Bituminous Insurance Companies

Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices Updated

Release Date: December 31, 2009

The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) is the national standard for all traffic control devices, including traffic signs, pavement markings, signals, and any other devices used to regulate, warn, or guide traffic. Ensuring uniformity of traffic control devices across the nation – from their messages and placement to their sizes, shapes, and colors – helps to reduce crashes and traffic congestion.

Effective December 16, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) adopted the 2009 edition of the MUTCD. This is the first revision since the release of the 2003 edition. States must adopt the 2009 MUTCD as their legal state standard for traffic control devices within two years. The MUTCD’s 2009 edition features many new and updated requirements, ranging from changes in highway signs and bike lanes to the color of high-visibility garments worn by road workers. Most changes are a result of extensive research; however, seven changes stem from recommendations from the National Transportation Safety Board.

Among the new provisions in the MUTCD:

Replacing highway signs with brighter, larger, and more legible ones that are easier to understand at freeway speeds. States will begin using the newer signs as existing ones wear out.
Adding different lane markings for lanes that do not continue beyond an intersection or interchange to give drivers more warning that they need to move out of the lane if they don’t intend to turn.
Expanding the use of flashing yellow arrow signals at some intersections to give a clearer indication that drivers can turn left after yielding to any opposing traffic.
Changing the formula used to calculate crosswalk times to give walkers more time.
Identifying electronic toll collection lanes with purple signs – the first time purple has been sanctioned for use on highway signs.
Adding overhead lane-use control signs to reduce confusion among drivers in unfamiliar multi-lane roadways.

Although, FHWA does not print copies of the MUTCD, it is available in print from a number of sources. To view the FHWA's electronic version of the 2009 MUTCD and other related information, go to http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/kno_2009.htm.

The information contained in this publication was obtained from sources believed to be reliable. ISO Services Properties, Inc., its companies and employees make no guarantee of results and assume no liability in connection with either the information herein contained or the safety suggestions herein made. Moreover, it cannot be assumed that every acceptable safety procedure is contained herein or that abnormal or unusual circumstances may not warrant or require further or additional procedure.