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Nighttime Visibility Policy / Guidance

Federal Rule on Sign Retroreflectivity
Funding Assistance
FHWA Guidance on Sign Sheeting Products

Federal Rule on Sign Retroreflectivity

Final Rule: Maintaining Sign Retroreflectivity
Published on Dec. 21, 2007 and effective Jan. 22, 2008, this final rule supplements the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) requirements for maintenance of sign retroreflectivity. The rule provides additional requirements, guidance, and clarification. The new rule encourages flexibility to allow agencies to choose a maintenance method that best fits their specific conditions. Agencies have until January 2012 to establish and implement a sign assessment or management method to maintain minimum levels of sign retroreflectivity. The compliance date for meeting the minimum retroreflectivity requirements for regulatory, warning, and ground-mounted guide signs is January 2015. For overhead guide signs and street name signs, the compliance date is January 2018.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here’s where to find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the Federal requirements for maintaining minimum sign retroreflectivity.
How MUTCD language has changed due to Dec. 2007 rulemaking.
This page provides detail on how the Jan 2007 rulemaking modified the MUTCD guidance on signs.
Brochure: New Sign Retroreflectivity Requirements
This trifold brochure provides a concise high-level overview of the new sign retroreflectivity requirements.
Technical Brief: New MUTCD Sign Retroreflectivity Requirements
This 4-page technical brief summarizes the technical details of the new rulemaking.
Newsletter Article: New Sign Retroreflectivity Requirements
Click here for a concise overview of the new sign retroreflectivity requirements in article format.
Powerpoint Presentation: Minimum Sign Retroreflectivity Requirements
A 15-minute Powerpoint presentation providing an overview of the new sign retroreflectivity requirements.
Methods for Maintaining Traffic Sign Retroreflectivity
This 2007 report prepared by Texas Transportation Institute for the FHWA provides technical guidance on methods for maintaining traffic sign retroreflectivity in accordance with the new Federal rules.

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Funding Assistance

Sign Retroreflectivity Update and Funding Assistance
Prepared by the National Association of Towns and Townships, this document provides a list of Federal aid programs that can be used to help defray some of the State and local costs related to sign retroreflectivity.
Eligibility of HSIP Funds for Sign Replacement
This FHWA memorandum addresses the eligibility of Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) funds for sign replacement. It was issued in February 2008.
Eligibility of 23 USC 120 (c) for Highway Lighting
This FHWA memorandum addresses the eligibility of highway lighting for 100 percent Federal funding under 23 USC 120 (c) [Increased Federal Share for Certain Safety Projects]. The memorandum was issued in December 2005.

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FHWA Guidance on Sign Sheeting Products

Guidelines for Evaluating Public Interest Findings and Certifications for Retroreflective Sheeting for Traffic Control Signs
This July 2006 FHWA memorandum provides guidelines to assist practitioners in making informed decisions regarding sign sheeting products.
Sign Sheeting Proprietary Products
This January 2006 FHWA memorandum addresses issues regarding traffic sign sheeting and regulations concerning sole source requirements.
Guidelines when considering a 3M Diamond Grade Cubed (DG3) Public Interest Finding request
This December 2007 FHWA memorandum determines that more information is needed and a PIF is not approved at this time.

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Program Contact

Cathy Satterfield
Cathy.Satterfield@dot.gov
708-283-3552

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