The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) publishes and administers national standards for streets and highways in the MUTCD (Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices). I refer to it often in these columns on traffic safety because it defines the standards used by road managers nationwide to install and maintain traffic control devices on all streets, highways, pedestrian and bicycle facilities, and identifies roadways open to public travel.

The MUTCD is a compilation of national standards for all traffic control devices, including road markings, highway signs and traffic signals. It is updated periodically to accommodate the nation’s changing transportation needs and address new safety technologies, traffic control tools and traffic-management techniques.

The latest version — the 11th Edition of the MUTCD — has an effective date of Jan. 18, 2024. It replaces the 2009 edition. States must adopt the 11th edition as their legal state standard for traffic control devices by Jan. 18, 2026.

The purpose of the MUTCD is to establish uniform national criteria for the use of traffic-control devices that meet the needs and expectancy of road users through the following objectives:

¯ A: Promote safety, inclusion, and mobility for all users of the road network;

¯ B: Promote efficiency through creating national uniformity in the meaning and appearance of traffic control devices;

¯ C: Promote national consistency in the use, installation and operation of traffic control devices; and

¯ D: Provide basic principles for traffic engineers to use in making decisions regarding the use, installation, operation, maintenance and removal of traffic control devices.

As defined in the MUTCD, traffic control devices include all signs, signals, markings, channelizing devices or other devices that use colors, shapes, symbols, words, sounds and/or tactile information for the primary purpose of communicating a regulatory, warning or guidance message to road users on a street, highway, pedestrian facility, bikeway, pathway or a roadway open to public travel.

State highways are almost always in full compliance if they employ traffic engineers who understand and follow the national mandates. Unfortunately, small municipalities are often not compliant, largely because they can’t afford traffic or highway engineers. Other than signs, signals and pavement markings that highway superintendents must deal with on a regular basis, there are other requirements that need technical professionals.

Fortunately assistance is available from the New York State Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP) Center at the Cornell Local Roads Program. This agency provides unbiased, timely and exceptional technical assistance and training to highway and public works departments across the state to help improve the quality and safety of roads and streets. The program provides valuable assistance through webinars and online training, workshops and highway schools across the state throughout the year. It’s a great resource for local municipalities and is a benefit to local taxpayers.