Federal (FHWA / National MUTCD)

At the national level, the Federal Highway Administration publishes the MUTCD, which sets the baseline standards for traffic control devices that states adopt or adapt.

Last reviewed: June 24, 2026

Level: Federal  ·  Applies to: the national baseline for traffic control devices; states adopt or adapt it for roads within the state.

What This Agency Governs

  • The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), which sets national standards for signs, signals, and markings, including temporary traffic control in work zones.
  • The requirement that states adopt the national MUTCD, or a state version that is in substantial conformance with it, for roads open to public travel.

Standards That Apply

  • The national MUTCD is the baseline. It establishes the principles and device standards for temporary traffic control that state manuals build on.
  • Federal worker-safety requirements (OSHA) and federal accessibility law (ADA) also apply nationally and are administered through their own agencies.

Permits & Authorization

No permits issued at this level

The FHWA sets standards; it does not issue work-zone permits for individual projects. Permits are issued by the state, county, or city that owns the road. Use this level to understand the national baseline, then follow the state and local jurisdiction for the specific project.

How to Verify Requirements

  • Use the national MUTCD to understand the underlying principles and device standards.
  • For any project in California, follow the California MUTCD and the agency of jurisdiction — the state version and local conditions are what govern on the ground.

Official Sources

Related Pages