empty cell
Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) arrows logo
Resources
Resources

Interim Approvals Issued by FHWA

Section 1A.10 of the 2003 edition of the MUTCD contains a new provision authorizing the Federal Highway Administration to issue Interim Approvals. Such approvals allow the interim use, pending official rulemaking, of a new traffic control device, a revision to the application or manner of use of an existing traffic control device, or a provision not specifically described in the MUTCD. Interim Approvals are considered by the Office of Transportation Operations based on the results of successful experimentation, studies, or research, and an intention to place the new or revised device into a future rulemaking process for MUTCD revisions.

Any jurisdiction that wishes to use a device or application that has received Interim Approval should submit a written request to the FHWA, Director of the Office of Transportation Operations. The request must indicate whether blanket jurisdiction-wide approval is being requested or must state the location(s) where the device will be used, and must include the jurisdiction's agreement to comply with item F at the bottom of page 1A-6 of the 2003 MUTCD, part of Section 1A.10. A State may request Interim Approval for all jurisdictions in that State.

The letter of request (on agency letterhead) should be addressed to the Director of the Office of Transportation Operations, Federal Highway Administration, and 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.

Interim Approvals that have been issued by FHWA are listed below, with links to the actual approval document and background information for each. A list of authorized requests for each Interim Approval is also provided.

July 16, 2008--Interim Approval for Optional Use of Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (IA-11):

September 21, 2006--Interim Approval to Display More than Six Specific Service Logo Panels for a Type of Service (IA-9):

March 20, 2006--Interim Approval for Optional Use of Flashing Yellow Arrow for Permissive Left Turns (IA-10):

September 6, 2005--Interim Approval for Optional Use of RV Friendly Symbol Sign:

January 28, 2005--REVISED Interim Approval for Use of Automated Flagger Assistance Devices (AFADs) in Temporary Traffic Control Zones:

September 2, 2004 -- Interim Approval for Use of Clearview Font for Positive Contrast Legends on Guide Signs:

August 2, 2004 -- Optional use of wayside horn system (WHS) at highway-rail grade crossings:

February 6, 2004 -- Optional use of retroreflective borders on traffic signal backplates:

You will need the Adobe Acrobat Reader to view the PDFs on this page.