Highway signs to get brighter, safer under new federal requirements

In a continued effort to reduce roadway fatalities, Federal Highway Administrator J. Richard Capka announced a new rule to make signs more visible.

The new rule requires states to use higher performing reflective materials on all highway signs. The new rule also requires public agencies to adopt sign maintenance methods to ensure highway signs can be read from greater distances.

“The new standards will make highway signs as visible as possible to drivers in low-light conditions,” said Administrator Capka. “The holidays are meant to be merry and bright, and now highways will be safer and brighter.”

The new requirements are included in the 2nd Edition of the 2003 Manual of Traffic Control Devices. For more information on the new requirements, please see www.fhwa.dot.gov/retro.