MUTCD 11th Edition: What It Means for Your Radar Speed Signs
The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) is the national standard for signs, signals, and pavement markings across U.S. public roads. Maintained and updated by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the MUTCD ensures consistent communication with drivers, helping everyone understand road conditions—no matter where they are.
On January 18, 2024, the FHWA officially released the 11th Edition of the MUTCD —the first comprehensive update in over a decade.
With that update comes a significant shift in how radar speed signs are regulated. These aren’t just recommendations—state DOTs have two years from the effective date to comply.
While the MUTCD 11th Edition is the standard for national guidance, keep in mind that individual states may also release additional or modified guidance—always check your local sources to make sure you are complying with your state’s recommendations.
A New Chapter for Radar Speed Sign Regulations
The MUTCD 11th Edition introduces much-needed clarity around radar speed signs—officially referenced as the Vehicle Speed Feedback Sign (W13-20) and Vehicle Speed Feedback Plaque (W13-20aP). Many of these specifications were previously left open to interpretation, but not anymore.
If you’ve installed radar speed signs in the last few years—or plan to in the next few—there are several key updates to keep in mind.
One of the biggest changes is how sign size is now determined. Instead of basing size on posted speed limits, the new standards use road type classification—such as single lane, multi-lane, expressway, or freeway—and whether the radar sign supplements a Speed Limit (R2-1) sign. To accommodate this, the MUTCD has created a smaller plaque version in addition to the traditional sign dimensions. This shift means your sign’s size requirements could look very different, depending on where it's installed.
Vehicle Feedback Sign (L), Vehicle Feedback Plaque (R)
The update also introduces approved faceplate colors that must match the sign’s application:
- Yellow for most public roads (state, county, and city)
- White for private roads, such as residential neighborhoods or business campuses
- Fluorescent Yellow-Green for school zones only
- Safety Orange for temporary speed management, such as construction zones
Additionally, when mounting directly beneath the Speed Limit (R2-1) sign, the new plaque dimension of the radar speed sign must be used—a new requirement aimed at keeping messages consistent and easy to understand at a glance.
Lastly, Radar signs must display steady characters only—no flashing, strobe effects, color changes, or animations. Displays must remain blank when no vehicle is detected.
These updates apply not only to new installs—but to existing radar speed signs as well. That means every agency will need to evaluate current inventory and determine what needs updating, adjusting, or replacing ahead of the 2026 compliance deadline.
Not sure what the new MUTCD changes mean for your signs?
Understanding the Compliance Deadline – and Why Acting Early Matters
The MUTCD 11th Edition officially went into effect on January 18, 2024, and agencies have until January 18, 2026 to bring radar speed signs into compliance.
Two years might sound like plenty of time—but in reality, that window closes faster than it looks. Most municipalities are already managing packed timelines, layered project plans, and limited resources. Once you factor in infrastructure reviews, budget approvals, procurement processes, and installation scheduling, that deadline starts to feel a lot closer.
Waiting too long can create avoidable problems—like product backlogs, rushed orders, or limited contractor availability. It can also put agencies at risk of losing out on federal safety funding or being exposed to liability if outdated signage contributes to an incident. And in places like school zones or high-foot-traffic corridors, the cost of delay isn’t just operational—it’s personal.
But getting ahead of the curve offers more than peace of mind!
It gives agencies space to plan smartly, spread costs across fiscal years, and fold upgrades into broader capital improvement efforts. It also makes it easier to communicate progress with your community—something residents notice, especially when safety is on the line.
Starting early isn’t just about compliance—It’s about showing that safety isn’t an afterthought.
Your MUTCD Compliance Partner
Navigating new regulations doesn’t have to be overwhelming. At Radarsign, we’ve supported communities through traffic safety changes for more than 20 years—and we’re ready to help you do the same with the MUTCD 11th Edition updates.
Our radar speed signs are already designed to meet the new requirements, so there’s no guesswork involved. If you're not sure where to start, our experieced sales team can guide you through a full audit—helping identify which signs are compliant, which need updating, and what solutions best fit your road classifications and site conditions.
We also assist with site evaluations and upgrade planning, making sure you have everything in place for a smooth transition to compliance. Once your signs are up, we’re here to support you with any questions or troubleshooting that may come up down the road.
We build more than signs. We help agencies build safer communities, one compliant install at a time.