Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices
The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, or MUTCD defines the standards used by road managers nationwide to install and maintain traffic control devices on all streets and highways. The MUTCD is published by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) under 23 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 655, Subpart F.
The electronic version of the MUTCD 2003 Edition with Revisions 1 and 2 incorporated is the most current edition on the MUTCD Web site and is the official FHWA publication. FHWA is not printing copies of the MUTCD because of the prohibitive costs involved. The web site version is also more efficient and reliable when revising the MUTCD. National organizations have partnered and printed hard copies of the MUTCD. These hard copies are available for sale. Go to ATSSA, ITE, or AASHTO to get sales information.
What's New
Interim Approval for Optional Use of Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons
On July 16, 2008, the FHWA issued an Interim Approval for the Optional Use of Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) as warning beacons supplementing pedestrian crossing or school crossing warning signs at crossings across uncontrolled approaches, under certain technical conditions. Experimentation with RRFBs in Florida and elsewhere found very high rates of motorist "yield to pedestrians" compliance, mostly in the high 80s to close to 100 percent, versus only 15 to 20 percent for standard beacons. The very high yielding rates are sustained even after 2 years in operation. For more information on this Interim Approval and how highway agencies can use RRFBs under this Interim Approval, see the Interim Approvals page on this Web site.
Proposed Amendments for Next Edition of the MUTCD
A Notice of Proposed Amendments (NPA) to the MUTCD containing comprehensive revisions proposed for incorporation into the next edition of the MUTCD was published in the Federal Register on January 2, 2008 for public review and comments. A 7-month period was provided for comments to the docket, which closed on July 31, 2008. The FHWA is currently reviewing and analyzing the comments received. A Final Rule for the next edition of the MUTCD is anticipated during 2009. The NPA's proposed MUTCD text, figures, and tables are available for viewing. Slide presentations illustrating the proposed amendments are also available to enhance understanding.
Revision Number 2 to the 2003 Edition of MUTCD
A Final Rule on Sign Retroreflectivity has been published in the Federal Register on December 21, 2007. This Final Rule adopts revisions to the current 2003 edition of the MUTCD. The revisions affect the MUTCD Introduction, Part 1, and Chapter 2A, plus minor editorial changes to cross-references in Chapters 2B and 6F. This set of revisions is Revision No. 2 to the 2003 edition of the MUTCD. The most current edition of the MUTCD is now the 2003 Edition with Revisions 1 and 2 incorporated.
The Federal Register notice of the Final Rule for Revision Number (No. 2) can be viewed at: http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/res-notices.htm
A document showing the specific changes to the MUTCD that are included in Revision No. 2 can be viewed at: (HTML, PDF 70KB)
For more information and background on Revision No. 2, please visit FHWA's Sign Retroreflectivity Web site at http://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/roadway_dept/retro/sign/
sign_retro.htm.
Additional What's New Items
- FHWA MUTCD Team member and "safety hound" Fred N. Ranck received the 2008 ITE traffic safety award (PDF 28KB) in recognition of his contributions to the advancement of highway traffic safety throughout his career. (August 22, 2008)
- Status of States Adopting the MUTCD (Updated July 17, 2008)
- List of Authorized Requests for Interim Approval - In an effort to enhance the utility of the Interim Approval web page, the MUTCD Web site now includes a list of State and local highway agencies that have been granted an Interim Approval.
You will need the Adobe Acrobat Reader to view the PDFs on this page.
