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FHWA Finalizes Minimum Retroreflectivity Standards

New MUTCD retroreflectivity standards require agencies to replace non-compliant signs within seven to ten years.

Agency action will soon be required
Federally-mandated minimum sign retroreflectivity standards became final on January 22, 2008. Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) changes to the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) are designed to improve the night visibility of traffic signs. This mandate requires state and local agencies to:

• Assess the signs on their roads and develop a replacement plan within four years of the final ruling.
• Replace non-compliant warning and regulatory signs within seven years of the final ruling.
• Replace guidance and street name signs within ten years of the final ruling.

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