11th edition of the MUTCD-2020 draft-Item 31

Overview

Adds restrictions on symbol variations and non-standard sign dimensions. Prohibits use on non-standard signs in lieu of standard signs. Prohibits use of words in lieu of established symbols. Adds restrictions on tags and codes.

NPA Text

31. In Section 2A.04 (existing Section 2A.06) Design of Signs, FHWA proposes to eliminate the provision in the existing Standard P8 that allows for minor changes to the proportion of symbols. FHWA proposes this change because symbol designs are standardized for recognition based on the specific proportions of the symbol, and this statement contradicts the subsequent standard.

FHWA also proposes to delete the existing Option P10 because the subject of orientation is addressed in Section 2A.09 (existing Section 2A.12).

FHWA also proposes to add a new Standard to clarify that, except where explicitly allowed, the substitution of a word legend for a symbol legend is prohibited where the standard sign legend uses the specific symbol, as it contravenes uniformity in recognition and messaging to road users. This proposed change is for clarification purposes and does not represent a change to existing requirements, and is consistent with changes included in the 2009 MUTCD, which discontinued a number of alternate standard signs with word legends for which the primary standard sign included a symbol legend.Start Printed Page 80905

FHWA proposes to add a new Standard that prohibits an alternative sign design or dimensions when there is a standard sign provided in the Manual or detailed in the “Standard Highway Signs” publication, except where specifically allowed. FHWA also proposes a related Standard for standardized sign layouts that might have a variable length legend, but otherwise have a standard dimension. FHWA proposes this change because the standardized designs are often of recognizable form as well as message.

FHWA also proposes to add a Support paragraph regarding the use of special word legend signs that may be unclear to road users. FHWA proposes this addition to encourage evaluation of such signs to determine comprehension or possible misinterpretation.

FHWA proposes to delete Guidance P15 and revise Standard P14 that describes provisions related to the range of allowable information and graphical symbols affixed to the face and back of a sign. FHWA updates this paragraph to reflect similar forms of information to those listed in the existing P14 and proposes to prohibit the following additional items unless otherwise specified for a specific sign: Telephone numbers, metadata tags (“hash-tags”), quick-response (QR) codes, bar codes, or other graphics for optical scanning. In conjunction with this change, FHWA proposes to revise Option P16 to allow for the use of these items for signs that are intended and oriented for viewing by pedestrians only. FHWA proposes these changes to consolidate like information.

FHWA proposes to revise the Standard regarding pictographs to require that they be devoid of QR codes, bar codes, or other graphics designed for optical scanning for the purpose of obtaining information to be consistent with the Standard language described above.

FHWA proposes to add a Standard to clarify the existing prohibition of Business Identification (formerly Logo) sign panels from being displayed on signs except as specifically provided in the Manual. FHWA proposes this change as a conforming edit, which would not change the existing underlying requirement.

FHWA proposes to reiterate and expand the existing Standard from Section 2B.10 prohibiting items other than traffic control signs from being mounted on the back of a sign.

FHWA proposes to add an Option permitting the display of date of fabrication, sign designation, sign size, and manufacturer name on the front of a sign face, as well as a Standard specifying the location, maximum letter heights, and letter color.

Draft MUTCD Content

Section 2A.04 Design of Signs

Support:

This Manual shows many typical standard signs and object markers approved for use on streets, highways, bikeways, and pedestrian crossings.

In the specifications for individual signs and object markers, the general appearance of the legend, color, and size are shown in the accompanying tables and illustrations, and are not always detailed in the text.

Detailed drawings of standard signs, object markers, alphabets, symbols, and arrows (see Figure 2D-4) are shown in the “Standard Highway Signs” publication. Section 1A.05 contains information regarding how to obtain this publication.

The basic requirements of a sign are that it be legible to those for whom it is intended and that it be understandable in time to permit a proper response.

Desirable attributes include: A. High visibility by day and night; and B. High legibility (adequately sized letters, symbols, or arrows, and a short legend for quick comprehension by a road user approaching a sign).

Standardized colors and shapes are specified so that the several classes of traffic signs can be promptly recognized. Simplicity and uniformity in design, position, and application are essential for a sign to be effective.

Standard:

The term legend shall include all word messages and symbol and arrow designs that are intended to convey specific meanings.

Uniformity in design shall include shape, color, dimensions, legends, letter style, borders, and illumination or retroreflectivity.

Standardization of these designs does not preclude further improvement by minor modifications to the orientation of symbols (see Section 2A.09), width of borders, or layout of word messages, but all shapes and colors shall be as indicated.

All symbols (see Section 2A.09) shall be unmistakably similar to, or mirror images of, the adopted symbol signs, all of which are shown in the “Standard Highway Signs” publication (see Section 1A.05).

Symbols and colors shall not be modified unless otherwise provided in this Manual. All symbols, colors, or other design features for signs not shown in the “Standard Highway Signs” publication shall follow the procedures for experimentation and change described in Chapter 1B.

Where a standard word message is applicable, the wording shall be as provided in this Manual.

In situations where word messages are required other than those provided in this Manual, the signs shall be of the same shape and color as standard signs of the same functional type.

Where a standard sign is a symbol legend, an alternative word legend shall not be allowed in place of the symbol, except as otherwise provided in this Manual.

Where a standard sign provided in this Manual or the “Standard Highway Signs” publication is applicable, an alternative legend sign or alternative sign design shall not be allowed in place of the standardized legend or design except as provided in this Manual.

Where a standard sign provided in this Manual or the “Standard Highway Signs” publication is applicable, but the legend is variable, such as for destination names, an alternative sign design or dimensions shall not be allowed in place of the standardized design for the non-variable elements except as provided in this Manual.

Option:

State and local highway agencies may develop special word legend signs in situations where roadway conditions make it necessary to provide road users with additional regulatory, warning, or guidance information, such as when road users need to be notified of special regulations or warned about a situation that might not be readily apparent. Unlike colors that have not been assigned or symbols that have not been approved for signs, new word legend signs may be used without the need for experimentation.

Support:

The message conveyed by some special word legend signs might be unclear to the road user. Although experimentation is not required for such word legends, they might still warrant an evaluation to determine comprehension or possible misinterpretation of the intended message by the road user.

Standard:

Unless otherwise provided in this Manual for a specific sign, and as provided in Option statement that follows, telephone numbers; Internet addresses; e-mail addresses; domain names; uniform resource locators (URL); metadata tags (“hash-tags”); quick-response (QR) codes; bar codes or other graphics for optical scanning for the purpose of obtaining information; shall not be displayed on any sign, plaque, sign panel, or changeable message sign.

Option:

Internet addresses, e-mail addresses, telephone numbers, quick-response (QR) codes, bar codes or other graphics for the purpose of obtaining information (other than those for maintenance or inventory purposes, see Paragraphs 20 and 21 of this Section) may be displayed on the face of signs, plaques, sign panels, and changeable message signs that are intended for viewing only by pedestrians, bicyclists, occupants of parked vehicles, and are oriented away from and not visible to operators of motor vehicles.

Standard:

Pictographs (see definition in Section 1C.02) shall not be displayed on signs except as specifically provided in this Manual. Pictographs shall be simple, dignified, and devoid of any advertising and not contain any quick-response (QR) codes, bar codes, or other graphics designed for optical scanning for the purpose of obtaining information. 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.

Business Identification sign panels (see definition in Section 1A.13) shall not be displayed on signs except as specifically provided in this Manual. Business Identification sign panels, including any logo displayed thereupon, shall not contain any quick-response (QR) codes, bar codes, or other graphics designed for optical scanning for the purpose of obtaining information.

No items other than official traffic control signs, inventory stickers or decals, sign installation dates, sign sizes, sign designations, anti-vandalism stickers, and inventory or maintenance codes shall be mounted on the back of a sign.

Option:

Date of fabrication, sign designation, sign size, and manufacturer name may be displayed on the front of a sign face in accordance with the provisions of Paragraph 22 of this Section.

Standard:

If displayed on the sign face, the date of fabrication, sign designation, sign size, and manufacturer name shall be completely within the border or inset along the bottom edge of the sign. The letter height shall not exceed 3/4 of the width of the border or inset or, if no border is used, shall not exceed 13/4 inches and shall be within 2 inches of the edge of the sign. The color of the lettering within the border shall be the same as the color of the sign background. The color of the lettering within the inset shall be the same as the color of the sign border. For changeable message signs or blank-out signs, such information, if displayed, shall be embossed in a non-contrasting color in the housing of the sign.

Potential Impacts

This could have significant impacts on agencies. The restrictions on symbol variations, non-standard sign dimensions, word legend sign substitution, and the restrictions on the use of tags and codes could restrict the flexibility of agencies in sign design.