Chapter 1: Introduction

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Section 1: Overview

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Scope of this Manual

This manual is a guide and reference for the handling of requests for traffic signals on the designated State Highway System, including installations financed by federal funds and installed off the numbered State Highway System.

This manual describes the steps necessary for the installation of traffic signals, from project inception through construction and final disposition of records.

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Traffic Signal Policy

The State Highway and Public Transportation Commission (now known as the Texas Transportation Commission) approved TxDOT’s current policy on highway traffic signals under Commission Minute Order No. 85777 dated May 27, 1987. The current policy, as published in the Texas Administrative Code, under TAC 43, Section 25.5, states that TxDOT:

  • may install, maintain, and operate traffic signals on the state highway system in unincorporated areas when requested by anyone and provided that the location or locations meets one or more of the warrants for highway traffic signals contained in the current Texas Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways (TMUTCD)
  • may install, maintain, and operate traffic signals on the state highway system in incorporated cities of less than 50,000 population (latest federal census) when requested by the city council, mayor, city manager, or any authorized city official and on frontage roads and at interchanges of freeways of the state highway system within incorporated cities and provided that the location or locations meet one or more of the warrants for highway traffic signals contained in the current TMUTCD and that the city enters into an agreement setting forth the responsibilities of each party
  • is responsible for authorizing traffic signals to be installed at locations on the state highway system other than freeways in incorporated cities of 50,000 or more population (latest federal census) provided that the location or locations meet one or more of the warrants for highway traffic signals contained in the current TMUTCD (NOTE: The cost of installation, operation, and maintenance of these signals is the responsibility of the city, except that TxDOT may provide for the installation of traffic signals when the installation is financed in part with federal-aid funds and the city enters into an agreement setting forth the responsibilities of each party. See the Traffic Engineering Agreements Volume of the Traffic Operations Manual for details.)
  • may install, maintain, and operate traffic signals on state highway frontage roads in all areas, provided the locations meet at least one of the TMUTCD warrants. (NOTE: The maintenance and operation of these signals may be contracted out to cities.)
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The Texas Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (TMUTCD)

Section 544.001 of the Texas Transportation Code requires TxDOT to adopt a manual and specifications for a uniform system of traffic control devices for use on streets, roads, and highways within the state. The uniform system must correlate with and, so far as possible, conform to the system then current as approved by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and set forth in the National Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways (MUTCD). The Texas Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (TMUTCD) basically follows the national MUTCD, except where the national standards conflict with state law or where modifications are necessary to more closely fit Texas conditions. The 1980 TMUTCD was adopted by Commission Minute Order No. 77548 on July 21, 1980, referenced in the Texas Administrative Code found in Title 43 TAC, Section 25.1.

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Using the TMUTCD

The TMUTCD is referenced throughout this manual. The TMUTCD contains the standards and basic principles governing the design and usage of traffic control devices in Texas. The provisions of the TMUTCD apply to all streets and highways in the state, including those under the jurisdiction of cities and counties. It should be the governing document on any question regarding the application of traffic control devices.

Part IV of the TMUTCD provides detailed information and guidelines on traffic signal applications, including minimum warrants required for traffic signal installation. Readers are urged to consult the TMUTCD for information and topics not covered in this manual, which only provides additional information specific to TxDOT operations.

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Obtaining Copies of the TMUTCD

Contact TxDOT’s Traffic Operations Division (TRF) to obtain copies of the TMUTCD. Certain public entities outside TxDOT may be entitled to complimentary (free) copies of the TMUTCD, depending on their responsibility to the general public in the area of traffic planning and operations. Complimentary copies are sent directly to the requesting entity according to the criteria in the following table.

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Entity or Individual

What They Get

All Texas incorporated cities of 5,000 or more population

  • one copy for city administration
  • one additional copy, upon request, if the city has a traffic engineering organization or other department responsible for traffic planning and operations.

All Texas incorporated cities under 5,000 population

one copy sent to city administration.

All Texas Counties

one copy sent to the county commissioners’ court.

The executive and legislative branches of the state

copies when requested for state business.

All courts above district courts in the Judicial Branch

copies when requested for state business.

Federal Highway Administration personnel having a need

copies upon request.

Official highway and public transportation organizations having a need (such as the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, Institute of Transportation Engineers, National Committee on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, Highway Transportation Research Board, National Safety Council, and others of similar status)

copies upon request.

All Texas state agencies having a need, such as the Department of Public Safety and others of similar status

copies upon request.

All other official governmental agencies, such as other states, foreign countries, and others of similar status

copies upon request.


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Traffic Signal Agreements

Agreements of various kinds are often required for traffic signal installations. For information on when traffic signal agreements are required and how they are handled, see the Traffic Engineering Agreements Volume of the Traffic Operations Manual.

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Traffic Signal Project Process Overview

Before proceeding to construction, a traffic signal project on the state highway system progresses through the following stages:

  1. Someone, either inside or outside TxDOT, requests the signal installation.
  2. The district acknowledges the request.
  3. The district or city conducts a traffic study to determine if the signal is warranted and justified.
  4. The district or city designs the installation.
  5. The district submits the design and signed signal authorization forms to TRF for review.
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