# Presentation: 181189

## General Revisions to Part 2 – Signs 

**General Revisions to**** Part 2 – Signs**** **

**Notes:**
The following slides discuss the significant global revisions proposed in Part 2 and specific revisions in Chapter 2A.

## Engineer does not need to be involved in decisions for each sign at each location

**Removing recommendation from several places in Part 2 that “signs should only be used where justified by engineering studies or engineering judgment”**

**Notes:**
The recommendation that signs should only be used where justified by engineering studies or engineering judgment is being deleted from several places in Part 2.  These revisions do not detract from the requirements that engineering studies must be done under engineering supervision for very specific traffic control decisions.  However, at the same time it is not required that an engineer be involved in the decisions for each device at every location.

## Many new symbols

**Many new symbols**

**Notes:**
In order to provide additional uniformity for frequently-used signing that is not currently included in the MUTCD, many new signs are being added throughout the MUTCD to provide road users with a uniform message for commonly-encountered conditions.  In some cases, new symbol signs are being added that mirror existing Canadian MUTCD standard symbols that have been in longstanding successful use in Canada.  Some new symbol signs and new word message signs reflect the results of the Synthesis of Non-MUTCD Traffic Signing, which collected information on signs in common use in the States, and recent research on symbols by the Traffic Control Devices Pooled Fund Study.

## New symbols for toll plaza signing

**Notes:**
Toll plaza signing, including these new symbols, will be discussed later in Chapter 2E.

## Symbols from one type of sign shall not be used on a different type of sign

_**Warning**_** sign symbol - playground**

**Cultural/recreational  **_**guide**_** sign symbol - playground**

**Notes:**
A new standard is being added that prohibits the symbols associated with one type of sign from being used on a different type of sign, except in limited circumstances. Intermixing symbols from one type of sign to a different type of sign might not have the same impact and might be potentially confusing and therefore should be specifically prohibited.

## Size of sign lettering should be based on 1 inch of letter height per 30 feet of legibility

**Based on 20/40 vision**
**Currently 1 inch per 40 feet**

**Notes:**
The recommendation that the size of letters on signs should be based on 1 inch of letter height per 40 feet of legibility distance is being revised to 1 inch per 30 feet in order for sign legibility to be based on 20/40 vision.  Most States allow drivers with 20/40 corrected vision to obtain driver’s licenses.
This change is consistent with recommendations from the Older Driver handbook that sign legibility be based on 20/40 vision. With the increasing numbers of older drivers the FHWA believes that 20/40 vision should be the basis of letter heights used on signs.  This change will generally not impact the design of guide signs because existing MUTCD provisions for guide sign letter heights provide sufficient legibility distances for 20/40 vision in most cases. The sizes of some regulatory and warning signs used in some situations will need to be increased to provide for larger letter sizes. 

## New and revised sign size tables

**Updated/expanded table for regulatory sign sizes**
**New detailed sign size tables:**
**Warning signs**
**Conventional road guide signs**
**Freeway/expressway guide signs**
**General service signs**
**General information signs**

**Notes:**
The existing sign size Tables 2B-1 and 2I-1 (new Table 2K-1) are being updated to reflect proposed new signs, deleted signs, and changes to sign sizes.  Also, Table 2C-2 is being modified from its general treatment of warning sign sizes to instead specifically address each sign, similar to the way it is done in Table 2B-1.  Additionally, new sign size tables that cover all signs and plaques that have a standard design are being added for conventional road guide signs, freeway and expressway guide signs, general service signs, and general information signs.
New provisions are also being added regarding the appropriate use of the various columns in the Tables throughout the MUTCD that describe sizes for signs on various classes of roads.  This will clarify how the columns in the sign size tables are intended to be used. 

## Minimum sign size may be decreased in alleys

**Notes:**
A new option is being added that the minimum overall sign size may be decreased for signs in alleys where restrictive physical conditions limit installation of the even the minimum size sign. This reflects the results of the FHWA MUTCD Urbanization Needs Survey, which included comments from a number of city traffic engineers that the MUTCD does not adequately address sign sizes and application for alley installations.

## Option to use            all upper-case letters for place names and street names is being deleted

**Notes:**
The option of using all upper-case letters for names of places, streets, and highways is being deleted, and a requirement that these names be composed of lower-case letters with an initial upper-case letter is being added.  Studies have shown that legibility and recognition distances are better for place names and destinations when first letter is uppercase followed by lowercase letters. 

## New option for the use offluorescent colors

**New option for the use of****fluorescent colors**

**Fluorescent Yellow**

**Standard Yellow**

**Notes:**
A new option is being added that allows the use of fluorescent colors when the corresponding color is required in order to give jurisdictions the flexibility to use fluorescent colors to attract additional attention to the signs.

## New options for sign conspicuity enhancement

**Notes:**
A new section is being added regarding methods that may be used to enhance the conspicuity of standard regulatory, warning, or guide signs to provide improved uniformity of such treatments to benefit road users.  11 new options that are being provided and detailed on permissible ways effectively to enhance the conspicuity of standard signing. 

## Revisions to Chapter 2B – Regulatory Signs 

**Revisions to**** Chapter 2B – ****Regulatory Signs**** **

**Notes:**
The following slides discuss the significant proposed revisions in Chapter 2B.

## Larger minimum sizes for certain signs on multi-lane roads

**Notes:**
A new sign size table is being added that requires larger minimum sizes for certain regulatory signs (such as speed limits, critical right of way control signs, one way, do not enter, etc.) facing traffic on multi-lane conventional roads, and that requires a specific minimum size for STOP signs that face multi-lane approaches.  These larger sizes are based on older-driver research and the practice of most States of licensing drivers with only 20/40 corrected vision. For a driver with 20/40 vision, each inch of letter height provides only 30 feet of legibility distance.

## New recommendations on the factors to be considered when establishing STOP or YIELD sign control 

**Notes:**
New recommendations are being added regarding the factors that should be considered in when establishing intersection control through the use of STOP and YIELD signs in order provide a more logical progression in criteria, from least restrictive (no control) to more restrictive controls (yield control, stop control, and all way stop control,) as developed by the national committee. 

## Conditions for allowable use of                   folding STOP signs for                  signal power outages

**Notes:**
New provisions are being added that clarify the conditions under which folding STOP signs can be used to control traffic during traffic signal power outages. The language corresponds to Official Interpretation #2-545. 

## New plaque that may be used with STOP sign in special conditions

**Notes:**
A new EXCEPT RIGHT TURN plaque that can be mounted below a STOP sign is being added to give agencies flexibility in establishing right-of-way controls for special combinations of intersection geometrics and traffic volumes.
This plaque could be used when an engineering study determines that a special combination of geometry and traffic volumes is present that makes it possible for right-turning traffic on the approach to be permitted to enter the intersection without stopping. The Sign Synthesis Study found that at least 12 States have developed 7 different sign messages for this purpose.  EXCEPT RIGHT TURN is the simplest, most accurate legend.

## Supplemental YIELD sign on the left-hand side of a multi-lane approach to roundabout --revised from requirement to recommendation

**Supplemental YIELD sign on the left-hand side of a multi-lane approach to roundabout --revised from requirement to recommendation**

**Notes:**
The requirement that a supplemental YIELD sign be placed on the left-hand side of multi-lane approaches to roundabouts is being revised to a recommendation, to give more flexibility. 

## New optional fish-hook arrows for use on lane-use control signs at roundabouts

**Notes:**
New types of arrows are being added that may be used on Intersection Lane Control signs on approaches to roundabouts to correspond with similar proposed options for pavement marking arrows on roundabout approaches in Part 3. 

## Use of 2-WAY, 3-WAY, and 4-WAY plaques is being deletedALL-WAY plaque  remains as a “shall” if all approaches have STOP sign 

**Notes:**
The use of 2-WAY, 3-WAY, and 4-WAY plaques is being deleted.  The use of ALL WAY plaques will be required if all approaches have a STOP sign. 

## Placing two STOP signs or        two YIELD signs on the same post for emphasis will be prohibited

**Placing two STOP signs or        two YIELD signs on the same post for emphasis will be prohibited**

**Notes:**
A new standard is being added to prohibit the placement of two STOP signs or two YIELD signs on the same support facing the same direction, because this is not considered an acceptable method of adding emphasis.

## Signs mounted back-to-back with STOP or YIELD signs should stay within the edges

**Notes:**
The recommendation that a sign mounted back-to-back with a STOP or YIELD sign should stay within the edges of the STOP or YIELD sign is being clarified, and guidance is being added that says the size of the STOP or YIELD sign should be increased, if necessary, to accomplish this recommendation. This is to assure that the shape of these critical intersection right-of-way signs can be discerned from the opposite direction of approach. 
These changes also clarify the existing language that resulted in confusion amongst some practitioners regarding the placement of messages on the back of STOP and YIELD signs.

## Variant of                                       “Yield Here to Pedestrians” signs for State laws requiring full stop

**Notes:**
A new Stop Here for Pedestrians sign is being added because the State laws of some States require motorists to come to a full stop for, rather than yield to, pedestrians in a crosswalk.

## Overhead Pedestrian Crossing signs

**Notes:**
A new Overhead Pedestrian Crossing sign that may be used to remind road users of laws regarding right-of-way at an unsignalized pedestrian crosswalk is being added. The Sign Synthesis Study revealed that some agencies use an overhead sign for this purpose, because it is needed in some applications. 

## In-street pedestrian crossing signs:

**Conditions and criteria for use**
**Placement locations**
**Background may be fluorescent yellow or fluorescent yellow-green**

**Notes:**
Conditions and criteria to be used in determining when In-Street Pedestrian Crossing signs should be used at unsignalized intersections are being added to provide for more uniform application of these signs and discourage over-use.
Also, the placement of the In-Street Pedestrian Crossing sign will be restricted to the roadway at the crosswalk location on the center line, on a lane line, or on a median island.
A new option to allow the use of a fluorescent yellow background color for In-Street and Overhead Pedestrian Crossing signs is being added.

## Supports for in-street pedestrian crossing signs must be designed to bend over and bounce back when struck

**Notes:**
A new standard is being added to require In-Street Pedestrian Crossing signs that are not placed on physical islands to be designed to bend over and then bounce back to their normal vertical position when struck by a vehicle in order to minimize damage to vehicles and injuries to pedestrians if the signs are struck by a passing vehicle.

## New plaques that may be mounted with Speed Limit signs

**Notes:**
Several new plaques are being added that may be mounted with the Speed Limit Sign to indicate that the speed limit is applicable to the entire city, neighborhood, or residential area unless otherwise posted, as it is often unnecessary and overly costly to install a speed limit sign on every minor residential street. 

## New symbolic photo enforced sign and plaque

**Notes:**
In addition to the PHOTO ENFORCED word message plaque, two new Photo Enforced plaques are being added that feature a symbol of a camera.  This symbol was found to be most understood and has the best legibility distance of several symbols tested.  A comparable plaque with a yellow background is also being added in Chapter 2C, Warning Signs.

## New No Straight Through symbol sign

**Notes:**
A new No Straight Through symbolic sign is being added, using the Canadian standard symbol.  The sign is useful at four-legged intersections where the through movement to be prohibited is onto a street or road that does not have a “Do Not Enter” condition, such as when 90-degree turns into the roadway are allowed, but the straight ahead movement into the roadway is prohibited. 

## Movement prohibition signs at signalized intersections should be placed adjacent to the appropriate signal face(s).

**Notes:**
The option of placing Movement Prohibition Signs adjacent to signal heads is being changed to a recommendation. For conspicuity reasons, these signs should be mounted near the appropriate signal face, and this reflects typical practice.

## These signs shall not be used at a roundabout to prohibit turning left into the circular roadway

**Notes:**
New provisions are being added to prohibit the use of No Left Turn, No U-Turn, and combination No U-Turn/No Left Turn signs at roundabouts to prohibit drivers from turning left onto the circular roadway of a roundabout, and indicating that ONE WAY and/or new Roundabout Directional Arrow signs are the appropriate signs to indicate the travel direction for this condition.  This is to reduce the possibility of confusion for drivers who intend to turn left by circumnavigating the roundabout.

## New regulatory signs for use at roundabouts

**Roundabout Directional Arrow signs              (on central island)**

**Roundabout Circulation sign (with YIELD sign at mini-roundabouts)**

**Notes:**
New Roundabout Directional Arrow signs and a new Roundabout Circulation sign are being added.  The use of roundabouts has increased over the past 10 years, and it is important that more detailed information on effective regulatory signing of roundabouts be provided.  New provisions regarding the use of ONE WAY signs on central islands of roundabouts are also being added to provide consistency in signing for roundabouts.  These black and white signs shown in this slide are not chevrons, but they are signs like the roundabout directional arrows in use in Europe.  This terminology will remove the current dichotomy of black on yellow Chevrons and reserve it only for horizontal curves. The Roundabout Circulation sign is for use as a plaque with the YIELD sign at mini-roundabouts where placing Roundabout Directional Arrows on the central island is not feasible.

## Overhead lane-use control signs should be used on signalized approaches for certain conditions

**Notes:**
A new recommendation is being added that overhead lane control signs should be installed over the appropriate lanes on signalized approaches where lane drops, multiple-lane turns with shared through-and-turn lanes, or other lane-use regulations that would be unexpected by unfamiliar road users are present. This is consistent with proposed changes in Part 4 and will enhance safety and efficiency by providing for more effective signing for these potentially confusing situations. 

## Lane-Use Control Signs for approaches with 3 or more lanes available to thru traffic

**Mandatory Movement and Optional Movement Lane-Use Control signs, if used, shall be mounted overhead**

**Advance Intersection Lane-Use Control signs, if used, shall **_**not**_** be mounted overhead**

**Notes:**
Mandatory Movement Lane Use Control signs indicate only the single vehicle movement that is required from a single lane.  Optional Movement Lane Use Control signs indicate two or more movements allowed from a single lane. 
Advance Intersection Lane Control signs are typically designed for post-mounting at the roadside.  A new standard is being added that prohibits the overhead placement of Advance Intersection Lane Control signs where there are three or more lanes available to through traffic.
Where there are three or more lanes available to through traffic, Mandatory Movement and Optional Movement Lane Control symbol signs, if used, shall be mounted overhead over the individual lanes.
These are not new requirements, but rather are more explicit statements of requirements already contained in Chapter 2B.

## New optional signs for enforcement of start of turn lanes

**Notes:**
New BEGIN RIGHT (LEFT) TURN LANE signs are being added for optional use at the upstream ends of mandatory turn lanes for enforcement purposes.

## Freeway lane drops --            new regulatory sign to complement “Exit Only” warning panels on guide signs

**Notes:**
New RIGHT (LEFT) LANE MUST EXIT signs are being added.  These signs could be used for a freeway or expressway lane that is required to depart the roadway on an exit ramp at the next interchange.  This sign establishes the “must exit” regulation and makes it enforceable, where warning signs alone have proven ineffective.  (The overhead EXIT ONLY plaque on guide signs is black-on-yellow and is a warning message.) The Sign Synthesis found that at least 12 States currently use this type of regulatory sign for freeway lane drop situations to establish the “must exit” regulation.

## New plaque for preferential lanes

**Notes:**
A new MOTORCYCLES ALLOWED plaque is being added for use with regulatory signs designating the types of vehicles that can use a preferential lane or the number of vehicle occupants that are required for a vehicle to use such a lane.

## Bus preferential lane signs

**Notes:**
Additional regulatory signs to designate bus preferential lanes are being added.

## New signs for contiguous HOV lanes that become general purpose lanes

**Notes:**
 New regulatory signs that designate the ends of an HOV lane restriction on an existing (non-added) lane are being added. 

## New regulatory signs for lanes restricted to ETC only

**Notes:**
New provisions are being added regarding regulatory signing for lanes that are restricted to Electronic Toll Collection only, to provide consistency and uniformity in signing practices for these types of facilities, which are becoming increasingly common. 

## New regulatory signs for toll plazas

**Notes:**
New sections are being added that further describe regulatory signing at toll plazas in order to provide consistency and uniformity in signing practices for these types of facilities, which are becoming increasingly common and for which uniform signing provisions are not currently contained in the MUTCD.  The PAY TOLL and TAKE TICKET plaques are used with traffic signals at non-ETC toll booths.

## New signs for managed lanes with variable toll rates

**Notes:**
New sections are being added that further describe regulatory signing for managed lanes in order to provide consistency and uniformity in signing practices for these types of facilities, which are becoming increasingly common and for which uniform signing provisions are not currently contained in the MUTCD.  The signs shown on this slide include changeable message elements that are used to provide toll rate information that varies by time of day or as congestion levels change.

## New regulatory signs for jughandles

**Notes:**
A new section is being added regarding the use of regulatory signs for jughandles in order to provide agencies with uniform signing practices for several of the most common geometric layouts of jughandles. Regulatory signing for jughandles is critical because the geometry typically requires left turns and U-turns to be made via a right turn, either in advance of or beyond the intersection, and this is contrary to normal driver expectations. 

## New symbolic design for              Do Not Pass sign

**Notes:**
A new symbolic Do Not Pass sign and a DO NOT PASS educational plaque are being added. This symbol has been in use and well understood in Europe and Canada (the Canadian MUTCD RB-31 sign) for many decades. This symbol sign is being added due to the need to reduce the number of word message signs, increase symbolization, and promote better harmony due to globalization and increasing international travel.  Because this symbol is new, a DO NOT PASS educational plaque can be used with this sign. The optional continued use of the existing word message sign is being allowed.

## New regulatory signs

**Notes:**
A new DO NOT PASS WHEN SOLID LINE IS ON YOUR SIDE sign is being added to remind drivers of the meaning of a solid yellow line for no-passing zones. As found by the Sign Synthesis Study, at least five States use signs to remind road users of the meaning of a solid yellow line for no-passing zones, however there is considerable variety in the wording that is used.  The term “Do No Pass” is preferable because that same terminology has been used in the R4-1 sign.  “Solid Line” is preferable because it is fewer words and all center lines are yellow, so it is not necessary to state the color of the line.  “On Your Side” is simpler and easier to understand than “right of center line” or “in your lane.”  The single standard message of “Do Not Pass When Solid Line Is On Your Side” will provide consistency and uniformity.
New DO NOT PASS ON SHOULDER and DO NOT DRIVE ON SHOULDER signs are being added to prohibit driving, turning, and/or passing on shoulders. The Sign Synthesis Study found that at least 19 States are using some version of regulatory sign to prohibit driving, turning, and/or passing on shoulders and the FHWA believes that consistent and uniform messages for these purposes should be provided to road users. 
A new KEEP RIGHT EXCEPT TO PASS sign is being added to legally require drivers to stay in the right-hand lane of a multi-lane highway except when passing a slower vehicle. The Sign Synthesis Study found that at least 19 States use a “Keep Right Except to Pass” sign.

## This regulatory sign deleted and replaced with a guide sign design

**Notes:**
The TRUCK LANE XX FEET (R4-6) sign is being deleted because the message provides guidance information (distance to the start of the truck lane) rather than regulatory information.  (A new guide sign with this message is being added in Chapter 2D.)

## New narrow Keep Right sign           for narrow median noses

**Notes:**
A new narrower (12 inches wide) version of the existing symbolic Keep Right sign is being added to provide agencies with the flexibility where there is insufficient lateral clearance for a standard width Keep Right sign on an extremely narrow median nose. 

## Slow vehicle turn-out           regulatory signs

**Notes:**
A new section is being added that introduces three new slow vehicle turn-out regulatory signs that may be used on two-lane highways where physical turn-out areas are provided for the purpose of giving a group of faster vehicles an opportunity to pass a slow-moving vehicle. As documented in the Sign Synthesis Study, at least eight States, mostly in the west, use regulatory signs to legally require slow moving vehicles to use the turnout if a certain number of following vehicles are being impeded.  Most of the eight States use similar wording on their signs, but there are some variations. These new signs provide for uniformity of the message.  

## Option for lower mounting height for Do Not Enter and Wrong Way signs on ramps

**Notes:**
Based on Older Driver research and positive experience in several States, a new option is being added that allows lower mounting heights for Do Not Enter and Wrong Way signs as a specific exception, when an engineering study indicates that it would address wrong-way movements at freeway/expressway entrance ramps. 

## “Excluded” and “prohibited” changed to “NO”

**Notes:**
The legends of several existing selective exclusion signs are being revised to use the word NO, rather than PROHIBITED or EXCLUDED, to simplify the messages and make them easier to read from a distance.

## Regulatory signs for crossovers

**Notes:**
New AUTHORIZED VEHICLES ONLY and FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY signs are being added, to reflect current practice.

## One-way signs required on near right, far left, and far right corners of divided highways

**Notes:**
The existing recommendation that ONE WAY signs be placed on the near right, far left, and far right corners of each intersection with the directional roadways of divided highways is being revised to a requirement, based on Older Driver research.  The existing option that allows agencies to omit the use of ONE WAY signs at intersections with medians of less than 30 feet is being revised to allow these signs to be omitted only on the median, thus requiring them to be installed on the outside corners of the intersection. 

## Near side and far side One-way signs required on the                minor-street approaches at            4-way and T-intersections

**Notes:**
A new requirement is being added that two ONE WAY signs, one near side and one far side, be installed for each approach to a one-way street at T-intersections and cross intersections. This also reflects Older Driver research.

## Divided Highway signs shall be installed on approaches to divided highways

**Notes:**
Also based on Older Driver research, a new requirement is being added that Divided Highway Crossing Signs be installed on the near right corner of the intersection for all approaches to divided highways (unless the divided highway has an AADT of less than 400 vehicles per day and a speed limit of 25 mph or less). 

## New pay parking and pay station signs

**Notes:**
New Pay Parking and Pay Station signs are being added for use where a fee is charged for parking and a midblock pay station is used instead of individual parking meters.  The signs reflect the recommendations of the ITE Parking Council and the NCUTCD.

## Symbol is being added to pedestrian pushbutton signs

**Notes:**
The designs of many of the pedestrian pushbutton signs are being revised to include the Canadian standard symbol for pushbuttons (in addition to the words) to begin the symbolization of the pushbutton message.  Also, to reflect changes in Part 4, pedestrian pushbutton signs that do not clearly indicate which crosswalk signal is actuated by each pedestrian detector are either being deleted or redesigned such that they do identify a specific crosswalk. 

## New special purpose         pedestrian pushbutton signs

**Notes:**
A new sign is being added for a pushbutton that activates In-Roadway Warning Lights. Also, a new FOR MORE CROSSING TIME – HOLD BUTTON DOWN FOR 2 SECONDS pushbutton sign is being added for a pushbutton that can activate a longer pedestrian clearance interval by being held down.

## New supplemental plaque for regulatory signs

**Notes:**
An AT SIGNAL supplemental plaque is being added to inform drivers that the associated regulatory sign is applicable at the next traffic control signal.

## Required for use with           pedestrian hybrid signals

**Notes:**
A new sign is being added that must be used in conjunction with the new pedestrian hybrid signals (“HAWK signals”) that are being added to Part 4.

## Required for use with emergency-vehicle                 hybrid signals

**Notes:**
New signs are being added that must be used in conjunction with the new emergency-vehicle hybrid signals that are being added to Part 4.

## For optional use with new flashing red arrow signal faces

**Notes:**
A new LEFT TURN YIELD ON FLASHING RED ARROW AFTER STOP sign is being added for optional use with the new flashing red arrow left-turn signal faces that are being added in Part 4.

## New optional sign to remind RTOR drivers to yield to                u-turners

**Notes:**
A new RIGHT TURN ON RED MUST YIELD TO U-TURN sign is being added to remind drivers making a right-turn-on-red-after stop movement of their obligation to yield the right-of-way to U-turning traffic.

## For approaches with more than one right-turn lane

**Notes:**
A new NO TURN ON RED FROM THIS LANE (with down arrow) overhead sign and a new post-mounted NO TURN ON RED EXCEPT FROM RIGHT LANE sign are being added for use on signalized approaches with more than one right-turn lane.

## New symbolic design for the R10-15 sign

- R10-15

**Notes:**
The design of the TURNING TRAFFIC MUST YIELD TO PEDESTRIANS (R10-15) sign is being changed to a symbolic sign to make the sign more conspicuous to road users.  This design has been successfully used by New York City.

## New ramp metering             regulatory signs 

**Notes:**
Two new ramp metering regulatory signs are being added to provide uniformity in ramp meter signing. 

## Revised legend for weigh station  regulatory sign

**Notes:**
The legend on the regulatory weigh station sign is being revised to be a clearer regulatory message instead of a guidance message.  The sign is being illustrated in the normal black-on-white regulatory format, although the optional use of white-on-black is being retained.

## Headlight use signs

**Notes:**
8 new headlight use signs are being added that may be used by States that require road users to turn on their vehicle headlights under certain weather conditions. The Sign Synthesis Study found that there is a wide variation in the legends currently being used by States for this purpose.  These new signs provide increased uniformity of the messages for road users. 

## Incident management              “Move-it” law sign

**Notes:**
A new FENDER BENDER MOVE VEHICLES FROM TRAVEL LANES sign is being added to inform road users of State laws that require them to move their vehicles to the shoulder if they have been involved in a minor non-injury crash. As an integral part of active incident management programs in many urban areas, an increasing number of States and cities are using signs requiring drivers who have been involved in relatively minor “fender bender” or non-injury crashes to move their vehicles to the shoulder.  A variety of sign messages are in use for this purpose, as documented by the Sign Synthesis Study. With the increasing popularity of these laws and incident management programs, a standardized sign legend is needed. 

## Revisions to Chapter 2C – Warning Signs 

**Revisions to**** Chapter 2C – ****Warning Signs**** **

**Notes:**
The following slides discuss the significant proposed revisions in Chapter 2C.

## Some word message signs are being deleted

**Also---STOP AHEAD, YIELD AHEAD, SIGNAL AHEAD**

**Notes:**
The HILL, DIVIDED HIGHWAY, DIVIDED ROAD, DIVIDED HIGHWAY ENDS, DIVIDED ROAD ENDS, STOP AHEAD, YIELD AHEAD, and SIGNAL AHEAD word message signs are being deleted from the MUTCD because the symbol signs have been in use for more than 35 years and the word signs have become obsolete. 

## Fluorescent Yellow-Green color

_**Recommended**_** for pedestrian, bike, and playground signs**

_**Required**_** for school signs**

**Notes:**
The use of a fluorescent yellow-green background is being changed from an option to a recommendation for warning signs associated with pedestrians, bicyclists, and playgrounds, and it is being changed to a requirement for school and school bus warning signs.  FYG provides enhanced conspicuity, particularly during dawn and twilight periods. In the intervening years since the fluorescent yellow-green background color was introduced as an option, most highway agencies have adopted policies to use this color for school warning signs and many have also decided to use it for all warnings associated with pedestrians and bicycles. This change will provide more uniformity and consistency in pedestrian, bicycle, and school warning signing. (See also Part 7)

## 36” x 36” Minimum size for all diamond-shaped warning signs on multi-lane conventional roads

**Notes:**
A new requirement is being added that the minimum size for all diamond-shaped warning signs facing traffic on multi-lane conventional roads shall be 36 x 36 inches. This is consistent with other proposed changes that base sign size dimensions on letter sizes needed for a visual acuity of 20/40, which results in larger sign sizes.  On multi-lane roads, increased legibility distances are also needed due to the potential blockage of signs by other vehicles.
Also, in the notes for Table 2C-4 regarding placement of warning signs, “PIEV time” is being replaced with “PRT,” and other changes are being made in the notes and values in Table 2C-4 in order to provide adequate legibility of warning signs for 20/40 visual acuity. 

## New table for selection of horizontal alignment signs

**Notes:**
A new table is being added to define the required, recommended, and optional Horizontal Alignment warning signs to be used for different situations and conditions. Horizontal curves account for 25% of all highway fatalities. The changes are aimed at improving and strengthening the requirements for signing horizontal curves.  The table creates a hierarchal approach to use of these signs and plaques and defines required, recommended, and optional warning signs for various differentials between speed limit and advisory speed.  The requirements apply to freeways, expressways, and functionally classified arterials and collectors over 1,000 AADT and an option statement allows their use on other roadways.  These road classifications represent higher volume roadways, a larger percentage of unfamiliar drivers, and have the potential to yield the largest safety benefits in reducing crashes due to road users’ lack of awareness of a change in horizontal alignment, as documented in a recent NCHRP study. 

## New variations of combination horizontal alignment-intersection warning signs

**Notes:**
Several new designs of Combination Horizontal Alignment and Intersection signs are being added to provide uniform designs for certain common situations.

## Chevrons may be mounted at   4’ height

**Notes:**
A minimum mounting height of 4 feet for the Chevron Alignment sign is being added as an exception to the normal minimum mounting height for signs.

## New table for spacing of Chevron signs

**Notes:**
A new table is being added to provide spacing criteria for Chevron Alignment signs, based on research. 

## Curve Speed advisory sign is being deleted

**Curve Speed advisory sign is being deleted**

**Notes:**
The Curve Speed sign is being deleted, as the Exit Speed and Ramp Speed signs provide sufficient advisory speed information for exit ramps. The Curve Speed sign has had only limited usage and is no longer needed.

## New combination horizontal alignment/advisory exit or ramp speed signs

**Notes:**
New Combination Horizontal Alignment/Advisory Exit and Ramp Speed signs are being added for optional use where a critically low ramp or exit curvature is not apparent to drivers in the deceleration or exit lane or where the curvature needs to be specifically identified as being on the ramp rather than on the mainline. The design and the use of these signs are based on the Sign Synthesis Study, which found that at least four States have developed signs for this purpose but with varying designs.  A uniform design for this type of sign provides consistency for road users. 

## New Freeway Ends  and Expressway Ends signs

**Notes:**
New Freeway Ends and Expressway Ends warning signs are being added because there are many locations where a freeway or expressway ends by changing to an uncontrolled access highway, and it is important to warn drivers of the end of the freeway or expressway conditions.  In other cases, the need for this type of warning may be generated by other conditions not readily apparent to the road user, such as the need for all traffic to exit the freeway or expressway on exit ramps. The Sign Synthesis Study found that at least 21 States have developed their own standard warning signs for this purpose but with varying legends and designs. Uniform designs for these signs provide consistency for road users.   

## New sign for use where a freeway or expressway ends

**Notes:**
An ALL TRAFFIC MUST EXIT sign is also being added for situations where drivers must leave the freeway or expressway on an exit ramp until the remainder of the freeway or expressway is built and opened to traffic. 

## New Uneven Lanes or             Shoulder Drop-Off sign and plaques

**Notes:**
A new symbolic Shoulder Drop Off sign and two supplemental plaques are being added to warn road users of either a low shoulder or uneven lanes. The Sign Synthesis Study found that symbol signs and/or different word messages are being used in at least 13 States to convey these or similar messages, with a wide variety of legends and symbol designs.  The States are not consistent in how these symbol signs are used, with some being used for uneven lanes and some for low shoulder or shoulder drop-off conditions. The Canadian MUTCD prescribes a single standard symbol warning sign (TC-49) for use to warn of either a low shoulder or uneven lanes.  The standard Canadian sign is being adopted to provide a single uniform symbol for these conditions, which are similar in terms of issues for vehicular control, with supplemental educational word message plaques as needed. 

## New                 No Shoulder warning sign

**Notes:**
A new NO SHOULDER word message sign is being added to warn road users that shoulders do not exist along the roadway. The Sign Synthesis Study found inconsistencies in the legends of signs currently in use by the States for this purpose. 

## New Falling Rocks sign and plaque

**Notes:**
A new symbolic Falling Rocks sign and educational plaque is being added to warn road users of the possibility of rocks falling (or already fallen) onto the roadway. Several foreign countries use the falling rocks symbol sign. It is also common practice in many States to warn road users of the frequent possibility of rocks falling (or already fallen) onto the roadway.  The Sign Synthesis Study found a lack of consistency in the sign legends or symbols currently in use by the States for this purpose. To provide consistency in sign design, a symbol sign (along with an educational plaque for use if needed) is being added that may be used to warn road users of falling or fallen rocks, slides, or other similar situations. The design is based on the symbol used in Mexico because of its simplicity and legibility, but it is also very similar to the Canadian design. 

## New signs and plaque to warn of conditions that primarily affect motorcyclists 

**Notes:**
A new GROOVED PAVEMENT sign and a new METAL BRIDGE DECK sign and a Motorcycles supplemental plaque are being added to warn motorcyclists of road surface conditions that would primarily affect them, such as grooved or brick pavement and metal bridge decks.   The design is based on research results.

## New warnings for adverse weather conditions

**Notes:**
New GUSTY WINDS AREA and WATCH FOR FOG word message signs are being added to warn road users that these adverse weather conditions frequently exist along a section of highway. The Sign Synthesis Study showed that signs for these purposes were in very common use in many parts of the country, but with widely varying legends.  Uniform designs for these signs provide road users with consistent messages. 

## New warning signs for    road flooding 

**Notes:**
A new ROAD MAY FLOOD word message sign and a Depth Gauge sign are being added to warn road users of low-lying sections of road that often flood and to provide information on how deep the water is over the road surface. The Sign Synthesis Study showed that signs for these purposes were in very common use in many parts of the country, but with widely varying legends.  Uniform designs for these signs provide road users with consistent messages. 

## Warning signs for ramp metering

**Notes:**
New RAMP METER AHEAD and RAMP METERED WHEN FLASHING warning signs are being added to provide drivers with advance notice of ramp metering locations and to inform them of the ramp metering status.

## Speed Reduction sign should be used where the speed limit ahead is being reduced by more than         10 mph

**Notes:**
A new recommendation is being added that a Reduced Speed Limit Ahead sign should be used where the speed limit is being reduced by more than 10 mph, or where engineering judgment indicates the need for advance notice. Reductions in speed limit of more than 10 mph are unexpected by road users and may require special actions to reduce speed before reaching the start of the lower speed zone.  This will provide for consistent application.

## No Merge Area plaque

**Notes:**
A new NO MERGE AREA supplemental plaque is being added that may be mounted below an Entering Roadway Merge sign, a Yield Ahead sign, or a Yield sign to warn drivers on an entering roadway or channelized right-turn movement that they will encounter an abrupt merging situation at the end of the ramp or turning roadway. When there are only a few entrance ramps or channelized right turns in an area that do not have acceleration lanes, those few locations do not meet driver expectations.  The FHWA proposes this plaque based on the results of the Sign Synthesis Study that indicated some States routinely use this plaque to provide road users with important warning information for these conditions.

## Freeway lane drop                 advance warning

**Notes:**
A new RIGHT (LEFT) LANE EXIT ONLY AHEAD word message sign is being added to provide advance warning of a freeway or expressway lane drop, based on the results of the Sign Synthesis Study that showed several States use a similar warning sign for these conditions, particularly when overhead guide signs are not present on which to use EXIT ONLY plaques.  

## Warnings of toll road ahead and tollbooth ahead

**Notes:**
New toll road warning signs are being added to provide for consistency and uniformity of signing for toll facilities.

## New plaques related to toll roads

**Notes:**
Three new toll road plaques are being added to provide for consistency and uniformity of signing for toll facilities. 

## Two-Way Traffic warning sign variants for            3-lane roads

**Notes:**
New signs are being added to warn of two-way traffic on roads having one through lane in one direction and two through lanes in the other direction. The proposed sign is a variant of the existing W6-1 two-way traffic warning sign and is for optional use. The Sign Synthesis Study found that several States use this type of sign to warn drivers of this condition.

## New plaque for circular intersection warning

**Notes:**
A new ROUNDABOUT supplemental plaque is being added that may be mounted below a Circular Intersection symbol sign, as an alternative to the TRAFFIC CIRCLE plaque.

## Offset side roads and double side roads

**Notes:**
New Offset Side Roads and Double Side Roads intersection warning symbol signs are being added, based on the results of the Sign Synthesis Study that showed that variants of the W2-2 sign depicting offset side roads or two closely spaced side roads are used in many States, but the relative distance between the two side roads and the relative stroke widths of the roadways varies significantly.  As a result, uniform designs are being added to the MUTCD.

## New sign and plaque for combined pedestrian/bicycle crossing

**Notes:**
A new Combined Bicycle/Pedestrian sign and TRAIL X-ING supplemental plaque are being added to provide warning of a shared-use path crossing that is used by both bicyclists and pedestrians. Currently, as noted in the photo to the right, agencies would need to use both a pedestrian crossing sign and a bicycle crossing sign.  This new combined design allows a single sign to warn of the users of a shared use path. 

## New symbol signs to warn of possible presence oflarge animals

**Notes:**
Seven new symbolic signs to warn drivers of the possible presence of large animals (bears, sheep, elk/antelope/caribou, wild horse, bighorn sheep, burro/donkey, and moose) on the roadway are being added to supplement the existing deer, cattle, and equestrian signs. These animals all look significantly different from the 3 existing animal symbols and the existing standard MUTCD signs would not provide an accurate meaning and adequate warning of these large animals, which can pose dangers to motorists. At least 16 States have developed signs (usually symbolic) for warning of one or more of these large animal crossings, as documented in the Sign Synthesis Study. Because there is a lack of consistency in the signs currently being used for this purpose by the States, uniform symbol designs are being added. 

## Warning of change in         traffic pattern

**Notes:**
A NEW TRAFFIC PATTERN AHEAD word message sign is being added to provide advance warning of a change in traffic patterns, such as revised lane usage, roadway geometry, or signal phasing. This change reflects existing practices in many States and numerous local jurisdictions as documented in the Sign Synthesis Study and provides a uniform legend for this purpose, consistent with similar changes in Part 6.   

## Plaque for new regulatory sign or advance warning sign of new regulation

**Notes:**
A NEW plaque is being added that may be mounted above a regulatory sign when a new regulation takes effect or above an advance warning sign for a new traffic regulation. The use of this plaque will be limited to 6 months after the traffic regulation has been in effect. This new plaque is based on the Sign Synthesis Study, which showed that some States and Canadian provinces are using similar plaques and signs for this purpose. This provides a uniform plaque design for consistency. 

## Median-barrier mounted preferential lane warning signs

**Notes:**
A new section is being added regarding the use of preferential lane warning signs that are designed to be narrow enough to be placed on median barriers.

## Recommended order of 2 street names on advance street name plaque

**Notes:**
A new recommendation is being added regarding the order in which street names should be displayed on an Advance Street Name plaque under a warning sign, to enhance consistency for road users.

## Plaques for use when STOP signs control all but one approach to the intersection

**Notes:**
A new GUIDANCE statement is being added to recommend that plaques with appropriate messages (rather than CROSS TRAFFIC DOES NOT STOP), such as TRAFFIC FROM LEFT DOES NOT STOP, should be used at intersections where STOP signs control all but one approach to the intersection.  This change is consistent with similar changes in Chapter 2B.