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 Administration's
Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) by Rule 14-15.010, F.A.C.
The MUTCD is a compilation of national standards for all traffic
control devices, including road markings, highway signs, and traffic signals. The MUTCD defines the standards used by road managers 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 the MUTCD is the 2009 Edition with Revision Numbers 1 and 2 incorporated. It can be viewed from the Federal Highway Administration's website in both PDF and HTML versions.
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/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 1A. 10 of the MUTCD contains the guidance and process necessary to submit a 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.
Interim Approval (IA)
What is a MUTCD Interim Approval?
Section 1A.10 of the MUTCD also contains a provision authorizing FHWA to issue Interim Approvals (IA’s), which allow the interim use, pending official rulemaking, of a new traffic control device, a revision to the application or manner of use of an existing traffic control device, or a provision not specifically described in the MUTCD.
Interim Approvals are considered by the FHWA based on the results of successful experimentations, studies, or research, and an intention to place the new or revised device into a future rulemaking process for MUTCD revisions.
What are the Active IA's in Florida?
The following IA’s that are currently authorized for use on state roads in Florida include:
IA-12:Optional Use of Traffic Signal Photo Enforced Signs
IA-14:Optional Use of Green Colored Pavement for Bike Lanes (Central Office approval needed)
IA.16:Optional Use of Bicycle Signal Faces (Central Office approval needed)
IA-18:Optional Use of Intersection Bicycle Box
IA-20:Optional Use of Two-Stage Bicycle Turn Boxes (Central Office approval needed)
IA-21:Optional Use of Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) at Uncontrolled Crosswalks.
IA-22:Red-Colored Pavement for Transit Lanes (Central Office approval needed)
Click HERE for a complete list of IA’s authorized by FHWA.
For information on non-state (local) roads, please contact the local agency.
A list of all current IA locations on the state highway system can be accessed through our eTraffic online map.
Helpful Links
FDOT's Roadway Design Bulletin 10-05 provides information on the implementation of the MUTCD in Florida.
A list of Frequently Asked Questions about the MUTCD has been developed by FHWA to help answer a wide variety of the MUTCD’s most frequently asked questions.
Compliance dates for replacing non-compliant traffic control devices on existing highways and bikeways in accordance with MUTCD requirements have also been established by FHWA.
The MUTCD Official Rulings is a resource that allows web site visitors to obtain information about requests for changes, experiments, and interpretations related to the MUTCD that have been received by the FHWA. The current status of experiments, as well as any contact information for the requestor that has been made a part of the public record, is also available. Click HERE for a complete list of Official MUTCD Interpretations issued by FHWA.
For additional information, please contact Chris Lewis at Chris.Lewis@dot.state.fl.us