Use of the MUTCD

SupportTraffic control device principles in the MUTCD are developed for and used by individuals who are duly authorized and qualified to conduct traffic control device activities.

StandardWhere the content of this Manual requires a decision for implementation, such decisions shall be made by an engineer, or an individual under the supervision of an engineer, who has the appropriate levels of experience and expertise to make the traffic control device decision. Those decisions shall be made using engineering judgment or engineering study, as required by the MUTCD provision.

SupportSection 1C.02 contains definitions of “engineering study” and “engineering judgment.”

GuidanceIn making traffic control device decisions, individuals should consider the impacts of the decision on the following: safety and operational efficiency (mobility) of all road users at that location, the effective use of agency resources, cost-effectiveness, and enforcement and education aspects of traffic control devices.

SupportThroughout this Manual the headings Standard, Guidance, Option, and Support, the meanings of which are defined in Section 1C.01, are used to classify the nature of the text that follows. Figures and tables, including the notes contained therein, supplement the text and might constitute a Standard, Guidance, Option, or Support. The user needs to refer to the appropriate text to classify the nature of the figure, table, or note contained therein.

GuidanceExcept when a specific numeral is required or recommended by the text of a Section of this Manual, numerals displayed on the images of devices in the figures that specify quantities such as times, distances, speed limits, and weights should be regarded as examples only. When installing any of these devices, the numerals should be appropriately altered to fit the specific situation.

GuidanceSimilarly, destination names, route numbers, and State route shields that are displayed on the images of devices in the figures should be regarded as examples only. When installing any of these devices, the destination names, route numbers, and State route shields should be appropriately altered to fit the specific situation.

SupportThe information contained in Paragraphs 9 and 10 of this Section will be useful when reference is being made to a specific portion of text in this Manual.

SupportThere are nine Parts in this Manual and each Part includes one or more Chapters. Each Chapter includes one or more Sections. Parts are identified by a single-digit numerical identification, such as “Part 2 – Signs.” Chapters are identified by the Part number and a letter, such as “Chapter 2B – Regulatory Signs.” Sections are identified by the Chapter number and letter followed by a decimal point and a 2-digit number, such as “Section 2B.03 – Size of Regulatory Signs.” In some Chapters, the Sections are grouped together by subject into unnumbered sub-chapters with a heading, such as “Signing for Right-of-Way at Intersections” (for Sections 2B.06 through 2B.20).

SupportEach Section includes one or more paragraphs. The paragraphs are indented and are identified by a number. Paragraphs are counted from the beginning of each Section without regard to the intervening text headings (Standard, Guidance, Option, or Support) or any intervening text in embedded Figures or Tables. Some paragraphs have lettered or numbered items. As an example of how to cite this Manual, the phrase “[n]ot less than 40 feet beyond the stop line” that appears in Section 4D.08 of this Manual would be referenced in writing as “Section 4D.08, Par.1, A.1,” and would be verbally referenced as “Item A.1 of Paragraph 1 of Section 4D.08.”