The Federal Highway Administration released the new 2009 Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). On December 16, 2009 a final rule adopting the 2009 Edition of the MUTCD was published in the Federal Register. The MUTCD is the national standard for all traffic control devices, including traffic signs, pavement markings, signals and any other devices used to regulate, warn or guide traffic. Ensuring uniformity of traffic control devices across the nation - from their messages and placement to their sizes, shapes and colors - helps to reduce crashes and traffic congestion. This is the first comprehensive update to the manual since 2003. The MUTCD's new 2009 edition features many new and updated requirements, ranging from changes in highway signs and bike lanes to the color of high-visibility garments worn by road workers, and will become effective January 15th, 2010.
