[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 79 (Tuesday, April 25, 2006)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 23877-23882]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-6219]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Highway Administration

23 CFR Part 655

[FHWA Docket No. FHWA-2005-23182]
RIN 2125-AF16


Traffic Control Devices on Federal-Aid and Other Streets and 
Highways; Standards

AGENCY: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: The FHWA proposes to revise its regulation that prescribes 
procedures for obtaining basic uniformity of traffic control devices on 
Federal-aid and other streets and highways. This notice of proposed 
rulemaking makes some nomenclature changes, provides clarification on 
the meaning of ``substantial conformance'' and ``roads open to public 
travel,'' and removes certain outdated references.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before June 26, 2006. Late-filed 
comments will be considered to the extent practicable.

ADDRESSES: Mail or hand deliver comments to the U.S. Department of 
Transportation, Dockets Management Facility, Room PL-401, 400 Seventh 
Street, SW., Washington, DC 20590, or submit electronically at http://dmses.dot.gov/submit or fax comments to (202) 493-2251. All comments 
should include the docket number that appears in the heading of this 
document. All comments received will be available for examination at 
the above address from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., e.t., Monday through Friday, 
except Federal holidays. Those desiring notification of receipt of 
comments must include a self-addressed, stamped postcard or print the 
acknowledgement page that appears after submitting comments 
electronically. Anyone is able to search the electronic form of all 
comments in any one of our dockets by the name of the individual 
submitting the comment (or signing the comment, if submitted on behalf 
of an association, business, or labor union). You may review DOT's 
complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal Register published on 
April 11, 2000 (Volume 65, Number 70, Pages 19477-78) or you may visit 
http://dms.dot.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Linda Brown, Office of 
Transportation Operations, (202) 366-2192; or Mr. Raymond W. Cuprill, 
Office of the Chief Counsel, (202) 366-0791, U.S. Department of 
Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, 400 Seventh Street SW., 
Washington, DC 20590. Office hours are from 7:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., 
e.t., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Electronic Access and Filing

    You may submit or retrieve comments online through the Document 
Management System (DMS) at: http://dmses.dot.gov/submit. Electronic 
submission and retrieval help and guidelines are available under the 
help section of the Web site. Alternatively, internet users may access 
all comments received by the DOT Docket Facility by using the universal 
resource locator (URL) http://dms.dot.gov. It is available 24 hours 
each day, 365 days each year. Please follow the instructions. An 
electronic copy of this document may also be downloaded by accessing 
the Office of the Federal Register's home page at: http://www.archives.gov or the Government Printing Office's Web page at: 
http://www.gpoaccess.gov/nara.

Background

    The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), also 
referred to as the Manual, is developed and approved by the Federal 
Highway Administration and recognized as the national standard for all 
traffic control

[[Page 23878]]

devices installed on any street, highway, or shared-use path open to 
public travel in accordance with 23 U.S.C. 109(d) and 402(a). It is 
incorporated by reference into the Code of Federal Regulations at 23 
CFR part 655. The FHWA is issuing this notice to provide an opportunity 
for public comment on the following proposed changes to 23 CFR part 
655:
    1. The Standard Alphabets for Highway Signs (SAHS), 1966 Edition, 
is incorporated by reference in 23 CFR 655.601(b). The SAHS no longer 
exists as a separate document, and the FHWA now publishes the Standard 
Highway Signs (SHS) book, which is referenced in the MUTCD. The FHWA 
therefore proposes to remove the reference to the SAHS.
    2. In 23 CFR 655.603(a), the FHWA proposes to add language to 
clarify the meaning of the MUTCD as the national standard for all 
traffic control devices installed on facilities ``open to public 
travel.''
    3. Section 23 CFR 655.603(b) provides that where State or other 
Federal agency MUTCDs or supplements are required, they shall be in 
``substantial conformance'' with the National MUTCD. The FHWA proposes 
to clarify the term ``substantial conformance.''
    4. Section 23 CFR 655.603(b) provides that States must adopt any 
changes to the National MUTCD within two years of issuance. The FHWA 
proposes to change the required adoption date to be two years from the 
effective date instead of two years from the issuance date. The FHWA 
recognizes that some State laws automatically adopt the new MUTCD 
editions and revisions immediately upon FHWA's final rule. The FHWA 
proposes to give consideration to those States that automatically adopt 
the new MUTCD but may have existing stock of devices that are no longer 
compliant with the new changes.
    The FHWA also proposes to reorganize the discussion in section 
655.603 regarding the effective date of the MUTCD and make it a 
separate paragraph (b)(3).
    5. The FHWA proposes to relocate the information in 23 CFR 
655.603(d)(4). Since it applies to target dates for achieving traffic 
control device compliance on existing highways, the FHWA proposes to 
make this discussion a part of 23 CFR 655.603(d)(1).
    6. The FHWA proposes to delete 23 CFR 655.603(e). This section was 
originally included in title 23, CFR, when the Specific Service Signing 
Program was first adopted in accordance with provisions in the 34 FR 
1016, January 23, 1969. Text was included in title 23, CFR, in order to 
inform readers where to find information about Specific Information 
Signs since at that time the program was relatively new. Since the 
public is very familiar with this program, the FHWA believes that this 
information is no longer necessary or appropriate for inclusion in this 
title.
    7. Due to the reorganization of the FHWA and the deletion of the 
National Highway Safety Program Standard Number 13 (23 CFR 1204.4) by 
the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the FHWA 
proposes to update 23 CFR 655.604 to remove the reference to this 
document.
    Based on the comments received and its own experience, the FHWA may 
issue a final rule concerning the proposed changes included in this 
notice at any time after the close of the comment period.

Discussion of Proposed Amendments

Section 655.601 Purpose

    This section discusses publications that are incorporated by 
reference and on file at the National Archives and Records 
Administration (NARA). The Standard Alphabets for Highway Signs (SAHS), 
1966 Edition, is one of the publications incorporated by reference. The 
1966 SAHS is outdated and no longer exists as a separate document. 
Unlike in the previous editions of the MUTCD, the FHWA decided with the 
2003 Edition of the MUTCD to include illustrations of every approved 
sign and to provide detailed information in the Manual for the design 
of each sign. Sign size tables are now included so that readers can 
easily determine appropriate size signs based on the roadway 
classification. In addition, the FHWA now publishes the Standard 
Highway Signs (SHS) Book and it includes the updated standard alphabets 
for highway signs and for pavement markings. The SHS Book is posted on 
the MUTCD Web site at http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov. Every sign in the 
MUTCD goes through the rulemaking process before it can be adopted in 
the MUTCD. Subsequent to the effective date of this rulemaking and 
parallel with future MUTCD revisions, the SHS illustrations of sign 
design and manufacturing details for any proposed new signs will be 
posted on the MUTCD Web site for review. The FHWA believes that this 
new process is a more efficient method for our users. Therefore, the 
FHWA proposes to delete the reference in 23 CFR 655.601(b) to the 
obsolete 1966 Edition of the Standard Alphabets for Highway Signs. 
Instead, the SHS Book is referenced in the MUTCD Section 1A.11 along 
with other documents related to the Manual. Reference to the SHS Book 
is also included throughout MUTCD Part 2A. Paragraph (b) would be 
removed.

Section 655.603 Standards

    Paragraph (a) states, in part, that ``The MUTCD approved by the 
Federal Highway Administrator is the national standard for all traffic 
control devices installed on any street, highway, or bicycle trail open 
to public travel in accordance with 23 U.S.C. 109(d) and 402(a).'' The 
FHWA has interpreted the phrase ``open to public travel'' to include 
toll roads and roads within shopping centers, airports, sports arenas, 
and other similar business and recreation facilities that are privately 
owned, but where the public is invited to travel without access 
restrictions. To clarify the application of the MUTCD to roads on 
private property, the FHWA proposes to revise paragraph (a) to include 
examples of what is meant by roads ``open to public travel.'' The 
Uniform Vehicle Code (UVC) is a compendium of national, model 
legislation for the purpose of developing uniform traffic laws and 
regulations.\1\ The current MUTCD encourages States to adopt a 
legislative code similar to section 15-116 of the UVC, which indicates 
that traffic control devices intended to regulate, warn, or guide 
traffic shall not be installed on private roads open to public travel 
unless the devices conform to the State Manual and the MUTCD. At 
present, there are only 17 States with such laws. The FHWA believes 
that the proposed rewording of this section will increase uniformity 
and achieve the goal of the UVC.
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    \1\ The Uniform Vehicle Code is published by the National 
Committee on Uniform Traffic laws and Ordinances (NCUTLO)(a private, 
non-profit membership organization dedicated to providing uniformity 
of traffic laws and regulations), 107 S. West Street, No. 110, 
Alexandria, VA 22314, telephone 800-807-5290 or FAX 540-465-5383.
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    Paragraph (b)(1) provides that where State MUTCDs are required, 
they shall be in substantial conformance with the National MUTCD as 
approved by the FHWA Division Administrator. Currently, this regulation 
does not provide a definition for the term ``substantial conformance'' 
and the FHWA proposes to modify paragraph (b)(1) to clarify the meaning 
of this term.
    The term ``substantial conformance'' does not mean that the State 
MUTCD or supplement must fully conform or be identical to every 
statement in the National MUTCD. It would be unreasonable to require 
all State Manuals or supplements to conform to every statement in the 
National MUTCD because the National MUTCD is composed not only of 
standard and

[[Page 23879]]

guidance statements, but also option and support statements. 
Substantial conformance in this context means that the State MUTCD or 
supplement shall conform as a minimum to the standard statements 
included in the National MUTCD.
    Standard statements in the MUTCD describe required practices and 
are indicated by the term ``shall.'' Guidance statements describe 
recommended practices and are indicated by the term ``should.'' The 
guidance statements contained in the National MUTCD are also expected 
to be in the State Manual or supplement. If a guidance statement is not 
included, then the reason for not including it must be satisfactorily 
explained based on a documented engineering study or engineering 
judgment. The Division Administrator and the FHWA Associate 
Administrator of the Federal Lands Highway Program have the flexibility 
to determine on a case-by-case basis the degree of variation allowed.
    The State Manuals or supplements cannot be less prescriptive than 
the National MUTCD but they can be more prescriptive. For example, a 
guidance or ``should'' statement in the National MUTCD cannot be an 
option or ``may'' statement in the State Manual; however, a guidance or 
``should'' statement in the National MUTCD can be a standard or 
``shall'' statement in the State Manual. The FHWA proposes to revise 
paragraph (b)(1) to include this clarification of the term 
``substantial conformance.''
    In current paragraph (b)(1), States or other Federal agencies shall 
adopt the National MUTCD within two years of issuance of any changes. 
The issuance date is the date that the Federal Highway Administrator 
signs any Federal Register notice. The FHWA proposes to move this 
discussion to new paragraph (b)(3) and change the reference to read as 
two years from the effective date. The effective date occurs 30 days 
after the final rule is published in the Federal Register in order to 
allow parties affected by the rule a reasonable time to prepare for the 
effective date of a rule, or to take any other action which the 
issuance of the rule may prompt. For this reason, we are proposing to 
change the nomenclature from ``issuance date'' to ``effective date.''
    The FHWA also proposes to revise the second sentence in paragraph 
(b)(1) by expanding it to address States that automatically adopt the 
MUTCD immediately upon the effective date. This new discussion is 
proposed for inclusion in the new paragraph (b)(3). The FHWA recognizes 
that some State laws automatically adopt the latest edition of the 
MUTCD and revisions immediately upon the effective date of a final 
rule. These States cannot plan in advance to restock their inventory of 
certain traffic control devices because they cannot be sure what will 
be in the final rule until it is actually published. Further, 
manufacturers are unlikely to start producing the new traffic control 
devices until the final rule is published. Consequently when the final 
rule is published, States typically have warehouses stocked with some 
traffic control devices that, although compliant with the previous 
edition of the MUTCD, are technically not compliant with the new 
edition of the MUTCD and, thus, cannot be used on existing highways 
because the new MUTCD is immediately effective. Similar situations 
occur when construction projects are nearing completion and are ready 
to open to traffic. When the new MUTCD is automatically adopted, the 
highway project may have noncompliant traffic control devices because 
the construction plans were done prior to the effective date of the new 
MUTCD.
    In general, States have up to two years to adopt the provisions 
contained in new editions or revisions to the MUTCD. The FHWA believes 
that States that automatically adopt the MUTCD should be given the same 
amount of time to revise their traffic control plans and to re-stock 
their warehouse supplies in order to comply with the new provisions of 
a new MUTCD edition or revision. In an effort to give consideration to 
those States that automatically adopt the new MUTCD, the FHWA proposes 
to include language in the new paragraph (b)(3) that will provide the 
Division Administrators with flexibility to allow such States the same 
two-year period as the adoption period in which they may use their 
existing stocks of certain noncompliant traffic control devices and 
complete construction projects with previously approved plans that have 
certain noncompliant traffic control devices under the new MUTCD.
    The FHWA proposes minor corrections to 23 CFR 655.603(b)(2). 
Paragraph (b)(1) includes a discussion that the FHWA Division 
Administrators shall approve the State MUTCDs and supplements. The 
first sentence in paragraph (b)(2) includes a similar discussion that 
gives the FHWA Associate Administrator of the Federal Lands Highway 
Program approval authority for Federal land management agencies' 
MUTCDs. Since these two discussions are related, the FHWA proposes to 
combine them together under paragraph (b)(1).
    The second sentence in paragraph (b)(2) discusses a different 
subject matter from the discussion about who has the authority to 
approve State MUTCDs or supplements. The second sentence encourages 
States and other Federal agencies to adopt the National MUTCD as their 
official Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. The FHWA proposes 
to revise this sentence and designate it as a new paragraph (b)(2).
    Paragraph (c) currently references the FHWA Color Tolerance Charts 
and directs the reader to footnote 2 for information on where these 
charts are available. In section 655.603 there is only one footnote. 
Therefore, the FHWA proposes to correct the footnote number in 
paragraph (c) to read as ``1'' and thereby correct the footnote itself.
    Paragraph (d)(1) requires States and Federal agencies to upgrade 
substandard traffic control devices and install needed devices on 
existing highways to achieve compliance with the MUTCD. Paragraph 
(d)(4) discusses FHWA's option to establish target dates for achieving 
compliance with changes to specific devices in the MUTCD. The FHWA 
proposes to move this discussion to paragraph (d)(1) since it more 
appropriately belongs in the section that addresses existing highways. 
Therefore, paragraph (d)(4) will be removed.
    The FHWA proposes to remove paragraph (e). This paragraph was 
originally included when the Specific Service Signing Program was first 
adopted on January 23, 1969. It was included to inform readers where to 
find information about the new program. Paragraph (e) directed 
interested persons to the information contained in the MUTCD. Since the 
public is now very familiar with this program, the FHWA believes that 
this information is no longer necessary or appropriate for inclusion in 
title 23, CFR.

Section 655.604 Achieving Basic Uniformity

    Paragraphs (a) and (b) indicate that the systematic upgrading of 
existing traffic control devices and installation of devices should be 
based on inventories made in accordance with 23 CFR 1204.4. That 
section refers to a program required by the former Highway Safety 
Program Standard Number 13, Traffic Engineering Services (23 CFR 
1204.4), a NHTSA regulation that no longer exists. Section 655.604 
would be amended to remove the reference to 23 CFR 1204.4.
    The Highway Safety Act of 1966 (Pub. L. 89-564, 80 Stat. 731), 
amended title 23, United States Code, to add Chapter 4, ``Highway 
Safety.'' Section 402(a) of title 23, United States Code (the Highway 
Safety Program) required that

[[Page 23880]]

States have a highway safety program designed to reduce traffic 
accidents, deaths, injuries, and property damage. These programs were 
to be in accordance with uniform standards promulgated by the Secretary 
of Transportation. The NHTSA was the agency within the DOT responsible 
for promulgating these uniform standards. Originally promulgated in 
November 1966, these uniform standards were codified in 23 CFR 1204.4. 
There were 18 standards in all.
    Standard number 13 of the uniform standards, ``Traffic Control 
Devices'' required, among other things, that each State's highway 
safety program have, at a minimum: A method to identify needs and 
deficiencies of traffic control devices; a method to upgrade all 
existing traffic control devices on all streets and highways to conform 
with standards issued by the Federal Highway Administrator; and a 
program for preventive maintenance, repair, and daytime and nighttime 
inspection of all traffic control devices.\2\
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    \2\ See 33 FR 16560, 16564; November 14, 1966. Originally 
codified in 23 CFR 204, however, it was redesignated as 23 CFR 1204 
in 1973 at 38 FR 10810; May 2, 1973.
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    Until the Surface Transportation and Uniform Relocation Assistance 
Act of 1987 (Pub. L. 100-17, April 2, 1987), it was mandated that the 
States comply with these 18 standards as there were financial sanctions 
imposed for non-compliance. In 1987, the Congress revised 23 U.S.C. 
402(a) to replace the word ``standards'' with the word ``guidance.'' 
This change, combined with the changes made to the Highway Safety 
Program under the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 
1991 (Pub. L. 102-240, December 18, 1991) led to the revision of the 
uniform standards by NHTSA. In 1995, NHTSA revised the standards to 
make them guidelines and removed them from the Code of Federal 
Regulations.\3\ The guidelines, now 21 in all, are published in 
separate documents made available to the States (see http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/nhtsa/whatsup/tea21/gratMan/HTML/05h_ProgGuidelines.html).
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    \3\ See 60 FR 36641, July 18, 1995.
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    Guideline 21, entitled ``Roadway Safety,'' captures the 
requirements regarding traffic control devices of former standard 
number 13 but characterizes them as guidelines. Guideline 21 was 
published as a notice in the Federal Register on July 18, 1995 (60 FR 
36641, 36665).
    Paragraphs (a) and (b) indicate that the systematic upgrading of 
existing traffic control devices and installation of devices should be 
based on inventories made in accordance with 23 CFR 1204.4. Since 23 
CFR 1204 has been removed from the Code of Federal Regulations, we 
propose to revise the reference to read as Highway Safety Program 
Guideline 21, ``Roadway Safety.''

Rulemaking Analysis and Notices

    All comments received on or before the close of business on the 
comment closing date indicated above will be considered and will be 
available for examination in the docket at the above address. Comments 
received after the comment closing date will be filed in the docket and 
will be considered to the extent practicable, but the FHWA may issue a 
final rule at any time after the close of the comment period. In 
addition to late comments, the FHWA will also continue to file in the 
docket relevant information that becomes available after the comment 
closing date, and interested persons should continue to examine the 
docket for new material.

Executive Order 12866 (Regulatory Planning and Review) and U.S. DOT 
Regulatory Policies and Procedures

    The FHWA has determined preliminarily that this action would not be 
a significant regulatory action within the meaning of Executive Order 
12866 or significant within the meaning of U.S. Department of 
Transportation regulatory policies and procedures. These proposed 
changes are not anticipated to adversely affect, in any material way, 
any sector of the economy. The FHWA expects that these proposed changes 
will provide clarity at little or no additional expense to public 
agencies or the motoring public. In addition, these proposed changes 
would not create a serious inconsistency with any other agency's action 
or materially alter the budgetary impact of any entitlements, grants, 
user fees, or loan programs. Therefore, a full regulatory evaluation is 
not required.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    In compliance with the Regulatory Flexibility Act (Pub. L. 96-354, 
5 U.S.C. 601-612), the FHWA has evaluated the effects of these proposed 
changes on small entities and has determined that the proposed action 
would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of 
small entities. This action proposes to update the authorities of the 
FHWA and referenced documents regarding MUTCD compliance on existing 
highways. Such updates will provide transportation entities with the 
appropriate points of contact regarding the MUTCD. The FHWA hereby 
certifies that these proposed revisions would not have a significant 
economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.

Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995

    This notice of proposed rulemaking would not impose unfunded 
mandates as defined by the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (Pub. 
L. 104-4, 109 Stat. 48, March 22, 1995). This proposed action will not 
result in the expenditure by State, local, and tribal governments, in 
the aggregate, or by the private sector, of $120.7 million or more in 
any one year (2 U.S.C. 1532). Further, in compliance with the Unfunded 
Mandates Reform Act of 1995, the FHWA will evaluate any regulatory 
action that might be proposed in subsequent stages of the proceeding to 
assess the effects on State, local, and tribal governments and the 
private sector.

Executive Order 13132 (Federalism)

    This proposed action has been analyzed in accordance with the 
principles and criteria contained in Executive Order 13132 dated August 
4, 1999, and the FHWA has preliminarily determined that this proposed 
action would not warrant the preparation of a Federalism assessment. 
The FHWA has also determined that this proposed rulemaking will not 
preempt any State law or State regulation or affect the States' ability 
to discharge traditional State governmental functions.

Executive Order 13175 (Tribal Consultation)

    The FHWA has analyzed this proposed action under Executive Order 
13175, dated November 6, 2000, and believes that it would not have 
substantial direct effects on one or more Indian tribes; would not 
impose substantial direct compliance costs on Indian tribal 
governments; and would not preempt tribal law. Therefore, a tribal 
summary impact statement is not required.

Executive Order 13211 (Energy Effects)

    The FHWA has analyzed this proposed action under Executive Order 
13211, Actions Concerning Regulations That Significantly Affect Energy 
Supply, Distribution, or Use. We have determined that it is not a 
significant energy action under that order because it is not likely to 
have a significant adverse effect on the supply, distribution, or use 
of energy. Therefore, a Statement of Energy Effects under Executive 
Order 13211 is not required.

[[Page 23881]]

Executive Order 12372 (Intergovernmental Review)

    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance program Number 20.205, 
Highway Planning and Construction. The regulations implementing 
Executive Order 12372 regarding intergovernmental consultation on 
Federal programs and activities apply to this program.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA) (44 U.S.C. 3501), 
Federal agencies must obtain approval from the Office of Management and 
Budget (OMB) for each collection of information they conduct, sponsor, 
or require through regulations. The FHWA has determined that this 
proposed action does not contain collection information requirements 
for purposes of the PRA.

Executive Order 12988 (Civil Justice Reform)

    This proposed action meets applicable standards in sections 3(a) 
and 3(b)(2) of Executive Order 12988, Civil Justice Reform, to minimize 
litigation, eliminate ambiguity, and reduce burden.

Executive Order 13045 (Protection of Children)

    The FHWA has analyzed this proposed action under Executive Order 
13045, Protection of Children from Environmental Health Risks and 
Safety Risks. The FHWA certifies that this proposed action would not 
concern an environmental risk to health or safety that may 
disproportionately affect children.

Executive Order 12630 (Taking of Private Property)

    The FHWA does not anticipate that this proposed action would affect 
a taking of private property or otherwise have taking implications 
under Executive Order 12630, Governmental Actions and Interference with 
Constitutionally Protected Property Rights.

National Environmental Policy Act

    The agency has analyzed this proposed action for the purpose of the 
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321-4347) and has 
determined that it would not have any effect on the quality of the 
environment.

Regulation Identification Number

    A regulation identification number (RIN) is assigned to each 
regulatory action listed in the Unified Agenda of Federal Regulations. 
The Regulatory Information Service Center publishes the Unified Agenda 
in April and October of each year. The RIN contained in the heading of 
this document can be used to cross reference this action with the 
Unified Agenda.

List of Subjects in 23 CFR Part 655

    Design standards, Grant programs--transportation, Highways and 
roads, Incorporation by reference, Signs, Traffic regulations.

    Issued on: April 19, 2006.
Frederick G. Wright,
Federal Highway Executive Director.

    In consideration of the foregoing, the FHWA proposes to amend title 
23, Code of Federal Regulations, part 655, subpart F as follows:

PART 655--TRAFFIC OPERATIONS

    1. The authority citation for part 655 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 23 U.S.C. 101(a), 104, 109(d), 114(a), 217, 315, and 
402(a); 23 CFR 1.32; and 49 CFR 1.48(b).

Sec.  655.601  [Amended]

    2. Amend Sec.  655.601 by removing paragraph (b) and by 
redesignating paragraphs (c) and (d) as paragraphs (b) and (c), 
respectively.
    3. Amend Sec.  655.603 by revising paragraphs (a) and (b); 
paragraph (c), by removing footnote number and footnote reference ``2'' 
and adding in their place, footnote number and footnote reference 
``1''; by revising paragraph (d)(1); and by removing paragraphs (d)(4) 
and (e) to read as follows:


Sec.  655.603  Standards.

    (a) National MUTCD. The MUTCD approved by the Federal Highway 
Administrator is the national standard for all traffic control devices 
installed on any street, highway, or bicycle trail open to public 
travel in accordance with 23 U.S.C. 109(d) and 402(a). Open to public 
travel includes private property where the public is invited to travel 
including toll facilities, shopping centers, airports, sports arenas, 
and other similar business and/or recreation facilities. Private 
highway-rail grade crossings are not included in this definition.
    (b) State or other Federal MUTCD. (1) Where State or other Federal 
agency MUTCDs or supplements are required, they shall be in substantial 
conformance with the National MUTCD. Substantial conformance means that 
the State MUTCD or supplement shall conform as a minimum to the 
standard statements included in the National MUTCD. The guidance 
statements contained in the National MUTCD shall also be in the State 
Manual or supplement unless documentation is provided to satisfactorily 
explain by engineering judgment or engineering study the reason a 
certain guidance statement is not included. A State Manual or 
supplement cannot be less prescriptive than the MUTCD but it can be 
more prescriptive. The FHWA Division Administrators shall approve the 
State MUTCDs and supplements that are in substantial conformance with 
the National MUTCD. The FHWA Associate Administrator of the Federal 
Lands Highway Program shall approve other Federal land management 
agencies MUTCDs that are in substantial conformance with the National 
MUTCD. The FHWA Division Administrators and the FHWA Associate 
Administrators for the Federal Lands Highway Program have the 
flexibility to determine on a case-by-case basis the degree of 
variation allowed.
    (2) States and other Federal agencies are encouraged to adopt the 
National MUTCD in its entirety as their official Manual on Uniform 
Traffic Control Devices.
    (3) States and other Federal agencies shall adopt changes issued by 
the FHWA to the National MUTCD within two years from the effective date 
of the final rule. For those States that automatically adopt the MUTCD 
immediately upon the effective date of the latest edition or revision 
of the MUTCD, the FHWA Division Administrators have the flexibility to 
allow these States to install certain devices from existing inventory 
or previously approved construction plans that comply with the previous 
MUTCD during the two-year adoption period.
* * * * *
    (d) Compliance--(1) Existing highways. Each State, in cooperation 
with its political subdivisions, and Federal agency shall have a 
program as required by 23 U.S.C. 402(a), which shall include provisions 
for the systematic upgrading of substandard traffic control devices and 
for the installation of needed devices to achieve conformity with the 
MUTCD. The FHWA may establish target dates of achieving compliance with 
changes to specific devices in the MUTCD.
* * * * *
    4. Revise the first sentence of paragraph (a) and the first 
sentence of paragraph (b) of Sec.  655.604 to read as follows:


Sec.  655.604  Achieving basic uniformity.

    (a) Programs. Programs for the orderly and systematic upgrading of 
existing

[[Page 23882]]

traffic control devices or the installation of needed traffic control 
devices on or off the Federal-aid system should be based on inventories 
made in accordance with the Highway Safety Program Guideline 21, 
``Roadway Safety.'' * * *
    (b) Inventory. An inventory of all traffic control devices is 
recommended in the Highway Safety Program Guideline 21, ``Roadway 
Safety.'' * * *

[FR Doc. E6-6219 Filed 4-24-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-22-P