# Presentation: 070483

## MUTCD Part 2: Signs

**MUTCD Part 2: Signs**

**Notes:**
Part 2 of the MUTCD addresses Signs.

## Chapter 2A:  General

**Notes:**
The next few slides will cover the significant changes to Chapter 2A, General Sign provisions.  It is important for the reader to remember to reference Chapter 2A for placement, location, and other general criteria for signs because this information is not repeated in every Part.

## A New Highway Classification

- Special purpose road
- in addition to the existing:
- freeway
- expressway
- conventional road

**Notes:**
The FHWA has added “Special Purpose Road” to the list of highway classification types.  Special purpose roads are low-volume, low-speed roads serving recreational areas, resource development activities, or providing local access to properties.

## Illumination and Retroreflectivity

- All signs shall be retroreflective or illuminated
- improves safety
- improves visibility

**Notes:**
FHWA has extended the general requirements of sign retroreflectivity or illumination to all signs, not just regulatory and warning signs.  FHWA believes this will improve safety and visibility during adverse ambient conditions.  Once FHWA has developed minimum retroreflectivity levels, this information will be included as GUIDANCE in the proposed new Section 2A.

## Letter Heights on Signs

- Based on 25mm (1in) letter height per 12m (40ft) of legibility distance

**Notes:**
Word messages should be as brief as possible and the letter height should be large enough to provide the necessary legibility distance.  The letter height should be based on 1 inch per 40 feet of legibility distance.

## Sign Lettering

- Non-restricted use of series B alphabet

**Notes:**
The use of series B alphabets used to be restricted to street name and parking signs.   By deleting this restriction of using series B alphabets on  street name and parking signs only, the legibility of other standard sign messages can be improved.

Series B alphabets have a narrower stroke width than the other series and may be useful on messages where sign designers want to avoid cramped letter spacing.

## Mounting Height

- No change to mounting height
- 5 feet in rural districts
- 7 feet in urban districts

**Notes:**
The minimum mounting height for signs remains 5 feet for rural areas and 7 feet in urban areas.  This does not preclude state and local agencies from installing signs at heights greater than these specified minimums.

## Breakaway/Shielded Sign Supports

- Sign supports within the clear zone SHALL be breakaway, yielding, or shielded
- Overhead sign supports shall have a barrier or crash cushion

**Notes:**
All sign supports within the clear zone are required to be breakaway, yielding, or shielded.  This applies to both ground-mounted and overhead sign supports.  The clear zone is that portion of the travel way that is wide enough to allow an errant driver to recover or regain control of their vehicle.  When sign supports are breakaway, yielded, or shielded, the collision impact is minimized.

## Day and Night Sign Inspections

- Day and Night Inspection Schedule
- reiterated as guidance in the MUTCD

**Notes:**
Day and night inspections are emphasized as a part of sign maintenance.  Although this is general practice among many engineering and transportation officials, we believe it is a practice worth reiterating as GUIDANCE in the MUTCD.

## Questions?

## Chapter 2B: Regulatory Signs

**Notes:**
The next few slides will cover some of the significant changes to Regulatory signs found in Chapter 2B.  Regulatory signs communicate traffic rules and statutes, which are enforceable by law.

## 4-WAY Supplemental Plaque

- Requires the use of the 4-WAY supplemental plaque (R1-3) at intersections controlled by STOP signs

**Notes:**
The FHWA is requiring the use of the 4-WAY supplemental plaque (R1-3) at intersections where all approaches are controlled by STOP signs. The FHWA believes that due to the increased aggressive driving behavior, disregard of STOP signs, and the hazardous nature of these type intersections, the required use of the 4-WAY supplemental plaque will provide additional emphasis and motorist information at these locations.

The FHWA is providing a compliance period of 3 years after the effective date of this final rule for existing installations to minimize any potential impact to State and local highway agencies.  This period will allow for replacement of the existing signs after the normal service life.  The compliance date is January 17, 2004 for existing installations.  The 2 year adoption date of January 17, 2003 applies for all new installations.

## Yield Sign Placement

- Yield signs _shall_ be located as close as practical to the intersection it regulates

**Notes:**
The FHWA is requiring that Yield signs be located as close as practical to the intersection it regulates because it will enhance the sign’s visibility and will help improve intersection safety.  This same language is included for STOP signs in Section 2B.06

## Truck Speed Limit Sign

- Clarify this sign is a supplemental plaque required for use below speed limit sign or included within R2-1 sign
- added as separate section

**Notes:**
The discussion on the Truck Speed Limit sign has been broken out to a separate section for easy reference (Section 2B.12).
The FHWA has modified the language so that it is understood that the “Trucks speed limits is a supplemental plaque (R2-2) used below the Speed Limit (R2-1) sign, or it may be included within the R2-1 sign.

## Intersection Lane Control Signs

- When used, intersection lane control signs should be mounted overhead

**Notes:**
This change considers sign placement based on the visibility needs of the road user particularly in situations where the road user’s view may be obstructed by other vehicles in the adjacent lanes.

## Mandatory Movement Signs

- New section that specifically addresses application and placement for mandatory movement lane control signs (R3-5, R3-5a and R3-7)

**Notes:**
A new Section 2B.19 has been added that specifically addresses Mandatory Movement Signs (R3-5, 53-5a, and R3-7).
Mandatory movement signs communicate required action on the part of the road user.  The new Straight Through Only sign is an example of a Mandatory Movement sign installed to notify road users that they must stay in the same lane to proceed through an intersection

## Mandatory Movement Signs (cont’d)

- New design standard for the “LEFT OR RIGHT TURN ONLY” (R3-5) symbol sign

**Notes:**
A new application is added to designate the type of mandatory movement allowed in lanes:  examples are taxi lanes, HOV lanes, or Bus lanes.  Adding the supplemental plaque with the lane designation (example LEFT LANE, TAXI LANE, or HOV 2+ lane) will help the road user determine which lane applies to the R3-5 “TURN LANE ONLY” symbol sign.  

## Reversible Lane Control Signs

- New section on “Reversible Lane Control Signs”

**Notes:**
Reversible Lane is a traffic control practice where the direction of traffic is reversed to accommodate peak periods of the day.  Reversible lane control signs may be either static or changeable messages.  Reversible lane signs are used for alternate directions of travel during different traffic peak periods of the day.

The use of reversible lane traffic control is a practice which is commonly used throughout the United States and it is appropriate for the MUTCD to provide design, application, and placement information for these.  The 2000 Manual contains a new section, titled Section 2B.23 “Reversible Lane Control Signs.”  This slide shows 7 new signs that are in Section 2B.23.  Reversible lane control signs may be either static or changeable message.  Reversible lane signs are used for alternating directions of travel during different traffic peak periods of the day.  When ground-mounted Reversible Lane Control signs are used, they shall be used as a supplement to overhead signs or signals. The ground mounted sign is intended to provide the road user with more information in addition to the overhead signs or signals.   The ground mounted sign is intended to provide an added opportunity for the road user to view the sign or signal message and react accordingly.

## Reversible Lane Control Signs

- When ground-mounted reversible lane control signs are used, they shall be used as a supplement to overhead signs or signals

**Notes:**
The ground mounted sign is intended to provide the road user with more information in addition to the overhead signs or signals. The ground mounted sign is intended to provide an added opportunity for the road user to view the sign or signal message and react accordingly.

## Truck Lane Signs

- Where an extra lane is provided for slow moving traffic, the R4-3 or R4-5 signs should be installed at the beginning of the lane

**Notes:**
Language has been added that the SLOWER TRAFFIC KEEP RIGHT sign may be used as a supplement or alternate to the TRUCKS USE RIGHT LANE sign.  This is particularly useful in situations where the slower traffic may not be only truck traffic.  In the 1988 MUTCD, the use of the Slower Traffic Keep Right (R4-3) and the Trucks Use Right Lane (R4-5) sign was optional.

## Truck Lane Signs (cont’d)

- A TRUCK LANE sign (R4-6) should be installed in advance of the lane

**Notes:**
A TRUCK LANE (R4-6) sign, with the appropriate distance shown, should be installed in advance of the lane. The FHWA believes that changing this to a recommended condition will provide the road user with important advanced information that will aid in the driver’s decision making task.

## Emergency Restriction Signs

- Emergency restriction signs shall be rectangular and shall have a red or black legend & border on white background

**Notes:**
The FHWA believes that either red (the color for restrictions) or black (the color for regulatory signs) is appropriate.
“Emergency Restriction signs shall be rectangular and shall have a red or black legend and border on a white background.”  An example is the No Parking During Snow Emergency signs.

## High Occupancy Vehicle Lanes

- New section that includes provisions for the design and operation of HOV lanes

**Notes:**
Significant deployment has occurred with HOV lanes on roadway facilities throughout the United States.  The FHWA believes it is appropriate to address design, application, and placement of signs and pavement markings for these special facilities.  The language found in Chapter 2B provides agencies that own and operate HOV lanes with an overall discussion on HOV signing principles. In addition to this section, the FHWA proposes the MUTCD shown in the next few slides related to HOV lanes.

## High Occupancy VehicleLanes (cont’d)

- Revised preferential lane signs to address HOV lanes, in addition to other preferential uses

**Notes:**
The FHWA revised the R3-10 through the R3-17 Preferential Lane signs to specifically address HOV lanes. The diamond symbol is now designated exclusively for HOV lanes only.  The diamond symbol should not be used on the bus, taxi, or bicycle preferential lane signs.  

## Questions?

## Chapter 2C: Warning Signs

**Notes:**
Chapter 2C contains design, application, and placement provisions for warning signs.  Warning signs communicate unexpected changes in the roadway characteristics and they communicate conditions which may require caution on the part of the road user.

Warning signs call attention to unexpected conditions on or adjacent to a highway or street and to situations that might not be readily apparent to road users.

## Increase Minimum Size of Signs

- _1988 MUTCD_

- _2000 MUTCD_

**Notes:**
In Table 2C.2, FHWA has increased the minimum size for the “Merge” sign (W4-1) to 30 inches instead of 24 inches. This change will make the minimum size consistent with the other signs in the W4 series and will improve sign visibility for road users.  Also, the FHWA has increased the minimum size for the “Narrow Bridge” sign (W5-2) to 30 inches instead of 24 inches. This change will make the minimum size consistent with the other signs in the W5 series and will improve sign visibility for road users.

A phase-in compliance period of 7 years is provided for existing installations to minimize any potential impact to State and local highway agencies.  The compliance date is January 17, 2008.  This change is effective immediately for all new installations.

## Combined Intersection Warning Signs

- New sign and new section which allows the turn & curve signs to be combined with the cross road & side road signs

**Notes:**
Curve situations require special caution on the part of the road users.  This is one of 3 new signs that are added to the MUTCD for controlling traffic on curves and for reducing the potential for run of the road crashes.

This sign allows the Turn and Curve signs to be combined with the Cross Road and Side Road signs.  This would in effect create one warning sign which may be used to depict roadway conditions where intersections occur within a turn or curve.

## Reducing Run off the Road Crashes Along Curves

- We have three new warning signs:
- combination intersection/curve (W-10)
- combination horizontal alignment sign and advisory speed
- advisory curve speed sign (W13-5)

**Notes:**
Curve situations require special caution on the part of the road users.  These three new signs are added to the MUTCD for controlling traffic on curves and for reducing the potential of run off the road crashes.

## Circular Intersection Sign

- Include a new circular intersection sign

**Notes:**
The circular intersection symbol sign is another new traffic calming sign.  The FHWA believes it is important to take advantage of this opportunity to include a sign in the MUTCD  for circular intersections.   Increased use of traffic calming applications has occurred over the years.   An educational word message plaque should accompany this symbol sign.

## Speed Hump Sign

- A new section and word message sign added
- speed hump

**Notes:**
Increased use of traffic calming applications has occurred over the years. Both a new section and word message sign are added in Chapter 2C to address the need for warning messages to alert road users to reduce speed in areas where traffic calming applications are installed.

The new SPEED HUMP sign is a new traffic calming sign.

## “Pavement Ends” Sign Deleted

- Discontinued the use of the “Pavement Ends” symbol sign
- replace with word message signs

**Notes:**
FHWA has deleted the use of the “pavement ends” symbol sign based on studies showing that road users do not comprehend the symbol’s message.  A phase-in compliance period of 10 years is provided so that State and local agencies can replace their existing “Pavement Ends” symbol signs with word messages over the course of the sign’s service life.  There is a 2 year adoption period for new installations.  For existing installations, the compliance date is January 17, 2011.

The Advisory Speed plaque may be used to supplement the “Pavement Ends” word message sign when the change in roadway conditions requires road users to reduce their speed.

## Lane Ends Sign

- Symbol sign is
-  misunderstood

- Word message signs help improve understanding

**Notes:**
The FHWA published in the Notice of Proposed Amendments the National Committee’s recommendation to delete the “Lane Ends” symbol sign in lieu of the “LANE ENDS MERGE LEFT” word message sign, to warn of lane reduction situations.  FHWA also has research evaluation data that shows the symbol is misunderstood.  However, comments from those responsible for work zones requested that the symbol not be deleted since it is used extensively in work zone areas.  Therefore, this change to delete the symbol sign was not included in the final rule.  However, FHWA is considering modification of the Lane Ends symbol sign because research studies show that the symbol is misunderstood.  Continued research is needed to develop an appropriate symbol.

## New Curve Speed Sign

- A new curve speed sign may be used to provide the advisory speed on roads and highways  throughout the horizontal alignment change

**Notes:**
The FHWA has included a new Curve Speed sign which may be used beyond the beginning of a curve following a Horizontal Alignment and Advisory Sped sign combination where the recommended speed changes because of a change in curvature, or when there is a need to remind users of the recommended speed.  The Curve Speed sign is designed exactly like the Exit and Ramp Speed signs. 

## Motorized Traffic Signs

- A new section 2C.36 entitled, “Motorized Traffic Signs”

**Notes:**
The FHWA has added a new Section 2C.36 entitled, “Motorized Traffic Signs.”  As shown in Table 2C-1, these are vehicle related signs.  These signs may be used to alert road users of of unexpected entries into the roadway by trucks, farm vehicles, emergency vehicles, and other vehicles.
The FHWA has also included a new “Emergency Signal Ahead” (W11-12) warning sign for use with “Emergency Vehicle” (W11-8) warning sign.  These 2 signs would be required in advance of all emergency beacon installations.  Based on comments, this section has also been revised to include an OPTION to use other word messages to indicate the type of emergency vehicle station ahead (such as rescue squad, ambulance, etc.).

## Crossing Signs

- _1988 MUTCD_

- _2000 MUTCD_
- Deletion of crosswalk lines on the Crossing Sign

- Advance Crossing

- Crosswalk Sign
- (with lines)

**Notes:**
A new application for advance crossing and crossing signs is added.  The 2 new signs are identical in design.  In the past, the Crossing Signs were distinguished from Advance Crossing Signs by the use of crosswalk lines on the sign. However, people rarely noticed the difference.  The FHWA has deleted the crosswalk lines and the same sign is used for both the advance and the crossing location.

The crossing sign when used to provide ADVANCE notice to road users is supplemented with the legend “AHEAD” or with an appropriate distance plaque. When used at the crossing location, the crossing sign must be supplemented with a diagonal downward pointing arrow unless the crosswalk has pavement markings.  If the crossing location does have crosswalk pavement markings, the diagonal downward pointing arrow plaque is not required.

A 10 year phase-in compliance period is provided for existing signs to minimize any impact on state and local highway agencies. The compliance date is January 17, 2011. The 2 year adoption period applies for new sign installations.

## Questions?

## Chapter 2D: Guide Signs – Conventional Roads

**Notes:**
This presentation will cover the significant proposed changes to Part 2D, Guide Signs for Conventional Roads.  Guide signs are an essential method of communicating to road users.  Guide signs inform road users of intersecting streets, numbered routes, and other important destination directions.

## Placement of Route Signs

**Placement of Route Signs**

**Notes:**
The slide shows a variety of numbered route shields.  When installing numbered routes, the order of preference is as follows: Interstate shield, U.S. route shields, and county route shields.  This is particularly useful in situations where 2 route numbers may share the same road.

## Cardinal Direction Signs

- Increased first letter
- Compliance date December 31, 1994
-     HAVE YOU ??

**Notes:**
Cardinal direction signs communicate which direction the numbered route travels.  For example, NORTH or SOUTH.  Both of these words look very similar from a distance on high speed facilities.  Increasing the size of the first letter of cardinal direction signs 10% improves their recognition.

The compliance date for this change was December 1994.

## General Service Signs

- Option to sign for:
- emergency dial XXX
- roadway conditions dial 511

**Notes:**
Emergency traffic management is addressed in the 2000 MUTCD.  Signs are available to communicate where to dial for emergencies and road conditions due to weather and accident related occurrences.

## Questions?

## Chapter 2E: Guide Signs for Expressways and Freeways

**Notes:**
Chapter 2E of the MUTCD discusses guide signs for expressways and freeways.  

Expressways and Freeways have control access features that conventional roads do not.  Guide signs on these facilities direct us to major cities.

## 2E Guide Signs – freeways and expressways
combines 1988 Edition’s Part 2E - Guide Signs for Expressways and Part 2F - Guide Signs for Freeways

- combines 1988 Edition’s Part 2E - Guide Signs for Expressways and Part 2F - Guide Signs for Freeways

**Combined Parts**

**Notes:**
In the 2000 MUTCD, Two parts have been combined into one part:  Guide Signs - Freeways and  Expressways.  In the 1988 MUTCD, Part 2E addressed Guide Signs for Expressways and Part 2F addressed Guide Signs for Freeways.

## Retroflective Signs

- Sign backgrounds that are not independently illuminated shall be retroflective

**Notes:**
As previously stated, all signs shall be illuminated or retroreflective.  This change increases the visibility of guide signs.  Also, the term independently illuminated is used versus internally illuminated.  Independently illuminated is a more inclusive term and does include internally illuminated.
In the 2000 MUTCD it is now a STANDARD that the background of all signs that are not independently illuminated shall be retroreflectorized.
In the 1988 MUTCD, retroreflection was an option for the background of expressway guide signs. 

## Legends and Borders on Overhead Signs

- Shall be retroreflective unless internally illuminated

**Notes:**
In the 1988 MUTCD, guide sign messages and borders were required to be retroreflective unless the sign was  illuminated.  If the sign was illuminated, then the requirement for retroreflection did not apply.  In the 2000 MUTCD, guide sign messages and borders shall be retroreflective regardless of whether it is illuminated.  Also, the sign should be both retroreflective and illuminated unless an engineering study determines that retoreflection alone works effectively.  This new standard for retroreflectivity includes the Letters, numerals, symbols, and borders of all guide signs.  New GUIDANCE allows that overhead sign installations should be illuminated unless an engineering study shows that retroreflection alone will perform effectively.

## Selection of Control Cities

- States and local agencies are responsible for selecting control cities

**Notes:**
Many of the inquiries that FHWA receives concern the selection of control cities or Guide Signs.  State and local highway agencies are responsible for selecting the control cities shown on Expressway and Freeway signs.  AASHTO has a publication entitled “List of Control Cities for use on Guide Signs on Interstate Highways.”  This publication provides criteria for consideration when selecting control cities

## Symbol Signs

- Symbol designs shall match the MUTCD

**Notes:**
New symbols shall be adopted by FHWA based on research evaluation data, to determine comprehension and recognition distances of the signs messages.  An option is also added in Chapter 2A that states and local highway agencies may conduct this research.

## Diagrammatic Sign Design

- EXIT ONLY panel shall not be used at interchange splits

**Notes:**
This change is adopted to eliminate the potential for confusing messages on diagrammatic signs. The EXIT ONLY panel shall not be used where 2 major interchanges split. 	

## Changeable Message Signs

- Design guidance in accordance to part 6 and letter height of 450 mm (18”)

**Notes:**
Changeable message signs can provide important real time information, especially in unexpected traffic situations.  Since these signs have application in more than just temporary traffic control areas, guidance has been included in Chapter 2E to allow for other applications such as incident and emergency traffic management.  The minimum character height of letters should be 10.6 inches.  18 inches is desired where traffic speeds are greater than 55 mph in areas of persistent inclement weather or where complex driving tasks are involved.

## Vertical Dimension of Exit Number Sign Panel

- 30 inch vertical dimension

**Notes:**
The vertical dimension of the EXIT panel is increased from 24 inches to 30 inches to improve the sign visibility.  A 7-year phase-in compliance period through January 2008 is provided for existing installations to minimize any potential impact to State and local highway agencies.  The compliance date is January 17, 2008 for existing installations.  The 2 year adoption period applies to all new installations.

## Questions?

## Chapter 2F: Specific Service Signs

**Chapter 2F: Specific Service Signs**

**Notes:**
This presentation will cover the significant changes to Chapter 2F of the MUTCD.  Specific service signs are commonly known as LOGO signs.  These signs communicate specific destination information such as where to exit for the nearest gas, hotel, or restaurant.

## Chapter 2F specific service signs formerly chapter 2G

**Renumbered Chapter**

**Notes:**
Due to the consolidation of Parts 2E and 2F of the 1988 MUTCD (for  Expressway and Freeway Guide Signs) into Chapter 2E, Specific Service (or Logo) Signs is now becomes Chapter 2F in the 2000 MUTCD.

## Slide 55

**Notes:**
In addition to the GAS, FOOD, LODGING, and Camping Service categories, a new ATTRACTION category is also included in the 2000 MUTCD.

Attraction services include facilities that have the primary purpose of providing amusement, historical, cultural or leisure activities to the public. This definition of Attraction Services is similar to the definition of Recreational and Cultural Interest and Area signs. The major difference is that attraction signs are not used within Recreational and Cultural interest areas such as parks & Trails. Attraction signs are not used on facility structures.

## Number of Service Categories Displayed on the Same Sign

- Maximum of three service categories shall be displayed on the same sign

**Notes:**
The 2000 MUTCD states that no more than 3 types of services shall be represented on any sign or sign assembly.  If 3 types of services are shown on the same sign, then the logo panels shall be limited to 2 for each service (for a total of 6 logo panels).

## Maximum Number of Logo Panels

- Six for any category
- Four and two for combination category sign

**Notes:**
With the growth in demand for Specific Service signs and the variance in business availability in different locations, the 2000 MUTCD now provides for a maximum of 6 logo panels regardless of service category.  If 2 service categories are combined on the same sign, then the maximum shall be 4 logo panels for one service and 2 for the other.  

## Maximum Logo Panel Size

- Table II-4 deleted
- Freeway and expressway size is 60”x36”
- Conventional roads and ramps is 24”x18”

**Notes:**
Table II-4 is deleted in the 2000 MUTCD.  Section 2F.4 lists one size (60” x 36”) for specific service signs used on Freeways and Expressways and a smaller size (24” x 18”) for specific service signs used on conventional roads and ramps.  This simplifies the design dimensions.

## Minimum Letter Sizes

- Freeway and expressway – min. 250mm (10”)
- Conventional roads and ramps – min.150mm (6”)

**Notes:**
Table II-5 is also deleted in the 2000 MUTCD. Instead of determining letter sizes based on so many factors such as whether it is an action message or whether it is used on a Category 1 expressway intersection, FHWA has simplified the design dimensions to require a minimum of 10 inch letter size for signs on freeways and expressways and a minimum of 6 inches for signs on conventional roads and ramps.  A 10 year phase in compliance period after the effective date of this final rule is provided to minimize any impact on State and local highway agencies.  The compliance date is January 17, 2011.  The 2 year adoption date of this final rule applies to all new sign installations.

## Questions?

## Chapter 2G: Tourist Oriented Directional Signs

**Notes:**
Tourist Oriented Directional signs (or TODS as they are commonly called) provide business identification and directional information similar to Specific Service signs.  However, they are intended for use only on rural conventional roads. They are not intended for use on expressways or highways.

## Purpose

-  Similar to specific service signs
-  Intended for rural use

**Notes:**
Tourist Oriented Directional signs provide business identification and directional information similar to Specific Service Signs.  However, they are different in that they are intended for use only on rural conventional roads and are not intended for use on expressways and freeways.

## Definitions of “Sign” & “Panel

- Consistent use of the terms “Sign” and “Panel”

**Notes:**
For consistency, FHWA is using the following meanings for the terms “sign” and “panel.”  The term “sign” means the larger or overall guide sign made by assembling separate panels together.  The term “panel” means the smaller separate panels which are part of or placed onto the larger tourist oriented directional guide sign. This corrects the inconsistent meanings in the 1988 Edition.  A similar change is also made in Chapter 2F, regarding specific service signs.  

## Application 

- Guidance to use tourist-oriented directional sign in place of all specific service sign

**Notes:**
Where both tourist-oriented directional signs and specific service signs would be needed at the same location, the FHWA changed the use of tourist – oriented directional signs in place of Specific Service signs from a STANDARD to GUIDANCE. This change was necessary to avoid conflict with it State statutes.  It gives needed encouragement without eliminating the flexibility that some agencies might need.

The FHWA believes that for positive guidance, tourist-oriented directional signs should be installed regardless of whether or not a facility and/or its on-premise advertising is readily visible from the roadway.  This is consistent with criteria in Section 2F.0 for specific service signs at intersections.

## Design of Tourist Oriented Directional Signs

- Each panel shall display a single facility

**Notes:**
As a STANDARD, the FHWA added language specifying that “the content of the legend on each panel shall be limited to the business identification and directional information for not more than one eligible business, service, or activity facility.”

## Arrangement of TODS

**Notes:**
The number of panels on a tourist oriented directional sign should not exceed 4 business activities.

## Advance Signs

**Notes:**
The maximum number of advance tourist oriented directional signs is increased to three.  The spacing distance between the signs is reduced from 800 to 500 feet (150 m).

## Questions?

## Chapter 2H: Recreational and Cultural Interest Area Signs

**Chapter 2H: Recreational and Cultural Interest Area Signs**

**Notes:**
Chapter 2H contains standards for the design, application and placement of recreational and cultural interest signs.  Recreational and Cultural Interest Signs are the brown signs that road users see as they’re traveling.  These signs help direct road users to recreation locations such as national parks, historical sites, amusement activities, and cultural entertainment, museums, and galleries.

## Recreation and Cultural Interest Signs

**Notes:**
Recreational and Cultural Interest signs are the brown signs that road users see as they are traveling.  These signs help direct road users to recreation locations such as national parks, historical sites, amusement activities, and cultural entertainment, museums, and galleries.

## Forest Service Symbol Signs

**Notes:**
Based on a Memorandum of Understanding between the Federal Highway Administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, the 1988 edition of the MUTCD adopted many of the symbols used by the Forest Service.  These symbols were referred to as the “88 Forest Service Symbol Signs.”

In 1997, the Forest Service submitted a request to modify some and add other recreational and cultural interest area symbols to the current group of signs contained in the MUTCD and Standard Highway Signs (SHS) Book.

Diagrams of these signs are shown in the final text, which is available from the FHWA, Office of Transportation Operations. In addition to the 88 existing Recreational and Cultural signs, FHWA has added these 15 new symbol signs. They are displayed in the figure on the slide. The signs added are:  Motor Home, Group Picnicking, Group Camping, Dog, Seaplane, Family Restroom, Helicopter, All-Terrain Vehicle, Archer,Hang Glider, Fishing Pier, Hand Launch for Boating, Kayak, Wind Surf, and Chairlift for Skiing.

Also, signs that were modified to improve visibility and make the sign design less complex are:  Litter Container, Ranger Station, Picnic Area, Laundry, Sleeping Shelter, and Interpretative Trail.

## Questions?

## Chapter 2I: Emergency Management Signing

**Notes:**
Emergency Management signs communicate what to do in case of emergency traffic situations

## Slide 74

**Notes:**
Emergency Management Signs communicate what to do in case of emergency traffic situations. In the 2000 Manual, the title to Chapter 2I was changed from “Civil Defense” to  “Emergency Management” since the more prevalent concerns today are from emergency traffic management situations such as may occur with natural disasters and chemical warfare threats.

## Design of Evacuation Route Sign 

**Notes:**
In Chapter 2I, the civil defense symbol is deleted and replaced by the word message, “Evacuation Route.”

## Questions?