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Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices

Since 1971, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has produced the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). This document is a compilation of national standards for all traffic control devices, including road markings, highway signs, and traffic signals in the United States. It is updated periodically to accommodate the nation's changing transportation needs and address new safety technologies, traffic control tools, and traffic management techniques.

The manual outlines even the most basic information related to traffic safety, such as the meaning behind traffic colors and sign shapes. For example, according the MUTCD, the color of roadway signage is an important indicator of the information they contain. Likewise, the shapes of signs can also alert roadway users to the type of information displayed on a sign. Whether you are a driver or a pedestrian, having a basic understanding of roadway signage will help to ensure traffic safety for everyone.

The illustration below shows how the shape and color of a sign indicates the nature of a message. To read about all of the federal standards for streets and highways, visit the MUTCD website.

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