New guidelines for traffic sign retroreflectivity are starting to kick in, and this might mean it’s time for you to consider upgrading your signage and streetscapes. We can show you how:

What traffic sign requirements have changed?

Retroreflectivity, according to the recent Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) issued by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), measures how well a material can reflect light back to the light’s original source. This quite obviously is a critical element for nighttime driving safety, as effectively illuminated signage both improves visibility and decreases accidents regardless of the time of day. The FHWA is simply installing a uniform standard of retroreflectivity (as well as design, placement, operation and maintenance standards), ensuring maximum safety across the nation.

The new rules apply to public roads, as well as private property where the public is “invited to travel.” It’s the most far-reaching guideline of this type to date, and applies to most regulatory, warning, street name, and both ground-mounted and overhead guide signs — whether permanent, temporary or portable. This means stop signs, yield signs, and speed limit signs — all of the custom traffic and street signs that we provide and that you need to create a safe environment in your community.

For the technical details about the required retroreflectivity levels, check out our Traffic Sign Retroreflectivity fact sheet.

What’s the timeline for implementing new traffic sign retroreflectivity requirements?

  • 2012: A method to maintain retroreflectivity must be in place and in use.
  • 2015: Both warning and ground mounted guide signs must be in compliance.
  • 2018: Street name signs and overhead guide signs must be in compliance.

At Brandon Industries, these new guidelines will be factored into all of our streetscape products, and we already provide multiple sign sheeting types that exceed these MUTCD requirements.

If you think your current neighborhood or community signage might be out of date and not meet these new rules, contact us. Our Dallas-Ft. Worth area experts will help you out.

For more information, view our retroreflectivity fact sheet.