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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!

  • December 14, 2023
    Coming Soon! FHWA to Release the 11th Edition of the MUTCD

    Anywhere you travel across the country, you’ll recognize the familiar red, octagonal stop sign. It’s the MUTCD that sets the standards for stop signs and other traffic signs, signals, and markings to ensure a uniform, predictable, and safer environment for people who drive, bike, and walk in the US. And the always-evolving MUTCD continues to be responsive to new technologies and the changing mobility needs of the traveling public. FHWA will soon release the 11th Edition of the MUTCD. Stay tuned for the official announcement. [FHWA MUTCD preview video]

  • October 13, 2023
    Status of Rulemaking for the 11th Edition of the MUTCD
    On September 29, 2023, the Office of Management and Budget’s Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs completed its review of the pending rulemaking for the next edition of the MUTCD.  This review was the last major step of the regulatory process allowing FHWA to proceed to preparation of a Notice of Final Rule. The documents and supporting materials for a Final Rule will take just a bit more time to finalize, but we expect to publish this year. 

    The purpose of the MUTCD is to help ensure traffic control devices used across the country meet the needs of all road users, including the most vulnerable, in a safe and efficient manner. The next edition of the MUTCD will provide road managers nationwide with contemporary options to address safety and operational issues, while maintaining uniformity, in selecting the traffic control devices that will convey the intended operation of their facilities to users.

  • August 5, 2022
    Revision 3 of the 2009 MUTCD has been issued, this revision includes new provisions for maintaining minimum levels of retroreflectivity for pavement markings.
  • March 2, 2022
    Status of Rulemaking for the Eleventh Edition of the MUTCD
    A Notice of Proposed Amendments (NPA) to issue a new edition of the MUTCD was published in the Dec. 14, 2020, Federal Register for public comment. More than 17,000 entries submitted to the public docket comprise over 35,000 individual comments, and these comments will inform this rulemaking action and the 11th Edition of the MUTCD.  In addition, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act directs USDOT to update the MUTCD by no later than May 15, 2023, and at least every 4 years thereafter to promote the safety, inclusion, and mobility of all road users.

    FHWA is committed to implementing Section 11135 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act—the “Bipartisan Infrastructure Law”—which requires FHWA to update the MUTCD to provide for the protection of vulnerable road users and support for the safe testing of automated vehicle technology, among other considerations.  FHWA is considering all comments it has received as well as the provisions of the new law as it prepares what we are confident will result in a new and better MUTCD with the 11th Edition.

    Read more about the MUTCD 11th Edition…and beyond.

    The Notice of Proposed Amendments (NPA) for the 11th Edition of the MUTCD represents a comprehensive update to the MUTCD, incorporating the results of over 150 Official Experiments of novel traffic control devices and applications, Official Interpretations, Interim Approvals, and other research conducted both independently and by the Traffic Control Device Consortium Pooled Fund. The NPA closed for public comment in the Federal Register on May 14, 2021.

    FHWA conducted four informational Webinars to acquaint you with the Notice of Proposed Amendments (NPA) for the 11th Edition of the MUTCD and the revision process. The recordings for all webinars are available here.

  • April 23, 2021
    MUTCD NPA Webinar Recordings
    FHWA recently conducted four informational Webinars to acquaint you with the Notice of Proposed Amendments (NPA) for the 11th edition of the MUTCD and the revision and comment processes. Each Webinar includes background information on navigating the comment process. The recordings for all webinars are now available below:

    Overview and Retrospective (April 22, 2021)
    Provides an overview of the MUTCD, the revision process, and highlights of some of the proposed changes of interest for local jurisdictions, cities and communities.
    Recording now available - Click here

    Urban Traffic Control (April 1, 2021)
    Highlights of proposed changes related to traffic control devices in urban centers and urbanized communities.
    Recording now available – Click Here

    Pedestrians, Bicycles, and Transit (March 25, 2021)
    Highlights of proposed changes related to traffic control devices for pedestrian, bicycle, and transit facilities.
    Recording now available – Click Here

    • Introduction and Overview (March 18, 2021)
    An overview of the MUTCD revision process, highlights of some of the major changes proposed, and how you can participate in providing comment.
    Recording now available - Click here

  • February 2, 2021
    Comment Period Extension – Notice of Proposed Amendments – 11th Edition of the MUTCD
    The comment period for the Notice of Proposed Amendments (NPA) for the 11th edition of the MUTCD has been extended through May 14, 2021 in the Federal Register. The extension provides stakeholders and others interested additional time to discuss, evaluate, and submit responses to the proposed changes. Public comments must be submitted to the public docket on or before May 14, 2021. All supplemental documents, including proposed text, figures, and tables, are available for review on the docket as well as a comment submission form.

    See Press Release.

  • January 4, 2021
    Official Interpretation 2(09)-174 (I) – Uses of and Nonstandard Syntax on Changeable Message Signs
    On January 4, 2021, the FHWA issued Official Interpretation 2(09)-174 (I) to provide clarification regarding messaging and uses of Changeable Message Signs (CMS).
  • December 17, 2020
    CORRECTION to Supporting Documents for the Notice of Proposed Amendments—11th Edition of the MUTCD
    The supporting documents provided for informational purposes in the public docket inadvertently deleted the operative mandatory phrase, "shall not," that is necessary to effect the Standard provision in proposed Section 9A.01. A substantive change is not proposed in the Preamble as published in the Federal Register. This inadvertent deletion occurred with an editorial change and is not intended to alter substantively the meaning of the existing Standard.

    Corrected files for the proposed MUTCD text will be available on the public docket.

  • December 14, 2020
    Notice of Proposed Amendments—11th Edition of the MUTCD
    The Notice of Proposed Amendments (NPA) for the 11th edition of the MUTCD is now available for public comment in the Federal Register. The NPA represents a comprehensive update to the MUTCD, incorporating the results of over 150 Official Experiments of novel traffic control devices and applications, Official Interpretations, Interim Approvals, and other research conducted both independently and by the Traffic Control Device Consortium Pooled Fund. Public comments may be submitted to the public docket. All supplemental documents, including proposed text, figures, and tables, are available for review on the docket as well as a comment submission form. Comments may be submitted through March 15, 2021.

    See FHWA Press Release.

  • December 11, 2020
    Notice of Proposed Amendments—11th Edition of the MUTCD The preamble for the Notice of Proposed Amendments (NPA) for the 11th edition of the MUTCD is now on view in the Federal Register. The NPA represents a comprehensive update to the MUTCD, incorporating the results of over 150 Official Experiments of novel traffic control devices and applications, Official Interpretations, Interim Approvals, and other research conducted both independently and by the Traffic Control Device Consortium Pooled Fund. Public comments may be submitted to the docket beginning Monday, December 14, 2020. All supplemental documents, including proposed text, figures, and tables, will be made available for review on the docket as well as a comment submission form.

    See FHWA Press Release.

  • August 3, 2020
    Official Interpretation 3(09)-61 (I) – Channelizing Devices at Mid-Block Pedestrian Crossings in Conjunction with In-Street Pedestrian Crossing (R1-6 Series) Signs
    On August 3, 2020, the FHWA issued Official Interpretation 3(09)-61(I) to provide clarification regarding the flexibilities available for the use of channelizing devices at mid-block pedestrian crossings in conjunction with In-Street Pedestrian Crossing (R1‑6 Series) Signs.
  • December 4, 2019
    Interim Approval 22 – Red-Colored Pavement for Transit Lanes
    On December 4, 2019, the FHWA issued Interim Approval 22 allowing the optional use of Red-Colored Pavement in transit lanes. Jurisdictions wishing to use Red-Colored Pavement in transit lanes under this Interim Approval must submit a written request to the FHWA.
  • October 15, 2019
    Rulemaking on proprietary products in highway construction and maintenance
    On September 27, 2019, the FHWA issued a Final Rule, "Construction and Maintenance—Promoting Innovation in Use of Patented and Proprietary Products" (Docket ID: FHWA-2018-0036). The direct link to the docket is https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=FHWA-2018-0036-0112. Additional information on this rulemaking is available from the Office of Infrastructure.

    As emphasized in the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, this action applies to 23 CFR 635 and does not affect 23 CFR 655 or the provisions of the MUTCD regarding traffic control devices and public domain: "[n]either proposal would alter any requirements in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices found in 23 CFR part 655, subpart F."

    Additional information on this topic is available under Part 1 of the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page.

  • May 3, 2019
    New information on crosswalk designs added to the FAQ
    On May 3, 2019, the FHWA added a discussion about "3-D" crosswalk markings, under Part 3 of the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page, clarifying that this concept is no longer under consideration due to demonstrated safety concerns.
  • March 26, 2019
    Official Interpretation 4(09)-70 (I) – Lane-Use Control Signal Indications for Active Traffic Management on Freeways
    On March 26, 2019, the FHWA issued Official Interpretation 4(09)-70 to provide clarification on the required lane-use control signal indications used in freeway applications. Lane-use control signals are the traffic control devices necessary to implement the dynamic lane-use control strategy of Active Traffic Management (ATM) systems.
  • November 19, 2018
    Report to Congress: "Highway Guide Sign Fonts"
    On October 11, 2018, the FHWA submitted a report to Congress (PDF, 3.3MB) entitled, "Highway Guide Sign Fonts." The purpose of the report was to conduct a comprehensive review of the research on the Clearview alternative font, document the safety and cost implications of the decision to terminate approval of Clearview font, and fully address the comments submitted in response to the FHWA's subsequent Request for Information on this subject. The report also examines the complexities of implementing and maintaining alternative lettering styles in addition to the FHWA Standard Alphabets that are now required for use in traffic control device applications.
  • November 2, 2018
    UPDATED November 5, 2018: The vacancy announcement period has been extended to November 15.
    MUTCD Team Vacancy Announcement
    An announcement is now open for a Transportation Specialist position on the MUTCD Team in the FHWA's Office of Operations. Please feel free to distribute within your organization and to interested individuals as appropriate. The announcement closes November 12. For further details, please see the full job announcement at USA Jobs: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/515828500.
  • October 25, 2018
    MUTCD Update Announced in Fall Regulatory Agenda
    On October 17, 2018, the Office of Management and Budget published the Fall 2018 Unified Agenda of Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions. The FHWA's plan to update the MUTCD is included at RIN 2125-AF85. The Unified Agenda keeps the public informed of regulatory actions that are planned over the next 12 months or a longer term. The schedule, priority, and other details reported in the Regulatory Identification Number (RIN) abstract are preliminary and are subject to change at various stages throughout the rulemaking process. Future releases of the Unified Agenda, published each Spring and Fall, will update that information to reflect any changes to the status and schedule as previously reported.
  • October 5, 2018
    FHWA Announces Plans to Update the MUTCD
    On October 5, 2018, the FHWA announced it plans to update the MUTCD. Overall, the proposed update would provide more flexibility and innovation to improve travel for drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists. A tentative rulemaking schedule is expected to be released in late fall. Please see the FHWA press release for more details.
  • April 13, 2018
    Reinstatement of Interim Approval 5 – Use of Clearview Font for Positive Contrast Legends on Guide Signs (IA-5).
    On March 28, 2018, the FHWA issued a memorandum reinstating the previously terminated Interim Approval 5 allowing the optional use of the Clearview letter style for Positive Contrast Legends on Guide signs. Jurisdictions that previously had approval to use IA-5 prior to the January 25, 2016 termination may immediately start reusing Clearview per the provisions of this Interim Approval and the previously issued Design and Use Policy for Clearview Alphabet. States and jurisdictions that did not have prior approval to use Clearview must submit a written request to the FHWA and receive approval from FHWA per MUTCD Section 1A.10 prior to using Clearview. Responses to frequently asked questions related to the reinstatement and use of Interim Approval 5 are available.
  • 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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