FHWA Announces Final Rule to Reduce Roadway Fatalities in Dark Conditions by Improving Visibility with Retroreflective Pavement Markings

Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) announced a final rule that will improve safety for all road users by ensuring that pavement markings are made more visible in dark or low light conditions. Under the final rule, the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways (MUTCD) will provide a new minimum standard for pavement marking retroreflectivity effective September 6, 2022. The final rule also requires state and local agencies or officials to implement a method within four years for maintaining pavement marking retroreflectivity at or above minimum levels. The final rule will be included in the 11th Edition of the MUTCD which is currently underway by FHWA and required to be completed by May 2023.