Caltrans (State Highway System)

Caltrans owns and maintains the state highway system, and work in that right-of-way is authorized through a Caltrans encroachment permit issued by the district that covers the area.

Last reviewed: June 24, 2026

Level: State  ·  Applies to: state highways and freeways in California, administered through Caltrans districts.

What This Agency Governs

  • Work in the state highway right-of-way, including state routes and freeways.
  • The standards for that work through the California MUTCD, Caltrans standard plans, and Caltrans specifications.
  • Authorization to work in the state right-of-way through the Caltrans encroachment permit program, administered by district.

Standards That Apply

  • The California MUTCD governs traffic control devices and temporary traffic control on the state highway system.
  • Caltrans standard plans and specifications add the state's detailed requirements for how work is set up and built.
  • Cal/OSHA and ADA requirements also apply.

Permits & Authorization

Caltrans encroachment permit

Work in the state highway right-of-way generally requires a Caltrans encroachment permit, issued by the district that covers the location. The specific application process, required documents, review times, fees, and conditions are set by Caltrans and must be confirmed on the official encroachment permits page — they are not stated here.

How to Verify Requirements

  • Identify the Caltrans district that covers the project county (District 7 for Los Angeles and Ventura; District 8 for Riverside and San Bernardino; District 11 for San Diego and Imperial; District 12 for Orange).
  • For Los Angeles and Ventura County work, use the Caltrans District 7 encroachment permits page; the D7 Permits office is at 100 S. Main St., Ste. 100, Los Angeles, CA 90012, (213) 897-3631, D7.Permits@dot.ca.gov. Confirm current requirements with the district.
  • Confirm current encroachment permit requirements, documents, and timeframes on the Caltrans encroachment permits page.
  • Confirm device and setup standards against the current California MUTCD and Caltrans standard plans.

Verify Before Relying On Specifics

Official Sources

Related Pages