Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 03:01, 13 May 2005

Revision as of 02:27, 19 August 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.

== History ==

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

== Other jurisdictions ==

The '''Transportation Association of Canada (TAC)''' publishes a ''Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices'' for use by Canadian jurisdictions. Although it serves a similar role to the FHWA MUTCD, it has been independently developed and has a number of key differences with its American counterpart, most notably the inclusion of bilingual (English/French) signage for jurisdictions such as [[New Brunswick]] with significant [[anglophone]] and [[francophone]] population, and a much heavier reliance on symbols rather than text legends.

The '''Ministry of Transportation of Ontario (MTO)''' also has historically used its own MUTCD which bore many similarities to the TAC MUTCD. However, as of approximately 2000 they have been developing the ''Ontario Traffic Manual'' (OTM), a series of smaller volumes each covering different aspects of traffic control (e.g., regulatory signs, warning signs, sign design principles, traffic signals, etc.).

==External links==