Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices
In accordance with Section 316.0745, Florida Statutes, the Department of Transportation has adopted the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Adminstration's Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) by Rule 14-15.010, F.A.C.
The MUTCD is a complication of national standards for all traffic control devices, including road markings, highway signs, and traffic signals. The MUTCD defines the standards used by road manager nationwide to install and maintain traffic control devices on all public streets, highways, bikeways, and private roads open to public travel. The MUTCD is published by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) under 23 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 655, Subpart F.
The most current version of MUTCD is the 11th edition with revision 1.
Request to Experiment (RTE)
What is a MUTCD Request to Experiment?
MUTCD Requests to Experiment (RTE) include a new traffic control device or a different application of an existing device that will improve road user safety or operation, but the device or application is not currently compliant with or not included in the MUTCD. All RTE’s should originate with the State or local highway agency or toll operator responsible for managing the roadway or controlled setting where the experiment will take place. The FHWA must approve the RTE before it begins.
What is the process to conduct a MUTCD Request to Experiment in Florida?
Section 1B.05 of the 11th edition of the MUTCD contains the guidance and process necessary to submit an RTE along with a flow chart on the experimentation process.
For all state roads, the State Traffic Operations Engineer in the State Traffic Engineering and Operations Office is responsible for submitting all MUTCD RTE’s on state roads in Florida. For a non-state road, the request must be made through the local agency with jurisdiction over the road.
In accordance with FHWA requirements, the RTE must evaluate conditions both before and after installation of the experimental device and describe the measurements of effectiveness (MOEs) of the safety and operational benefits (e.g., better visibility, reduced congestion).
A list of all current RTE locations on the state highway system can be accessed through our eTraffic online map.
Helpful Links
FHWA has developed a list of Frequently Asked Questions to address common inquiries related to the MUTCD and its application.
FHWA has also established compliance dates for replacing non‑compliant traffic control devices on highways and bikeways. These dates help ensure that devices meet current safety and operational standards.
MUTCD Official Rulings provide information about requests for changes, experiments, and interpretations related to the MUTCD received by FHWA. These rulings include the status of experiments and contact information for requestors. For a complete list of Official MUTCD Interpretations issued by FHWA, visit their website.