The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) is the standard for designing and maintaining traffic control devices. TRB hosted a webinar on Wednesday, August 18, 2021 from 1:00-2:30 PM Eastern that discussed proposed changes to this manual that may help in the deployment of automated vehicles (AVs). The Federal Highway Administration published the eleventh edition of the MUTCD in December 2020, the first major update since 2009. Presenters discussed one of the most significant changes, which is a section dedicated to the support of AV deployment. The webinar included feedback from representatives of a state department of transportation and the auto industry.

This webinar was organized by the Standing Technical Committees on Vehicle-Highway Automation, and Traffic Control Devices.

The slides and recording are available. 

Webinar agenda and presenters

1. Progress toward the 11th edition of the MUTCD: Kevin Sylvester, Federal Highway Administration
2. Review of MUTCD provisions to support AV deployment: Paul Carlson, Road Infrastructure
3. Washington State DOT perspective and reactions: Ted Bailey, Washington DOT
4. Auto industry perspective and reactions: Doug Campbell, Automotive Safety Council
5. Question and answer session: Moderated by Tim Gates, Michigan State University

The first 60 minutes of the webinar will be for presentations and the final 30 minutes will be reserved for audience questions.

Learning Objective

At the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:

1. Identify how to prepare highways for safe AV development

Professional Development Hours

Professional Development Hours (PDHs) earned on completion of this program were reported to the Registered Continuing Education Program (RCEP). Certificates of Completion are issued to all participants via the RCEP.net online system. Complaints about registered providers may be addressed to RCEP, 1015 15th Street, NW, 8th Fl., Washington, DC, 20005.