Sign (W6-1)
Section 2C.23 Divided Highway Ends Sign (W6-2)
Section 2C.24 Freeway or Expressway Ends Signs (W19 Series)
Section 2C.25 Double Arrow Sign (W12-1)
Section 2C.26 DEAD END/NO OUTLET Signs (W14-1, W14-1a, W14-2, W14-2a)
Section 2C.27 Low Clearance Signs (W12-2 and W12-2a)
Section 2C.28 BUMP and DIP Signs (W8-1, W8-2)
Section 2C.29 SPEED HUMP Sign (W17-1)
Section 2C.30 PAVEMENT ENDS Sign (W8-3)
Section 2C.31 Shoulder Signs (W8-4, W8-9, W8-17, W8-23, and W8-25)
Section 2C.32 Surface Condition Signs (W8-5, W8-7, W8-8, W8-11, W8-13, and W8-14)
Section 2C.33 Warning Signs and Plaques for Motorcyclists (W8-15, W8-15P, and W8-16)
Section 2C.34 NO CENTER LINE Sign (W8-12)
Section 2C.35 Weather Condition Signs (W8-18, W8-19, W8-21, and W8-22)
Section 2C.36 Advance Traffic Control Signs (W3-1, W3-2, W3-3, W3-4)
Section 2C.37 Advance Ramp Control Signal Signs (W3-7 and W3-8)
Section 2C.38 Reduced Speed Limit Ahead Signs (W3-5, W3-5a)
Section 2C.39 DRAW BRIDGE Sign (W3-6)
Section 2C.40 Merge Signs (W4-1, W4-5)
Section 2C.41 Added Lane Signs (W4-3, W4-6)
Section 2C.42 Lane Ends Signs (W4-2, W9-1, W9-2)
Section 2C.43 RIGHT (LEFT) LANE EXIT ONLY AHEAD Sign (W9-7)
Section 2C.44 Two-Way Traffic Sign (W6-3)
Section 2C.45 NO PASSING ZONE Sign (W14-3)
Section 2C.46 Intersection Warning Signs (W2-1 through W2-8)
Section 2C.47 Two-Direction Large Arrow Sign (W1-7)
Section 2C.48 Traffic Signal Signs (W25-1, W25-2)
Section 2C.49 Vehicular Traffic Warning Signs (W8-6, W11-1, W11-5, W11-5a, W11-8, W11-10, W11-11, W11-12P, W11-14, W11-15, and W11-15a)
Section 2C.50 Non-Vehicular Warning Signs (W11-2, W11-3, W11-4, W11-6, W11-7, W11-9, and W11-16 through W11-22)
Section 2C.51 Playground Sign (W15-1)
Section 2C.52 NEW TRAFFIC PATTERN AHEAD Sign (W23-2)
Section 2C.53 Use of Supplemental Warning Plaques
Section 2C.54 Design of Supplemental Warning Plaques
Section 2C.55 Distance Plaques (W16-2 Series, W16-3 Series, W16-4P, W7-3aP)
Section 2C.56 Supplemental Arrow Plaques (W16-5P, W16-6P)
Section 2C.57 Hill-Related Plaques (W7-2 Series, W7-3 Series)
Section 2C.58 Advance Street Name Plaque (W16-8P, W16-8aP)
Section 2C.59 CROSS TRAFFIC DOES NOT STOP Plaque (W4-4P)
Section 2C.60 SHARE THE ROAD Plaque (W16-1P)
Section 2C.61 Photo Enforced Plaque (W16-10P)
Section 2C.62 NEW Plaque (W16-15P)
Section 2C.63 Object Marker Design and Placement Height
Section 2C.64 Object Markers for Obstructions Within the Roadway
Section 2C.65 Object Markers for Obstructions Adjacent to the Roadway
Section 2C.66 Object Markers for Ends of Roadways
 
CHAPTER 2D. GUIDE SIGNS—CONVENTIONAL ROADS
Section 2D.01 Scope of Conventional Road Guide Sign Standards
Section 2D.02 Application
Section 2D.03 Color, Retroreflection, and Illumination
Section 2D.04 Size of Signs
Section 2D.05 Lettering Style
Section 2D.06 Size of Lettering
Section 2D.07 Amount of Legend
Section 2D.08 Arrows
Section 2D.09 Numbered Highway Systems
Section 2D.10 Route Signs and Auxiliary Signs
Section 2D.11 Design of Route Signs
Section 2D.12 Design of Route Sign Auxiliaries
Section 2D.13 Junction Auxiliary Sign (M2-1)
Section 2D.14 Combination Junction Sign (M2-2)
Section 2D.15 Cardinal Direction Auxiliary Signs (M3-1 through M3-4)
Section 2D.16 Auxiliary Signs for Alternative Routes (M4 Series)
Section 2D.17 ALTERNATE Auxiliary Signs (M4-1, M4-1a)
Section 2D.18 BY-PASS Auxiliary Sign (M4-2)
Section 2D.19 BUSINESS Auxiliary Sign (M4-3)
Section 2D.20 TRUCK Auxiliary Sign (M4-4)
Section 2D.21 TO Auxiliary Sign (M4-5)
Section 2D.22 END Auxiliary Sign (M4-6)
Section 2D.23 BEGIN Auxiliary Sign (M4-14)
Section 2D.24 TEMPORARY Auxiliary Signs (M4-7, M4-7a)
Section 2D.25 Temporary Detour and Auxiliary Signs
Section 2D.26 Advance Turn Arrow Auxiliary Signs (M5-1, M5-2, and M5-3)
Section 2D.27 Lane Designation Auxiliary Signs (M5-4, M5-5, and M5-6)
Section 2D.28 Directional Arrow Auxiliary Signs (M6 Series)
Section 2D.29 Route Sign Assemblies
Section 2D.30 Junction Assembly
Section 2D.31 Advance Route Turn Assembly
Section 2D.32 Directional Assembly
Section 2D.33 Combination Lane-Use/Destination Overhead Guide Sign (D15-1)
Section 2D.34 Confirming or Reassurance Assemblies
Section 2D.35 Trailblazer Assembly
Section 2D.36 Destination and Distance Signs
Section 2D.37 Destination Signs (D1 Series)
Section 2D.38 Destination Signs at Circular Intersections
Section 2D.39 Destination Signs at Jughandles
Section 2D.40 Location of Destination Signs
Section 2D.41 Distance Signs (D2 Series)
Section 2D.42 Location of Distance Signs
Section 2D.43 Street Name Signs (D3-1 or D3-1a)
Section 2D.44 Advance Street Name Signs (D3-2)
Section 2D.45 Signing on Conventional Roads on Approaches to Interchanges
Section 2D.46 Freeway Entrance Signs (D13-3 and D13-3a)
Section 2D.47 Parking Area Guide Sign (D4-1)
Section 2D.48 PARK - RIDE Sign (D4-2)
Section 2D.49 Weigh Station Signing (D8 Series)
Section 2D.50 Community Wayfinding Signs
Section 2D.51 Truck, Passing, or Climbing Lane Signs (D17-1 and D17-2)
Section 2D.52 Slow Vehicle Turn-Out Sign (D17-7)
Section 2D.53 Signing of Named Highways
Section 2D.54 Crossover Signs (D13-1 and D13-2)
Section 2D.55 National Scenic Byways Signs (D6-4, D6-4a)
 
CHAPTER 2E. GUIDE SIGNS—FREEWAYS AND EXPRESSWAYS
Section 2E.01 Scope of Freeway and Expressway Guide Sign Standards
Section 2E.02 Freeway and Expressway Signing Principles
Section 2E.03 Guide Sign Classification
Section 2E.04 General
Section 2E.05 Color of Guide Signs
Section 2E.06 Retroreflection or Illumination
Section 2E.07 Characteristics of Urban Signing
Section 2E.08 Characteristics of Rural Signing
Section 2E.09 Signing of Named Highways
Section 2E.10 Amount of Legend on Guide Signs
Section 2E.11 Number of Signs at an Overhead Installation and Sign Spreading
Section 2E.12 Pull-Through Signs (E6-2, E6-2a)
Section 2E.13 Designation of Destinations
Section 2E.14 Size and Style of Letters and Signs
Section 2E.15 lnterline and Edge Spacing
Section 2E.16 Sign Borders
Section 2E.17 Abbreviations
Section 2E.18 Symbols
Section 2E.19 Arrows for Interchange Guide Signs
Section 2E.20 Signing for Option Lanes at Splits and Multi-Lane Exits
Section 2E.21 Design of Overhead Arrow-per-Lane Guide Signs for Option Lanes
Section 2E.22 Design of Freeway and Expressway Diagrammatic Guide Signs for Option Lanes
Section 2E.23 Signing for Intermediate and Minor Interchange Multi-Lane Exits with an Option Lane
Section 2E.24 Signing for Interchange Lane Drops
Section 2E.25 Overhead Sign Installations
Section 2E.26 Lateral Offset
Section 2E.27 Route Signs and Trailblazer Assemblies
Section 2E.28 Eisenhower Interstate System Signs (M1-10, M1-10a)
Section 2E.29 Signs for Intersections at Grade
Section 2E.30 Interchange Guide Signs
Section 2E.31 Interchange Exit Numbering
Section 2E.32 Interchange Classification
Section 2E.33 Advance Guide Signs
Section 2E.34 Next Exit Plaques
Section 2E.35 Other Supplemental Guide Signs
Section 2E.36 Exit Direction Signs
Section 2E.37 Exit Gore Signs (E5-1 Series)
Section 2E.38 Post-Interchange Signs
Section 2E.39 Post-Interchange Distance Signs
Section 2E.40 Interchange Sequence Signs
Section 2E.41 Community Interchanges Identification Signs
Section 2E.42 NEXT XX EXITS Sign
Section 2E.43 Signing by Type of Interchange
Section 2E.44 Freeway-to-Freeway Interchange
Section 2E.45 Cloverleaf Interchange
Section 2E.46 Cloverleaf Interchange with Collector-Distributor Roadways
Section 2E.47 Partial Cloverleaf Interchange
Section 2E.48 Diamond Interchange
Section 2E.49 Diamond Interchange in Urban Area
Section 2E.50 Closely-Spaced Interchanges
Section 2E.51 Minor Interchange
Section 2E.52 Signing on Conventional Road Approaches and Connecting Roadways
Section 2E.53 Wrong-Way Traffic Control at Interchange Ramps
Section 2E.54 Weigh Station Signing
 
CHAPTER 2F. TOLL ROAD SIGNS
Section 2F.01 Scope
Section 2F.02 Sizes of Toll Road Signs
Section 2F.03 Use of Purple Backgrounds and Underlay Panels with ETC Account Pictographs
Section 2F.04 Size of ETC Pictographs
Section 2F.05 Regulatory Signs for Toll Plazas
Section 2F.06 Pay Toll Advance Warning Sign (W9-6)
Section 2F.07 Pay Toll Advance Warning Plaque (W9-6P)
Section 2F.08 Stop Ahead Pay Toll Warning Sign (W9-6a)
Section 2F.09 Stop Ahead Pay Toll Warning Plaque (W9-6aP)
Section 2F.10 LAST EXIT BEFORE TOLL Warning Plaque (W16-16P)
Section 2F.11 TOLL Auxiliary Sign (M4-15)
Section 2F.12 Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) Account-Only Auxiliary Signs (M4-16 and M4-20)
Section 2F.13 Toll Facility and Toll Plaza Guide Signs – General
Section 2F.14 Advance Signs for Conventional Toll Plazas
Section 2F.15 Advance Signs for Toll Plazas on Diverging Alignments from Open-Road ETC Account-Only Lanes
Section 2F.16 Toll Plaza Canopy Signs
Section 2F.17 Guide Signs for Entrances to ETC Account-Only Facilities
Section 2F.18 ETC Program Information Signs
 
CHAPTER 2G. PREFERENTIAL AND MANAGED LANE SIGNS
Section 2G.01 Scope
Section 2G.02 Sizes of Preferential and Managed Lane Signs
Section 2G.03 Regulatory Signs for Preferential Lanes – General
Section 2G.04 Preferential Lane Vehicle Occupancy Definition Regulatory Signs (R3-10 Series and R3-13 Series)
Section 2G.05 Preferential Lane Periods of Operation Regulatory Signs (R3-11 Series and R3-14 Series)
Section 2G.06 Preferential Lane Advance Regulatory Signs (R3-12, R3-12e, R3-12f, R3-15, R3-15a, and R3-15d)
Section 2G.07 Preferential Lane Ends Regulatory Signs (R3-12a, R3-12b, R3-12c, R3-12d, R3-12g, R3-12h, R3-15b, R3-15c, and R3-15e)
Section 2G.08 Warning Signs on Median Barriers for Preferential Lanes
Section 2G.09 High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Plaque (W16-11P)
Section 2G.10 Preferential Lane Guide Signs – General
Section 2G.11 Guide Signs for Initial Entry Points to Preferential Lanes
Section 2G.12 Guide Signs for Intermediate Entry Points to Preferential Lanes
Section 2G.13 Guide Signs for Egress from Preferential Lanes to General-Purpose Lanes
Section 2G.14 Guide Signs for Direct Entrances to Preferential Lanes from Another Highway
Section 2G.15 Guide Signs for Direct Exits from Preferential Lanes to Another Highway
Section 2G.16 Signs for Priced Managed Lanes – General
Section 2G.17 Regulatory Signs for Priced Managed Lanes
Section 2G.18 Guide Signs for Priced Managed Lanes
 
CHAPTER 2H. GENERAL INFORMATION SIGNS
Section 2H.01 Sizes of General Information Signs
Section 2H.02 General Information Signs (I Series)
Section 2H.03 Traffic Signal Speed Sign (I1-1)
Section 2H.04 Miscellaneous Information Signs
Section 2H.05 Reference Location Signs (D10-1 through D10-3) and Intermediate Reference Location Signs (D10-1a through D10-3a)
Section 2H.06 Enhanced Reference Location Signs (D10-4, D10-5)
Section 2H.07 Auto Tour Route Signs
Section 2H.08 Acknowledgment Signs
 
CHAPTER 2I. GENERAL SERVICE SIGNS
Section 2I.01 Sizes of General Service Signs
Section 2I.02 General Service Signs for Conventional Roads
Section 2I.03 General Service Signs for Freeways and Expressways
Section 2I.04 Interstate Oasis Signing
Section 2I.05 Rest Area and Other Roadside Area Signs
Section 2I.06 Brake Check Area Signs (D5-13 and D5-14)
Section 2I.07 Chain-Up Area Signs (D5-15 and D5-16)
Section 2I.08 Tourist Information and Welcome Center Signs
Section 2I.09 Radio Information Signing
Section 2I.10 TRAVEL INFO CALL 511 Signs (D12-5 and D12-5a)
Section 2I.11 Carpool and Ridesharing Signing
 
CHAPTER 2J. SPECIFIC SERVICE SIGNS
Section 2J.01 Eligibility
Section 2J.02 Application
Section 2J.03 Logos and Logo Sign Panels
Section 2J.04 Number and Size of Signs and Logo Sign Panels
Section 2J.05 Size of Lettering
Section 2J.06 Signs at Interchanges
Section 2J.07 Single-Exit Interchanges
Section 2J.08 Double-Exit Interchanges
Section 2J.09 Specific Service Trailblazer Signs
Section 2J.10 Signs at Intersections
Section 2J.11 Signing Policy
 
CHAPTER 2K. TOURIST-ORIENTED DIRECTIONAL SIGNS
Section 2K.01 Purpose and Application
Section 2K.02 Design
Section 2K.03 Style and Size of Lettering
Section 2K.04 Arrangement and Size of Signs
Section 2K.05 Advance Signs
Section 2K.06 Sign Locations
Section 2K.07 State Policy
 
CHAPTER 2L. CHANGEABLE MESSAGE SIGNS
Section 2L.01 Description of Changeable Message Signs
Section 2L.02 Applications of Changeable Message Signs
Section 2L.03 Legibility and Visibility of Changeable Message Signs
Section 2L.04 Design Characteristics of Changeable Message Signs
Section 2L.05 Message Length and Units of Information
Section 2L.06 Installation of Permanent Changeable Message Signs
 
CHAPTER 2M. RECREATIONAL AND CULTURAL INTEREST AREA SIGNS
Section 2M.01 Scope
Section 2M.02 Application of Recreational and Cultural Interest Area Signs
Section 2M.03 Regulatory and Warning Signs
Section 2M.04 General Design Requirements for Recreational and Cultural Interest Area Symbol
Section 2M.05 Symbol Sign Sizes
Section 2M.06 Use of Educational Plaques
Section 2M.07 Use of Prohibitive Circle and Diagonal Slash for Non-Road Applications
Section 2M.08 Placement of Recreational and Cultural Interest Area Symbol Signs
Section 2M.09 Destination Guide Signs
Section 2M.10 Memorial or Dedication Signing
 
CHAPTER 2N. EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT SIGNING
Section 2N.01 Emergency Management
Section 2N.02 Design of Emergency Management Signs
Section 2N.03 Evacuation Route Signs (EM-1 and EM-1a)
Section 2N.04 AREA CLOSED Sign (EM-2)
Section 2N.05 TRAFFIC CONTROL POINT Sign (EM-3)
Section 2N.06 MAINTAIN TOP SAFE SPEED Sign (EM-4)
Section 2N.07 ROAD (AREA) USE PERMIT REQUIRED FOR THRU TRAFFIC Sign (EM-5)
Section 2N.08 Emergency Aid Center Signs (EM-6 Series)
Section 2N.09 Shelter Directional Signs (EM-7 Series)

 

PART 2 FIGURES
CHAPTER 2A. GENERAL
Figure 2A-1 Examples of Enhanced Conspicuity for Signs
Figure 2A-2 Examples of Heights and Lateral Locations of Sign Installations
Figure 2A-3 Examples of Locations for Some Typical Signs at Intersections
Figure 2A-4 Relative Locations of Regulatory, Warning, and Guide Signs on an Intersection Approach
 
CHAPTER 2B. REGULATORY SIGNS, BARRICADES, AND GATES
Figure 2B-1 STOP and YIELD Signs and Plaques
Figure 2B-2 Unsignalized Pedestrian Crosswalk Signs
Figure 2B-3 Speed Limit and Photo Enforcement Signs and Plaques
Figure 2B-4 Movement Prohibition and Lane Control Signs and Plaques
Figure 2B-5 Intersection Lane Control Sign Arrow Options for Roundabouts
Figure 2B-6 Center and Reversible Lane Control Signs and Plaques
Figure 2B-7 Location of Reversible Two-Way Left-Turn Signs
Figure 2B-8 Jughandle Regulatory Signs
Figure 2B-9 Examples of Applications of Jughandle Regulatory and Guide Signing
Figure 2B-10 Passing, Keep Right, and Slow Traffic Signs
Figure 2B-11 Selective Exclusion Signs
Figure 2B-12 Locations of Wrong-Way Signing for Divided Highways with Median Widths of 30 Feet or Wider
Figure 2B-13 ONE WAY and Divided Highway Crossing Signs
Figure 2B-14 Locations of ONE WAY Signs
Figure 2B-15 ONE WAY Signing for Divided Highways with Median Widths of 30 Feet or Wider
Figure 2B-16 ONE WAY Signing for Divided Highways with Median Widths Narrower Than 30 Feet
Figure 2B-17 ONE WAY Signing for Divided Highways with Median Widths Narrower Than 30 Feet and Separated Left-Turn Lanes
Figure 2B-18 Example of Application of Regulatory Signing and Pavement Markings at an Exit Ramp Termination to Deter Wrong-Way Entry
Figure 2B-19 Example of Application of Regulatory Signing and Pavement Markings at an Entrance Ramp Terminal Where the Design Does Not Clearly Indicate the Direction of Flow
Figure 2B-20 Roundabout Signs and Plaques
Figure 2B-21 Example of Regulatory and Warning Signs for a Mini-Roundabout
Figure 2B-22 Example of Regulatory and Warning Signs for a One-Lane Roundabout
Figure 2B-23 Example of Regulatory and Warning Signs for a Two-Lane Roundabout with Consecutive Double Lefts
Figure 2B-24 Parking and Standing Signs and Plaques (R7 Series)
Figure 2B-25 Parking and Stopping Signs and Plaques (R8 Series)
Figure 2B-26 Pedestrian Signs and Plaques
Figure 2B-27 Traffic Signal Signs and Plaques
Figure 2B-28 Ramp Metering Signs
Figure 2B-29 Road Closed and Weight Limit Signs
Figure 2B-30 Truck Signs
Figure 2B-31 Headlight Use Signs
Figure 2B-32 Other Regulatory Signs and Symbols
 
CHAPTER 2C. WARNING SIGNS AND OBJECT MARKERS
Figure 2C-1 Horizontal Alignment Signs and Plaques
Figure 2C-2 Example of Warning Signs for a Turn
Figure 2C-3 Example of Advisory Speed Signing for an Exit Ramp
Figure 2C-4 Vertical Grade Signs and Plaques
Figure 2C-5 Miscellaneous Warning Signs
Figure 2C-6 Roadway and Weather Condition and Advance Traffic Control Signs and Plaques
Figure 2C-7 Reduced Speed Limit Ahead Signs
Figure 2C-8 Merging and Passing Signs and Plaques
Figure 2C-9 Intersection Warning Signs and Plaques
Figure 2C-10 Vehicular Traffic Warning Signs and Plaques
Figure 2C-11 Non-Vehicular Warning Signs
Figure 2C-12 Supplemental Warning Plaques
Figure 2C-13 Object Markers
 
CHAPTER 2D. GUIDE SIGNS—CONVENTIONAL ROADS
Figure 2D-1 Examples of Color-Coded Destination Guide Signs
Figure 2D-2 Arrows for Use on Guide Signs
Figure 2D-3 Route Signs
Figure 2D-4 Route Sign Auxiliaries
Figure 2D-5 Advance Turn and Directional Arrow Auxiliary Signs
Figure 2D-6 Illustration of Directional Assemblies and Other Route Signs (for One Direction of Travel Only)
Figure 2D-7 Destination and Distance Signs
Figure 2D-8 Destination Signs for Roundabouts
Figure 2D-9 Examples of Guide Signs for Roundabouts
Figure 2D-10 Street Name and Parking Signs
Figure 2D-11 Example of Interchange Crossroad Signing for a One-Lane Approach
Figure 2D-12 Example of Minor Interchange Crossroad Signing
Figure 2D-13 Examples of Multi-Lane Crossroad Signing for a Diamond Interchange
Figure 2D-14 Examples of Multi-Lane Crossroad Signing for a Partial Cloverleaf Interchange
Figure 2D-15 Examples of Multi-Lane Crossroad Signing for a Cloverleaf Interchange
Figure 2D-16 Example of Crossroad Signing for an Entrance Ramp with a Nearby Frontage Road
Figure 2D-17 Example of Weigh Station Signing
Figure 2D-18 Examples of Community Wayfinding Guide Signs
Figure 2D-19 Example of a Community Wayfinding Guide Sign System Showing Direction from a Freeway or Expressway
Figure 2D-20 Example of a Color-Coded Community Wayfinding Guide Sign System
Figure 2D-21 Crossover, Truck Lane, and Slow Vehicle Signs
Figure 2D-22 Examples of Use of the National Scenic Byways Sign
 
CHAPTER 2E. GUIDE SIGNS—FREEWAYS AND EXPRESSWAYS
Figure 2E-1 Example of Guide Sign Spreading
Figure 2E-2 Pull-Through Signs
Figure 2E-3 Overhead Arrow-per-Lane Guide Sign for a Multi-Lane Exit with an Option Lane
Figure 2E-4 Overhead Arrow-per-Lane Guide Signs for a Two-Lane Exit to the Right with an Option Lane
Figure 2E-5 Overhead Arrow-per-Lane Guide Signs for a Two-Lane Exit to the Right with an Option Lane (Through Lanes Curve to the Left)
Figure 2E-6 Overhead Arrow-per-Lane Guide Signs for a Split with an Option Lane
Figure 2E-7 Diagrammatic Guide Sign for a Multi-Lane Exit with an Option Lane
Figure 2E-8 Diagrammatic Guide Signs for a Two-Lane Exit to the Right with an Option Lane
Figure 2E-9 Diagrammatic Guide Signs for a Two-Lane Exit to the Right with an Option Lane (Through Lanes Curve to the Left)
Figure 2E-10 Diagrammatic Guide Signs for a Split with an Option Lane
Figure 2E-11 Example of Signing for a Two-Lane Intermediate or Minor Interchange Exit with an Option Lane and a Dropped Lane
Figure 2E-12 Example of Signing for a Two-Lane Intermediate or Minor Interchange Exit with Option and Auxiliary Lanes
Figure 2E-13 EXIT ONLY and LEFT Sign Panels
Figure 2E-14 Guide Signs for a Split with Dedicated Lanes
Figure 2E-15 Guide Signs for a Single-Lane Exit to the Left with a Dropped Lane
Figure 2E-16 Guide Signs for a Single-Lane Exit to the Right with a Dropped Lane
Figure 2E-17 Interstate, Off-Interstate, and U.S. Route Signs
Figure 2E-18 Eisenhower Interstate System Signs
Figure 2E-19 Example of Interchange Numbering for Mainline and Circumferential Routes
Figure 2E-20 Example of Interchange Numbering for Mainline, Loop, and Spur Routes
Figure 2E-21 Example of Interchange Numbering for Overlapping Routes
Figure 2E-22 Examples of Interchange Advance Guide Signs, Exit Number Plaques, and LEFT Plaque
Figure 2E-23 Next Exit Plaques
Figure 2E-24 Supplemental Guide Sign for a Multi-Exit Interchange
Figure 2E-25 Supplemental Guide Sign for a Park – Ride Facility
Figure 2E-26 Examples of Interchange Exit Direction Signs
Figure 2E-27 Interchange Exit Direction Sign with an Advisory Speed Panel
Figure 2E-28 Exit Gore Signs
Figure 2E-29 Post-Interchange Distance Sign
Figure 2E-30 Example of Using an Interchange Sequence Sign for Closely-Spaced Interchanges
Figure 2E-31 Interchange Sequence Sign
Figure 2E-32 Community Interchanges Identification Sign
Figure 2E-33 NEXT EXITS Sign
Figure 2E-34 Examples of Guide Signs for a Freeway-to-Freeway Interchange
Figure 2E-35 Examples of Guide Signs for a Full Cloverleaf Interchange
Figure 2E-36 Examples of Guide Signs for a Full Cloverleaf Interchange with Collector-Distributor Roadways
Figure 2E-37 Examples of Guide Signs for a Partial Cloverleaf Interchange
Figure 2E-38 Examples of Guide Signs for a Diamond Interchange
Figure 2E-39 Examples of Guide Signs for a Diamond Interchange in an Urban Area
Figure 2E-40 Examples of Guide Signs for a Minor Interchange
 
CHAPTER 2F. TOLL ROAD SIGNS
Figure 2F-1 Examples of ETC Account Pictographs and Use of Purple Backgrounds and Underlay Panels
Figure 2F-2 Toll Plaza Regulatory Signs and Plaques
Figure 2F-3 Toll Plaza Warning Signs and Plaques
Figure 2F-4 ETC Account-Only Auxiliary Signs for Use in Route Sign Assemblies
Figure 2F-5 Examples of Guide Signs for Entrances to Toll Highways or Ramps
Figure 2F-6 Examples of Guide Signs for the Entrance to a Toll Highway on which Tolls are Collected Electronically Only
Figure 2F-7 Examples of Guide Signs for Alternative Toll and Non-Toll Ramp Connections to a Non-Toll Highway
Figure 2F-8 Examples of Conventional Toll Plaza Advance Signs
Figure 2F-9 Examples of Toll Plaza Canopy Signs
Figure 2F-10 Examples of Mainline Toll Plaza Approach and Canopy Signing
Figure 2F-11 Examples of Guide Signs for a Mainline Toll Plaza on a Diverging Alignment from Open-Road ETC Lanes
 
CHAPTER 2G. PREFERENTIAL AND MANAGED LANE SIGNS
Figure 2G-1 Preferential Lane Regulatory Signs and Plaques
Figure 2G-2 Example of Signing for an Added Continuous-Access Contiguous or Buffer-Separated HOV Lane
Figure 2G-3 Example of Signing for a General-Purpose Lane that Becomes a Continuous-Access Contiguous or Buffer-Separated HOV Lane
Figure 2G-4 Examples of Warning Signs and Plaques Applicable Only to Preferential Lanes
Figure 2G-5 Example of an Overhead Advance Guide Sign for a Preferential Lane Entrance
Figure 2G-6 Examples of Overhead or Post-Mounted Preferential Lane Entrance Direction Signs
Figure 2G-7 Entrance Gore Signs for Barrier-Separated Preferential Lanes
Figure 2G-8 Example of Signing for an Entrance to Access-Restricted HOV Lanes
Figure 2G-9 Example of Signing for an Intermediate Entry to a Barrier- or Buffer-Separated HOV Lane
Figure 2G-10 Example of Signing for the Intermediate Entry to, Egress from, and End of Access-Restricted HOV Lanes
Figure 2G-11 Examples of Barrier-Mounted Guide Signs for an Intermediate Egress from Preferential Lanes
Figure 2G-12 Examples of Signs for an Intermediate Egress from a Barrier- or Buffer-Separated HOV Lane
Figure 2G-13 Example of Signing for a Direct Entrance Ramp to an HOV Lane from a Park-and-Ride Facility and a Local Street
Figure 2G-14 Exit Gore Sign for a Direct Exit from a Preferential Lane
Figure 2G-15 Examples of Guide Signs for Direct HOV Lane Entrance and Exit Ramps
Figure 2G-16 Examples of Guide Signs for a Direct Access Ramp between HOV Lanes on Separate Freeways
Figure 2G-17 Regulatory Signs for Managed Lanes
Figure 2G-18 Examples of Guide Signs for Entrances to Priced Managed Lanes
Figure 2G-19 Example of an Exit Destinations Sign for a Managed Lane
Figure 2G-20 Example of a Comparative Travel Time Information Sign for Preferential or Managed Lanes
Figure 2G-21 Example of Signing for the Entrance to an Access-Restricted Priced Managed Lane
Figure 2G-22 Example of Signing for the Entrance to an Access-Restricted Priced Managed Lane Where a General-Purpose Lane Becomes the Managed Lane
Figure 2G-23 Example of Signing for an Intermediate Entry to a Barrier- or Buffer-Separated Priced Managed Lane
Figure 2G-24 Example of Signing for the Intermediate Entry to, Egress from, and End of Access- Restricted Priced Managed Lanes
Figure 2G-25 Examples of Guide Signs for an Intermediate Egress from a Barrier- or Buffer-Separated HOV Lane
Figure 2G-26 Examples of Guide Signs for Direct Managed Lane Entrance and Exit Ramps
Figure 2G-27 Examples of Guide Signs for a Direct Access Ramp between Managed Lanes on Separate Freeways
Figure 2G-28 Examples of Guide Signs for a Direct Entrance Ramp to a Priced Managed Lane and Trailblazing to a Nearby Entrance to the General-Purpose Lanes
Figure 2G-29 Examples of Guide Signs for Separate Entrance Ramps to General-Purpose and Priced Managed Lanes from the Same Crossroad
 
CHAPTER 2H. GENERAL INFORMATION SIGNS
Figure 2H-1 General Information and Miscellaneous Information Signs
Figure 2H-2 Reference Location Signs
Figure 2H-3 Intermediate Reference Location Signs
Figure 2H-4 Enhanced Reference Location Signs
Figure 2H-5 Examples of Acknowledgment Sign Designs
 
CHAPTER 2I. GENERAL SERVICE SIGNS
Figure 2I-1 General Service Signs and Plaques
Figure 2I-2 Example of Next Services Plaque
Figure 2I-3 Examples of General Service Signs with and without Exit Numbering
Figure 2I-4 Examples of Interstate Oasis Signs and Plaques
Figure 2I-5 Rest Area and Other Roadside Area Signs
Figure 2I-6 Brake Check Area and Chain-Up Area Signs
Figure 2I-7 Examples of Tourist Information and Welcome Center Signs
Figure 2I-8 Radio, Telephone, and Carpool Information Signs
 
CHAPTER 2J. SPECIFIC SERVICE SIGNS
Figure 2J-1 Examples of Specific Service Signs
Figure 2J-2 Examples of Specific Service Sign Locations
Figure 2J-3 Examples of Supplemental Messages on Logo Sign Panels
Figure 2J-4 Examples of RV Access Supplemental Messages on Logo Sign Panels
Figure 2J-5 Examples of Specific Service Trailblazer Signs
 
CHAPTER 2K. TOURIST-ORIENTED DIRECTIONAL SIGNS
Figure 2K-1 Examples of Tourist-Oriented Directional Signs
Figure 2K-2 Examples of Intersection Approach Signs and Advance Signs for Tourist-Oriented Directional Signs
 
CHAPTER 2M. RECREATIONAL AND CULTURAL INTEREST AREA SIGNS
Figure 2M-1 Examples of Use of Arrows, Educational Plaques, and Prohibitive Slashes
Figure 2M-2 Examples of Recreational and Cultural Interest Area Guide Signs
Figure 2M-3 Arrangement, Height, and Lateral Position of Signs Located Within Recreational and Cultural Interest Areas
Figure 2M-4 Examples of Symbol and Destination Guide Signing Layout
Figure 2M-5 Recreational and Cultural Interest Area Symbol Signs for General Applications
Figure 2M-6 Recreational and Cultural Interest Area Symbol Signs for Accommodations
Figure 2M-7 Recreational and Cultural Interest Area Symbol Signs for Services
Figure 2M-8 Recreational and Cultural Interest Area Symbol Signs for Land Recreation
Figure 2M-9 Recreational and Cultural Interest Area Symbol Signs for Water Recreation
Figure 2M-10 Recreational and Cultural Interest Area Symbol Signs for Winter Recreation
 
CHAPTER 2N. EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT SIGNING
Figure 2N-1 Emergency Management Signs

 

PART 2 TABLES
CHAPTER 2A. GENERAL
Table 2A-1 Illumination of Sign Elements
Table 2A-2 Retroreflection of Sign Elements
Table 2A-3 Minimum Maintained Retroreflectivity Levels
Table 2A-4 Use of Sign Shapes
Table 2A-5 Common Uses of Sign Colors
 
CHAPTER 2B. REGULATORY SIGNS, BARRICADES, AND GATES
Table 2B-1 Regulatory Sign and Plaque Sizes
Table 2B-2 Meanings of Symbols and Legends on Reversible Lane Control Signs
 
CHAPTER 2C. WARNING SIGNS AND OBJECT MARKERS
Table 2C-1 Categories of Warning Signs and Plaques
Table 2C-2 Warning Sign and Plaque Sizes
Table 2C-3 Minimum Size of Supplemental Warning Plaques
Table 2C-4 Guidelines for Advance Placement of Warning Signs
Table 2C-5 Horizontal Alignment Sign Selection
Table 2C-6 Approximate Spacing of Chevron Alignment Signs on Horizontal Curves
 
CHAPTER 2D. GUIDE SIGNS—CONVENTIONAL ROADS
Table 2D-1 Conventional Road Guide Sign Sizes
Table 2D-2 Recommended Minimum Letter Heights on Street Name Signs
 
CHAPTER 2E. GUIDE SIGNS—FREEWAYS AND EXPRESSWAYS
Table 2E-1 Freeway or Expressway Guide Sign and Plaque Sizes
Table 2E-2 Minimum Letter and Numeral Sizes for Expressway Guide Signs According to Interchange Classification
Table 2E-3 Minimum Letter and Numeral Sizes for Expressway Guide Signs According to Sign Type
Table 2E-4 Minimum Letter and Numeral Sizes for Freeway Guide Signs According to Interchange Classification
Table 2E-5 Minimum Letter and Numeral Sizes for Freeway Guide Signs According to Sign Type
 
CHAPTER 2F. TOLL ROAD SIGNS
Table 2F-1 Toll Facility Sign and Plaque Minimum Sizes
 
CHAPTER 2G. PREFERENTIAL AND MANAGED LANE SIGNS
Table 2G-1 Managed and Preferential Lanes Sign and Plaque Minimum Sizes
 
CHAPTER 2H. GENERAL INFORMATION SIGNS
Table 2H-1 General Information Sign Sizes
 
CHAPTER 2I. GENERAL SERVICE SIGNS
Table 2I-1 General Service Sign and Plaque Sizes
 
CHAPTER 2J. SPECIFIC SERVICE SIGNS
Table 2J-1 Minimum Letter and Numeral Sizes for Specific Service Signs According to Sign Type
 
CHAPTER 2L. CHANGEABLE MESSAGE SIGNS
Table 2L-1 Example of Units of Information
 
CHAPTER 2M. RECREATIONAL AND CULTURAL INTEREST AREA SIGNS
Table 2M-1 Category Chart for Recreational and Cultural Interest Area Symbols
 
CHAPTER 2N. EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT SIGNING
Table 2N-1 Emergency Management Sign Sizes

Back to Top