Page:Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways, 11th Edition (December 2023).pdf/53

MUTCD 11th Edition

Section 1C.01 

Standard:

When used in this Manual, the text headings of Standard, Guidance, Option, and Support shall be defined as follows:
 * A. Standard—a statement of required, mandatory, or specifically prohibitive practice regarding a traffic control device. In limited, location-specific cases, the results of a documented engineering study (see Section 1D.03) might indicate a deviation from one or more requirements of a Standard provision to be appropriate. All Standard statements are labeled, and the text appears in bold type. The verb “shall” is typically used. The verbs “should” and “may” are not used in Standard statements. Standard statements are sometimes modified by Option statements.
 * B. Guidance—a statement of recommended practice in typical situations, with deviations allowed if engineering judgment or engineering study (see Section 1D.03) indicates the deviation to be appropriate. All Guidance statements are labeled, and the text appears in unbold italic type. The verb “should” is typically used. The verbs “shall” and “may” are not used in Guidance statements. Guidance statements are sometimes modified by Option statements.
 * C. Option—a statement of practice that is a permissive condition and carries no requirement or recommendation. Option statements sometimes contain allowable modifications to a Standard or Guidance statement. All Option statements are labeled, and the text appears in unbold type. The verb “may” is typically used. The verbs “shall” and “should” are not used in Option statements.
 * D. Support—an informational statement that does not convey any degree of mandate, recommendation, authorization, prohibition, or enforceable condition. Support statements are labeled, and the text appears in unbold type. The verbs “shall,” “should,” and “may” are not used in Support statements.

Section 1C.02 

Standard:

Unless otherwise defined in this Section, or in other Parts of this Manual, words or phrases shall have the meaning(s) as defined in the “Uniform Vehicle Code,” “AASHTO Transportation Glossary (Highway Definitions),” or other appropriate publications.

Where a term that is defined in this Section or elsewhere in this Manual has a different definition in another resource or in common use, the definition herein shall govern for purposes of the applicability of the provisions of this Manual.

The following words and phrases, when used in this Manual, shall have the following meanings:
 * 1. Accessible Pedestrian Signal—a device that communicates information about pedestrian signal timing in a non-visual format such as audible tones and/or speech messages and vibrating surfaces.
 * 2. Accessible Pedestrian Signal Detector—a device designated to assist the pedestrian who has vision or physical disabilities in activating the pedestrian phase.
 * 3. Active Grade Crossing—a grade crossing equipped with automatic traffic control devices, such as flashing-light signals, gates, and/or traffic control signals, that are activated upon the detection of approaching rail traffic.
 * 4. Actuated—a type of traffic control signal operation in which some or all signal phases are operated on the basis of actuation.
 * 5. Actuation—initiation of, a change in, or an extension of a traffic signal phase or a sign legend through the operation of any type of detector.
 * 6. Advance Preemption—the notification of approaching rail traffic that is forwarded to the highway traffic signal controller unit or assembly by the railroad or light rail transit equipment in advance of the activation of the railroad or light rail transit warning devices.
 * 7. Advance Preemption Time—the period of time that is the difference between the required maximum highway traffic signal preemption time and the activation of the railroad or light rail transit warning devices.
 * 8. Advisory Speed—a recommended speed for all vehicles operating on a section of highway and based on the highway design, operating characteristics, and conditions.
 * 9. Agency—an organization with the responsibility for providing, maintaining, and/or operating a public or private road system.
 * 10. Alley—a street or highway intended to provide access to the rear or side of lots or buildings in urban areas and not intended for the purpose of through vehicular traffic. December 2023