Federal Highway Administration updates traffic safety standards for the first time in a decade

For the first time since 2009, the Federal Highway Administration has updated its “Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways (MUTCD),” which is the standard for traffic signs, signals and pavement markings that’s used by transportation officials as they consider roadway safety and emerging technologies. The national standard aims to create a uniform and predictable environment for people who walk, bike, and drive.

“‘The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices’ is a vitally important guidebook that affects safety on countless roads around the country,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “With this long-awaited update to the MUTCD, we are helping our state and local partners make it safer to walk, bike, and drive, and embracing new technologies with the potential to make our transportation system safer and more efficient.”

The 11th edition of the manual reflects changes in the way Americans travel that have taken place since its last update. A statement about the publication notes it also streamlines processes and makes permanent a number of traffic control device applications that previously required special approval. For the first time, it iincludes pedestrian safety enhancements such as the rectangular rapid-flashing beacon and crosswalk marking patterns that are proven to be more visible.

Broadly, the publication supports the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Roadway Safety Strategy, which adopts a multi-layered approach with the goal of zero deaths on the nation’s roads.

“It has been over a decade since the MUTCD was last updated and a lot has changed in that time,” said Federal Highway Administrator Shailen Bhatt. “The new MUTCD gives greater consideration to all road users, who deserve to be safe when traveling on our streets and roads. It will also help improve the public’s travel experience whether driving on an Interstate or crossing the street in cities and towns across America.”

Notably, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law requires the standard is updated every four years to ensure that traffic control device standards and guidelines are responsive to the needs of the traveling public, and to new technologies.

“The MUTCD is an essential guide to help state and local transportation practitioners create safe and efficient networks for everyone who drives, walks, bikes or rolls,” said U.S. Transportation Deputy Secretary Polly Trottenberg. “We look forward to ongoing engagement and partnership with the transportation community so that the MUTCD becomes a living document which enables communities to embrace the designs and technologies that best serve their needs.”