Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 19:25, 11 May 2005

Revision as of 03:01, 13 May 2005

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The '''Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices''', or '''MUTCD''', is a document issued by the [[Federal Highway Administration]] (FHWA) of the [[United States Department of Transportation]] (USDOT) to specify the standards by which [[traffic signs]], [[road]] markings (see [[lane]]), and [[traffic light|signals]] are designed and installed. These specifications include the shapes, colors, and fonts used in road markings and signs. In the [[United States]], all traffic control devices must generally conform to these standards. The manual is used by state agencies as well as private construction firms to ensure that the traffic control devices they use conform to the national standard. While some state agencies have developed their own set of standards, these must be in substantial conformance with the MUTCD.

At the start of the 20th century—the early days of the rural [[highway]]—each road was promoted and maintained by [[American Automobile Association|automobile clubs]] of private individuals, who generated revenue through club membership and increased business along cross-country routes. However, each highway had its own set of signage, usually designed to promote the highway rather than to assist in the direction and safety of travelers. In fact, conflicts between these automobile clubs frequently led to multiple sets of signs—sometimes as many as eleven—being erected on the same highway.

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The MUTCD was first released in 1935, and set standards for both road signs and pavement markings. Since that time, eight more editions of the manual have been published with numerous minor updates occurring between, each taking into consideration changes in usage and size of the nation's system of roads as well as improvements in technology.

The [[National Committee on Uniform Traffic Control Devices]] (NCUTCD) advises FHWA on additions, revisions, or changes to the MUTCD.

==External links==

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* [http://www.trafficsign.us/ US traffic signs]

* [http://www.triskele.com/fonts/index.html Some free and pretty accurate FHWA Series fonts]

* [http://www.ncutcd.org/ National Committee on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (NCUTCD)]

[[Category:Transportation in the United States]]