MUTCD and the Feds

[Mergingtraffic]

I've noticed within the past few years a lot of state's that did their own thing are now really conforming to the MUTCD standards.

NJ Tpke updating their signage to current standards

NYC updating theirs and adding new lane markings

CT updating their exit tabs and lane drop markings

Is there a reason states that ignored the MUTCD in areas in the past are now following it like there's no tomorrow? 

[vdeane]

I think the feds are clamping down on sign standards right now.

[DaBigE]

There is a saying (truth?) out there that 75% of MUTCD copies are purchased by lawyers. I imagine fear of litigation plays a role.

It's also much cheaper in the long run. No testing to do; no standards to make updates to and manually keep track of. It allows dwindling manpower to be devoted elsewhere.

[roadman]

I imagine fear of litigation plays a role.

Now if we could only instill that fear of litigation into some of the local communities and get them to stop most of the silly cr@p they do.

[roadfro]

It might be possible that some of these jurisdictions have already adopted more current MUTCD practices, but now are actually implementing changes due to scheduled sign replacements, paving overlays, etc.