Rule2026-04365
National Standards for Traffic Control Devices; the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways; Revision
Primary source
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Published
March 5, 2026
Effective
March 5, 2026
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Highway Administration
Abstract
The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways (MUTCD) is incorporated in FHWA regulations and recognized as the national standard for traffic control devices used on all public roads, bikeways, and private roads open to public travel. The purpose of this final rule is to make technical corrections to revise Standard, Guidance, Option provisions, and supporting information, relating to the traffic control devices in all parts of the MUTCD. The changes provide minor technical corrections and address editorial changes that have been identified since the 11th Edition of the MUTCD was published. The changes promote uniformity and ultimately improve and promote the safe and efficient utilization of roads that are open to public travel. The MUTCD, with these changes incorporated, is being designated as Revision 1 of the 11th Edition of the MUTCD.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 91 Issue 43 (Thursday, March 5, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 43 (Thursday, March 5, 2026)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 10771-10773]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-04365]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Highway Administration
23 CFR Part 655
[FHWA Docket No. FHWA-2024-0074]
RIN 2125-AG15
National Standards for Traffic Control Devices; the Manual on
Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways; Revision
AGENCY: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), U.S. Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and
Highways (MUTCD) is incorporated in FHWA regulations and recognized as
the national standard for traffic control devices used on all public
roads, bikeways, and private roads open to public travel. The purpose
of this final rule is to make technical corrections to revise Standard,
Guidance, Option provisions, and supporting information, relating to
the traffic control devices in all parts of the MUTCD. The changes
provide minor technical corrections and address editorial changes that
have been identified since the 11th Edition of the MUTCD was published.
The changes promote uniformity and ultimately improve and promote the
safe and efficient utilization of roads that are open to public travel.
The MUTCD, with these changes incorporated, is being designated as
Revision 1 of the 11th Edition of the MUTCD.
DATES: This final rule is effective March 5, 2026. The incorporation by
reference of the publication listed in the rule is approved by the
Director of the Office of the Federal Register as of March 5, 2026.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Kevin Sylvester, Office of
Transportation Operations, (202) 366-4000, <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#472c22312e2969343e2b3122343322350723283369202831"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="a6cdc3d0cfc888d5dfcad0c3d5d2c3d4e6c2c9d288c1c9d0">[email protected]</span></a>, or
Mr. William Winne, Office of the Chief Counsel, (202) 366-1397,
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#6116080d0d08000c4f16080f0f0421050e154f060e17"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="e89f818484818985c69f8186868da88c879cc68f879e">[email protected]</span></a>, Federal Highway Administration, 1200 New Jersey
Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Electronic Access
This document may be viewed online through the Federal eRulemaking
portal at <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">www.regulations.gov</a> using the docket number listed above.
Electronic retrieval help and guidelines are also available at
<a href="http://www.regulations.gov">www.regulations.gov</a>. An electronic copy of this document may also be
downloaded by accessing the Office of the Federal Register's home page
at: <a href="http://www.federalregister.gov">www.federalregister.gov</a> and the U.S. Government Publishing Office's
website at <a href="http://www.GovInfo.gov">www.GovInfo.gov</a>.
Background
The President signed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act
(IIJA) (Pub. L. 117-58) into law on November 15, 2021. Section 11129 of
the IIJA amended 23 U.S.C. 109(d) to require FHWA to update the MUTCD
not later than 18 months after the enactment of IIJA, and every 4 years
thereafter; and to articulate more explicitly the role of traffic
control devices, which is to ``promote the safety, inclusion, and
mobility of all users and efficient utilization of the highways.'' FHWA
published its final rule establishing the 11th Edition of the MUTCD on
December 19, 2023 at 88 FR 87672.
This final rule makes technical corrections to revise Standard,
Guidance, Option, and Support provisions relating to the traffic
control devices throughout the MUTCD. Revision 1 of the 11th Edition of
the MUTCD is the first update since the 11th Edition was published in
accordance with Section 11129 of the IIJA. The changes address
technical corrections and editorial changes identified since publishing
the 11th Edition of the MUTCD; correct inconsistencies in the text,
tables, and figures; and clarify certain technical provisions. These
changes promote uniformity and understanding, ultimately improving and
promoting the safe and efficient utilization of roads that are open to
public travel. Many of these known errors have been posted on the MUTCD
website.\1\
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\1\ <a href="https://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/htm/11th/errors.htm">https://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/htm/11th/errors.htm</a>.
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All the changes can be reviewed on the docket for this rulemaking
and on the MUTCD website. The documents will be available in various
formats, as discussed herein.
Discussion Under 1 CFR Part 51
FHWA is incorporating by reference the more current versions of the
manual listed herein. FHWA's 11th Edition of the ``Manual on Uniform
Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways,'' dated December 2023
is replaced with a new revision designated as ``Manual on Uniform
Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways, 11th Edition,
Revision 1'' (FHWA, December 2025). FHWA developed this document to
define 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 document FHWA is incorporating by reference is reasonably
available to interested parties, primarily State DOTs, local agencies,
and Tribal governments carrying out Federal-aid highway projects. The
text, figures, and tables of Revision 1 of the 11th Edition of the
MUTCD incorporating the changes from the current edition are available
for inspection and copying, as prescribed in 49 CFR part 7, at the FHWA
Office of Transportation Operations, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE,
Washington, DC 20590. Furthermore, the text, figures, and tables of
Revision 1 of the 11th Edition of the MUTCD incorporating changes from
the current edition are available on the MUTCD website at <a href="http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov">http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov</a>. In addition to the complete Revision 1 of the 11th
Edition of the MUTCD, the text is also available in a format showing
the current MUTCD text with additions in blue underlined text and
deletions as red strikeout text, and also includes notes in green boxes
to provide helpful explanations where text is relocated or where minor
edits are made.
A summary table of the technical corrections and editorial changes
is included as a supplemental document available in the docket for this
final rule.
Rulemaking Analysis and Notices
Under the Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. 553(b)), an agency
may waive the normal notice and comment requirements if it finds, for
``good cause,'' that they are impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary
to the public interest. FHWA finds ``good cause'' under 5 U.S.C.
553(b)(B) to issue this final rule without notice and an opportunity
for public comment because such process would be unnecessary due to,
the technical nature of these changes. FHWA finds that the amendments
outlined in this document will have no substantive impact and are
technical in nature. Therefore, this final
[[Page 10772]]
rule would not benefit from public comment because these amendments
provide minor technical corrections and address editorial changes that
do not change the underlying legal requirements or substantive
objectives of the 11th Edition of the MUTCD. States, local governments,
and other transportation stakeholders rely upon the regulations
corrected by this action. These corrections will reduce confusion for
these entities and should not be delayed unnecessarily. Accordingly,
for the reasons listed above, FHWA finds good cause under 5 U.S.C.
553(b)(B) to waive notice and an opportunity for comment.
For the same reasons stated in the present section, above, FHWA
finds ``good cause'' exists under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3) to waive the 30-
day delay of the effective date that would otherwise be required.
Accordingly, this final rule is effective immediately.
Executive Order 12866 (Regulatory Planning and Review), Executive Order
13563 (Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review), and DOT Regulatory
Policies and Procedures
This rule does not meet the criteria of a ``significant regulatory
action'' under Executive Order (E.O.) 12866, as amended by E.O. 14215
and E.O. 13563. Therefore, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB)
has not reviewed this rule under those orders.
It is anticipated that the economic impact of this rulemaking will
not meet the threshold in section 3(f)(1) of E.O. 12866. This final
rule will not adversely affect in a material way the economy, any
sector of the economy, productivity, competition, or jobs. In addition,
the changes will not interfere with any action taken or planned by
another Agency and will not materially alter the budgetary impact of
any entitlements, grants, user fees, or loan programs. The changes will
provide additional guidance, clarification, and optional applications
for traffic control devices and are largely technical in nature. The
revisions increase the clarity of existing content, rather than adding
content, and the provisions being revised have been previously
considered nonsubstantive or otherwise addressed in the cost and
benefit analysis in the Final Rule for the 11th Edition of the MUTCD.
Therefore, a full regulatory evaluation is not required.
Executive Order 14192 (Unleashing Prosperity Through Deregulation)
This rule is not an E.O. 14192 regulatory action because this rule
is not significant under E.O. 12866.
Regulatory Flexibility Act
In compliance with the Regulatory Flexibility Act (Pub. L. 96-354,
5 U.S.C. 601-612), FHWA has evaluated the effects of this action on
small entities and has determined this action is not anticipated to
have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small
entities. The changes will provide additional guidance, clarification,
and optional applications for traffic control devices and are largely
technical in nature. Therefore, FHWA certifies the action will not have
a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small
entities.
Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995
This rule does not impose unfunded mandates as defined by the
Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (UMRA) (Pub. L. 104-4, March 22,
1995, 109 Stat. 48) for State, local, and Tribal governments, or the
private sector of $100 million or more in any one year. Thus, the
rulemaking is not subject to the requirements of sections 202 and 205
of UMRA.
Executive Order 13132 (Federalism Assessment)
FHWA has analyzed this action in accordance with the principles and
criteria contained in E.O. 13132. FHWA has determined this action will
not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the preparation
of a federalism assessment. FHWA has also determined that this action
will not preempt any State law or State regulation or affect the
States' ability to discharge traditional State governmental functions.
Executive Order 12372 (Intergovernmental Review)
The regulations implementing E.O. 12372 regarding intergovernmental
consultation on Federal programs and activities apply to this program.
Local entities should refer to the Catalog of Federal Domestic
Assistance Program Number 20.205, Highway Planning and Construction,
for further information.
Paperwork Reduction Act
Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA) (44 U.S.C. 3501, et
seq.), Federal Agencies must obtain approval from OMB for each
collection of information they conduct, sponsor, or require through
regulations. FHWA has determined this action does not contain
collection information requirements for purposes of the PRA.
National Environmental Policy Act
FHWA analyzed this final rule pursuant to the National
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and determined it is categorically
excluded under 23 CFR 771.117(c)(20), which applies to the promulgation
of rules, regulations, and directives. Categorically excluded actions
meet the criteria for categorical exclusions under 23 CFR 771.117(a)
and normally do not require any further NEPA approvals by FHWA. FHWA
does not anticipate any adverse environmental impacts from this final
rule, and no unusual circumstances are present under 23 CFR 771.117(b).
Executive Order 13175 (Tribal Consultation)
FHWA has analyzed this action under E.O. 13175 and believes that it
will not have substantial direct effects on one or more Indian Tribes;
will not impose substantial direct compliance costs on Indian Tribal
governments; and will not preempt Tribal law. Therefore, a Tribal
summary impact statement is not required.
Regulation Identification Number
A regulation identifier number (RIN) is assigned to each regulatory
action listed in the Unified Agenda of Federal Regulations. The
Regulatory Information Service Center publishes the Unified Agenda in
the spring and fall of each year. The RIN contained in the heading of
this document can be used to cross reference this action with the
Unified Agenda.
Rulemaking Summary, 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(4)
As required by 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(4), a summary of this rule can be
found in the Abstract section of the Department's Unified Agenda entry
for this rulemaking at: <a href="https://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/eAgendaViewRule?pubId=202410&RIN=2125-AG15">https://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/eAgendaViewRule?pubId=202410&RIN=2125-AG15</a>.
List of Subjects in 23 CFR Part 655
Design standards, Grant programs--transportation, Highways and
roads, Incorporation by reference, Signs, Traffic regulations.
Issued pursuant to authority delegated in 49 CFR 1.85.
Sean McMaster,
Administrator, Federal Highway Administration.
In consideration of the foregoing, FHWA amends title 23, Code of
Federal Regulations, Part 655, as set forth below:
PART 655--TRAFFIC OPERATIONS
0
1. The authority citation for part 655 is revised to read as follows:
Authority: 23 U.S.C. 101(a), 104, 109(d), 114(a), 217, 315, and
402(a); 23 CFR 1.32; and 49 CFR 1.85.
[[Page 10773]]
Subpart F--Traffic Control Devices on Federal-Aid and Other Streets
and Highways
0
2. Amend Sec. 655.601 by revising paragraph (d)(2)(i) to read as
follows:
Sec. 655.601 Purpose.
* * * * *
(d) * * *
(2) * * *
(i) Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and
Highways (MUTCD), 11th Edition, December 2023, with Revision 1
incorporated, FHWA, December 2025.
* * * * *
[FR Doc. 2026-04365 Filed 3-4-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-22-P
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</html>Indexed from Federal Register on March 5, 2026.
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