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Sign Retroreflectivity – Implementation Tools

The documents below contain information that agencies may find useful for implementing sign retroreflectivity methods.

• Sign Retroreflectivity Requirements: An Overview (2013 Revision)
  This trifold provides basic information on the sign retroreflectivity requirements in the MUTCD.  It is intended to be printed double-sided and folded in thirds.  There is a blank space so that organizations and companies can print and send it as a mailer.  [Publication No. FHWA-SA-08-001(Revised 2013)] No hard copies available from FHWA.

• NCHRP Synthesis 431: Practices to Manage Traffic Sign Retroreflectivity
  This synthesis contains example practices to illustrate how different types of transportation agencies might meet MUTCD retroreflectivity requirements for traffic signs.  It includes results of a broad survey of agencies regarding their practices; case studies for a large and a small city, a county and a State DOT; and  effective practices.

• Sheeting ID Guide [HTML, PDF]
  FHWA developed this updated table in cooperation with ATSSA to assist practitioners in selecting retroreflective sheeting materials. The table provides information about the typical uses of various retroreflective sheeting materials, by ASTM and AASHTO type, manufacturer, brand name and series number. [Publication No. FHWA-SA-14-022] No hard copies available from FHWA.

• PowerPoint Presentation: Minimum Sign Retroreflectivity Requirements: [HTML, PDF, PPT]
  A 15-minute Powerpoint presentation providing an overview of the sign retroreflectivity requirements.

• Sign Retroreflectivity Methods Table
  This chart shows the fundamental equipment needs, inspector requirements, and time demands for each of the sign retroreflectivity methods listed in the MUTCD.

• Explanation of MUTCD Table 2A-3
  This detailed narration helps users understand how to determine the minimum maintained retroreflectivity level for a traffic sign based on the sheeting type and sign color. There are several examples to explain the proper use of this table.

• Technical Contacts
  A number of national and state-based organizations are knowledgeable about sign retroreflectivity and the MUTCD. They can provide assistance to local, tribal and federal land management agencies.

For hard copies of documents with publication numbers, please send a request to report.center@dot.gov and include the publication number and title, along with the number of copies and your mailing address and phone number. Requests will be filled based on availability.

For information about traffic control devices and the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), other than visibility or retroreflectivity, please see FHWA's MUTCD website