Washington – The Department of Transportation is proposing to scrap deadlines for replacing traffic signs, but would retain 12 deadlines for signs related to traffic safety.
Under the proposed changes (.pdf file), published in the Aug. 31 Federal Register, communities would be required to replace traffic signs when they are worn out, rather than by the deadlines in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (large .pdf file).
However, deadlines would remain for safety-critical signs, including “One Way” signs at intersections with divided highways or one-way streets, and “Stop” or “Yield” signs at railroad crossings that do not have train-activated automatic gates or flashing lights, according to a DOT press release.
The proposal is part of President Barack Obama’s larger effort to eliminate “burdensome” regulations. The deadline for comments on the proposed rule is Oct. 31.
