Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways

MUTCD News Feed

See it here first! The MUTCD News Feed has 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!

March 20, 2018
Interim Approval 21 – Rectangular Rapid-Flashing Beacons at Crosswalks
On March 20, 2018, the FHWA issued Interim Approval 21 allowing the optional use of Pedestrian-Actuated Rectangular Rapid-Flashing Beacons at Uncontrolled Marked Crosswalks. Jurisdictions wishing to use Rectangular Rapid-Flashing Beacons under this Interim Approval 21 must submit a written request to the FHWA, including those jurisdictions who had previously requested and obtained the FHWA's permission under the terminated Interim Approval 11. Responses to frequently asked questions related to the new Interim Approval 21 are available.
February 23, 2018
Official Interpretation regarding the Flash Rate of Traffic Control Signals and Beacons
On February 23, 2018, the FHWA issued Official Interpretation 4(09)-64 to clarify that the flash rate for traffic control signals and beacons is a single repetitive flash rate of approximately once per second, and that a combination of faster and slower flash rates that result in 50 to 60 flashes per minute is not compliant with Paragraph 1 of Section 4D.28 or Paragraph 3 of Section 4L.01.
January 29, 2018
Frequently Asked Questions regarding the Termination of Interim Approval 11
On January 29, 2018, the FHWA posted an updated set of responses to frequently asked questions related to the termination of Interim Approval 11. Among these questions (see Question 3) is how to handle situations involving agencies that prior to the December 21, 2017 termination date either had already purchased rectangular rapid flashing beacons (RRFBs) or had already included RRFBs in a contract, but had not yet installed the RRFBs in the field by that date.
December 21, 2017
Termination of Interim Approval 11
On December 21, 2017, the FHWA terminated Interim Approval 11, which permitted the optional use of rectangular rapid flashing beacons. All highway agencies, including those agencies that previously received the FHWA's approval to use rectangular rapid flashing beacons under Interim Approval 11, are prohibited from installing any new rectangular rapid flashing beacons. However, any existing rectangular rapid flashing beacons that are already installed may remain in place until they reach the end of their useful service life.
Informational Brief: Treatments for Uncontrolled Marked Crosswalks
An informational brief is now available to assist practitioners in selecting appropriate treatments for uncontrolled marked crosswalks.
July 13, 2017
Interim Approval 20 – Two-Stage Bicycle Turn Boxes
On July 13, 2017, the FHWA issued Interim Approval 20 allowing the optional use of Two-Stage Bicycle Turn Boxes. Jurisdictions wishing to use Two-Stage Bicycle Turn Boxes under this Interim Approval must submit a written request to the FHWA.
January 5, 2017
Clarification of Existing Standards and Guidance on Innovative Traffic Control Devices
On January 5, 2017, the FHWA issued a memorandum that clarifies the status of several traffic control devices, including bicycle lane extensions and crosswalk markings. This memorandum also provides an update on the evaluation of several devices under consideration for Interim Approval, including two-stage bicycle turn boxes and red colored pavement for transit lanes.
January 4, 2017
Supplemental Notice of Proposed Amendment for Pavement Marking Retroreflectivity
On January 4, 2017 the FHWA published in the Federal Register a Supplemental Notice of Proposed Amendment detailing proposed standards, guidance, and methodology for the retroreflectivity of pavement markings. More information is available from the Office of Safety.
December 8, 2016
Official Interpretation 3(09)-41 (I) – Markings Between Double Lines
On December 8, 2016, the FHWA issued Official Interpretation 3(09)-41 to clarify that it is not permissible to install any pavement markings or colorings between the lines of a standard double-yellow center line, and that blue pavement markings are reserved exclusively for supplementing white markings for parking spaces for persons with disabilities.
October 12, 2016
Interim Approval 18 – Intersection Bicycle Boxes
On October 12, 2016 the FHWA issued Interim Approval 18 allowing the optional use of Intersection Bicycle Boxes. Jurisdictions wishing to use Intersection Bicycle Boxes under this Interim Approval must submit a written request to the FHWA.
January 25, 2016
Termination of Interim Approval 5
On January 25, 2016, the FHWA published a notice in the Federal Register terminating Interim Approval 5, which permitted the optional use of the Clearview letter style on positive-contrast highway guide sign legends. All highway agencies, including those agencies who received the FHWA's approval to use Clearview under Interim Approval 5, shall use the FHWA Standard Alphabets for all new and replacement signs. However, any existing sign that uses Clearview lettering may remain in place until it reaches the end of its useful service life. The Interim Approvals page contains additional information about implementation.
December 22, 2015
Request for Comments – Future Direction of the MUTCD
On December 22, 2015, the FHWA published a Request for Comments (Docket ID: FHWA-2015-0028) in the Federal Register soliciting input on future direction of the MUTCD. Topic areas included target audience and intended user, content and organization, and frequency of MUTCD editions. The docket closed on February 18, 2016. The direct link to the docket is http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FHWA_FRDOC_0001-1260.
May 28, 2015
Official Interpretation 2(09)-111- International Symbol of Accessibility
On May 28, 2015, the FHWA issued Official Interpretation 2(09)-111– International Symbol of Accessibility to clarify that it is not permissible in traffic control device applications to substitute alternative versions of the International Symbol of Accessibility for the official symbol depicted in the MUTCD and detailed in Standard Highway Signs.
April 7, 2014
Policy on Sponsorship Acknowledgment and Agreements within the Highway Right-of-Way
On April 7, 2014, the FHWA issued a directive, Policy on Sponsorship Acknowledgment and Agreements within the Highway Right-of-Way, outlining the conditions under which Acknowledgment signing may be installed for the sponsorship of various highway-related services. This directive is an update of the policy issued March 13, 2012. The directive can be viewed in the Policy Statements area.
March 1, 2012
Standard Highway Signs and Markings
The 2009 MUTCD sign layouts are available. The Federal Highway Administration has developed the design details of the new signs added in the 2009 Edition of the MUTCD and signs whose designs have been modified in the 2009 MUTCD. The new and modified designs are provided in the form of a 2012 Supplement to the 2004 Edition of Standard Highway Signs.

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