Are rumble strips considered traffic control devices and, if so, does the MUTCD govern their design, spacing, etc.?
It depends on whether the rumble strips are made of white or colored marking material or are cut into the pavement (and thus have the same color as the pavement.) A new Chapter 3J in the 2009 MUTCD addresses pavement markings that are used in conjunction with rumble strips. Transverse rumble strips can be formed by the use of strips of thermoplastic pavement marking material so they must be white if placed across the travel lanes. Rumble strips cut into the pavement as grooves and in essence the same color as the pavement are not considered pavement markings in the MUTCD. Thus, permanent rumble strips consisting of longitudinal patterns of grooves cut on the shoulder or adjacent to a centerline are not currently considered traffic control devices and are not governed by the MUTCD. Section 6F.87 contains standards, guidance, and options for temporary rumble strips used in temporary traffic control zones. That section does cover both types of rumble strips—those formed from marking mat
Related Questions
- Where can I obtain more information about the historical development of traffic control devices and the MUTCD, and why certain colors, shapes, designs, dimensions, etc. were chosen?
- The FHWA publishes the MUTCD, but who decides which traffic control devices are selected and installed?
- What is the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD)?
