Traffic Control Devices and MUTCD

Federal Laws and Standards

The United States Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 23 Highways, Section 655.603 requires that states follow the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 47.36.030 requires that agencies in Washington state follow uniform standards for the placement of traffic control devices. Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 468-95 makes the 2009 MUTCD that standard. WAC 468-95 modifies sections of the MUTCD for Washington state's laws and unique circumstances.

• 2009 MUTCD (with revisions 1 and 2 incorporated) . Note: Must be used with WAC 468-95 .
• Interim Approvals for New and Revised Traffic Control Devices or Provisions not in the 2009 MUTCD
• Federal Highway Administration's Official Rulings database of MUTCD interpretations, approved changes, and approved experimentations.
• Standard Highway Signs (2012 Supplement): Including Pavement Markings and Standard Alphabets
• Electronic pictures of signs in the Standard Highways Signs (2012 Supplement
• Traffic Sign Retroreflectivity
• Longitudinal Pavement Marking Retroreflectivity

Washington State Laws and Rules

• Traffic Control Devices (RCW 47.36)
• Washington State Modifications to the 2009 MUTCD (WAC 468-95)
• Safety Standards for Construction Work (WAC 296-155)
• Signaling and Flaggers (WAC 296-155-305)

Best Practices

• Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware, 1st Edition, 2009
• Standard Specifications for Structural Supports for Highway Signs, Luminaires, and Traffic Signals, 5th Edition, 2009
• Roundabouts: An Informational Guide (National Cooperative Highway Research Program Report 672)

Roadway Users with Disabilities

What's Required

• Transportation providers must have a transition plan that they apply consistently.

• When projects construct new or alter existing access for pedestrians, facilities must be made accessible to persons with disabilities.

Laws and Regulations

Laws

This section applies to two federal laws:

• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Title II (42 U.S.C. Sections 12131-12164)
• Rehabilitation Act Section 504 (29 U.S.C. Section 794)

Regulations

Regulations pertaining to these laws include:

• 28 CFR Part 35: Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability in State and Local Government Services.
• 49 CFR Part 27: Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability in Programs or Activities Receiving Financial Assistance.
• 49 CFR Part 37: Transportation Services for Individuals with Disabilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions and Answers about ADA/Section 504 .

Standards for Construction and Alteration Projects

• Clarification of Federal Highway Administration’s Oversight Role in Accessibility, 2006
• 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design (Includes the 2004 Americans with Disabilities Act and Architectural Barriers Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) and 28 CFR part 35.151)
• Guidance on the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design

Best Practices for Construction and Alteration Projects

• Accessibility Guidelines for Pedestrian Facilities in the Public Right-of-Way (PROWAG) (Future federal standard. Learn more .)
• Guide for the Planning, Design, and Operation of Pedestrian Facilities
• Special Report: Accessible Public Rights-of-Way Planning and Design for Alterations, 2007
• Other Guidance/Best Practices