The 2009 Edition of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways (MUTCD), published by the Federal Highway Administration and approved by the Federal Highway Administrator as the national standard for all highways open to public travel, was duly adopted by the Washington state secretary of transportation. Revisions are incorporated into the December 2009 Edition of the MUTCD, except as may be modified herein, when published by the Federal Highway Administration. The manual includes in part many illustrations, some of which depend on color for proper interpretation. The code reviser has deemed it inexpedient to convert these regulations and illustrations to the prescribed form and style of WAC and therefore excludes them from publication. The document is available for public inspection at the headquarters office and all region offices of the Washington state department of transportation. Further, each city, town, and county engineering office in the state will have either a hard copy or an electronic copy of the MUTCD, with revisions and modifications for Washington, in its possession.

Add the following Guidance to the end of paragraph 04 in MUTCD Section 1A.09:

Add the following Standard to the end of Paragraph 01, Subsection A, in MUTCD Section 1A.13:

Site-specific conditions may lead agencies to determine that it is impossible or impractical to comply with a Standard and that they must deviate from the requirement of a particular Standard at that location or others having the same condition. In such limited specific cases, the deviation is allowed provided that the agency or official having jurisdiction fully documents the engineering reasons for the deviation.

The FHWA can also be requested to review the site-specific condition and the proposed deviation and, if appropriate, issue an Official Interpretation to clarify the application of the Standard to that condition.

Pursuant to RCW 46.04.220, amend MUTCD Section 1A.13, definition number 94, Intersections, Subsection (b) to read:

The junction of an alley with a street or highway shall not constitute an intersection.

Add the following to the end of MUTCD Section 1A.13, Paragraph 03:

For the purposes of defining a raised median, the use of block traffic curb (by itself, i.e., along a center line or a lane line) does not create a raised median.

Delete signs R1-5, R1-5a, R1-6, and R1-9 from MUTCD Figure 2B-2, and amend MUTCD Section 2B.12 to read:

Option:

The In-Street Pedestrian Crossing (R1-6a) sign (see Figure 2B-2) or the Overhead Pedestrian Crossing (R1-9a) sign (see Figure 2B-2) may be used to remind road users of laws regarding right of way at an unsignalized pedestrian crossing. The legend state law may be shown at the top of the R1-6a and R1-9a signs if applicable. On the R1-5b and R1-5c signs, the legend stop for may be used instead of the appropriate stop sign symbol.

Highway agencies may develop and apply criteria for determining the applicability of In-Street Pedestrian Crossing signs.

Guidance:

If an island (see Chapter 3I) is available, the In-Street Pedestrian Crossing sign, if used, should be placed on the island.

Option:

If a Pedestrian Crossing (W11-2) warning sign is used in combination with an In-Street or an Overhead Pedestrian Crossing sign, the W11-2 sign with a diagonal downward pointing arrow (W16-76P) plaque may be post-mounted on the right-hand side of the roadway at the crosswalk location.

Support:

The provisions of Section 2A.18 concerning mounting height are not applicable for the In-Street Pedestrian Crossing sign.

Option:

The In-Street Pedestrian Crossing sign may be used seasonally to prevent damage in winter because of plowing operations, and may be removed at night if the pedestrian activity at night is minimal.

In-Street Pedestrian Crossing signs, Overhead Pedestrian Crossing signs, and Stop Here for Pedestrian signs may be used together at the same crosswalk.

Revise MUTCD Section 2B.13 to read:

Guidance:

Authorized agencies should reevaluate speed limits on segments of their roadways that have undergone a significant change in roadway characteristics or surrounding land use since the last review.

No more than three speed limits should be posted on any one Speed Limit sign or assembly.

When evaluating speed limits, the following factors should be considered:

• The 85th percentile speed of vehicles traveling on the road;

• Road characteristics, shoulder condition, grade, alignment, and sight distance;

• The pace speed;

• Roadside development and environment;

• Parking practices and pedestrian activity;

• Reported crash experience for at least a 12 month period; and

• Other factors such as route development or comprehensive plans.

Option:

Two types of Speed Limit signs may be used: One to designate passenger car speeds, including any nighttime information or minimum speed that may apply; and, the other to show any special speed limits for trucks and other vehicles.

A changeable message sign that changes the speed limit for traffic and ambient conditions may be installed provided that the appropriate speed limit is shown at the proper times.

A changeable message sign that displays to drivers the speed at which they are traveling may be installed in conjunction with a Speed Limit sign.

Guidance:

If a changeable message sign displaying approach speeds is installed, the legend your speed xx (mph) or such similar legend should be shown. The color of the changeable message legend should be a yellow legend on a black background or the reverse of these colors.

Support:

Advisory Speed signs are discussed in Sections 2C.08, 2C.14, and 2C.15. Temporary Traffic Control Zone Speed signs are discussed in Part 6.

Pursuant to RCW 46.61.527, amend Paragraph 01 to Option in MUTCD Section 2B.17 to read:

Option:

If increased fines are imposed for traffic violations within a designated zone of a roadway, a begin higher fines zone (R2-10) sign (see Figure 2B-3) or a fines higher (R2-6P) plaque (see Figure 2B-3) may be used to provide notice to road users. If used, the higher fines plaque shall be mounted below an applicable regulatory or warning sign in a temporary traffic control zone, a school zone, or other applicable designated zone.

Pursuant to RCW 46.61.290(3), amend Paragraph 01 to Option and Paragraph 02 Support in MUTCD Section 2B.24 with the following:

Option:

Two-way left turn only (R9-3a or R9-3b) signs (see Figure 2B-6) may be used in conjunction with the required pavement markings where a nonreversible lane is reserved for the exclusive use of left-turning vehicles in either direction, or turning into the roadway, and is not used for passing, overtaking, or through travel.

Support:

Upon a roadway where a center lane has been provided by distinctive pavement markings for the use of vehicles turning left from either direction, no vehicles may turn left from any other lane. No vehicle may travel further than three hundred feet within the lane. A signal, either electric or manual, for indicating a left turn movement, shall be made at least one hundred feet before the actual left turn movement is made.

Pursuant to RCW 46.61.055, amend the Standard of MUTCD Section 2B.54 to read:

The NO TURN ON RED sign (R10-11a, R10-11b) shall be used to prohibit any right turn on red; or a left turn on red from a one-way or two-way street into a one-way street carrying traffic in the direction of the left turn.

Delete Section 2C.18 and sign W7-6 from the MUTCD.

Delete paragraph 05 from Section 2C.32 and sign W8-13 from the MUTCD.

Option:

A ramp meter ahead (W3-7) sign (see Figure 2C-6) may be used to warn road users that a freeway entrance ramp is metered and that they will encounter a ramp control signal (see Chapter 4I).

Delete MUTCD Section 2C.37.

Pursuant to RCW 47.36.270, a regional shopping center may be signed as a supplemental guide sign destination from state highways in accordance with the applicable sections of MUTCD Part 2 Chapter 2D, Guide Signs - Conventional Roads, and MUTCD Part 2 Chapter 2E Guide Signs - Freeways and Expressways, and in accordance with subsections (1) through (8) of this section.

(1) There shall be at least 500,000 square feet of retail floor space;

(2) There shall be at least three major department stores owned by national or regional retail chain organizations;

(3) The center shall be located within one highway mile of the state highway;

(4) The center shall generate at least 9,000 daily one-way vehicle trips to the center;

(5) Sufficient sign space as specified in the MUTCD shall be available for installation;

(6) Supplemental follow-through directional signing is required on county roads or city streets at key motorist decision points, if the center is not clearly visible from the point of exit from the state highway. The required supplemental follow-through directional signs shall be installed by the city or county prior to the installation of signs on the state highway;

(7) Signing on the state highway to a county road or city street that bears the name of the regional shopping center fulfills the statutory requirements for signing to those centers;

(8) The costs of materials and labor for fabricating, installing, and maintaining regional shopping center signs shall be borne by the center.

Amend the fourth guidance, paragraph 07 of MUTCD Section 2D.43 to read:

In urban or suburban areas, especially where Advanced Street name signs are not used, the use of overhead Street Name signs should be considered. If overhead Street Name signs are used, the lettering should be at least 12 inch upper-case with 9 inch lower case letters where posted speeds are 40 mph or greater. For roads with posted speeds less than 40 mph, lettering should be 8 inch upper case letters with 6 inch lower case letters or greater for overhead Street Name signs. New construction should include the larger size letters for overhead signs. Internally illuminated signs may use smaller letter size.

Amend MUTCD Section 2G.03, Paragraph 14, to read:

Where lateral clearance is limited, preferential lane regulatory signs that are post mounted on a median barrier and that are 72 inches or less in width may be skewed up to 45 degrees in order to fit with the barrier width, or may be mounted higher such that the vertical clearance to the bottom of the sign, light fixture, or structural support, whichever is lowest, is not less than twelve feet above any portion of the pavement and shoulders.

Add a new MUTCD Chapter 2O to read:

Chapter 2O, Event Signs, Banners, and Decorations

Pursuant to RCW 47.36.030(3) and 47.42.020(8), the department may permit signs, banners, or decorations visible to state highways that promote a local agency sponsored event in accordance with the applicable following criteria:

Option:

Along multi-lane state highways a sign, banner, or decoration may be mounted vertically on luminaire posts subject to meeting wind load requirements specified by the department.

Pursuant to RCW 46.61.150, amend paragraph 06 of MUTCD Section 3B.03 to read:

Pursuant to RCW 47.36.280, the Standard in MUTCD Section 3B.07, is revised to read:

Amend paragraph 01 of MUTCD Section 3B.10 to read:

Amend paragraph 07 of MUTCD Section 3B.10 to read:

Modify MUTCD Figure 3B-15, Item a - Center of two-lane road, to show a single no-pass marking on the approach to the obstruction.

Pursuant to RCW 47.36.280, amend paragraph 03 of the Option in MUTCD Section 3B.13 to read:

Raised pavement markers may also be used to supplement other markings for channelizing islands or approaches to other objects. The general use of raised pavement markers along right edge lines is strongly discouraged because the markers can cause steering difficulties and make bicyclists lose control of their vehicles. Raised or recessed pavement markers may be used along right edge lines on the taper in lane transition sections, on approaches to objects, and within channelization at intersections. Raised or recessed pavement markers can only be used along right edge lines at other locations where an engineering study has determined that the markers are essential to preserving pedestrian, bicycle, and motor vehicle safety. At the initiation of the engineering study, local bicycling organizations, the regional member of the state bicycle advisory committee, or the WSDOT bicycle and pedestrian program manager shall be notified of the study for review and comment. Positioning and spacing of the markers in such cases must be determined by engineering judgment taking into consideration their effect on bicycle, pedestrian, and motor vehicle safety; and, where used, are spaced closely enough (no greater than 10 feet apart) to approximate the appearance of a solid line. Other applications of raised or recessed pavement markers along right edge lines of arterials are considered to be nonconforming with this section. Cities and counties shall remove their nonconforming raised or recessed pavement markers at the time that they prepare to resurface roadways, or earlier at their option.

These standards shall be in effect, as provided in this section, unless the legislative authority of the local governmental body finds that special circumstances exist affecting vehicle and pedestrian safety that warrant a site-specific variance.

Amend the first sentence in paragraph 03 of MUTCD Section 3B.14 to read:

Amend paragraphs 10 and 12 of MUTCD Section 3B.16 to read:

If used, stop line should be placed a minimum of 4 feet in advance of the nearest crosswalk line at controlled intersections. Yield lines at roundabout intersections as provided in Section 3C.04. In the absence of a marked crosswalk, the stop line or yield line should be placed at the desired stopping or yielding point, in no case less than 4 feet from the nearest edge of the intersecting roadway.

If used at an unsignalized midblock crosswalk, stop lines should be placed adjacent to the Stop Here for Pedestrians sign located 20 to 50 feet in advance of the nearest crosswalk line, and parking should be prohibited in the area between the stop line and the crosswalk (see Figure 3B-17).

Amend paragraph 15 in MUTCD Section 3B.18 to read:

If used, the diagonal or longitudinal lines should form a 24-inch wide marking pattern consisting of two 8-inch wide markings separated by an 8-inch wide gap or a 24-inch wide solid marking pattern. The marking patterns should be spaced 12 to 60 inches apart but with the maximum gap between marking patterns not to exceed 2.5 times the marking pattern width. Longitudinal marking patterns should be located to avoid the wheel paths and should be oriented parallel with the wheel paths.

Amend Section 3D.01 to include:

Option:

Preferential lane word and symbol markings may be offset up to a maximum of 1'0" from the center of the preferred-use lane to avoid vehicle wheel paths.

Pursuant to RCW 46.61.055, amend paragraph 03 in the Standard of MUTCD Section 4D.04, item C.1, to read:

Pursuant to RCW 46.61.055, amend the Standard of MUTCD Section 4D.04, item C.2, to read:

Pursuant to RCW 46.61.055, amend the Standard of MUTCD Section 4D.05, item D, to read:

Add the following Guidance to the end of paragraph 03 in MUTCD Section 4I.01:

Pursuant to RCW 46.61.072, amend the Standard of MUTCD Section 4M.02, paragraph B, to read:

Pursuant to RCW 46.61.072, in MUTCD Section 4M.04, amend the first sentence of paragraph 03 to read:

Pursuant to RCW 36.75.300, there is added to Part 5 of the MUTCD, the following regulation pertaining to signing of county roads:

The legislative authority of each county may by resolution classify and designate portions of county roads as primitive roads where the designated road portion:

(1) Is not classified as part of the county primary road system, as provided for in RCW 36.86.070;

(2) Has a gravel or earth driving surface; and

(3) Has an average annual daily traffic of 100 or fewer vehicles.

Any road designated as a primitive road shall be marked with a PRIMITIVE ROAD sign at all places where the primitive road portion begins or connects with a highway other than a primitive road.

A sign with the caption CAUTION - NO WARNING SIGNS may be installed on the same post with the PRIMITIVE ROAD sign, and may be individually erected at intermediate points along the road section if conditions warrant. In addition, a sign with the caption NEXT . . . . MILES may be installed on the same post below the CAUTION - NO WARNING SIGNS sign.

Change the Guidance of MUTCD Section 5A.02, Application, to become an Option and amend to read:

Additional traffic control devices and criteria contained in other Parts of the Manual may be considered for use on low-volume roads.

Change the Guidance of MUTCD Section 5A.03, Design, to become an Option and amend to read:

The sizes shown under the oversized column in Table 5A-1 may be used where engineering judgment indicates a need based on high vehicle operating speeds, driver expectancy, traffic operations, or roadway conditions.

Change the Guidance of MUTCD Section 5B.02, Stop and Yield Signs, to become an Option and amend to read:

stop (R1-1) and yield (R1-2) signs (see Figure 5B-1) may be considered for use on low-volume roads where engineering judgment or study, consistent with the provisions of Sections 2B.04 to 2B.10, indicates that either of the following conditions applies:

A. An intersection of a less-important road with a main road where application of the normal right-of-way rule might not be readily apparent.

B. An intersection that has restricted sight distance for the prevailing vehicle speeds.

Change the Guidance of MUTCD Section 5C.06, One Lane Bridges, to become an Option and amend to read:

A one lane bridge (W5-3) sign (see Figure 5C-2) may be used on low-volume two-way roadways in advance of any bridge or culvert:

A. Having a clear roadway width of less than 16 feet; or

B. Having a clear roadway width of less than 18 feet when commercial vehicles constitute a high proportion of the traffic; or

C. Having a clear roadway width of 18 feet or less where the approach sight distance is limited on the approach to the structure.

Additional warning may be provided on the approach to a one lane bridge or culvert by the use of object markers and/or delineators.

Change the first Guidance of MUTCD Section 5C.09, Vehicular Traffic and Nonvehicular Signs (W11 Series and W8-6), to become an Option and amend to read:

Vehicular Traffic signs (see Figure 5C-2) may be used to alert road users to frequent unexpected entries into the roadway by trucks, bicyclists, farm vehicles, fire trucks, and other vehicles. Such signs may be used only at locations where the road user's sight distance is restricted or the activity would be unexpected.

Change the Guidance of MUTCD Section 5E.02, Centerline Markings, to become an Option and amend to read:

Center line markings may be used on paved low-volume roads where engineering judgment or an engineering study indicates a need for them.

Change the Guidance of MUTCD Section 5E.03, Edgeline Markings, to become an Option and amend to read:

Edge line Markings may be considered for use on paved low-volume roads based on engineering judgment or an engineering study.

Change the Option of MUTCD Section 5E.04, Delineators, to read:

Delineators may be used on low-volume roads based on engineering judgment, such as for curves, T-intersections, and abrupt changes in the roadway width. In addition, they may be used to mark other minor roads entering the low-volume road.

Change the Guidance of MUTCD Section 5C.14, Object Markers, to become an Option and amend to read:

The end of a low-volume road may be marked with an end-of-roadway marker in conformance with Section 2C.66.

Change the Guidance of MUTCD Section 5F.05, Pavement Markings, to become an Option and amend to read:

Pavement markings at highway-rail grade crossings may be used on paved low-volume roads, if they are already deployed at most other highway-rail grade crossings within the immediate vicinity, or when the roadway has centerline markings.

Change the Guidance of MUTCD Section 5G.04, Markings, to become an Option and amend to read:

Pavement markings may be considered for temporary traffic control zones on paved low-volume roads, especially roads that had existing pavement markings or that have a surfaced detour or temporary roadway.

Amend MUTCD Table 6C-1 to read:

(1) All spacing may be adjusted to accommodate interchange ramps, at-grade intersections, and driveways.

(2) This spacing may be reduced in urban areas to fit roadway conditions.

Add a new MUTCD Table 6C-5, Channelization Device Spacing, to Section 6C.08 to read:

Add a new Standard to MUTCD Section 6E.07 to read:

Add a new Standard to MUTCD Section 6E.08 to read:

Pursuant to RCW 47.36.200, a warning sign displaying the word message motorcycles use extreme caution is added to MUTCD Figure 6F-4. The sign shall be diamond shaped with black letters on an orange background.

Pursuant to RCW 47.36.200, amend MUTCD Section 6F.54 to read:

A supplemental plaque displaying the message motorcycles use extreme caution is added to MUTCD Figure 6F-4. Delete the Motorcycle symbol (W8-15P) plaque from Figure 6F-4.

The motorcycles use extreme caution (W21-1701P) plaque (see Figure 6F-4) may be mounted below a loose gravel (W8-7) sign, a grooved pavement (W8-15) sign, a abrupt lane edge (W21-801), a metal bridge deck (W8-16) sign, or a steel plate ahead (W8-24) sign if the warning is intended to be directed primarily to motorcyclists.

A warning sign displaying the word message abrupt lane edge is added to MUTCD Figure 6F-4. The sign shall be diamond shaped with black letters on an orange background.

The sign shall be used where Section 1-07.23(1) of the Washington state department of transportation's standard specifications require warning signs to alert drivers about an elevation differential between lanes or between the outside lane and the shoulder.

Amend MUTCD Section 6F.78 to read:

Support:

Temporary pavement markings are those that may be used until it is practical and possible to install permanent markings.

Option:

Half-cycle lengths with a minimum of 2 feet stripes may be used on roadways with severed curvature (see Section 3A.05) for center lines in passing zones and for lane lines.

For temporary situations, for a two-lane or three-lane road, no-passing zones may be identified by using do not pass (R4-1), pass with care (R4-2), and no passing zone (W14-3) signs rather than pavement markings.

Guidance:

When used, the do not pass, pass with care, and no passing zone signs should be placed in accordance with Sections 2B.28, 2B.29, and 2C.45.

Amend MUTCD Table 6H-3 to read:

In Figure 7B-1 replace the school bus turn ahead (S3-2) sign with the school bus turn around (S3-201) sign.

Delete signs R1-6 and R1-6b from MUTCD Figure 7B-6 and amend the first Option of MUTCD Section 7B.08 to read:

A 12 inch reduced size in-street School Advance Warning (S1-1) sign (see Figure 7B-4), installed in compliance with the mounting height and breakaway requirements for In-Street Pedestrian Crossing (R1-6a) signs (see Section 2B.12), may be used in advance of a school crossing to supplement the ground-mounted school warning signs. A 12 inch x 6 inch reduced size ahead (W16-9p) plaque may be mounted below the reduced size in-street School Advance Warning (S1-1) sign.

Pursuant to RCW 46.61.440(3), replace the paragraph 01 Standard in MUTCD Section 7B.10 with the following Option:

Option:

Where increased fines are imposed for traffic violations within a designated school zone, a begin higher fines zone (R2-10) sign (see Figure 7B-1) or a fines higher (R2-6P), fines double (R2-6aP), or $XX FINE (R2-6bP) plaque (see Figure 2B-3) may be installed as a supplement to the School Zone (S1-1) sign to identify the beginning point of the higher fines zone (see Figures 7B-2 and 7B-3).

Pursuant to RCW 46.61.235(1), replace Option paragraphs 04 and 06 and Standard paragraph 07 in MUTCD Section 7B.12 with the following:

Option:

The In-Street Pedestrian Crossing (R1-6a) sign (see Section 2B.12 and Figure 7B-6) or the In-Street Schoolchildren Crossing (R1-6c) sign (see Figure 7B-6) may be used at unsignalized school crossings. If used at a school crossing, a 12 inch x 4 inch school (S4-3P) plaque (see Figure 7B-6) may be mounted above the sign. The state law legend on the R1-6 series signs may be omitted.

A 12 inch reduced size in-street School (S1-1) sign (see Figure 7B-6) may be used at an unsignalized school crossing instead of the In-Street Pedestrian Crossing (R1-6a) sign or the In-Street Schoolchildren Crossing (R1-6c) sign. A 12 inch x 6 inch reduced size diagonal downward pointing arrow (W16-7P) plaque may be mounted below the reduced size in-street School (S1-1) sign.

Delete signs R1-6 and R1-6b from MUTCD Figure 7B-6.

Replace the paragraph 01 Option in MUTCD Section 7B.14 with the following:

Option:

The school bus turn around (S3-201) sign (see Figure 7B-1) may be installed in advance of locations where a school bus turns around on a roadway at a location not visible to approaching road users for a distance determined by Condition B "0" + 100 feet of Table 2C-4, and where there is no opportunity to relocate the school bus turn around to provide as a minimum the distance determined from Table 2C-4.

Pursuant to RCW 46.61.440, paragraph 07 in MUTCD Section 7B.15 is replaced with a Standard to read:

Amend MUTCD Section 7B.15 by adding the following to paragraph 07:

The supplemental or lower panel of a School Speed Limit 20 sign which reads When Children are Present shall indicate to the motorist that the 20 mile per hour school speed limit is in force under any of the following conditions:

(1) School children are occupying or walking within the marked crosswalk.

(2) School children are waiting at the curb or on the shoulder of the roadway and are about to cross the roadway by way of the marked crosswalk.

(3) School children are present or walking along the roadway, either on the adjacent sidewalk or, in the absence of sidewalks, on the shoulder within the posted school speed limit zone extending 300 feet, or other distance established by regulation, in either direction from the marked crosswalk.

Amend paragraphs 08 and 09 of the standard in MUTCD Section 7B.15 to read:

Amend paragraph 04 of MUTCD Section 7C.02 to read:

If used, the diagonal or longitudinal lines should form a 24-inch wide marking pattern consisting of two 8-inch wide markings separated by an 8-inch wide gap or a 24-inch wide solid marking pattern. The marking patterns should be spaced 12 to 60 inches apart but with the maximum gap between marking patterns not to exceed 2.5 times the marking pattern width. Longitudinal marking patterns should be located to avoid the wheel paths and should be oriented parallel with the wheel paths.

Amend the MUTCD Figure 8C-3 notes to read:

Notes:

All aspects (or signal indications) are either white or amber.

(1) Could be in single housing.

(2) "Go" lens may be used in flashing mode to indicate "prepare to stop."

Amend MUTCD Figure 9C-8, to show a normal solid white line instead of a wide solid white line.