News Release

Iowa adopts national road sign standards and begins installing new signs

AMES, IOWA – Operating a motor vehicle is a life-long learning experience. And it's time for motorists to study up on the new road signs that will be popping up along the roadways in Iowa , and throughout the nation, as a result of updated federal traffic control standards.

One of the most fundamental responsibilities of motor vehicle operators is a clear understanding of the warnings and guidance printed on road signs. Because new signs are continually being developed to address emerging traffic issues and to provide added clarity to motorists, fulfilling this responsibility requires life-long learning.

The Iowa Department of Transportation is encouraging Iowans to learn about the new signs and safety standards contained in the updated Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), which has been adopted by the State of Iowa .

The MUTCD contains the national standards for all traffic control devices installed on any public street, highway or bicycle trail in all 50 states. Federal law requires that traffic control devices in each state be in substantial conformance with these standards.

The chart of new roadway signs (available on the DOT's Web site at
www. dot.state.ia.us/mutcd.htm) and information below on other new safety standards represent some of the changes that will be more readily apparent to the motoring public. Among all of the changes identified in the chart, two sign changes may be the most visible: 1) the old black and white SPEED ZONE AHEAD sign is being replaced with a new yellow symbol sign; and 2) the old lane ends sign is being replaced with a new design that uses dashes within the symbol.

The DOT intends to phase in the new signs as new roadways are constructed, highways undergo major reconstruction or existing signs reach the end of their useful lives. This way no additional costs are incurred. However, this means that motorists will see both the old and new signs in use for a period of many years.

Safety standards in the new MUTCD include:

• High-visibility apparel: requires roadway workers and flaggers to wear high-visibility apparel by Dec. 22, 2006, to increase worker safety; requires adult school crossing guards to wear high-visibility apparel by Dec. 22, 2008, to protect their safety.

• Left exits: adds the word “LEFT” on exit number plaques for left interchange exits by Dec. 22, 2008.

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