# Presentation: 279039

## The 2003 Edition of the MUTCD

**Federal Highway Administration**
**Office of Transportation Operations**
**MUTCD Team**

**Notes:**
The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) is incorporated by reference in 23 CFR part 655, subpart F, approved by the Federal Highway Administration, and recognized as the national standard for traffic control devices used on all public roads.  On November 20, 2003, the Final Rule adopting changes to the national MUTCD was published in the Federal Register.  Due to the large number of changes from the previous (2000) edition, the MUTCD with these changes incorporated has been designated as the 2003 edition of the MUTCD (instead of Revision 2 to the 2000 edition.) 

## Why a New 2003 MUTCD?

**1988**

**2000**

**2003**

**Notes:**
Most, but not all, of the many changes proposed in the NPA have been adopted in the final rule.  The large number of changes from the 2000 edition reflects the many advances in TCD technology and the state-of-the-art over the period of several years since the last changes were proposed (in the mid-1990’s) as part of the reformatting and rewriting of the 1988 MUTCD.  Many of the changes originated with comments that were sent to the (mid to late 1990’s) dockets that led to the issuance of the 2000 MUTCD.  Those comments suggested further changes and additions to the MUTCD, beyond what FHWA had proposed, as well as corrections of errors and inconsistencies.  Most of those suggestions could not be acted on as part of the 2000 MUTCD final rule, because the public had not been given an opportunity to comment on them.  The number and extent of changes adopted in this final rule are too great in extent and scope to be considered a mere revision of the 2000 edition.  The MUTCD, with the changes incorporated, is designated as a complete new edition of the MUTCD, to minimize user confusion. 

## FHWA Process

-   **Notice of Proposed Amendments**

******  ****Analysis of Comments...**

**Notes:**
On May 21, 2002, the FHWA published in the Federal Register a notice of proposed amendments (NPA) proposing revisions to the MUTCD.  The FHWA received 293 letters submitted to the docket, containing over 5,000 individual comments on the MUTCD in general or on one or more parts, chapters, sections, or paragraphs contained in the MUTCD.  Comments were received from the National Committee on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (NCUTCD), State Departments of Transportation (DOTs), city and county government agencies, Federal government agencies, consulting firms, private industry, associations, other organizations, and individual private citizens.  The FHWA reviewed and analyzed all the comments received. 

## Comments--- 

**Where the Interest Lies**

- 			       **Proposed          Significant         Docket **
**	****	****	****        **_**Changes**_**            **_**Changes**_**         **_**Comments**_
**Gen/Intro      ****	****     8****	****	****    4****	****           ****	****118**
**Part 1       ****	****   15****	****	****    6****	****	****  82**
**Part 2       ****	**** 381       ****	****114****	****            1122**
**Part 3       ****	****   89 ****	****	****  24****	****	**** 222**
**Part 4       ****	****   88  ****	****	****  35****	****	**** 295**
**Part 5****	**** ****	****   32****	****	****    7****	****	****   43**
**Part 6       ****	**** 251****	****	****  59****	****            1654**
**Part 7****	****  ****	****   28****	****	****    8****	****	**** 103**
**Part 8****	**** ****	****   49****	****	****  16****	****	**** 210**
**Part 9 ****	****    ****	****   54          ****	****  16****	****	**** 383**
**Part 10        ****	****   **_**61**_**	****	****  **_**25**_**	****	**** **_**186**_
**  ****TOTAL            1071****	****          316****	****         5000+**

**Notes:**
This table shows a breakdown, by Part, of where the changes were proposed and how many comments were received on each Part.   Although all Parts of the MUTCD were commented upon, the largest interest of commenters seemed to be in regard to Part 2 (Signs) and Part 6 (Temporary Traffic Controls.)

## Final Rule for 

**2003 MUTCD**

**Published in ****November 20, 2003**** Federal Register**

## FHWA

**MUTCD Team Members**

** ****Ernie Huckaby ****	****    Linda Brown            Fred Ranck**

**  ****Scott Wainwright ****	****          Guan Xu****	****        Pete Rusch**

**Notes:**
This is FHWA’s MUTCD Team, the group of professional staff in FHWA’s headquarters and Resource Center offices that has been responsible for developing and producing the 2003 edition of the MUTCD.  Other FHWA staff around the U.S. also participated, and the FHWA also utilized expert assistance provided by contractors—all focused on making the 2003 MUTCD the most accurate, user-friendly, error-free, and technically advanced MUTCD ever.  Now, let’s move on to discuss the highlights of the significant changes adopted in the 2003 MUTCD...

## Format of the 2003 MUTCD

** ****New cover design**
** ****Website-posted PDF files are official**

** ****Printed books sold by ITE, AASHTO,  ATSSA, and GPO.**

## Format of the 2003 MUTCD

**508-compliant HTML web version (accessible to blind & low-vision persons)**

**Notes:**
Because the FHWA distributes the MUTCD via the Internet website, it must comply with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act.  This has been achieved by providing, in addition to the PDF file format, an alternative format (hypertext markup language---HTML), that is accessible to individuals with vision disabilities.  Included within those HTML files are accessible narrative descriptions of all of the illustrations (figures) that are contained in the MUTCD.  While every effort has been made to assure complete consistency between the PDF and HTML file formats, the PDF version is the official version of the MUTCD and takes precedence over any potentially conflicting text in that may occur in the HTML version.

## Format of the 2003 MUTCD

**HTML Version has:**
**  ****Search    Engine**
**  ****Hot Links**

**Notes:**
The HTML version on the MUTCD website also now includes a “search engine.”  Users can search on a word or phrase and are then provided with a list of all sections where that word or phrase appears.  It also has “hot links” to quickly take users to a referenced Section or Figure in another part of the MUTCD.

## “Search the MUTCD”

**“****Search the MUTCD”**

**Notes:**
Searching on a word of phrase results in a list of Sections in the MUTCD where that word or phrase appears, ranked in order of frequency of appearance.  Clicking on one of the listed Sections takes the user to that Section. 

## “Search the MUTCD”

**“****Search the MUTCD”**

**Notes:**
The word or phrase is then highlighted in yellow wherever it appears in any of the listed Sections, to make it easy to find.

## Format of the 2003 MUTCD

**30% fewer pages...                                ****Only 2/3 as thick as 2001 AASHTO Green Book**

**Notes:**
The amount of “white space” on text pages has been reduced to reduce the total number of pages in the MUTCD by about 30%.  The size and thickness of the MUTCD is now approximately the same as the 2001 AASHTO Green Book.  

## More Words Per Page

**More Words Per Page**

**            ****2000                               2003**

**Notes:**
By reducing margins, interline spacing, and other page layout criteria, more words can fit on each page.  As one example, text in part of Section 3B.01 that required one full page in the 2000 MUTCD now only occupies less than a half page in the 2003 MUTCD.

## Graphics Improvements

**2000**

**   ****2003**
**“****Pattern- Accurate Fonts and Spacing**

**Notes:**
Graphics have been improved by using accurate fonts, letter spacing, and symbols on illustrations of signs to make them “pattern-accurate”, and by using more accurate proportioning of lanes and pavement markings on figures.  Various other adjustments have been made to graphics in the MUTCD to aid in user understanding and to make the figures more accurately reflect the standards, guidance, and options contained in the text of the MUTCD. 

## General and Global Changes

** ****Consistency between MUTCD and SHS**
** ****Signs shown with       correct relative sizes**
** ****Metric conversion errors and inconsistencies corrected**
** ****Editorial improvements to some words and phrases**

**Notes:**
Many comments were received about the lack of consistency between some of the signs and pavement markings illustrated in various figures in the MUTCD and the illustrations in the “Standard Highway Signs” (SHS) book.  These inconsistencies have caused inordinate confusion to users.  In the final rule many of the MUTCD figures have been revised to illustrate or refer to all SHS signs that are consistent with this 2003 MUTCD.  This will better serve users by greatly improving the consistency of the MUTCD with the SHS.
In figures that contain only a set of sign images, the relative sizes of the signs are now shown appropriately.
Also, some commenters noted inconsistencies and errors in the 2000 MUTCD and in the NPA regarding conversions of English units to metric units.  The FHWA made a comprehensive review of all dimensions and units of measure in the MUTCD and identified a variety of errors in conversions of English units to metric units that had occurred during the process of preparing the 2000 edition of the MUTCD and that had been perpetuated or inaccurately corrected in the NPA.  These metric conversions have been corrected and made consistent. 
Many minor grammatical or style changes have been made to the MUTCD text to improve consistency with related text or figures, to improve clarity, or to correct minor errors.  Some specific words or phrases have been revised editorially to improve grammar, clarity, consistency, and accuracy.   For example, words and phrases such as “ensure that”, “completely safe”, “virtually every road user” have been  modified to terms that are more appropriate and accurate.

## General and Global Changes (cont’d)

** ****All illustrations have Figure numbers and titles**
** ****Figures correctly titled as “Examples of” or “Typical”**
** ****Expanded coverage of existing ADA requirements that pertain to TCDs**

**Notes:**
Figure numbers and titles have been given to all pages that did not have a figure number for images of traffic control devices in the 2000 MUTCD.  The titles of a number of figures have been changed to accurately identify the figure as either “typical” or “example(s) of”, consistent with the corresponding MUTCD text.   In general, the word “typical” is used in the title if the figure portrays preferred or recommended practice, and the words “example(s) of” are used in the title if the figure portrays one or several of a variety of things that would be acceptable practice with no recommended preference.
In recognition of and support for the importance of accessibility issues related to traffic control devices, a variety of changes have been made to the MUTCD to assure consistency with existing requirements of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), 42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq., and other regulatory requirements concerning accessibility as they pertain to traffic control devices.

## MUTCD  Introductory Pages (Pages i and ii)

**MUTCD  Introductory Pages (Pages i**** ****and ii)**

** ****5 additional organizations listed**
** ****Website addresses added for all**

**Notes:**
On Pages i and ii the addresses are added for five additional organizations whose publications are referenced in the various parts of the MUTCD.  The newly-listed organizations are: 
· Federal Highway Administration Report Center· International Organization for Standards· ISEA - The Safety Equipment Association· Occupational Safety and Health Administration· U.S. Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board
Also, web site addresses have been added for each of the organizations listed, to assist users of the MUTCD with contacting each of the organizations.

## MUTCD  Introduction

** ****Corrected reference to Code of         Federal Regulations**
** ****Numerals for times, distances, speed limits, and weights shown in sign images in the figures should be regarded as examples only**

**Guidance: (Sec. 2E.39)**
**“****The sign legend should identify the region or area followed by the words        NEXT**** ****X**** EXITS.”**

**Notes:**
In the Introduction, the second paragraph of the first STANDARD statement is revised to correct an incorrect reference in the 2000 MUTCD.  It now accurately reflects the referenced text of the Code of Federal Regulations and is consistent with Section 1A.07  Responsibility for Traffic Control Devices.  The paragraph now states: “The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) is incorporated by reference in 23 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 655, Subpart F and shall be recognized as the national standard for all traffic control devices installed on any street, highway, or bicycle trail open to public travel in accordance with 23 U.S.C. 109(d) and 402(a). The policies and procedures of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to obtain basic uniformity of traffic control devices shall be as described in 23 CFR 655, Subpart F.”
Also, a second paragraph has been added to the GUIDANCE statement to clarify that, except when a specific numeral is required by the MUTCD text, numerals shown in sign images in the figures that specify times, distances, speed limits, and weights should be regarded as examples only, and that the numerals installed on actual signs should be appropriately altered to fit the specific signing situation.

## MUTCD  Introduction

** ****Organization---Parts, Chapters, Sections**
** ****Paragraphs, lettered or numbered items**
** ****How to accurately cite a specific sentence in the MUTCD**

**Notes:**
Three new Support paragraphs have been added clarify the organization of the MUTCD and explain how one could reference portions of the MUTCD.  The new text reads:
“The following information will be useful when reference is being made to a specific portion of text in this Manual.
“There are ten Parts in this Manual and each Part is comprised of one or more Chapters. Each Chapter is comprised of one or more Sections. Parts are given a numerical identification, such as Part 2-Signs. Chapters are identified by the Part number and a letter, such as Chapter 2B-Regulatory Signs. Sections are identified by the Chapter number and letter followed by a decimal point and a number, such as Section 2B.03-Size of Regulatory Signs.
Each Section is comprised of one or more paragraphs. The paragraphs are indented but are not identified by a number or letter. Paragraphs are counted from the beginning of each Section without regard to the intervening text headings (Standard, Guidance, Option, or Support). Some paragraphs have lettered or numbered items. 
“As an example of how to cite this Manual, the phrase “Not less than 12 m (40 ft) beyond the stop line” that appears on Page 4D-12 of this Manual would be referenced in writing as “Section 4D.15, P7, D1(a),” and would be verbally referenced as “Item D1(a) of Paragraph 7 of Section 4D.15.”

## MUTCD  Introduction

** ****Requirements for States to Adopt Changes in MUTCD within 2 years (per CFR)**
** ****78 Phase-in Target Compliance Dates for Devices, includes:**
**       ****	****- ****Dates established by previous final rules                                ****	****- ****New dates established by 2003 MUTCD final rule**

**Notes:**
A new STANDARD is added that accurately cites the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) requirements for States and other Federal agencies to adopt the changes to the MUTCD within 2 years and cites other pertinent CFR requirements about compliance of devices with the MUTCD.  This new text also accurately reflects existing provisions of the Code of Federal Regulations in regard to different requirements that apply on Federal-aid projects and the FHWA’s authority to establish phase-in target compliance dates for particular changes to the MUTCD. A list of special phase-in target compliance dates for various portions of the MUTCD has been added within the MUTCD Introduction.  The purpose of this list is to provide a convenient reference guide to the user of phase-in target compliance dates for various portions of the MUTCD.  The new STANDARD paragraph reads: “In accordance with 23 CFR 655.603(b)(1), States or other Federal agencies that have their own MUTCDs or Supplements shall revise these MUTCDs or Supplements to be in substantial conformance with changes to the National MUTCD within 2 years of issuance of the changes. Unless a particular device is no longer serviceable, non-compliant devices on existing highways and bikeways shall be brought into compliance with the current edition of the National MUTCD as part of the systematic upgrading of substandard traffic control devices (and installation of new required traffic control devices) required pursuant to the Highway Safety Program, 23 U.S.C. § 402(a). In cases involving Federal-aid projects for new highway or bikeway construction or reconstruction, the traffic control devices installed (temporary or permanent) shall be in conformance with the most recent edition of the National MUTCD before that highway is opened or re-opened to the public for unrestricted travel [23 CFR 655.603(d)(2)]. The FHWA has the authority to establish other target compliance dates for implementation of particular changes to the MUTCD [23 CFR 655.603(d)(4)]. These target compliance dates established by the FHWA shall be as follows:”  [A list of target compliance dates is then provided.]  The list includes previously-established compliance dates from previous rulemakings that are still in effect and new compliance dates established by the final rule for the 2003 MUTCD.  Discussion of the specific additions, changes, and removals of phase-in target compliance dates may be found under the discussions of the individual sections.

## MUTCD  Introduction

** ****Option for agencies to establish policies re:**
** ****replace with compliant device; **
**or**
** ****replace in kind under some conditions**

**Replacement of damaged non-compliant device via maintenance activities after a crash or other event:**

**Notes:**
New OPTION and SUPPORT statements have been added regarding replacement of damaged non-compliant devices as a part of maintenance activities after a crash or other event.  While it is usually desirable to replace damaged devices with ones that conform to the current MUTCD, there are times that doing so may not be practical, or may cause the replacement device to be inconsistent with other portions of the Manual or other devices in a series, and thereby cause a potential safety issue for road users.  The new text reads:
“Option:
In order for maintenance personnel to understand what to do when replacing a damaged non-compliant traffic control device, agencies may establish a policy regarding whether to replace the device in kind or to replace it with a compliant device.
Support:
Often it is desirable to upgrade to a compliant device at the time of this maintenance of a damaged device.  However, it might be appropriate to replace the damaged non-compliant device in kind at the time of this maintenance activity if engineering judgment indicates that:
A. One compliant device in the midst of a series of adjacent non-compliant devices could potentially be confusing to road users; and/or
B. The anticipated schedule for replacement of the whole series of non-compliant devices will result in achieving timely compliance with the MUTCD.”

## MUTCD Table of Contents

**Notes:**
The Table of Contents immediately after the MUTCD Introduction has been condensed to include only the list of Parts and Chapters and not the Sections, Figures, and Tables.  Each of the ten Parts continues to begin with its own table of contents that contains the page number of every section, figure, and table.  This change simplifies the search for an item by those with visual disabilities and will make finding information quicker and easier.

## Appendix A1:  Congressional  Legislation

**PL 104-59:  NHS Act  of 1995,              Section 306**
**       ****Motorist                        Call Boxes**

**Notes:**
At the very end of the MUTCD, after Part 10, is Appendix A1. In Appendix A1 Congressional Legislation, in the listing of pertinent sections of Public Law 104–59—Nov. 28, 1995 (National Highway System Designation Act of 1995), Section 306 (Motorist Call Boxes) is added. This section of the law discusses the uses of motorist call boxes along the National Highway System. 

## Part 1: General

## Section 1A.03Design of Traffic Control Devices

** ****All symbols shall be unmistakably similar to, or mirror images of, the adopted symbol signs, “all of which are shown in the SHS Book.”**

**Notes:**
In Section 1A.03  Design of Traffic Control Devices, the first Standard Statement has been editorially rearranged, combining sentences, to make it clear that any symbol sign shown in the Standard Highway Signs book is eligible for use, even though it may not be specifically illustrated in the MUTCD.

## Section 1A.10Requests for Interpretations, Experimentations, etc.

** ****Requirement to submit requests to FHWA Office of Transportation Operations**
** ****Examples provided to clarify what is a TCD “concept” vs. “device” (re: “patented or copyrighted”)**

**Notes:**
The 2003 edition now requires (instead of recommends) that requests for interpretations, experimentations, changes, and Interim Approvals to the MUTCD shall be sent to the FHWA’s Office of Transportation Operations for review and approval.  This is a change from Guidance (recommend) to Standard (require).
In item E of the second GUIDANCE statement and in item D of the fourth GUIDANCE statement, both of which pertain to patented or copyrighted traffic control devices, an example of a traffic control device concept has been inserted in both items to clarify the difference between a “concept” and a “device”.  The inserted text reads: “(An example of a traffic control device concept would be countdown pedestrian signals in general.  Ordinarily an entire general concept would not be patented or copyrighted, but if it were it would not be acceptable for experimentation unless the patent or copyright owner signs a waiver of rights acceptable to the FHWA.  An example of a patented or copyrighted specific device within the general concept of countdown pedestrian signals would be a manufacturer’s design for its specific brand of countdown signal, including the design details of the housing or electronics that are unique to that manufacturer’s product.  As long as the general concept is not patented or copyrighted, it is acceptable for experimentation to incorporate the use of one or more patented devices of one or several manufacturers.) “
Requests for interim approvals, interpretations, and changes can be made by anyone.  However, requests for experimentation approvals will continue to be accepted only from public agencies or private toll road authorities. 

## Section 1A.10 New Interim Approval Process

**Authority for FHWA to give interim approvals:**
** ****After evaluations & decision to propose for next MUTCD revision**
** ****Allows use while formal MUTCD rulemaking is initiated and proceeds**
** ****No further “experimentation” or paperwork requirements after Interim Approval**
**Small “risk” to agencies using devices under Interim Approval.**

**Notes:**
A new “interim approval” process is added to provide the ability for FHWA to approve the use of successfully researched new traffic control devices that are pending official rulemaking.  The purpose is to more quickly implement in the field, when appropriate, good new devices or applications.  Interim approval will be considered based on the results of successful experimentation, results of analytical or laboratory studies, and/or review of non-U.S. experience with a traffic control device or application.  Interim approval considerations will include an assessment of relative risks, benefits, and costs.  Interim approvals will also include conditions established by the FHWA that the responsible jurisdiction must agree to comply with in order to use the traffic control device or application until an official rulemaking action has occurred. The request for interim approval will be considered only when submitted to the Office of Transportation Operations.  Once an interim approval is granted to a jurisdiction for a particular device or application, subsequent jurisdictions shall be granted interim approval for that device or application by simply submitting a letter of request to the Office of Transportation Operations along with an agreement to restore the site to its former condition if the new device or application is not adopted as a final rule; or to modify the site if the final rule adopts a different variation of the device or application.  A state may submit a statewide request for interim approval for all jurisdictions within that State.

## Section 1A.10Figure 1A-2---Interim Approval Added

**Section 1A.10****Figure 1A-2---****Interim Approval Added**

**Notes:**
Figure 1A-2 is a flow chart that shows the process for incorporating new traffic control devices into the MUTCD.  The new interim approval process has been added to Figure 1A-2.  Interim approval will only be considered after a new device or TCD application is found to be successful and FHWA believes it is likely to gain eventual adoption into the MUTCD via the formal MUTCD rulemaking process.  Once the final rule is issued, agencies that have installed the new device(s) under Interim Approval are required to make those devices conform to all aspects of the final rule on that device.  This may include removal if the device is disapproved in the final rule.

## Section 1A.11Relation to Other Documents

** ****Standard Highway Signs book and Color Specifications (23 CFR 655) incorporated by reference into MUTCD**
** ****11 additions to list of referenced documents**
** ****Latest dates for all publications cited**

**Notes:**
The list of documents in Section 1A.11 is revised to reflect the publication dates of the latest editions.
The STANDARD statement is modified to state: “To the extent that they are incorporated by specific reference, the latest editions of the following publications, or those editions specifically noted, shall be a part of this Manual: “Standard Highway Signs” book (FHWA); and “Color Specifications for Retroreflective Sign and Pavement Marking Materials” (appendix to subpart F of Part 655 of Title 23 of the Code of Federal Regulations).”
The list of supporting documents has been expanded to include 11 additional documents that are referenced in the MUTCD.  The list has been rearranged to be alphabetized, first by source and then by title, and dates have been changed to reflect the latest editions.  The newly-added documents are:
2. “Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities,” 1999 Edition (AASHTO)
3. “Guide to Metric Conversion,” 1993 Edition (AASHTO)
7. “Standard Specifications for Movable Highway Bridges,” 1988 Edition (AASHTO)
8. “Traffic Engineering Metric Conversion Folders— Addendum to the Guide to Metric Conversion,” 1993 Edition (AASHTO)
10. “Designing Sidewalks and Trails for Access—Part 2—Best Practices Design Guide,” 2001 Edition (FHWA) [Publication No. FHWA-EP-01-027]
13. “American National Standard for High-Visibility Safety Apparel,” (ANSI/ISEA 107-1999), 1999 Edition, ISEA - The Safety Equipment Association.
23. “Traffic Control Devices Handbook,” 2001 Edition (ITE)
26. “Occupational Safety and Health Administration Regulations (Standards - 29 CFR), General Safety and Health Provisions - 1926.20,” amended June 30, 1993, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
28. “Recommended Procedures for the Safety Performance Evaluation of Highway Features,” (NCHRP Report 350), 1993 Edition (Transportation Research Board - TRB)
30. “Building a True Community—Final Report—Public Rights-of-Way Access Advisory Committee (PRWAAC),” 2001 Edition (The U.S. Access Board)
31. “The Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities (ADAAG),” July 1998 Edition (The U.S. Access Board)

## Section 1A.12New ColorFluorescent Pink

-  **Optional use for Incident Management signs**
** “****Color box” (coordinates) established**
** “****Coral” color remains unassigned**

**Notes:**
 In Section 1A.11  Color Code, in the STANDARD statement, the color fluorescent pink is assigned to incident management, for optional use to make it easier for road users to follow directions relating to traffic incidents.  (This color was referred to as fluorescent coral in the NPA.) The coordinates of the adopted color box (which has been added to the Color Specifications in the Code of Federal Regulations) are most appropriately titled “fluorescent pink,” and the FHWA intends for the color to appear pinker in nature, similar to the sample signs that were studied and found effective, rather than coral. The items are reordered so that the colors appear in alphabetical order.   The color “coral” is restored as an unassigned color.
Four pairs of chromaticity coordinates determine the acceptable color and these coordinates have been added to the table found in 23 CFR Part 655, Subpart F, Appendix.
A new Section 6I has been added to the MUTCD to address the specific use of incident management signs. 
Table 2A-4 is also modified to include to include fluorescent pink as optional for incident management.
Additionally, to be consistent with Section 2C.42  Playground Sign (W15-1), “playground warning” is added to the list of signs assigned for optional use of the fluorescent yellow-green color. 

## Section 1A.13Definitions of Words   and Phrases

** ****Revised some definitions and added some definitions to this section.**
** ****The term “Preferential Lane Marking” is no longer used.**

**Notes:**
In Section 1A.13  Definitions of Words and Phrases in This Manual, the definitions in the STANDARD statement for “Active Grade Crossing Warning System,” “Average Day,” “Beacon,” “Crosswalk,” “Highway Traffic Signal,” “Raised Pavement Marker”, “Road User,” “Shared-Use Path,” “Sidewalk,” “Sign Illumination” and “Traffic Control Device” have been revised to better reflect accepted practice and terminologies and to provide consistency between the definitions shown here and in other parts of the Manual.  Additionally, definitions have been added for “Crashworthy,” “Detectable,” “Inherently Low Emission Vehicle (ILEV),” “Pedestrian Facilities,” and “Roundabout Intersection” because they are used in the MUTCD.  Also, the definition of “Inherently Low Emission Vehicle (ILEV)” has been revised to clarify that only the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has the authority to certify ILEVs.
Additionally, the definition for “Preferential Lane Marking” has been removed because it is no longer used in the MUTCD.

## Section 1A.14Abbreviations Used on Traffic Control Devices

-  **Abbreviations for word messages shown in Table 1A-1 are the **_**only**_** abbreviations to be used for those word messages.**
** ****Consistency recommended within jurisdiction when more than one abbreviation is allowed.**

**Notes:**
Standard:  The text has been revised to clarify that the abbreviations for word messages shown in Table 1A-1 are the only abbreviations to be used for those word messages.
The next slide shows examples of added abbreviations for Table 1A-1. 

Guidance:  A Guidance statement has been at the end of this section to recommend that where multiple abbreviations are permitted in Tables 1A-1 or 1A-2, the same abbreviation should be used throughout a single jurisdiction for consistency.

## Table 1A-1Acceptable Abbreviations Used on TCDs

**         **_**Abbreviations Added:**_
**Circle (CIR)****	****	****     Trail (TR)**
**Terrace (TER)****	****	****     Court (CT)**
**Parkway (PKWY)****	****     Place (PL)**
**Inherently Low Emissions Vehicle  (ILEV)**
**Eastbound, Westbound, etc. (E-BND,        W-BND, etc.)**

**Notes:**
Tables 1A-1 and 1A-2 have been revised to include additional abbreviations, delete some abbreviations, and modify some abbreviations, based on Texas research on driver understanding of abbreviations. The 2000 Texas Transportation Institute (TTI) study (by Durkop and Dudek) on which many of the abbreviation requirements were based found very low driver comprehension rates in Texas for NB, EB, SB, and WB when used as “NB Traffic” or “US 75 NB.”  The Texas study suggested that a better alternative would be just the initial letter N, S, E, or W.  The FHWA reviewed that study and determined that abbreviations such as “N-BND” would further enhance understanding.  

## Table 1A-1Acceptable Abbreviations Used on TCDs

_**Alternative Abbreviation Added:**_
**                ****Avenue (AVE or AV)**
**	****	**
_**Alternative Abbreviation Deleted:**_
**	****Miles Per Hour (MPH or M.P.H.)**

**Notes:**
An alternative abbreviation (AV) has been added for Avenue, and the alternative abbreviation “M.P.H.” (with periods) for Miles Per Hour has been deleted.

## Table 1A-2Abbreviations Acceptable Only with a Prompt Word

_**Abbreviation**_**	****	****    **_**Prompt Word**_
**Chemical (CHEM)****	****    Spill**
**Route (RT or RTE)****	****    Best***
**(* Prompt word precedes abbreviation)**

**Notes:**
Table 1A-2 has been revised to add these 2 abbreviations that are acceptable only with a prompt word.  A row has been added for the word Chemical that is abbreviated (CHEM) and uses the prompt word “spill”.  For the word Route, an alternate abbreviation of “RTE” has been added in addition to “RT”.    
The rows in Table 1A-2 for the words Eastbound, Northbound, Southbound, Vehicle, and Westbound have been removed since these abbreviations can be used without a prompt word (see Table 1A-1).