The 2009 MUTCD is in effect
The 2009 Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) took effect in Washington State on December 19, 2011. This happened when a revised Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 468-95 took effect on that date. WAC 468-95 modifies the MUTCD for Washington State’s circumstances. On that date the 2003 MUTCD is no longer valid in Washington State.
Status on proposed changes to target compliance dates
In August 2011, FHWA proposed an amendment to the 2009 Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) to change some target compliance dates. Target compliance dates are dates by which local and state agencies are required to replace certain existing traffic control devices that do not meet the 2009 MUTCD.
The introduction section of the MUTCD contains 58 target compliance dates. Some are dates for new requirements and others are dates transferred from the 2000 and 2003 MUTCD editions. FHWA’s proposal would remove 46 dates and extend four dates into the future. Click here to view the proposed changes to the MUTCD.
FHWA is in the process of reviewing comments received on the proposal and plans to publish a final ruling this summer. Until then, FHWA continues to guide local and state agencies to maintain and/or upgrade existing traffic control devices on an ongoing basis. This is required per page I-3 of the MUTCD.
Traffic Services assists cities and counties collectively with traffic issues through the Urban Traffic Engineers Council (UTEC). We hold free meetings in Western and Eastern Washington. We also send out messages about timely topics to an e-mail distribution list.
Visit the Urban Traffic Engineers Council page for more information about UTEC, our meetings, and to sign up for our e-mail distribution list.
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