Which National MUTCD should be followed in New York State?
With the release of the 2024 National MUTCD on December 19, 2023, there is some concern about which MUTCD should be followed in New York State. Section 1680 of the Vehicle and Traffic Law refers to the current National MUTCD and a Supplement adopted by the Commissioner of Transportation.
As of December 19, 2023, a new version of the National MUTCD was released. This new version replaces the National MUTCD referred to in the V&T law. The current MUTCD in New York State consists of the following two documents:
- National Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, 2024 Edition, effective January 18, 2024
- 17 NYCRR Chapter V, New York State Supplement to the National Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices - 2010 Edition, effective March 16, 2011
Please note that the 2024 National MUTCD has some new sections and the number of some of the signs and sections has changed accordingly. Standards in the 2024 National MUTCD must be followed, and the NYS Supplement to the MUTCD is still to be followed until the new Version for New York is complete. As noted, be aware that there are section numbering changes in the New National version, which will require additional reference when citing both versions.
If there is a conflict in the actual sign implementation, follow the National MUTCD. If you are not sure, contact New York State LTAP Center - Cornell Local Roads Program (NYSLTAP-CLRP) or NYSDOT.
NYSLTAP-CLRP is updating the Traffic Sign Handbook for Local Roads. Please keep going to the NYSDOT MUTCD webpage or the NYSLTAP-CLRP webpage for information and updates on new rules and regulations.
Resources
NYSLTAP Center - CLRP MUTCD Webpage
Laws of New York State (follow link, then select 'Laws of New York' at the bottom)
Updated June 2024 (originally published January, 2010)