Traffic Signs - Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD)

Contents

• Introduction and History to MUTCD
• MUTCD in Washington State
• Other Authorized Traffic Related Signs
• Sample City and County Traffic Sign Policies
• Additional Information Resources  

Introduction and History

• Federal Highway Administration Web site
  • Overview
  • The Evolution of MUTCD
  • Who Uses the MUTCD and How
  • Knowledge 
    - The MUTCD is a complex and evolving document. The Knowledge element of the FHWA Web site provides historic information about the development of traffic control devices and the MUTCD, and overview of who benefits from the information contained in the publication, and the process for updating standards. There's even a list of frequently asked questions about the MUTCD, which is updated regularly.

MUTCD in Washington State

The MUTCD contains standards for traffic control devices that regulate, warn, and guide road users along highways, county roads, and city streets. The MUTCD functions as both a legal and an engineering document. The Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 47.36, Traffic Control Devices, requires the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) to adopt uniform standards for traffic control devices installed along state highways. The law also requires that traffic control devices along county roads fully conform to these adopted standards, and those along city streets conform to the extent possible.  Also look at WAC 468-95.

The Millennium Edition (ME) MUTCD is the current adopted (on January 9, 2003) legal version of the MUTCD for use in Washington State.  The ME MUTCD and the Washington State modifications are to be used for the installation and maintenance of traffic control devices.  Proposed modifications to the ME MUTCD that will be in effect only in Washington State can be submitted electronically to WSDOT using the process described in Modifications to the MUTCD 2003

Other Authorized Traffic Related Signs

• Motorist Information Sign Program - Washington State Department of Transportation
• Headlights On
  • RCW 47.04.180  - Twenty-four hour headlight policy - counties or cities can petition the department of transportation to create a "twenty-four hour headlight policy" on state highways in their respective jurisdictions
  • WSDOT Policy for "Headlights On' Signs on the State Highway System ( 2 MB)

Sample City and County Traffic Sign Policies

• Washington
  • Des Moines Transportation
  • King County
    • King County Road Services - Traffic Signs
    • King County Traffic Engineering -    Frequently Asked Questions: Signs, signals, crosswalks and streetlights
  • Kitsap County Public Works Traffic Signs
  • Pierce County Traffic Division - Links to policies
  • Seattle Traffic Control Manual  for In-Street Work - See Sign Information
• Out of State
  • Edina, MN  - Warning Signs - Traffic Policy ( 27 KB)
  • Fridley, MN  - Street Sign Policy
  • Cottage Grove, MN  - Sign Request Policy ( 18 KB)

Additional Information Resources

• Federal Highway Administration Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices
• Institute of Traffic Engineers Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices
• Washington State Department of Transportation Traffic Signs

• Selected MRSC Library Holdings - Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD)  -  Clicking on this link will take you to a list of documents available on loan through the MRSC library. Once the list appears, you can sort it alphabetically by selecting Sort and then Title from the drop-down menu
  
  

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