Methods for Maintaining Traffic Sign Retroreflectivity

In response to a Congressional directive, the FHWA has established minimum maintained traffic sign retroreflectivity levels that are incorporated into the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). One of the concerns expressed by agency personnel responsible for being in conformance with required minimums is the potential increase in tort exposure. The FHWA has developed
retroreflectivity maintenance methods that, when implemented as intended, provide agencies with a flexible means of being in conformance with required minimum retroreflectivity levels and provide protection from potential tort claims. Other properly supported methods (i.e., through the completion of an engineering study) may be used to maintain signs at the required minimum retroreflectivity levels. Agencies can use the information in this report to help determine which retroreflectivity maintenance method or combination of methods best suits their needs.