Sign Guidelines and Applications Manual: Reference Sources

Section 3: Reference Sources

Introduction

Users of this handbook should consult the following Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) publications for information not contained here.

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The Texas Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (TMUTCD)

Title 23 Code of Federal Regulations (C.F.R.), Section 655.603, defines the National Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices and the authority of states to adopt their own manual. 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 current system approved by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and set forth in the national Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (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 latest edition of the TMUTCD was adopted by Texas Transportation Commission minute order, as referenced in Title 43, Section 25.1 of the Texas Administrative Code (TAC).

TxDOT’s Traffic Operations Division (TRF) is responsible for publishing and updating the TMUTCD.

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Using the TMUTCD

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, highways, pedestrian facilities, bike ways and private roads open to public travel 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.

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Standard Highway Sign Designs for Texas (SHSD)

Standard Highway Sign Designs for Texas (SHSD) contains design and fabrication details for signs, pavement markings, and certain other traffic control devices. The SHSD is based on the similar FHWA publication, Standard Highway Signs and Markings, and is available through the SHSD link above on the TxDOT Website.

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