# Presentation: 303610

## Introduction to the 2000 MUTCD

**Introduction to the 2000 MUTCD**

**Notes:**
Today we would like to provide you with an introductory overview of the 2000 MUTCD. We will cover why the MUTCD is important and some of the new items in this edition

This is the cover of the MUTCD. Each part of the MUTCD has a similar cover.

## The MUTCD Describes How Traffic Control Devices are Used in a Variety of Situations	

**Notes:**
The MUTCD contains national standards for the design, application, and placement of signs, signals, pavement markings, and other types of traffic control devices.  The MUTCD describes how traffic control devices are used in a variety of situations: 
local street operations, 
bicycle and pedestrian crossings, school zones, 
freeways and other highways, 
and work zones. 

## Why are Traffic Control Devices Important?

- Traffic control devices provide a number of important benefits to the public

**Notes:**
The MUTCD is important for a number of reasons.  We are fundamentally interested in having effective traffic control devices.  That's our goal.  

Have you ever thought about what it would be like to travel on roads without traffic control devices?

##  Traffic Control Devices Provide for the Safe and Orderly Movement of Traffic

**Notes:**
Traffic control devices have evolved over the years to help road users avoid accidents. They also improve safety by reducing the severity and number of accidents.

## The MUTCD Provides a Common Language with Which to Communicate to Road Users

**Courtesy of AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety:**
** **_[http://www.](http://www.aaafts.org/photolib/children/crossing_sign.JPG)__[aaafts](http://www.aaafts.org/photolib/children/crossing_sign.JPG)__[.org/](http://www.aaafts.org/photolib/children/crossing_sign.JPG)__[photolib](http://www.aaafts.org/photolib/children/crossing_sign.JPG)__[/children/crossing_sign.JPG](http://www.aaafts.org/photolib/children/crossing_sign.JPG)_

**Notes:**
Traffic control devices also provide a common language with which to communicate. They optimize traffic performance by improving safety for road users.

## Uniformity 

**Notes:**
In today's era of driver distraction and the controversy over cell phone usage in the car, the MUTCD gives us sameness and uniformity so drivers know what to expect.  That helps us communicate more effectively.  Uniformity of size, color, and shape also provides a consistent message to road users so that they can expect to see the same traffic control application no matter where they travel.  Additionally, uniformity provides manufacturers of traffic control devices with consistent design standards.

## Five Requirements for Effective Traffic Control Devices

- Command attention
- Convey a clear, simple meaning
- Command respect from road users
- Give adequate time for proper response

**Five Requirements for Effective Traffic Control Devices**

**Notes:**
The MUTCD provides five general requirements for effective traffic control devices. Devices must:
Fulfill a need
Command attention
Convey a clear, simple meaning
Command respect from road users, and
Give adequate time for proper response
The uniformity provided by the MUTCD helps us achieve these requirements.  That's not to say that the MUTCD provides the only possible way to use traffic control devices.  That's why the FHWA proposes to update the manual on a yearly basis to keep pace with new developments and applications.

## Who Uses the MUTCD?

- State and local highway officials
- Law enforcement officials
- Construction and manufacturing industries
- Engineering consultants
- Departments of motor vehicles
- Insurance industry

**Notes:**
Because the Manual is applicable to all roads open to public travel, it reaches a diverse audience.  These are some traditionally thought of audience segments.

## Important MUTCD Dates

**Final Rule published December 18, 2000**

**Adoption Date January 17, 2003**

**Effective Date January 17, 2001**

**Compliance Date varies. If five-year compliance, then January 17, 2006**

**Notes:**
There are some important dates to remember.  The MUTCD was published on December 18th, 2000.  The manual officially became effective January 17th, 2001.   

The Adoption Date may be different from the effective date.  January 17th, 2003 is the Adoption Date of the Manual.  This is the date by which States must adopt the provisions in the MUTCD, and that traffic control devices installed along our roads must be in compliance with the MUTCD.

Some new traffic control devices have extended compliance dates to balance the economic impact to state and local agencies with the mobility benefit.  Thus, a few traffic control devices have compliance periods that are longer than the two-year adoption period.   Compliance dates for specific traffic control devices are available on the FHWA, MUTCD web site.

## Available Mediums of the Millennium MUTCD

- Since December 2000 on FHWA’s MUTCD website:
**http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov**
- Printed and CD ROM versions from professional organizations in Spring 2001
- ATSSA, AASHTO, ITE, GPO, and others

**Notes:**
Speaking of web sites, FHWA's method of publishing the manual is through the web.  The web address is printed in your notes and on the screen.  Additionally, a printed version of the manual will be available through a number of professional organizations in the summer of 2001.  Check your professional association’s web site, or go to the MUTCD web site for more information on how to purchase a printed copy.