Major Changes to the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD)

In 2007, New York embarked on major changes regarding the New York State Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), formally known as NYCRR 17B, Volume V, Uniform Traffic Control Devices.

Section 1680(a) of the New York State Vehicle & Traffic Law requires that “the Department of Transportation shall adopt a manual and specifications for a uniform system of traffic control devices consistent with the provisions of this chapter for use upon highways within this state. Such uniform system shall correlate with and so far as practicable conform to nationally accepted standards”. Since 1948, New York has maintained its own State Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD).

New York abandoned its own State MUTCD on September 13, 2007. On that date, legislation became effective which formally adopted the provisions of the 2003 Edition of the National Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices with Revision No.1 incorporated, dated November 2004. In addition, regulations providing for a New York State Supplement to the National MUTCD also become effective. Combined, the two operate in conjunction as the manual and specifications for a uniform system of traffic control devices as required by Section 1680(a).

Obtaining copies of the National MUTCD:

PDF Copies of the current National MUTCD can be downloaded for free from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) website at mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov, and can also be downloaded from the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) webpage at the link given below.

Printed copies of the National MUTCD can be purchased from organizations such as the American Association of State Highways and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE), and the American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA). The three links above will take you directly to the specific pages within the organization websites where you can order printed copies of the National MUTCD.

Obtaining copies of the New York State Supplement:

PDF Copies of the New York State Supplement can be downloaded for free from the NYSDOT MUTCD webpage. This page contains detailed information from NYSDOT regarding the National MUTCD and the New York State Supplement, including an extensive list of direct web links and downloadable files.

Printed copies of the New York State Supplement can be ordered from West Group. West Group refers to the publication as "NYCRR Volume 17B."

Questions about the New York State adoption of the National MUTCD and the New York State Supplement may be directed to the following people:

David Woodin, PE, PTOE
DWOODIN@dot.state.ny.us
(518) 457-1793

Barbara Abrahamer, PE, PTOE
BABRAHAMER@dot.state.ny.us
(518) 457-2095

 

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