Road signs in the United States

Last updated

11th edition of the MUTCD, published December 2023 Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, December 2023 cover.png
11th edition of the MUTCD, published December 2023

In the United States, road signs are, for the most part, standardized by federal regulations, most notably in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) and its companion volume the Standard Highway Signs (SHS).

Contents

Adoption and compliance

Map showing state adoption of the 2009 edition of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices: .mw-parser-output .legend{page-break-inside:avoid;break-inside:avoid-column}.mw-parser-output .legend-color{display:inline-block;min-width:1.25em;height:1.25em;line-height:1.25;margin:1px 0;text-align:center;border:1px solid black;background-color:transparent;color:black}.mw-parser-output .legend-text{} Adopted national MUTCD Adopted national MUTCD with state supplement Adopted state-specific MUTCD U.S. states by 2009 MUTCD adoption.svg
Map showing state adoption of the 2009 edition of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices:
  Adopted national MUTCD
  Adopted national MUTCD with state supplement
  Adopted state-specific MUTCD

The 11th edition of the MUTCD was released on December 19, 2023. [1] The effective date, 30 days after publication, of the MUTCD was January 18, 2024. States have two years after the effective date to do one of the following options: adopt the revised MUTCD, adopt the revised MUTCD with a state supplement, or adopt a state-specific MUTCD. [2]

Eighteen states use the manual without alterations; 22 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico have adopted it in conjunction with a supplemental volume; and ten states have a state version in substantial conformance to the MUTCD. [3] The MUTCD and SHS establish seven categories of signs for road and highway use, as follows: [4] (The list does not cover all situations; the signage is from the national MUTCD unless specified):

Regulatory signs

Regulatory signs give instructions to motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists. Signs including Stop, Yield, No Turns, No Trucks, No Parking, No Stopping, Minimum Speed, Right Turn Only, Do Not Enter, Weight Limit, and Speed Limit are considered regulatory signs. Some have special shapes, such as the octagon for the Stop sign and the crossbuck for railroad crossings. Some signs can be localized, such as No Parking, and some are found only in state and local jurisdictions, as they are based on state or local laws, such as New York City's "Don't Block the Box" signs. These signs are in the R series of signs in the MUTCD and typically in the R series in most state supplements or state MUTCDs.

R1 series: Stop and yield

The MUTCD's R1 series is for Stop and Yield. As not all situations are covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD. The 4-WAY and 3-WAY plaques (R1-3) were deprecated in the 2009 Edition of the MUTCD in favor of the ALL WAY plaque (R1-3P).

R2 series: Speed limit

The MUTCD's R2 series is for speed limit signs. Some state supplements and state MUTCDs place various speed limit signs in other series. As all situations are not covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD. Speed limits in the United States are always in miles per hour. Metric speed limit signs in kilometers per hour used to be authorized but extremely rare, usually seen near the borders with Canada and Mexico, both of which use the metric system. [5] They have been discontinued as of 2012. Many states, however, disallow the use of metric signs on state-maintained roads due to MUTCD restrictions, [6] increasing the rarity of such signs.

R3 series: Lane usage and turns

The MUTCD's R3 series of signs is for lane usage and turn signs. As all situations are not covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.

R4 series: Regulation of movement

The MUTCD's R4 series of signs is for the regulation of movement signs. As all situations are not covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.

R5 series: Exclusionary

The MUTCD's R5 series of signs is for exclusionary signs. As all situations are not covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD. The most common of these signs is the do not enter sign.

R6 series: One way and divided highway

The MUTCD's R6 series of signs is for one way and divided highway signs. As all situations are not covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD. The most common of these signs is the One Way sign.

R7 series: Parking

The MUTCD allows for three types of parking signs: permissive, No Parking, and No Standing. However, in most states, there is an additional more restrictive one, No Stopping. These signs are found in the R7 series of signs in the MUTCD. As all situations are not covered, several states and local governments have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD. Permissive parking signs allow for parking for either an unlimited or varied amount of time. They are often used in conjunction with parking meters and parking permits. They are specified by the MUTCD to be green on white. Local variations occur with additional information and slightly different designs. No Parking signs indicate that loading or unloading while temporarily stopped is permitted, but the driver must not leave the vicinity of the vehicle. [7] Some No Parking signs display time restrictions, while others are permanent restrictions. There are also temporary versions of the signs, often of similar design to the permanent ones. These signs are specified by the MUTCD to be red on white, although local variations occur. No Standing signs indicate that stopping temporarily to load or unload passengers is allowed, but vehicles cannot be stopped at the location for longer periods of time, even if the driver remains with the vehicle. [7] As with no parking signs, some restrictions displayed on the signs are permanent, and some are time-based.

R8 series: Parking and emergency restrictions

The MUTCD's R8 series of signs is for parking restriction and emergency restriction signs. As all situations are not covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.

R9 series: Bicycles and pedestrians

The MUTCD's R9 series of signs is for bicycle and pedestrian signs. As all situations are not covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.

R10 series: Traffic signal

The MUTCD's R10 series of signs is for traffic signal related signs. As all situations are not covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.

R11 series: Road closed

The MUTCD's R11 series of signs is for road closure-related signs. As all situations are not covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.

R12 series: Weight limits

The MUTCD's R12 series of signs is for weight limit-related signs. As all situations are not covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.

R13 series: Weigh stations

The MUTCD's R13 series of signs is for weigh station related signs. As all situations are not covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.

R14 series: Truck routes

The MUTCD's R14 series of signs is for truck route-related signs. As not all situations are covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.

R15 series: Rail and light rail

The MUTCD's R15 series of signs is for rail- and light rail-related signs. As all situations are not covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.

R16 series: Seat belts and headlight use

The MUTCD's R16 series of signs is for seat belt and headlight use-related signs. As all situations are not covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.

Warning signs

Warning signs are found in the W series of the national MUTCD. They highlight existing conditions, such as a curve, school, dead end street, or traffic signal. They can also warn of possible danger such as bumps, bicycles, low flying aircraft, or emergency vehicles. They are either yellow or fluorescent yellow in color and, with a few exceptions, are usually diamond-shaped and sometimes have square or rectangular smaller signs or plaques associated with them. Most W series signs can also be found with orange backgrounds for temporary use in situations such as construction zones. Some of the temporary-use signs are for use only in temporary situations.

W1 series: Horizontal alignment

The MUTCD's W1 series of signs is for warning signs relating to horizontal alignment. As not all situations are covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.

W2 series: Intersections

The MUTCD's W2 series of signs is for warning signs relating to intersections. As not all situations are covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.

W3 series: Advance traffic control

The MUTCD's W3 series of signs is for warning signs relating to advance traffic controls. The MUTCD provides options for graphic and text signs. As not all situations are covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.

W4 series: Lanes and merges

The MUTCD's W4 series of signs is for warning signs relating to lane merges and added lanes, as well as lane endings. As not all situations are covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.

W5 series: Road width restrictions

The MUTCD's W5 series of signs is for warning signs relating to road width restrictions. The MUTCD provides options for graphic and text signs. As not all situations are covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.

W6 series: Divided highway

The MUTCD's W6 series of signs is for warning signs relating to divided highways. The MUTCD provides options for graphic and text signs. As not all situations are covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.

W7 series: Hills

The MUTCD's W7 series of signs is for warning signs relating to hills. As not all situations are covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.

W8 series: Pavement and roadway conditions

The MUTCD's W8 series of signs is for warning signs relating to pavement and roadway conditions. As not all situations are covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.

W9 series: Lane transitions

The MUTCD's W9 series of signs is for warning signs relating to lane transitions. As not all situations are covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.

W10 series: Railroad crossings

The MUTCD's W10 series of signs is for warning signs relating to railroad crossings. As not all situations are covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.

W11 series: Advance warnings

The MUTCD's W11 series of signs is for warning signs relating to advance warnings. The MUTCD allows use of a fluorescent yellow-green background color for signs relating to non-motorized vehicles crossing the road. [8] As not all situations are covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.

W12 series: Low Clearance Warnings

The MUTCD's W12 series of signs is for warning signs relating to low clearance. Metric low bridge signs in meters used to be authorized but extremely rare, usually seen near the borders with Canada and Mexico, both of which use the metric system. [5] They have been discontinued as of 2012. Many states, however, disallowed the use of metric signs on state-maintained roads due to system restrictions, increasing the rarity of such signs. As not all situations are covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.

W13 series: Advisory speeds

The MUTCD's W13 series of signs is for warning signs relating to advisory speeds. Speed limits in the United States are always in miles per hour. Metric advisory speed signs in kilometers per hour used to be authorized but extremely rare, usually seen near the borders with Canada and Mexico, both of which use the metric system. [5] They have been discontinued as of 2012. Many states, however, disallowed the use of metric signs on state-maintained roads due to system restrictions, increasing the rarity of such signs. As not all situations are covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.

W14 series: Dead end streets and no passing zones

The MUTCD's W14 series of signs is for warning signs relating to dead-end streets and no-passing zones. As all situations are not covered, several states and local governments have additional signs for other types of situations not covered by the MUTCD. As not all situations are covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.

W15 series: Playgrounds

The MUTCD's W15 series of signs is for warning signs relating to playgrounds. As not all situations are covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.

W16 series: Supplemental plaques

The MUTCD's W16 series of signs is for supplemental plaques for warning signs. As not all situations are covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.

W17 series: Speed humps

The MUTCD's W17 series of signs is for warnings relating to speed humps. As not all situations are covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.

W18 series: No traffic signs

The MUTCD's W18 series of signs is for warnings relating to no further traffic signs. As not all situations are covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.

W19 series: Freeway or expressway end signs

The MUTCD's W19 series of signs is for warning signs relating to the end of a freeway or expressway. As not all situations are covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.

W20 series: Work zones

The MUTCD's W20 series of signs is for warning signs relating to work zones. These signs are typically orange background ones used for temporary situations. As not all situations are covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.

W21 series: Road work

The MUTCD's W21 series of signs is for warning signs relating to road work. They typically have orange backgrounds and are used for temporary situations. As all situations are not covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.

W22 series: Blasting zones

The MUTCD's W22 series of signs is for warning signs relating to blasting zones. They typically have orange backgrounds and are used for temporary situations. As not all situations are covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.

W23 series: Slow traffic

The MUTCD's W23 series of signs is for warning signs relating to slow traffic. They typically have orange backgrounds and are used for temporary situations. As not all situations are covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.

W24 series: Lane shifts

The MUTCD's W24 series of signs is for warning signs relating to lane shifts, where traffic is diverted slightly toward the left or right of the roadway, but the route is otherwise unchanged. These signs typically have orange background and are used for temporary situations. As not all situations are covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.

W25 series: Oncoming traffic has extended green

The MUTCD's W25 series of signs is for signs warning that oncoming traffic has an extended green signal at a traffic light. As not all situations are covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.

Guide signs

Guide signs include highway route markers (shields), which are reassurance markers, interchange signs, including advance guide and exit signs, and mile markers. Advance guide and exit signs usually feature control cities or other locations to help direct drivers toward their destinations. The position of the exit number plaque indicates right or left exit [9] (and should indicate center lane exit).

Interchange signs


Toll signs

Chapter 2F of the MUTCD deals with signs relating to tolls.

Motorist services

General information

School zone signs

The S series of signs are specially designated by the MUTCD for use around schools. Some states have additional school warning-related signs in the S series, the W series of warning signs, and/or the R series of regulatory signs of the state supplement or state MUTCD. The adoption of the 2009 MUTCD required school warning signs to have fluorescent yellow-green backgrounds. [10]

See also

Notes

  1. 1 2 3 4 The legend STATE LAW is optional.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 A fluorescent yellow-green background color may be used instead of yellow for this sign.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 A fluorescent yellow-green background color may be used for this sign. [8]
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 The background color (yellow or fluorescent yellow-green) shall match the color of the warning sign that it supplements.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Warning sign</span> Sign that warns people for a risk or danger

A warning sign is a type of sign which indicates a potential hazard, obstacle, or condition requiring special attention. Some are traffic signs that indicate hazards on roads that may not be readily apparent to a driver.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Road signs in Thailand</span> Overview of road signs in Thailand

Road signs in Thailand are standardized road signs similar to those used in other nations but much of it resembles road signage systems used in South American countries with certain differences, such as using a blue circle instead of a red-bordered white circle to indicate mandatory actions. Until the early 1980s, Thailand closely followed American, European, Australian, and Japanese practices in road sign design, with diamond-shaped warning signs and circular restrictive signs to regulate traffic. The Department of Railway maintains a standard on the typeface used in the sign, with custom made type for Thai text, unofficially named “Thang Luang”(อักษรทางหลวง) and a small derivation of FHWA Series fonts typeface, which is used on American road signage, for Latin text. In most Bangkok Metropolitan Area's routes, TS Lopburi is still used.

Road signs in Iran are regulated in the INSO 14815-1 standard. They generally follow the Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Road signs in Japan</span> Overview of road signs in Japan

In Japan, road signs are standardized by the "Order on Road Sign, Road Line, and Road Surface Marking (道路標識、区画線及び道路標示に関する命令)" established in 1968 with origins from the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department's "Order on Standardization of Road Sign" of 1934 and the Home Ministry of Japan's "Order on Road Signs" of 1942. The previous designs have been used since 1986 after several amendments of order.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Road signs in New Zealand</span> Overview of road signs in New Zealand

Road signs in New Zealand are similar to those set by the Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals. While New Zealand is not a signatory to the convention, its road signs are generally close in shape and function. New Zealand uses yellow diamond-shaped signs for warnings in common with Australia, the Americas, Ireland, Japan and Thailand. Speed limit signs are a red circle with a white background and the limitation in black, and are in kilometres per hour. There are also some signs unique to New Zealand. Road signs in New Zealand are controlled by NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi and are prescribed in the Land Transport Rule: Traffic Control Devices 2004 and set out in the Traffic Control Devices (TCD) Manual.

Road signs in Colombia are regulated in the Manual de Señalización Vial standard, which is developed by the Ministry of Transport and based on the United States' MUTCD. Many regulatory signs are based on European signs, i.e. the Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals, while many warning signs are based on U.S. and Canadian signs, i.e. on MUTCD.

In Argentina, road signs are similar to those of other South American countries. They are something of a compromise between the Vienna Convention signs used in Europe and the U.S. system. Argentina is right-hand traffic.

Road signs in Canada may conform to the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Canada (MUTCDC) by the Transportation Association of Canada (TAC) for use by Canadian jurisdictions. Although it serves a similar role to the MUTCD from the US Federal Highway Administration, it has been independently developed and has a number of key differences with its American counterpart, most notably the inclusion of bilingual (English/French) signage for jurisdictions such as New Brunswick with significant anglophone and francophone population, and a heavier reliance on symbols rather than text legends.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Road signs in Indonesia</span> Overview of road signs in Indonesia

Road signs in Indonesia are standardized road signs similar to those used in other nations but with certain distinctions. As a former Dutch colony, until the 1970s road signs in Indonesia closely followed The Netherlands rules on road signs. Nowadays, Indonesian road sign design are a mix of European, US MUTCD, Australia, New Zealand and Japanese road sign features. According to the 2014 Minister of Transport's Regulation No. 13 concerning Traffic Signs, the official typeface for road signs in Indonesia is Clearview. Indonesia formerly used FHWA Series fonts as the designated typeface though the rules are not being implemented properly.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Road signs in Australia</span> Overview of road signs in Australia

Road signs in Australia are regulated by each state's government, but are standardised overall throughout the country. In 1999, the National Transport Commission, or NTC, created the first set of Rules of the Road for Australia. Official road signs by standard must use the AS1744 series fonts, based on the US' Highway Gothic typeface.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Road signs in Azerbaijan</span> Overview of road signs in Azerbaijan

Road signs in Azerbaijan are similar to the road sign system of post-Soviet states that ensure that transport vehicles move safely and orderly, as well as to inform the participants of traffic built-in graphic icons. They generally conform to the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic and Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Road signs in Armenia</span>

Road signs in Armenia are similar to the signs of other post-Soviet states and most European road sign systems. Armenia is a signatory of the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic and the Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals. The Ministry of Transport regulates these icons, while the police enforces them. Road signs ensure transport vehicles move safely and orderly, as well as, to inform both pedestrians and motorists of traffic rules.

<i>Ohio Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices</i> State highway manual

The Ohio Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices is the standard for traffic signs, road surface markings, and traffic signals in the U.S. state of Ohio. It is developed by the Ohio Department of Transportation's Office of Roadway Engineering "in substantial conformance to" the national Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices developed by the Federal Highway Administration. The first edition of the OMUTCD was published in 1924; the most recent edition was published in 2012. Ohio is one of ten states that publish their own editions of the MUTCD.

<i>California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices</i> State traffic control manual of California Department of Transportation

The California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices is the standard for traffic signs, road surface markings, and traffic signals in the U.S. state of California. It is developed by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) Division of Safety Programs "in substantial conformance to" the national Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices developed by the Federal Highway Administration. The first edition of the CA MUTCD was published in 2006, replacing an earlier supplement to the national MUTCD. The most recent edition was published in 2014, incorporating the 2009 edition of the national MUTCD. California is one of ten states that publish their own editions of the MUTCD. The CA MUTCD defines the content and placement of traffic signs. Design specifications are detailed on a section of the Caltrans website that is based on the national Standard Highway Signs and Markings (SHSM) document.

Road signs in Latvia conform to the general pattern of those used in most other European countries. They are regulated in Ceļu satiksmes noteikumi and the standards documents LVS 77–1:2016 "Ceļa zīmes. 1. daļa: Ceļa zīmes", LVS 77-2:2016 "Ceļa zīmes. 2. daļa: Uzstādīšanas noteikumi" and LVS 77-3:2016 "Ceļa zīmes. 3. daļa: Tehniskās prasības" in conformity with the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals. Latvia acceded to the Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals on October 19, 1992.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Road signs in South Africa</span>

Road signs in South Africa are based on the SADC-Road Traffic Sign Manual, a document designed to harmonise traffic signs in member states of the Southern Africa Development Community. Most of these signs were in the preceding South African RTSM.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Road signs in Cuba</span>

Road signs in Cuba are regulated in Ley No. 109 Código de Seguridad Vial and generally conform to the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Road signs in Ecuador</span> Overview of road signs used in Ecuador

Road signs in Ecuador are regulated in Manual Básico de Señalización Vial and Reglamento Técnico Ecuatoriano. RTE INEN 004-1:2011. Señalización vial, which is based on the United States' Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) originally developed by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). Thus, road signs in Ecuador are similar in design to road signs used in the United States. One of the differences is that Ecuador uses the metric system, for example, vehicle speed is measured in km/h.

Road signs in Jamaica are standardized by the Traffic Control Devices Manual developed by the Ministry of Transport and Mining. They generally follow both US signs based on the MUTCD, including diamond-shaped warning signs, and European signs based on the Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals. Jamaica drives on the left.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Road signs in Puerto Rico</span> Overview of road signs in Puerto Rico, a U.S. territory in the Caribbean

Road signs in Puerto Rico are regulated in the Manual de Rotulación para las Vías Públicas de Puerto Rico, Puerto Rico’s supplement to the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), the standard for road signs, signals, and markings in the United States. It is developed by the Puerto Rico Highways and Transportation Authority (PRHTA) "in substantial conformance to" the national MUTCD developed by the Federal Highway Administration.

References

  1. ↑ "FHWA Releases New Traffic Control Device Manual with Updates to Improve Safety for Pedestrians, Bicyclists, and All Road Users" (Press release). U.S. Department of Transportation. December 19, 2023. Retrieved December 27, 2023.
  2. ↑ "Frequently Asked Questions - General Questions on the MUTCD". MUTCD. Federal Highway Administration. Retrieved January 29, 2024.
  3. ↑ "MUTCDs & Traffic Control Devices Information by State". Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. Federal Highway Administration. July 14, 2020. Retrieved January 11, 2021.
  4. ↑ Staff. "The Shape—and Color—Give Us a Sign". Federal Highway Administration. Archived from the original on April 1, 2009. Retrieved April 5, 2009.
  5. 1 2 3 "Metric signs in the US". US Metric Association. Retrieved August 8, 2023.
  6. ↑ "23 CFR Part 655 National Standards for Traffic Control Devices; the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways; Revision; Final Rule" (PDF). Retrieved April 2, 2019.
  7. 1 2 Staff (October 2011). "Chapter 7: Parallel Parking". Driver's Manual and Study Guide. New York State Department of Motor Vehicles. Retrieved March 16, 2012.
  8. 1 2 "2009 Edition Part 2 Figure 2C-11. Non-Vehicular Warning Signs". Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. United States Department of Transportation. Retrieved June 6, 2012.
  9. ↑ "MUTCD, Section 2E.28 - Interchange Exit Numbering" (PDF).
  10. ↑ "2009 Edition Chapter 7B. School Signs". Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. United States Department of Transportation. Retrieved June 6, 2012.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.