MUTCD 2003_Revision 1.pdf

U.S. Department of Transportation

Federal Highway Administration

Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways

Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways

Including Revision 1 dated November 2004

M anual on Uniform

Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highw ays

U.S. Department of Transportation

Federal Highway Administration

Dotted line indicates edge of binder spine.

M U T C D

M U T C D

Including Revision 1 dated November 2004

Administration

Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways

Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways

The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) is approved by the Federal Highway Administrator as the National Standard in accordance with Title 23 U.S. Code, Sections 109(d), 114(a), 217, 315, and 402(a), 23 CFR 655, and 49 CFR 1.48(b)(8), 1.48(b)(33), and 1.48(c)(2).

Addresses for Publications Referenced in the MUTCD

American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) 444 North Capitol Street, NW, Suite 249 Washington, DC 20001 www.transportation.org

American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association (AREMA) 8201 Corporate Drive, Suite 1125 Landover, MD 20785-2230 www.arema.org

Federal Highway Administration Report Center Facsimile number: 301.577.1421 report.center@fhwa.dot.gov

Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) 120 Wall Street, Floor 17 New York, NY 10005 www.iesna.org

Institute of Makers of Explosives 1120 19th Street, NW, Suite 310 Washington, DC 20036-3605 www.ime.org

Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) 1099 14th Street, NW, Suite 300 West Washington, DC 20005-3438 www.ite.org

International Organization for Standards c/o Mr. Gerard Kuso Austrian Standards Institute Heinestrabe 38 Postfach 130 A-1021 Wien, Austria www.iso.ch

ISEA - The Safety Equipment Association 1901 North Moore Street, Suite 808 Arlington, VA 22209 www.safetyequipment.org

National Committee on Uniform Traffic Laws and Ordinances (NCUTLO) 107 South West Street, Suite 110 Alexandria, VA 22314 www.ncutlo.org

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) U.S. Department of Labor 200 Constitution Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20210 www.osha.gov

2003 Edition Page i

Transportation Research Board (TRB) The National Academies 2101 Constitution Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20418 www.nas.edu/trb

U.S. Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (The U.S. Access Board) 1331 F Street, NW, Suite 1000 Washington, DC 20004-1111 www.access-board.gov

Acknowledgments

The Federal Highway Administration gratefully acknowledges the valuable assistance that it received from the National Committee on Uniform Traffic Control Devices and its over 200 voluntary members in the development of this Manual.

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2003 Edition Page I-1

MANUAL ON UNIFORM TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES

INTRODUCTION

Standard:

Traffic control devices shall be defined as all signs, signals, markings, and other devices used to regulate, warn, or guide traffic, placed on, over, or adjacent to a street, highway, pedestrian facility, or bikeway by authority of a public agency having jurisdiction.

The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) is incorporated by reference in 23 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 655, Subpart F and shall be recognized as the national standard for all traffic control devices installed on any street, highway, or bicycle trail open to public travel in accordance with 23 U.S.C. 109(d) and 402(a). The policies and procedures of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to obtain basic uniformity of traffic control devices shall be as described in 23 CFR 655, Subpart F.

Any traffic control device design or application provision contained in this Manual shall be considered to be in the public domain. Traffic control devices contained in this Manual shall not be protected by a patent, trademark, or copyright, except for the Interstate Shield and any other items owned by FHWA.

Support:

The need for uniform standards was recognized long ago. The American Association of State Highway Officials (AASHO), now known as the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), published a manual for rural highways in 1927, and the National Conference on Street and Highway Safety (NCSHS) published a manual for urban streets in 1930. In the early years, the necessity for unification of the standards applicable to the different classes of road and street systems was obvious. To meet this need, a joint committee of AASHO and NCSHS developed and published the original edition of this Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) in 1935. That committee, now called the National Committee on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (NCUTCD), though changed from time to time in name, organization, and personnel, has been in continuous existence and has contributed to periodic revisions of this Manual. The FHWA has administered the MUTCD since the 1971 edition. The FHWA and its predecessor organizations have participated in the development and publishing of the previous editions. There were eight previous editions of the MUTCD, and several of those editions were revised one or more times. Table I-1 traces the evolution of the MUTCD, including the two manuals developed by AASHO and NCSHS.

Standard:

The U.S. Secretary of Transportation, under authority granted by the Highway Safety Act of 1966, decreed that traffic control devices on all streets and highways open to public travel in accordance with 23 U.S.C. 109(d) and 402(a) in each State shall be in substantial conformance with the Standards issued or endorsed by the FHWA.

Support:

23 CFR 655.603 adopts the MUTCD as the national standard for any street, highway, or bicycle trail open to public travel in accordance with 23 U.S.C. 109(d) and 402(a). The “Uniform Vehicle Code (UVC)” is one of the publications referenced in the MUTCD. The UVC contains a model set of motor vehicle codes and traffic laws for use throughout the United States. The States are encouraged to adopt Section 15-116 of the UVC, which states that, “No person shall install or maintain in any area of private property used by the public any sign, signal, marking, or other device intended to regulate, warn, or guide traffic unless it conforms with the State manual and specifications adopted under Section 15-104.”

The Standard, Guidance, Option, and Support material described in this edition of the MUTCD provide the transportation professional with the information needed to make appropriate decisions regarding the use of traffic control devices on streets and highways. The material in this edition is organized to better differentiate between Standards that must be satisfied for the particular circumstances of a situation, Guidances that should be followed for the particular circumstances of a situation, and Options that may be applicable for the particular circumstances of a situation.

Throughout this Manual the headings Standard, Guidance, Option, and Support are used to classify the nature of the text that follows. Figures, tables, and illustrations supplement the text and might constitute a Standard, Guidance, Option, or Support. The user needs to refer to the appropriate text to classify the nature of the figure, table, or illustration.

Standard:

When used in this Manual, the text headings shall be defined as follows:

1. Standard—a statement of required, mandatory, or specifically prohibitive practice regarding a traffic control device. All standards are labeled, and the text appears in bold type. The verb shall is typically used. Standards are sometimes modified by Options.

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Table I-1. Evolution of the MUTCD

Year Name

Manual and Specifications for the Manufacture, Display, and Erection of U.S. Standard Road Markers and Signs (for rural roads)

1927 4/29, 12/31

1930 Manual on Street Traffic Signs, Signals, and Markings (for urban streets)

No revisions

1935 Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways (MUTCD)

2/39

1942 Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways — War Emergency Edition

No revisions

1948 Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways

9/54

1961 Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways

No revisions

1971 Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways

11/71, 4/72, 3/73, 10/73, 6/74, 6/75, 9/76, 12/77

1978 Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways

12/79, 12/83, 9/84, 3/86

1988 Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways

1/90, 3/92, 9/93, 11/94, 12/96, 6/98, 1/00

2000 Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways — Millennium Edition

2003 Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways

Month / Year Revised

2003 Edition Page I-3

2. Guidance—a statement of recommended, but not mandatory, practice in typical situations, with deviations allowed if engineering judgment or engineering study indicates the deviation to be appropriate. All Guidance statements are labeled, and the text appears in unbold type. The verb should is typically used. Guidance statements are sometimes modified by Options.

3. Option—a statement of practice that is a permissive condition and carries no requirement or recommendation. Options may contain allowable modifications to a Standard or Guidance. All Option statements are labeled, and the text appears in unbold type. The verb may is typically used.

4. Support—an informational statement that does not convey any degree of mandate, recommendation, authorization, prohibition, or enforceable condition. Support statements are labeled, and the text appears in unbold type. The verbs shall, should, and may are not used in Support statements.

Support:

Throughout this Manual all dimensions and distances are provided in the International System of Units, a modernized version of the Metric system, and their English equivalent units are shown in parentheses.

Guidance:

Before laying out distances or determining sign sizes, the public agency should decide whether to use the International System of Units (Metric) or the English equivalent units. The chosen units should be specified on plan drawings. The chosen unit of measurement should be made known to those responsible for designing, installing, or maintaining traffic control devices.

Except when a specific numeral is required by the text of a Section of this Manual, numerals shown on the sign images in the figures that specify quantities such as times, distances, speed limits, and weights should be regarded as examples only. When installing any of these signs, the numerals should be appropriately altered to fit the specific signing situation.

Support:

The following information will be useful when reference is being made to a specific portion of text in this Manual.

There are ten Parts in this Manual and each Part is comprised of one or more Chapters. Each Chapter is comprised of one or more Sections. Parts are given a numerical identification, such as Part 2-Signs. Chapters are identified by the Part number and a letter, such as Chapter 2B-Regulatory Signs. Sections are identified by the Chapter number and letter followed by a decimal point and a number, such as Section 2B.03-Size of Regulatory Signs.

Each Section is comprised of one or more paragraphs. The paragraphs are indented but are not identified by a number or letter. Paragraphs are counted from the beginning of each Section without regard to the intervening text headings (Standard, Guidance, Option, or Support). Some paragraphs have lettered or numbered items. As an example of how to cite this Manual, the phrase “Not less than 12 m (40 ft) beyond the stop line” that appears on Page 4D-12 of this Manual would be referenced in writing as “Section 4D.15, P7, D1(a),” and would be verbally referenced as “Item D1(a) of Paragraph 7 of Section 4D.15.”

Standard:

In accordance with 23 CFR 655.603(b)(1), States or other Federal agencies that have their own

MUTCDs or Supplements shall revise these MUTCDs or Supplements to be in substantial conformance with changes to the National MUTCD within 2 years of issuance of the changes. Unless a particular device is no longer serviceable, non-compliant devices on existing highways and bikeways shall be brought into compliance with the current edition of the National MUTCD as part of the systematic upgrading of substandard traffic control devices (and installation of new required traffic control devices) required pursuant to the Highway Safety Program, 23 U.S.C. § 402(a). In cases involving Federal-aid projects for new highway or bikeway construction or reconstruction, the traffic control devices installed (temporary or permanent) shall be in conformance with the most recent edition of the National MUTCD before that highway is opened or re-opened to the public for unrestricted travel [23 CFR 655.603(d)(2)]. The FHWA has the authority to establish other target compliance dates for implementation of particular changes to the MUTCD [23 CFR 655.603(d)(4)]. These target compliance dates established by the FHWA shall be as follows:

Section 2A.19 Lateral Offset—crashworthiness of sign supports—January 17, 2013 for roads with posted speed limit of 80 km/h (50 mph) or higher.

Section 2B.03 Size of Regulatory Signs—increased sign sizes and other changes to Table 2B-1—10 years from the effective date of the Final Rule for the 2003 MUTCD.

Section 2B.04 STOP Sign (R1-1)—4-WAY plaque requirement—January 17, 2004.

Section 2B.06 STOP Sign Placement—signs mounted on back of STOP sign—10 years from the effective date of the Final Rule for the 2003 MUTCD.

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Section 2B.09 YIELD Sign Applications—changes in YIELD sign application criteria from the 1988 MUTCD—January 17, 2011.

Section 2B.10 YIELD Sign Placement—signs mounted on back of YIELD sign—10 years from the effective date of the Final Rule for the 2003 MUTCD.

Section 2B.11 Yield Here to Pedestrians Signs (R1-5, R1-5a)—new section—10 years from the effective date of the Final Rule for the 2003 MUTCD.

Section 2B.13 Speed Limit Sign (R2-1)—color of changeable message legend of YOUR SPEED—10 years from the effective date of the Final Rule for the 2003 MUTCD.

Section 2B.25 Reversible Lane Control Signs (R3-9d, R3-9f through R3-9i)—removal of R3-9c and R3-9e signs—10 years from the effective date of the Final Rule for the 2003 MUTCD.

Section 2B.26 Preferential Only Lane Signs (R3-10 through R3-15)—10 years from the effective date of the Final Rule for the 2003 MUTCD.

Section 2B.27 Preferential Only Lanes for High-Occupancy Vehicles (HOVs)—new section in Millennium Edition—January 17, 2007.

Section 2B.28 Preferential Only Lane Sign Applications and Placement—10 years from the effective date of the Final Rule for the 2003 MUTCD.

Section 2B.37 ONE WAY Signs (R6-1, R6-2)—placement requirement at intersecting alleys— January 17, 2008.

Section 2B.46 Photo Enforced Signs (R10-18, R10-19)—new section—10 years from the effective date of the Final Rule for the 2003 MUTCD.

Section 2B.52 Hazardous Material Signs (R14-2, R14-3)—change in sign legend—10 years from the effective date of the Final Rule for the 2003 MUTCD.

Section 2C.04 Size of Warning Signs—increased sizes of W4-1, W5-2, W6-3, and W12-1 signs—January 17, 2008.

Section 2C.04 Size of Warning Signs—sizes of W1 Series Arrows signs, W7 Series truck runaway signs, W12-2p low clearance signs, and W10-1 advance grade crossing sign—10 years from the effective date of the Final Rule for the 2003 MUTCD.

Section 2C.11 Truck Rollover Warning Signs (W1-13, W1-13a)—new section—10 years from the effective date of the Final Rule for the 2003 MUTCD.

Section 2C.16 NARROW BRIDGE Sign (W5-2)—elimination of symbol sign—10 years from the effective date of the Final Rule for the 2003 MUTCD.

Section 2C.25 PAVEMENT ENDS Sign (W8-3)—removal of symbol sign—January 17, 2011.

Section 2C.26 Shoulder Signs (W8-4, W8-9, and W8-9a)—removal of symbol signs—January 17, 2011.

Section 2C.30 Speed Reduction Signs (W3-5, W3-5a)—removal of R2-5 Series Reduced Speed Ahead signs and use of W3-5 or W3-5a warning signs instead—15 years from the effective date of the Final Rule for the 2003 MUTCD.

Section 2C.31 Merge Signs (W4-1, W4-5)—Entering Roadway Merge sign (W4-1a)—10 years from the effective date of the Final Rule for the 2003 MUTCD.

Section 2C.32 Added Lane Signs (W4-3, W4-6)—Entering Roadway Added Lane sign (W4-3a)—10 years from the effective date of the Final Rule for the 2003 MUTCD.

Section 2C.33 Lane Ends Signs (W4-2, W9-1, W9-2)—new design of W4-2 sign—10 years from the effective date of the Final Rule for the 2003 MUTCD.

Section 2C.34 Two-Way Traffic Sign (W6-3)—transition from one-way street—5 years from the effective date of the Final Rule for the 2003 MUTCD.

Section 2C.37 Intersection Warning Signs (W2-1 through W2-6)—new design of Circular Intersection (W2-6) sign—10 years from the effective date of the Final Rule for the 2003 MUTCD.

Section 2C.40 Vehicular Traffic Signs (W8-6, W11-1, W11-5, W11-5a, W11-6, W11-8, W11-10, W11-11, W11-12, W11-14)—new symbol signs W11-1, W11-5, W11-5a, W11-6, W11-11, and W11-14—10 years from the effective date of the Final Rule for the 2003 MUTCD.

Section 2C.41 Nonvehicular Signs (W11-2, W11-3, W11-4, W11-7, W11-9)—elimination of crosswalk lines from crossing signs and use of diagonal downward pointing arrow supplemental plaque (W16-7) if at the crossing—January 17, 2011.

Section 2C.53 PHOTO ENFORCED Plaque (W16-10)—new section—10 years from the effective date of the Final Rule for the 2003 MUTCD.

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Section 2D.38 Street Name Sign (D3-1)—symbol sizes, 150 mm (6 in) letter sizes for lettering on ground-mounted Street Name signs on roads that are not multi-lane streets with speed limits greater than 60 km/h (40 mph), other new provisions of Millennium Edition—January 9, 2012.

Section 2D.38 Street Name Sign (D3-1)—letter sizes on ground-mounted signs on multi-lane streets with speed limits greater than 60 km/h (40 mph) and letter sizes on overhead-mounted signs—15 years from the effective date of the Final Rule of the 2003 MUTCD.

Section 2D.39 Advance Street Name Signs (D3-2)—new section in 2000 MUTCD and revisions in 2003 MUTCD—15 years from the effective date of the Final Rule for the 2003 MUTCD.

Section 2D.45 General Service Signs (D9 Series)—Traveler Info Call 511 (D12-5) sign, Channel 9 Monitored (D12-3) sign—10 years from the effective date of the Final Rule for the 2003 MUTCD.

Section 2D.46 Reference Location Signs (D10-1 through D10-3) and Intermediate Reference Location Signs (D10-1a through D10-3a)—location and spacing of Reference Location signs and design of Intermediate Reference Location signs—10 years from the effective date of the Final Rule for the 2003

MUTCD.

Section 2E.28 Interchange Exit Numbering—size of exit number plaque—January 17, 2008.

Section 2E.28 Interchange Exit Numbering—LEFT on exit number plaques for left exits—5 years from the effective date of the Final Rule for the 2003 MUTCD.

Section 2E.30 Advance Guide Signs—advance placement distance—January 17, 2008.

Section 2E.54 Reference Location Signs and Enhanced Reference Location Signs (D10-4, D10-5)—design of Enhanced Reference Location signs and Intermediate Enhanced Reference Location signs—10 years from the effective date of the Final Rule for the 2003 MUTCD.

Section 2E.59 Preferential Only Lane Signs—new section in 2003 Edition—10 years from the effective date of the Final Rule for the 2003 MUTCD.

Section 2F.05 Size of Lettering—minimum height of letters and numerals on specific service signs— January 17, 2011.

Section 2I.03 EVACUATION ROUTE Sign (EM-1)—new design and size of EM-1 sign—15 years from the effective date of the Final Rule for the 2003 MUTCD.

Section 3B.01 Yellow Centerline Pavement Markings and Warrants—new section in Millennium Edition— January 3, 2003.

Section 3B.03 Other Yellow Longitudinal Pavement Markings—spacing requirements for pavement marking arrows in two-way left-turn lanes—5 years from the effective date of the Final Rule for the

2003 MUTCD.

Section 3B.07 Warrants for Use of Edge Lines—new section in Millennium Edition—January 3, 2003.

Section 3B.17 Crosswalk Markings—gap between transverse lines of a crosswalk—10 years from the effective date of the Final Rule for the 2003 MUTCD.

Section 3B.19 Pavement Word and Symbol Markings—typical spacing of lane-use arrows in two-way left-turn lanes shown in Figure 3B-7—5 years from the effective date of the Final Rule for the

2003 MUTCD.

Section 3C.01 Object Marker Design and Placement Height—width of stripes on Type 3 striped marker— 10 years from the effective date of the Final Rule for the 2003 MUTCD.

Section 4D.01 General—location of signalized midblock crosswalks—10 years from the effective date of the Final Rule for the 2003 MUTCD.

Section 4D.05 Application of Steady Signal Indications—Item B.4 in STANDARD—5 years from the effective date of the Final Rule for the 2003 MUTCD.

Section 4D.12 Flashing Operation of Traffic Control Signals—duration of steady red clearance interval in change from red-red flashing mode to steady (stop-and-go) mode—10 years from the effective date of the Final Rule for the 2003 MUTCD.

Section 4E.06 Accessible Pedestrian Signals—new section in Millennium Edition—January 17, 2005.

Section 4E.07 Countdown Pedestrian Signals—new section—10 years from the effective date of the Final

Rule for the 2003 MUTCD for countdown pedestrian signal hardware; 3 years from the effective date of the Final Rule for the 2003 MUTCD for operational requirements of countdown pedestrian signals.

Section 4E.09 Accessible Pedestrian Signal Detectors—new section in Millennium Edition—January 17, 2005.

Section 4E.10 Pedestrian Intervals and Signal Phases—pedestrian clearance time sufficient to travel to far side of the traveled way—5 years from the effective date of the Final Rule for the 2003 MUTCD.

Section 5C.05 NARROW BRIDGE Sign (W5-2)—elimination of symbol sign—10 years from the effective date of the Final Rule for the 2003 MUTCD.

Section 6D.01 Pedestrian Considerations—all new provisions for pedestrian accessibility—5 years from the effective date of the Final Rule for the 2003 MUTCD.

Section 6D.02 Accessibility Considerations—5 years from the effective date of the Final Rule for the

MUTCD.

Section 6D.03 Worker Safety Considerations—high-visibility apparel requirements—3 years from the effective date of the Final Rule for the 2003 MUTCD.

Section 6E.02 High-Visibility Safety Apparel—high-visibility apparel requirements for flaggers—3 years from the effective date of the Final Rule for the 2003 MUTCD.

Section 6F.03 Sign Placement—crashworthiness of sign supports—January 17, 2005.

Section 6F.58 Channelizing Devices—crashworthiness—January 17, 2005.

Section 6F.59 Cones—width of retroreflective stripes—5 years from the effective date of the Final Rule for the 2003 MUTCD.

Section 6F.63 Type I, II, or III Barricades—crashworthiness—January 17, 2005.

Section 6F.66 Longitudinal Channelizing Barricades—crashworthiness—January 17, 2005.

Section 6F.82 Crash Cushions—crashworthiness—January 17, 2005.

Section 7B.08 School Advance Warning Assembly (S1-1 with Supplemental Plaque)—use of AHEAD plaque (W16-9p) or distance plaque (W16-2 or W16-2a)—January 17, 2011.

Section 7B.09 School Crosswalk Warning Assembly (S1-1 with Diagonal Arrow)—elimination of crosswalk lines from crossing signs and use of diagonal downward pointing arrow supplemental plaque (W16-7) —January 17, 2011.

Section 7B.12 Reduced Speed School Zone Ahead Sign (S4-5, S4-5a)—15 years from the effective date of the Final Rule for the 2003 MUTCD.

Section 7E.04 Uniform of Adult Crossing Guards and Student Patrols—requirement for high-visibility apparel for adult crossing guards—5 years from the effective date of the Final Rule for the 2003

MUTCD.

Section 8B.03 Highway-Rail Grade Crossing (Crossbuck) Sign (R15-1) and Number of Tracks Sign (R15-2)—retroreflective strip on crossbuck support—January 17, 2011.

Section 8B.04 Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Advance Warning Signs (W10 Series)—removal of existing W10-6 series signs—January 17, 2006.

Section 8D.07 Traffic Control Signals at or Near Highway-Rail Grade Crossings—pre-signals—10 years from the effective date of the Final Rule for the 2003 MUTCD.

Section 9B.04 Bicycle Lane Signs (R3-17, R3-17a, R3-17b)—deletion of preferential lane symbol (diamond) for bicycle lane signs—January 17, 2006.

Section 9B.17 Bicycle Warning Sign (W11-1)—elimination of crosswalk lines from crossing signs and use of diagonal downward pointing arrow supplemental plaque (W16-7) if at the crossing—January 17, 2011.

Chapter 9C Markings—deletion of preferential lane symbol (diamond) for bicycle pavement markings— January 17, 2007.

Part 10 Traffic Controls for Highway-Light Rail Transit Grade Crossings—automatic gates, flashing-light signals, and blank-out signs—January 17, 2011.

Section 10C.15 Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Advance Warning Signs (W10 Series)—removal of existing W10-6 series signs—January 17, 2006.

Option:

In order for maintenance personnel to understand what to do when replacing a damaged non-compliant traffic control device, agencies may establish a policy regarding whether to replace the device in kind or to replace it with a compliant device.

Support:

Often it is desirable to upgrade to a compliant device at the time of this maintenance of a damaged device.

However, it might be appropriate to replace the damaged non-compliant device in kind at the time of this maintenance activity if engineering judgment indicates that:

A. One compliant device in the midst of a series of adjacent non-compliant devices could potentially be confusing to road users; and/or

B. The anticipated schedule for replacement of the whole series of non-compliant devices will result in achieving timely compliance with the MUTCD.

Page I-6 2003 Edition

MANUAL ON UNIFORM TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

PART 1. GENERAL

Chapter 1A. General

PART 2. SIGNS

Chapter 2A. General Chapter 2B. Regulatory Signs Chapter 2C. Warning Signs Chapter 2D. Guide Signs — Conventional Roads Chapter 2E. Guide Signs — Freeways and Expressways Chapter 2F. Specific Service Signs Chapter 2G. Tourist-Oriented Directional Signs Chapter 2H. Recreational and Cultural Interest Area Signs Chapter 2I. Emergency Management Signing

PART 3. MARKINGS

Chapter 3A. General Chapter 3B. Pavement and Curb Markings Chapter 3C. Object Markers Chapter 3D. Delineators Chapter 3E. Colored Pavements Chapter 3F. Barricades and Channelizing Devices Chapter 3G. Islands

PART 4. HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SIGNALS

Chapter 4A. General Chapter 4B. Traffic Control Signals — General Chapter 4C. Traffic Control Signal Needs Studies Chapter 4D. Traffic Control Signal Features Chapter 4E. Pedestrian Control Features Chapter 4F. Traffic Control Signals for Emergency Vehicle Access Chapter 4G. Traffic Control Signals for One-Lane, Two-Way Facilities Chapter 4H. Traffic Control Signals for Freeway Entrance Ramps Chapter 4I. Traffic Control for Movable Bridges Chapter 4J. Lane-Use Control Signals Chapter 4K. Flashing Beacons Chapter 4L. In-Roadway Lights

PART 5. TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES FOR LOW-VOLUME ROADS

Chapter 5A. General Chapter 5B. Regulatory Signs Chapter 5C. Warning Signs Chapter 5D. Guide Signs Chapter 5E. Markings Chapter 5F. Traffic Control for Highway-Rail Grade Crossings Chapter 5G. Temporary Traffic Control Zones

2003 Edition Page TC-1

PART 6. TEMPORARY TRAFFIC CONTROL

Chapter 6A. General Chapter 6B. Fundamental Principles Chapter 6C. Temporary Traffic Control Elements Chapter 6D. Pedestrian and Worker Safety Chapter 6E. Flagger Control Chapter 6F. Temporary Traffic Control Zone Devices Chapter 6G. Temporary Traffic Control Zone Activities Chapter 6H. Typical Applications Chapter 6I. Control of Traffic Through Traffic Incident Management Areas

PART 7. TRAFFIC CONTROLS FOR SCHOOL AREAS

Chapter 7A. General Chapter 7B. Signs Chapter 7C. Markings Chapter 7D. Signals Chapter 7E. Crossing Supervision Chapter 7F. Grade-Separated Crossings

PART 8. TRAFFIC CONTROLS FOR HIGHWAY-RAIL GRADE CROSSINGS

Chapter 8A. General Chapter 8B. Signs and Markings Chapter 8C. Illumination Chapter 8D. Flashing-Light Signals, Gates, and Traffic Control Signals

PART 9. TRAFFIC CONTROLS FOR BICYCLE FACILITIES

Chapter 9A. General Chapter 9B. Signs Chapter 9C. Markings Chapter 9D. Signals

PART 10. TRAFFIC CONTROLS FOR HIGHWAY-LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT

GRADE CROSSINGS

Chapter 10A. General Chapter 10B. Highway-Light Rail Transit Grade Crossing Control Systems Chapter 10C. Signs, Illumination, and Markings Chapter 10D. Highway-Light Rail Transit Active Traffic Control Grade Crossing Systems

APPENDIX A1. CONGRESSIONAL LEGISLATION

Page TC-2 2003 Edition

Administration

Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways

Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways

Part 1 General

PART 1. GENERAL

Page

CHAPTER 1A. GENERAL

Section 1A.01 Purpose of Traffic Control Devices.........................................................................................1A-1 Section 1A.02 Principles of Traffic Control Devices......................................................................................1A-1 Section 1A.03 Design of Traffic Control Devices ..........................................................................................1A-1 Section 1A.04 Placement and Operation of Traffic Control Devices .............................................................1A-2 Section 1A.05 Maintenance of Traffic Control Devices .................................................................................1A-2 Section 1A.06 Uniformity of Traffic Control Devices....................................................................................1A-2 Section 1A.07 Responsibility for Traffic Control Devices .............................................................................1A-2 Section 1A.08 Authority for Placement of Traffic Control Devices...............................................................1A-3 Section 1A.09 Engineering Study and Engineering Judgment .......................................................................1A-3 Section 1A.10 Interpretations, Experimentations, Changes, and Interim Approvals .....................................1A-4 Section 1A.11 Relation to Other Publications ................................................................................................1A-7 Section 1A.12 Color Code ..............................................................................................................................1A-9 Section 1A.13 Definitions of Words and Phrases in This Manual................................................................1A-10 Section 1A.14 Abbreviations Used on Traffic Control Devices ...................................................................1A-14

FIGURES

CHAPTER 1A. GENERAL

Figure 1A-1 Example of Process for Requesting and Conducting Experimentations for New Traffic Control Devices ...........................................................................................................1A-5

Figure 1A-2 Example of Process for Incorporating New Traffic Control Devices into the MUTCD...................................................................................................................................1A-8

TABLES

CHAPTER 1A. GENERAL

Table 1A-1 Acceptable Abbreviations......................................................................................................1A-15 Table 1A-2 Abbreviations That Are Acceptable Only with a Prompt Word............................................1A-16 Table 1A-3 Unacceptable Abbreviations..................................................................................................1A-17

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CHAPTER 1A. GENERAL

Section 1A.01 Purpose of Traffic Control Devices Support:

The purpose of traffic control devices, as well as the principles for their use, is to promote highway safety and efficiency by providing for the orderly movement of all road users on streets and highways throughout the Nation.

Traffic control devices notify road users of regulations and provide warning and guidance needed for the reasonably safe, uniform, and efficient operation of all elements of the traffic stream.

Standard:

Traffic control devices or their supports shall not bear any advertising message or any other message that is not related to traffic control.

Support:

Tourist-oriented directional signs and Specific Service signs are not considered advertising; rather, they are classified as motorist service signs.

Section 1A.02 Principles of Traffic Control Devices Support:

This Manual contains the basic principles that govern the design and use of traffic control devices for all streets and highways open to public travel regardless of type or class or the public agency having jurisdiction.

This Manual’s text specifies the restriction on the use of a device if it is intended for limited application or for a specific system. It is important that these principles be given primary consideration in the selection and application of each device.

Guidance:

To be effective, a traffic control device should meet five basic requirements:

A. Fulfill a need;

B. Command attention;

C. Convey a clear, simple meaning;

D. Command respect from road users; and E. Give adequate time for proper response.

Design, placement, operation, maintenance, and uniformity are aspects that should be carefully considered in order to maximize the ability of a traffic control device to meet the five requirements listed in the previous paragraph. Vehicle speed should be carefully considered as an element that governs the design, operation, placement, and location of various traffic control devices.

Support:

The definition of the word “speed” varies depending on its use. The definitions of specific speed terms are contained in Section 1A.13.

Guidance:

The actions required of road users to obey regulatory devices should be specified by State statute, or in cases not covered by State statute, by local ordinance or resolution consistent with the “Uniform Vehicle Code.”

The proper use of traffic control devices should provide the reasonable and prudent road user with the information necessary to reasonably safely and lawfully use the streets, highways, pedestrian facilities, and bikeways.

Support:

Uniformity of the meaning of traffic control devices is vital to their effectiveness. The meanings ascribed to devices in this Manual are in general accord with the publications mentioned in Section 1A.11.

Section 1A.03 Design of Traffic Control Devices Guidance:

Devices should be designed so that features such as size, shape, color, composition, lighting or retroreflection, and contrast are combined to draw attention to the devices; that size, shape, color, and simplicity of message combine to produce a clear meaning; that legibility and size combine with placement to permit adequate time for response; and that uniformity, size, legibility, and reasonableness of the message combine to command respect.

2003 Edition Page 1A-1

Sect. 1A.01 to 1A.03

Standard:

All symbols shall be unmistakably similar to or mirror images of the adopted symbol signs, all of which are shown in the “Standard Highway Signs” book (see Section 1A.11). Symbols and colors shall not be modified unless otherwise stated herein. All symbols and colors for signs not shown in the “Standard Highway Signs” book shall follow the procedures for experimentation and change described in Section 1A.10.

Guidance:

Aspects of a device’s design should be modified only if there is a demonstrated need.

Support:

An example of modifying a device’s design would be to modify the Side Road (W2-2) sign to show a second offset intersecting road.

Option:

Highway agencies may develop word message signs to notify road users of special regulations or to warn road users of a situation that might not be readily apparent. Unlike symbol signs and colors, new word message signs may be used without the need for experimentation. With the exception of symbols and colors, minor modifications in the specific design elements of a device may be made provided the essential appearance characteristics are preserved. Although the standard design of symbol signs cannot be modified, it may be appropriate to change the orientation of the symbol to better reflect the direction of travel.

Section 1A.04 Placement and Operation of Traffic Control Devices Guidance:

Placement of a traffic control device should be within the road user’s view so that adequate visibility is provided. To aid in conveying the proper meaning, the traffic control device should be appropriately positioned with respect to the location, object, or situation to which it applies. The location and legibility of the traffic control device should be such that a road user has adequate time to make the proper response in both day and night conditions.

Traffic control devices should be placed and operated in a uniform and consistent manner.

Unnecessary traffic control devices should be removed. The fact that a device is in good physical condition should not be a basis for deferring needed removal or change.

Section 1A.05 Maintenance of Traffic Control Devices Guidance:

Functional maintenance of traffic control devices should be used to determine if certain devices need to be changed to meet current traffic conditions.

Physical maintenance of traffic control devices should be performed to retain the legibility and visibility of the device, and to retain the proper functioning of the device.

Support:

Clean, legible, properly mounted devices in good working condition command the respect of road users.

Section 1A.06 Uniformity of Traffic Control Devices Support:

Uniformity of devices simplifies the task of the road user because it aids in recognition and understanding, thereby reducing perception/reaction time. Uniformity assists road users, law enforcement officers, and traffic courts by giving everyone the same interpretation. Uniformity assists public highway officials through efficiency in manufacture, installation, maintenance, and administration. Uniformity means treating similar situations in a similar way. The use of uniform traffic control devices does not, in itself, constitute uniformity. A standard device used where it is not appropriate is as objectionable as a nonstandard device; in fact, this might be worse, because such misuse might result in disrespect at those locations where the device is needed and appropriate.

Section 1A.07 Responsibility for Traffic Control Devices Standard:

The responsibility for the design, placement, operation, maintenance, and uniformity of traffic control devices shall rest with the public agency or the official having jurisdiction. 23 CFR 655.603 adopts the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices as the national standard for all traffic control devices installed on any street, highway, or bicycle trail open to public travel. When a State or other Federal agency

Page 1A-2 2003 Edition

Sect. 1A.03 to 1A.07 manual or supplement is required, that manual or supplement shall be in substantial conformance with the national Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices.

23 CFR 655.603 also states that traffic control devices on all streets and highways open to public travel in each State shall be in substantial conformance with standards issued or endorsed by the Federal Highway Administrator.

Support:

The “Uniform Vehicle Code” (see Section 1A.11) has the following provision in Section 15-104 for the adoption of a uniform Manual:

“(a)The [State Highway Agency] shall adopt a manual and specification for a uniform system of traffic control devices consistent with the provisions of this code for use upon highways within this State. Such uniform system shall correlate with and so far as possible conform to the system set forth in the most recent edition of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways, and other standards issued or endorsed by the Federal Highway Administrator.”

“(b) The Manual adopted pursuant to subsection (a) shall have the force and effect of law.”

Additionally, States are encouraged to adopt Section 15-116 of the “Uniform Vehicle Code,” which states that, “No person shall install or maintain in any area of private property used by the public any sign, signal, marking or other device intended to regulate, warn, or guide traffic unless it conforms with the State manual and specifications adopted under Section 15-104.”

Section 1A.08 Authority for Placement of Traffic Control Devices Standard:

Traffic control devices, advertisements, announcements, and other signs or messages within the highway right-of-way shall be placed only as authorized by a public authority or the official having jurisdiction, for the purpose of regulating, warning, or guiding traffic.

When the public agency or the official having jurisdiction over a street or highway has granted proper authority, others such as contractors and public utility companies shall be permitted to install temporary traffic control devices in temporary traffic control zones. Such traffic control devices shall conform with the Standards of this Manual.

Guidance:

Any unauthorized traffic control device or other sign or message placed on the highway right-of-way by a private organization or individual constitutes a public nuisance and should be removed. All unofficial or nonessential traffic control devices, signs, or messages should be removed.

Standard:

All regulatory traffic control devices shall be supported by laws, ordinances, or regulations.

Support:

Provisions of this Manual are based upon the concept that effective traffic control depends upon both appropriate application of the devices and reasonable enforcement of the regulations.

Section 1A.09 Engineering Study and Engineering Judgment Standard:

This Manual describes the application of traffic control devices, but shall not be a legal requirement for their installation.

Guidance:

The decision to use a particular device at a particular location should be made on the basis of either an engineering study or the application of engineering judgment. Thus, while this Manual provides Standards, Guidance, and Options for design and application of traffic control devices, this Manual should not be considered a substitute for engineering judgment.

Engineering judgment should be exercised in the selection and application of traffic control devices, as well as in the location and design of the roads and streets that the devices complement. Jurisdictions with responsibility for traffic control that do not have engineers on their staffs should seek engineering assistance from others, such as the State transportation agency, their County, a nearby large City, or a traffic engineering consultant.

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Sect. 1A.07 to 1A.09

Section 1A.10 Interpretations, Experimentations, Changes, and Interim Approvals

Design, application, and placement of traffic control devices other than those adopted in this Manual shall be prohibited unless the provisions of this Section are followed.

Support:

Continuing advances in technology will produce changes in the highway, vehicle, and road user proficiency;

therefore, portions of the system of traffic control devices in this Manual will require updating. In addition, unique situations often arise for device applications that might require interpretation or clarification of this Manual. It is important to have a procedure for recognizing these developments and for introducing new ideas and modifications into the system.

Standard:

Requests for any interpretation, permission to experiment, interim approval, or change shall be sent to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Office of Transportation Operations, 400 Seventh Street, SW, HOTO, Washington, DC 20590.

Support:

An interpretation includes a consideration of the application and operation of standard traffic control devices, official meanings of standard traffic control devices, or the variations from standard device designs.

Guidance:

Requests for an interpretation of this Manual should contain the following information:

A. A concise statement of the interpretation being sought;

B. A description of the condition that provoked the need for an interpretation;

C. Any illustration that would be helpful to understand the request; and D. Any supporting research data that is pertinent to the item to be interpreted.

Support:

Requests to experiment include consideration of field deployment for the purpose of testing or evaluating a new traffic control device, its application or manner of use, or a provision not specifically described in this Manual.

A request for permission to experiment will be considered only when submitted by the public agency or private toll facility responsible for the operation of the road or street on which the experiment is to take place.

A diagram indicating the process for experimenting with traffic control devices is shown in Figure 1A-1.

Guidance:

The request for permission to experiment should contain the following:

A. A statement indicating the nature of the problem.

B. A description of the proposed change to the traffic control device or application of the traffic control device, how it was developed, the manner in which it deviates from the standard, and how it is expected to be an improvement over existing standards.

C. Any illustration that would be helpful to understand the traffic control device or use of the traffic control device.

D. Any supporting data explaining how the traffic control device was developed, if it has been tried, in what ways it was found to be adequate or inadequate, and how this choice of device or application was derived.

E. A legally binding statement certifying that the concept of the traffic control device is not protected by a patent or copyright. (An example of a traffic control device concept would be countdown pedestrian signals in general. Ordinarily an entire general concept would not be patented or copyrighted, but if it were it would not be acceptable for experimentation unless the patent or copyright owner signs a waiver of rights acceptable to the FHWA. An example of a patented or copyrighted specific device within the general concept of countdown pedestrian signals would be a manufacturer’s design for its specific brand of countdown signal, including the design details of the housing or electronics that are unique to that manufacturer’s product. As long as the general concept is not patented or copyrighted, it is acceptable for experimentation to incorporate the use of one or more patented devices of one or several manufacturers.)

F. The time period and location(s) of the experiment.

G. A detailed research or evaluation plan that must provide for close monitoring of the experimentation, especially in the early stages of its field implementation. The evaluation plan should include before and after studies as well as quantitative data describing the performance of the experimental device.

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Sect. 1A.10

2003 Edition Page 1A-5

Requesting jurisdiction submits request to

FHWA

FHWA Review

Approved?

Yes

No

Requesting jurisdiction responds to questions raised by FHWA

Requesting jurisdiction installs experimental traffic control device

Evaluate experimental traffic control device

Requesting jurisdiction provides semi-annual reports to FHWA Division & HQ

Requesting jurisdiction provides FHWA a copy of final report

Figure 1A-1. Example of Process for Requesting and Conducting Experimentations for New Traffic Control Devices

H. An agreement to restore the site of the experiment to a condition that complies with the provisions of this Manual within 3 months following the end of the time period of the experiment. This agreement must also provide that the agency sponsoring the experimentation will terminate the experimentation at any time that it determines significant safety concerns are directly or indirectly attributable to the experimentation. The FHWA’s Office of Transportation Operations has the right to terminate approval of the experimentation at any time if there is an indication of safety concerns. If, as a result of the experimentation, a request is made that this Manual be changed to include the device or application being experimented with, the device or application will be permitted to remain in place until an official rulemaking action has occurred.

I. An agreement to provide semiannual progress reports for the duration of the experimentation, and an agreement to provide a copy of the final results of the experimentation to the FHWA’s Office of Transportation Operations within 3 months following completion of the experimentation. The FHWA’s Office of Transportation Operations has the right to terminate approval of the experimentation if reports are not provided in accordance with this schedule.

Support:

A change includes consideration of a new device to replace a present standard device, an additional device to be added to the list of standard devices, or a revision to a traffic control device application or placement criteria.

Guidance:

Requests for a change to this Manual should contain the following information:

A. A statement indicating what change is proposed;

B. Any illustration that would be helpful to understand the request; and C. Any supporting research data that is pertinent to the item to be reviewed.

Support:

Requests for interim approval include consideration of allowing 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 this Manual. If granted, interim approval will result in the traffic control device or application being placed into the next scheduled rulemaking process for revisions to this Manual. The device or application will be permitted to remain in place, under any conditions established in the interim approval, until an official rulemaking action has occurred.

Interim approval is considered based on the…