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Amendment Process

Nine editions in 68 years. Obviously, the MUTCD is a dynamic publication that has adapted to changes in travel patterns, needs, and emerging technologies and materials. Over the years those changes have resulted from research, experimentation, and practical experience, with the best and most effective devices and practices being implemented.

Because of the potential for change, FHWA officials continually review and consider completed research requests for interpretations, experimentations, and requested changes to the information contained in the MUTCD. This section examines the process by which decisions are made to revise, amend, or create MUTCD standards.

Amendment Process for Revising the MUTCD

When the FHWA assumed responsibility for updating the MUTCD in 1979, the agency announced that it would process all future changes to the MUTCD through notices in the Federal Register. This means that before any suggested revision is accepted, it must go through the 2-step Federal Register rulemaking process, a process designed to ensure public involvement:

1. Notice of Proposed Amendments (NPA) FHWA publishes proposed changes to the MUTCD in the Federal Register to give the public an opportunity to provide comments. These public comments are considered in making a Final Rule.
2. Final Ruling (FR) The Final Rule describes the FHWA's final decision concerning the proposals for changes to the MUTCD. This decision can include the following: adopt a proposed change, defer the proposed change pending further research, or adopt a modification to the proposed change based on docket comments and or other additional information received.

Amendment Process Flowchart

This process is important because it ensures that all parties have the opportunity to offer opinions and concerns about proposed changes to the MUTCD. The FHWA considers all comments (whether from private individuals, trade organizations, or the NCUTCD) before issuing a Final Rule, which is also published in the Federal Register.

• Flowchart of the Amendment Process (PDF, 102KB)

Change or Update an MUTCD Provisions

If you feel that a change should be made to an existing provision in the MUTCD, or you believe that there should be a new provision added, submit your written request for changes to the Federal Highway Administration, Director of the Office of Transportation Operations (HOTO). The request should be sent electronically as an attachment (PDF or Word Document) to an e-mail to: MUTCDofficialrequest@dot.gov. [Note: if e-mail is not possible, the letter may be sent via postal mail or delivery service to FHWA at 1200 New Jersey Avenue, S.E., HOTO-1, Washington, DC 20590. If the FHWA concludes that the change has merit, it will begin the Rulemaking Process outlined above.

For additional information, refer to the wording of MUTCD Section IA.10 (Changes, Interpretations, and Experimentations)