By Bob Peterson

This post is a version of the article "A Sign From The Feds" found in the December 2013-January 2014 issue of Building Management Hawaii.

If the public travels on a property you own or manage, such as a shopping center, office, apartment complex, or recreational facility, any traffic control device must conform to the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD).

What is the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD)?

The MUTCD is the national standard for the design, installation, and use of all traffic control devices (such as traffic signs, pavement markings, barriers, barricades, and more). You can view an online copy of the MUTCD at http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/index.htm.

When did this law take affect?

Technically speaking, private roads open to public travel have always been required to conform to the MUTCD. However, on January 16, 2007, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) clarified the fact that the MUTCD applies to ANY roads open to public travel.

What you need to do

You want to make sure that any traffic control devices that were installed after the Effective Date January 16, 2007 comply with the MUTCD. It is not required to replace existing non-conforming signs that were installed previous to the Effective Date. However, if a non-conforming sign needs to be replaced due to being damaged, then the replacement must conform to the MUTCD.

Some common examples of non-compliant traffic control devices:

• Sandblasted STOP signs
• Signs that are the wrong color (blue STOP sign)
  • STOP signs must be RED with WHITE lettering
• Signs mounted at the wrong height
  • Signs must be mounted seven feet in urban areas and five feet in rural areas
• Non-conforming speed limit signs
  • Speed limit signs must be in increments of 5 MPH
• Pavement markings that are the wrong color
  • STOP bars must be WHITE

If you’re not sure if your property’s traffic control devices are compliant with the MUTCD, it’d be best to get your site assessed by a safety expert. You can also view a brochure published by the American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA) at http://bit.ly/1cA8mre. This brochure contains additional information.  

Why you should comply

It’s the law! But if you need another reason; if you don’t comply with the law and someone is injured on your property, you will be held liable for their injury. By complying with the regulation you limit your liability.

In addition, it’s always a good idea to promote a safe environment, not only does it show customers that you care, but it reflects positively on you, the owner or manager.

With this regulation, the bottom line is to provide consistent messaging for all travelers, whether on a private or public road. Consistent messaging improves safety, and it’s important for your property to have the proper traffic control devices that meet the MUTCD. 

Bob Peterson is the former owner of Peterson Sign Company and has over 40 years of experience in the sign industry. He is currently the Oahu Branch Manager of G P Roadway Solutions. Connect with Bob on LinkedIn.