1. General Revisions to Part 2 – Signs
The following slides discuss the significant global revisions in Part 2 and specific revisions in Chapter 2A. 1

2. New chapters and revisions for Part 2
Relocation of gates and barricades to Chapter 2B
Relocation of object markers from Part 3 to Chapter 2C
New Chapter 2F – Toll Road Signs
New Chapter 2G – Preferential and Managed Lanes
New Chapter 2H – General Information Signs
New Chapter 2I – General Service Signs
New Chapter 2L – Changeable Message Signs
Part 2 is being significantly expanded to address toll roads and preferential and Managed Lanes in new chapters 2F and 2G [PREAMBLE ITEM 36] and a new chapter on 2L on Changeable Message Signs.
The material on guide signing for general information and motorist services in 2003 MUTCD Chapter 2D is being reorganized and grouped in new chapters 2H General Information Signs and 2I General Service Signs.
Object markers are being relocated from Part 3 to Chapters 2C and 2B. 2

3. Many new symbols
In order to provide additional uniformity for frequently-used signing that is not currently included in the MUTCD, many new signs are added throughout the MUTCD to provide road users with a uniform message for commonly-encountered conditions. In some cases, new symbol signs are added that mirror existing Canadian MUTCD standard symbols that have been in longstanding successful use in Canada. Some new symbol signs and new word message signs reflect the results of the Synthesis of Non-MUTCD Traffic Signing, which collected information on signs in common use in the States, and recent research on symbols by the Traffic Control Devices Pooled Fund Study. 3

4. New symbols for toll plaza signing (See Chapter 2F)
Toll plaza signing, including these new symbols, will be discussed later in Chapter 2F. 4

5. Pictographs
Definition 146: Pictograph—a pictorial representation used to identify:
a governmental jurisdiction
an area of jurisdiction
a governmental agency
a military base or branch of service
a governmental-approved university or college
a toll payment system, or
a government-approved institution
Shall be simple, dignified, and devoid of advertising
Shall be the official designation or official seal adopted by the jurisdiction or institution
Specific provisions indicated throughout Part 2, not a categorical permission of use
Final Rule Preamble Item 38, design of pictographs on signs – information has been relocated from other sections in chapters 2D, 2E, and 2J to a new paragraph 17 in Section 2A.06. This material on pictographs also incorporates the FHWA’s Official Interpretation 2-646(I).
Standard:
17 Pictographs (see definition in Section 1A.13) shall not be displayed on signs except as specifically
provided in this Manual. Pictographs shall be simple, dignified, and devoid of any advertising. When used
to represent a political jurisdiction (such as a State, county, or municipal corporation) the pictograph shall
be the official designation adopted by the jurisdiction. When used to represent a college or university, the
pictograph shall be the official seal adopted by the institution. Pictorial representations of university or
college programs shall not be permitted to be displayed on a sign. 5

6. E-mail and Internet addresses and telephone numbers
Internet addresses, addresses, domain names, URLs: prohibited on any sign, plaque, sign panel
Phone numbers with more than 4 characters should not be shown on any sign, plaque, sign panel (including Specific Service logo panels), or CMS
The use of and internet addresses, as well as telephone numbers on signs continues to get a lot of attention. A prohibition is added on the display of addresses, including domain names and uniform resource locators (URL), on any sign, supplemental plaque, sign panel (including logo sign panels on Specific Service signs), or changeable message signs.
The restricted use of this type of information on signs is based upon research [“Additional Investigations on Driver Information Overload,” NCHRP Report 488, 2003, can be viewed at the following Internet Web site: that has identified the upper range of driver workload to be 4 bits of information (4 individual characters) before glancing back to the road. addresses are just as difficult to read and remember as Internet Web site addresses and constitute the same issues for a driver traveling at highway speeds.
There are only a few cases where exceptions are allowed for internet and addresses on signs.
A new Carpool Information Sign in Chapter 2I allows the use of an Internet domain name within the legend.
Phone numbers of more than 4 characters should not be shown on any sign, plaque, logo panel, or CMS.
An exception is given for more than 4 character phone numbers on the Carpool Information Sign (D12-2).
Signs intended to be read only by pedestrians, bicyclists and stopped vehicles may include internet addresses, addresses, or telephone numbers with more than four characters.
[Final Rule Preamble 38. In Section 2A.06 Design of Signs, as proposed in the NPA, the FHWA relocates a STANDARD paragraph regarding symbols on signs, and the associated OPTION paragraph, from Section 1A.03 to this section. The FHWA incorporates this change because Section 2A.06 is the most likely place for a reader to look for information regarding sign design.] OK 6

7. Sign Colors
Optional use of fluorescent colors including fluorescent red
Added purple for panels and plaques for electronic toll collection registration requirements
Removed yellow for school area signs
Require fluorescent yellow-green color for school area signs
Optional use of fluorescent yellow-green color for pedestrian and bicycle application signs
Preamble for Final Rule item#42. In Section 2A.10 Sign Colors (Section 2A.11 in the 2003 MUTCD), the FHWA proposed in the NPA to add an OPTION statement that allows the use of fluorescent colors when the corresponding color is required. The NCUTCD, a State DOT, two local agencies, and an NCUTCD member all supported the use of fluorescent colors, while a traffic engineering consultant opposed the addition of fluorescent colors without guidance on when they should be used. The FHWA adopts this change in this final rule with minor editorial revisions in order to give jurisdictions the flexibility to use fluorescent colors when they determine they are needed in order to attract additional attention to the signs. As part of this change, the FHWA revises the color specifications in 23 CFR Part 655, appendix to Subpart F, Tables 3, 3A, and 4 to add the fluorescent version of the color red, as proposed in the NPA. The color specifications for fluorescent yellow, fluorescent orange and fluorescent pink are already included in those tables of the appendix to 23 CFR Part 655, subpart F.
43. The FHWA proposed in the NPA to make several changes to Table 2A-5 Common Uses of Sign Colors, to correspond to proposed changes in the text. Specifically, the FHWA proposed to add the color purple for Electronic Toll Collection signs and to remove the use of the color yellow from school signs. The FHWA also proposed to add additional types of Changeable Message Signs and expand the table to include various legend and background colors for those signs, consistent with the proposed text of proposed new Chapter 2M (numbered Chapter 2L in this final rule) as discussed below. In addition, the FHWA proposed to note that fluorescent versions of orange, red, and yellow background colors may be used. The NCUTCD and ATSSA supported these changes. The FHWA adopts the changes and, for consistency with Section 1A.12, the FHWA adds a footnote to Table 2A-5 to indicate that the color purple is only used on plaques or header panels mounted with other signs and only for lanes restricted to vehicles with registered toll accounts, and that purple is not used as a full sign background, nor is it used for toll lanes with video/license plate recognition that any vehicle without a registered toll account may use. 7

8. New option for the use of fluorescent colors
A new option is added that allows the use of fluorescent colors when the corresponding color is required. This gives jurisdictions the flexibility to use fluorescent colors to attract additional attention to the signs.
Fluorescent yellow
Standard yellow 8

9. Agencies can decide whether to illuminate overhead signs based on their own policies and studies
Guidance recommending illumination of overhead signs was deleted, because the minimum maintained retroreflectivity levels for overhead signs (2003 MUTCD Revision 2 adopted December 2007) provide for adequate performance of these signs
With the adoption of the final rule on sign retroreflectivity, there are now provisions in the MUTCD for sign visibility. As a result, and based on comments during the rulemaking process for the 2009 MUTCD, the GUIDANCE statement recommending that all overhead sign installations be illuminated unless an engineering study shows that retroreflection will perform effectively without illumination is removed. Highway agencies can determine to illuminate overhead signs based on their own policies or on studies of specific problem areas.
Final Rule Preamble Item #40, In Section 2A.07 Retroreflectivity and Illumination (Section 2A.08 in the 2003 MUTCD), deletes the existing and proposed guidance about illumination of overhead signs, because the minimum maintained retroreflectivity levels for overhead signs that were adopted as Revision 2 of the 2003 MUTCD[1] provide for adequate performance of these signs. Highway agencies can determine to illuminate overhead signs based on their own policies or on studies of specific problem areas.
[1] Sign retroreflectivity final rule was published in the Federal Register at 72 FR on December 21, 2007 and can be viewed at the following Internet Web site: 9

10. LEDs on signs
Optional for individual use within the border, or within the legend or symbol
Shall not be placed within the background of a sign
Shall not be grouped as a “de-facto” beacon
For STOP or YIELD signs, LEDs may be placed within one border width from the border
Preamble for Final Rule #40, to clarify the statement, and the desire to place all of the information related to LEDs and their application in one place, the FHWA adds paragraphs 07, 08, 11, and 12 to this section in this final rule. 10

11. New and revised sign size tables
Updated/expanded table for regulatory sign sizes
New detailed sign size tables:
Warning signs
Conventional road guide signs
Freeway/expressway guide signs
General service signs
General information signs
The sign size Tables 2B-1 and 2I-1 in the 2003 MUTCD (new Table 2K-1) are updated to reflect new signs, deleted signs, and changes to sign sizes. Also, Table 2C-2 is modified from its general treatment of warning sign sizes to instead specifically address each sign, similar to the way it is done in Table 2B-1. Additionally, new sign size tables that cover all signs and plaques that have a standard design are added for conventional road guide signs, freeway and expressway guide signs, general service signs, and general information signs.
New provisions are also added regarding the appropriate use of the various columns in the Tables throughout the MUTCD that describe sizes for signs on various classes of roads. This will clarify how the columns in the sign size tables are intended to be used.
[Verify table numbers]

12. Minimum sign size may be decreased by 6 inches in alleys that have restrictive physical conditions
A new option is added that the minimum overall sign size may be decreased for signs in alleys where restrictive physical conditions limit installation of even the minimum size sign. This reflects the results of the FHWA MUTCD Urbanization Needs Survey, which included comments from a number of city traffic engineers that the MUTCD does not adequately address sign sizes and application for alley installations. 12

13. Symbols from one type of sign shall not be used on a different type of sign
A new standard is added in Chapter 2A that prohibits the symbols associated with one type of sign from being used on a different type of sign, except in limited circumstances. Intermixing symbols from one type of sign to a different type of sign might not have the same impact and might be potentially confusing and therefore is specifically prohibited.
[Final Rule Preamble #45. In Section 2A.12 Symbols (Section 2A.13 in the 2003 MUTCD), the FHWA adds a STANDARD statement and a corresponding OPTION statement at the end of the section prohibiting the use of symbols from one type of sign on a different type of sign, except in limited circumstances or as specifically authorized in the MUTCD. The colors and shapes of symbols are designed to have a specific impact depending on the intended use of that type of sign. Intermixing symbols from one type of sign to a different type of sign can affect the impact and can be potentially confusing, and therefore should be specifically prohibited.]
Not acceptable!
The playground symbol that is used on warning signs cannot be used on guide signs

14. Size of sign lettering should be based on 1 inch of letter height per 30 feet of legibility
Based on 20/40 vision
1988 and earlier MUTCDs were 1 inch per 50 feet of legibility based on 20/20 vision
2003 MUTCD recommended 1 inch per 40 feet based on 20/33 vision
The recommendation that the size of letters on signs should be based on 1 inch of letter height per 40 feet of legibility distance is revised to 1 inch per 30 feet in order for sign legibility to be based on 20/40 vision. Most States allow drivers with 20/40 corrected vision to obtain driver’s licenses.
This change is consistent with recommendations from the Older Driver handbook that sign legibility be based on 20/40 vision. With the increasing numbers of older drivers the FHWA believes that 20/40 vision should be the basis of letter heights used on signs. This change will generally not impact the design of guide signs because existing MUTCD provisions for guide sign letter heights provide sufficient legibility distances for 20/40 vision in most cases. The sizes of some regulatory and warning signs used in some situations will need to be increased to provide for larger letter size
Preamble for Final Rule #46. In Section 2A.13 Word Messages (Section 2A.14 in the 2003 MUTCD), the FHWA revises the first GUIDANCE statement to recommend that the minimum specific ratio for letter height should be 1 inch of letter height per 30 feet of legibility distance. In conjunction with this proposed change, the FHWA deletes the SUPPORT statement that followed this paragraph in the 2003 MUTCD.
adopts these changes in order to be consistent with recommendations from the Older Driver Handbook[1] that sign legibility be based on 20/40 vision. Most States allow drivers with 20/40 corrected vision to obtain driver’s licenses, and with the increasing numbers of older drivers, the FHWA believes that 20/40 vision should be the basis of letter heights used on signs. This change will generally not impact the design of guide signs because the provisions in the 2003 MUTCD for guide sign letter heights already provided sufficient legibility distances for 20/40 vision in most cases. The sizes of regulatory and warning signs used in some situations will need to be increased to provide for larger letter sizes. Specific changes to sign sizes resulting from the change in letter height are discussed below in the items pertaining to the sign size tables in other chapters in Part 2 and in certain other Parts of the MUTCD.
FHWA did not propose addition of the Clearview Font in the NPA and does not add this font for use on regulatory and warning signs in addition to positive contrast guide signs. Although the Clearview font received Interim Approval in September 2004 for positive-contrast guide sign legends only, some research to date has shown that negative contrast mixed-case Clearview legends are not as legible as standard SHSM alphabets. The practicality of maintaining two separate alphabet systems, one for positive-contrast and one for negative-contrast legends, has also been taken into consideration. Further, the alternative alphabet did not undergo any testing on numerals and special characters, which have been reported to be problematic from a legibility standpoint, nor has any testing been performed on a narrower series. It would be premature to categorically adopt the alternative alphabet for a marginal theoretical improvement in legibility where no supporting evidence of a demonstrable improvement has been reported by those agencies who have erected signing using the alternate alphabets. Highway agencies can continue to use the Clearview font for positive contrast legends on guide signs under the provisions of the FHWA’s Interim Approval IA-5 dated September 2, 2004.[2]
[1]“Highway Design Handbook for Older Drivers and Pedestrians,” FHWA Report no. FHWA-RD , May 2001, can be viewed at the following Internet Web site: Also see recommendation number II.A(1) in “Guidelines and Recommendations to Accommodate Older Drivers and Pedestrians,” FHWA Report no. FHWA-RD , May 2001, which can be viewed at the following Internet Web site:
[2] Interim Approval IA-5 can be viewed at the following Internet Web site: 14

15. Lettering for place names and destinations
Mixed-case lettering required for names of places, streets, and highways for guide signs
Mixed-case lettering consists of an initial upper- case letter followed by lower-case letters
Letter height is specified as the height of the initial upper-case letter
Standard:
All sign lettering shall be in upper-case letters as provided in the “Standard Highway Signs and
Markings” book (see Section 1A.11), unless otherwise provided in this Manual for a particular sign or type
of message.
The sign lettering for names of places, streets, and highways shall be composed of a combination of
lower-case letters with initial upper-case letters.
Mixed case legends for place names and destinations have greater legibility distances than do all upper case legends. 15

16. New options for sign conspicuity enhancement
A new OPTION is added regarding methods that may be used to enhance the conspicuity of standard regulatory, warning, or guide signs to provide improved uniformity of such treatments to benefit road users. 11 new methods are provided that detail permissible ways to effectively enhance the conspicuity of standard signing. 16

17. Heights and Lateral Locations of Signs (Figures 2A-2 & 2A-3 revised)
The text of Sections 2A.18 and 2A.19 have been clarified and Figures 2A-2 and 2A-3 have been revised to conform to the text to clarify the minimum horizontal offset from the edge of travel lane and/or shoulder. 17

18. Heights and Lateral Locations of Signs (Figure 2A-2 revised)
Figure 2A-2 has been revised to clarify the minimum mounting height for raised channelization signs and the range of horizontal offsets so that the figure and the text match. 18

19. Relative locations of regulatory, warning, and guide signs for intersections (new fig. 2A-4)
New figure 2A-4 Relative Locations of Regulatory, Warning and Guide signing for intersections
The MUTCD now has figures illustrating the placement of signing for jughandle intersections and for roundabout intersections, but has not had a general sequence and location illustration for intersections in general; for consistency, Figure 2A-4 is added to show the appropriate sequence of warning first, then guide signs, then lane usage signs and then the right of way control at the intersection itself. 19

20. QUESTIONS ??