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New Retroreflectivity standards were added to the MUTCD in December 2007 and 

related compliance dates were revised in May 2012.

The standards are a result of many years of research regarding the needs of the 

drivers – how many have heard about retroreflectivity before?

The intent of the standards are a solution that meets needs of most involved.
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While some signs are required, most are not. The Manual describes application of 

TCDs (1A.09)

Typically the decision to install a sign is based on Engineering Judgment. The 

standards/guidance/options come into play to promote uniformity in the application 

in an effort to help drivers safely navigate (regulate, warn, guide)

Once the decision is made that a sign is needed, the MUTCD requires:

• Same shape and similar color day and night

• Retroreflective or Illuminated
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Why the big concern?

Only about 25% of travel occurs in dark conditions, but 50% of crashes

The nighttime crash rate is nearly three times that of daytime

Both behavioral (fatigue, alcohol) and engineering contributors to this disparity 

between nighttime and daytime -- Improving visibility helps everyone

Sources: 

• Crash Data – NHTSA Fatal Accident Reporting System

• VMT – FHWA Highway Statistics
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Signs are generally adequate when installed.

Signs degrade with sunlight, weather, environmental damage. Daylight and 

Nighttime degradation varies.

Do you have a method in place to determine when to replace?
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Not all signs have been adequately maintained

Now there are standards and guidance for all agencies to follow

Some agencies may already be in compliance, for other agencies this may 

raise the visbility of their signs
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New Language (standard)

Major change is in Section 2A.08

Centers around a method to maintain retroreflectivity
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The numbers are also in the MUTCD (this was somewhat controversial)

The chart is a little complex, so Example 1: a curve warning sign

black on yellow

*Type I (eng grade) should not be used

Any other type okay and should have a yellow retro level of 50 or 75

(2) Since curve is not text or fine symbol, should meet 50

Black not retroreflective, so don’t have to measure it.

Example 2: Stop Sign

Any type sheeting meets initially

Both white and red have to meet retro levels: White >35, Red>7

(3) Need contrast ratio > 3:1 (e.g. red=20, white must >60)
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Methods Intro

So those are the numbers you need to meet, but remember the requirement is to 

have a method that maintains those minimums.

The rule provided much versatility – many methods are available

Basics are in the brochure 

(http://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/roadway_dept/night_visib/policy_guide/sign_15mins/sign_15mins.pdf),

Research details are in the “Methods Report” on-line at FHWA nighttime visibility 

site.

Each method has some advantages and disadvantages that should be considered. 

Combining methods can help minimize the concerns/disadvantages.

Keep in mind the goal is to have visible signs that at least meet the needs of drivers 

during nighttime.
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This support statement helps to limit an agency’s liability: compliance is by 

implementing a maintenance method, even if some signs do not meet levels at a 

particular time.

It is not meant as an easy out: the maintenance method must be designed to 

maintain the minimum requirements fro sign retroreflectivity.
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Several signs are exempted. The research for blue and brown retroreflectivity has 

been completed since the standards were adopted. Report FHWA-HRT-08-029 

provides minimum recommended retroreflectivity levels for blue and brown signs. 
The final rule also adds a new Option statement exempting existing historic street 

name signs within a locally identified historic district from

the Standards and Guidance of Section 2D.43 regarding street sign color, letter size, 

and other design features, including retroreflectivity.

2009 MUTCD Revision 1 deals with change in Engineering Judgment definition –

not part of this presentation

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The dates for having a method selected and in use was extended 2.5 years. Guide 

signs have been removed from the first compliance dates...however, they are to be 

added to an agency's management or assessment method as resources allow.

The compliance dates for signs below the minimums have been 

removed .... without these “target” compliance dates, each agency 

must prioritize and justify their schedule of sign replacement. 

Signs identified through an agency‘s maintenance method as being 

below the minimum established retroreflectivity levels have 

exhausted their useful service life and need to be replaced because 

they do not meet the needed function of being adequately visible at 

night. 

Agencies are expected to prioritize replacement of wornout signs 

based on engineering considerations, similar to other traffic control 

devices. 
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Note: The compliance date of June 13, 2014 applies only to the implementation and 

continued use of an assessment or management method that is designed to maintain 

regulatory and warning sign retroreflectivity at or above the minimum 

retroreflectivity levels in Table 2A-3. Agencies are expected to add signs other than 

regulatory or warning to their method as resources allow, per the footnote to the 

Compliance Date Table (I-2).

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Here are some sources that you can easily access to gain further information on 

retroreflectivity.

(Recommend handing out copies of the summary brochure: 

http://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/roadway_dept/night_visib/policy_guide/sign_15mins/sign_15mins.pdf

at any live presentation.)

Note: This is a first draft. For review purposes only.