Standard Highway Signs (SHS), 2004 Edition, and 2012 Supplement

Introduction 2012 Supplement 2004 Edition Additional Resources

Introduction, How to use the 2012 Supplement with the 2004 Edition

While the Federal Highway Administration completes the publication of the design details for the signs added in the 11th Edition of the MUTCD, the Phased Releases of new sign designs should be used along with the old designs contained in the 2004 Edition of SHS and the 2012 Supplement, until such time that the full publication is released.

The 2012 Supplement contains the new and revised sign designs adopted in the 2009 Edition of the MUTCD. Where a sign design is included in the 2012 Supplement, its previous design in the 2004 SHS is superseded. Together, these two documents are a companion to the 2009 Edition of the MUTCD. Once the 2024 Edition of SHS is released, the 2004 Edition of SHS and the 2012 Supplement will be superseded.

2012 Supplement to the 2004 Edition

2004 Edition, English Version

Emergency Management and Civil Defense Signs

Additional Resources

List of Known Errors

List of Known Errors in the 2004 SHS

FHWA Word Calculator for Highway Signs

Try the new design tool to automatically determine the length of any traffic sign legend. Now, you can quickly and easily determine word lengths and estimate sign sizes based on the results. All the FHWA Standard Alphabet letter series—B, C, D, E, E(mod), and F—are supported for both upper- and lower-case letter forms. The tool can also be used to verify the output of sign design software programs.

Vector-based PDF and EPS Sign Formats

Undimensioned, full-size layouts for selected signs are provided for use by sign fabricators in the electronic fabrication process. These full-size layouts are made available in vector-based PDF and EPS formats that can be used directly with electronic vinyl cutting equipment.

Full-size PDF and EPS Files