TITLE 43. TRANSPORTATION

PART 1. TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

CHAPTER 1. MANAGEMENT

SUBCHAPTER F. ADVISORY COMMITTEES

The Texas Department of Transportation (department) adopts amendments to §1.84 and §1.88, relating to Advisory Committees. The amendments to §1.84 and §1.88 are adopted without changes to the proposed text as published in the September 5, 2025, issue of the Texas Register (50 TexReg 5892) and will not be republished.

EXPLANATION OF ADOPTED AMENDMENTS

The department's rules provide, in accordance with Government Code, §2110.008, that each of the Texas Transportation Commission's (commission) or department's advisory committees created by statute or by the commission or department is abolished on December 31, 2025. The commission has reviewed the need to continue the existence of those advisory committees beyond that date. The commission recognizes that the continuation of some of the existing advisory committees is necessary for improved communication between the department and the public and this rulemaking extends the duration of specified advisory committees for that purpose.

Amendments to §1.84, Statutory Advisory Committees, delete the references to and information about the Advanced Air Mobility Advisory Committee, which was created under Transportation Code, Section 21.0045. That statute expired January 1, 2025.

Amendments to §1.88, Duration of Advisory Committees, extend the dates on which the various advisory committees will be abolished and removes the provision related to the Advanced Air Mobility Advisory Committee.

COMMENTS

No comments on the proposed amendments were received.

STATUTORY AUTHORITY

The amendments are adopted under Transportation Code, §201.101, which provides the commission with the authority to establish rules for the conduct of the work of the department, and more specifically, Transportation Code, §201.117, which provides the commission with the authority to establish, as it considers necessary, advisory committees on any of the matters under its jurisdiction, and Government Code, §2110.008, which provides that a state agency by rule may designate the date on which an advisory committee will automatically be abolished.

CROSS REFERENCE TO STATUTES IMPLEMENTED BY THIS RULEMAKING

Government Code, Chapter 2110, and Transportation Code, §§21.003, 21.0045, 201.114, 201.117, 201.623, and 455.004.

The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the adoption and found it to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on November 13, 2025.

TRD-202504152

Becky Blewett

Deputy General Counsel

Texas Department of Transportation

Effective date: December 3, 2025

Proposal publication date: September 5, 2025

For further information, please call: (512) 463-2407

CHAPTER 25. TRAFFIC OPERATIONS

SUBCHAPTER A. GENERAL

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT or department) adopts the amendments to §25.1 concerning Uniform Traffic Control Devices. The amendments to §25.1 are adopted without changes to the proposed rule text as published in the July 4, 2025 issue of the Texas Register (50 TexReg 3861) and will not be republished, but with changes to the Texas Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices that was proposed on same date and is adopted by reference in §25.1. The effective date of the amendments is January 18, 2026.

EXPLANATION OF ADOPTED AMENDMENTS

Under Transportation Code, §544.001, the Texas Transportation Commission is required to adopt a manual for a uniform system of traffic control devices. The statute further states that the manual must be consistent with the state traffic laws and to the extent possible conform to the system approved by the American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials. The edition of the manual that is currently effective is the 2011 Revision 2 version.

The national Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (national MUTCD) is adopted and published by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) under Title 23, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 655, Subpart F. The national MUTCD defines the standards used by road managers nationwide to install and maintain traffic control devices on all streets, highways, pedestrian and bicycle facilities, and site roadways open to public travel. The Texas Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (TMUTCD) is revised periodically to maintain substantial conformance with the national MUTCD to allow use of a single manual for local, state, and Federal-aid highway projects.

Amendments to §25.1 adopt the 2025 TMUTCD by reference and update the name and address of the relevant department division. The national MUTCD 11th Edition (national MUTCD) was published with an effective date of January 18, 2024, and Texas is required to adopt a state manual in substantial conformance with the national MUTCD by January 18, 2026. The purpose of the updates is to revise standards, guidance, options, and supporting information relating to the traffic control devices in all parts of the MUTCD. The changes will promote uniformity and incorporate technological advances in traffic control device application, ultimately improving and promoting the safe and efficient utilization of roads that are open to public travel.

The 2025 version of the TMUTCD is available online at the department's website, www.txdot.gov, and at the department's Traffic Safety Division office at 6230 East Stassney Lane in Austin, Texas. The national MUTCD is available online at mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov.

Prior to the publication of the proposed TMUTCD on July 4, 2025 for public comment, the department had requested FHWA to allow certain variations from the national MUTCD based on Texas laws and policies. Due to the federal deadline for state manual adoption, the department posted the proposed TMUTCD for public comment with the language recommended for the variations, even though the variations had not yet been approved by FHWA. This provided interested individuals the opportunity to comment on the department's recommended language as compared to the language in the national MUTCD.

Following discussions with FHWA, the following items (as numbered in the original list of pending issues published in the proposal on July 4, 2025) remain as they were in the proposed TMUTCD:

1. Section 2A.08 (Par. 3) - font choice

3. Sections 2B.30A, 2D.26 - Turnaround ONLY sign & plaque

4. Sections 2B.31, 31A, 31B and Sections 2C.30, 34 - sign text size

10. Sections 2E and 2G - use of LEFT EXIT or LEFT LANE panels

13. Section 2F (multiple Figures throughout) - Toll Road sign design

15. Section 2L.02 (Par. 2) - alert message types permitted on dynamic/changeable message signs

18. Figure 2N-1 - use of symbol on Hurricane Evacuation Route sign

21. Section 7C.02 (Par. 4) - use of school zone transverse line

The following items (as numbered in the original list of pending issues published in the proposal on July 4, 2025) were resolved through discussion with FHWA, resulting in changes to the proposed TMUTCD:

2. Sections 2B.27 (Par. 7), 2B.28 (Par. 3) - placement of Mandatory Movement Lane Control signs. TxDOT removed language allowing the Mandatory Movement Lane Control (R3-5) and Optional Movement Lane Control (R3-6 series) signs to be post-mounted and will conform to language from Sections 2B.28 and 2B.29 of the national MUTCD that limits these signs to be mounted overhead only.

5 and 6. Section 2B.72 - No Electronic Messaging by Driver sign format and Section 2B.74 - Seat Belt sign format. For both items 5 and 6, TxDOT added a yellow "STATE LAW" panel at the top of regulatory signs that reference "STATE LAW" in Chapters 2B and 6G to be in substantial conformance with the national MUTCD. This includes the Prohibited Electronic Messaging While Driving (R16-15T), Littering Prohibited $10-2000 Fine (R19-6T), and Fasten Safety Belts (R19-8T) signs in Figure 2B-33, and the State Law Obey Warning Signs (R20-3T) sign in Figure 6G-1.

7. Sections 2C.10 (Figure 2C-1) and 2C.43 (Figure 2C-10) - Large Arrow sign design. TxDOT removed the Chevron/Two-Direction Large Arrow (W1-7T) and Chevron/One-Direction Large Arrow (W1-9T) signs from Table 2C-1, Figures 2C-1 and 2C-10, and Sections 2C.10 and 2C.43, to conform to the national MUTCD and because an equivalent warning message can be achieved with the existing large arrow signs (W1-6 single or W1-7 double) in the national MUTCD with enhanced conspicuity as described in Section 2A.11.

8. Section 2C.25 (Figure 2C-6) - use of clearance arrow plaque. TxDOT removed the Downward Arrow (W12-3PT) plaque from Figure 2C-6 to conform to the national MUTCD, which includes the Clearance Overhead with arrow (W12-2b) sign that can be used instead.

9. Section 2C.41A - use of HIGHWAY INTERSECTION AHEAD sign. FHWA considers the HIGHWAY INTERSECTION AHEAD (W2-14aT) sign to be redundant to the intersection warning (symbol) signs shown in Figure 2C-10 and described in Section 2C.41. TxDOT removed the HIGHWAY INTERSECTION AHEAD (W2-14aT) sign from Figure 2C-10 to conform to the national MUTCD.

11. Section 2E.39A - use of Overhead Down Arrow guide signs. Retaining Section 2E.39A can cause confusion about the continued use of Overhead Down Arrow Guide Signs. This older sign design may only be considered for cases where an engineering study determines that the sign needs to be replaced but the sign structure cannot support a conforming Arrow-per-Lane sign. TxDOT removed Section 2E.39A.

12. Section 2E.42 (Figures 2E-44, 46) - Optional Exit Lane sign design. In Figures 2E-44 and 2E-46, TxDOT removed the optional Exit Lane sign design and adopted the mandatory Exit Lane sign design at the ramp gore to conform to the national MUTCD.

14. Section 2G (multiple Figures throughout) - Preferential and Managed Lane sign design. TxDOT updated HOV regulatory signs to conform to the format in the national MUTCD in Figure 2G-1 and other figures in Section 2G that include these signs. TxDOT's primary change was to remove the horizontal line in the body of the sign and to add the word ONLY, e.g., "HOV 2+ ONLY".

16. Section 2L.04 (Par. 07) - use of warning beacons on dynamic/changeable message signs (DMS/CMS). TxDOT reinstated language in Section 2L.04, Paragraph 7, related to warning beacons on CMS, to conform to the national MUTCD. TxDOT also added an Option paragraph to Section 2L.04 that allows warning beacons on DMS/CMS to flash for imminent dangers.

17. Figure 2M-9 - use of symbol on Destination Guide Sign for kayaking. TxDOT removed the Kayaking symbol (RS-118T) sign in Figure 2M-9 and Table 2M-1 to conform to the national MUTCD and because an FHWA study indicated that the Kayaking symbol had insufficient comprehension by the public. TxDOT will contact the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department about alternatives for their Texas Paddling Trails program.

19. Section 3A.04 (Par. 02) - definition of a "wide line." TxDOT reinstated the definition of a "wide line" in Section 3A.04 to be "at least twice the width of a normal line" to conform to the national MUTCD.

20. Section 6H.08B - use of Upward Sloping Arrow sign. TxDOT removed the Upward Sloping Arrow (CW1-6aT) sign from Table 6H-1, Figure 6H-1, and Section 6H.08B in Chapter 6H to conform to the national MUTCD.

After the publication of the proposed TMUTCD on July 4, 2025 for public comment, FHWA provided additional comments on Part 2F. Discussion with FHWA resulted in the following changes, which have been numbered in sequence from the original list of pending issues published in the proposal:

22. TxDOT modified Figure 2F-1A and subsequent figures in Chapter 2F to show a TOLL (W90-11T) panel integrated into the top of the guide sign instead of a TOLL ROAD (W90-11PT) plaque above the guide sign. This panel configuration conforms to the Standard language in Section 2F.12, Paragraph 5, in the national MUTCD.

23. TxDOT updated the Toll Rate (R90-2aT, R90-2bT) sign designs in Figure 2F-2 to more closely conform with the national MUTCD.

24. TxDOT removed the Standard statement in Section 2F.03 (previously Paragraph 2) to conform to the national MUTCD because this Texas-specific Standard statement related to displaying a purple background color or underlay panel is redundant to other language in the national MUTCD.

25. In Figure 2F-4, TxDOT removed the LAST FREE EXIT (W90-5PT) plaque and replaced it with the LAST EXIT BEFORE TOLL (W16-16P or W16-16aP) warning plaque, which has a similar meaning and conforms to the national MUTCD.

After the publication of the proposed TMUTCD for public comment on July 4, 2025, TxDOT made these additional changes:

26. TxDOT reinstated Figure 2I-3, "Examples of General Service Signs with and without Exit Numbering", to conform to the national MUTCD.

27. TxDOT requested clarification, and FHWA confirmed an error not currently documented in FHWA's List of Known Errors. TxDOT updated Figures 6P-29 and 9C-1 to show the sizes of the diagonal downward-pointing arrow (W16-7P and CW16-7P) plaques to be consistent with FHWA's Standard Highway Signs (SHS) publication and the language of the national MUTCD.

28. TxDOT also made minor corrections and clarifications.

COMMENTS

The department posted the rules for comment in the July 4, 2025 issue of the Texas Register and received comments through September 2, 2025. TxDOT received 27 comments from a total of 12 individuals and entities. The City of Austin and Safe Streets Austin each submitted comments with suggested changes to the proposed TMUTCD.

1. One comment noted the use of the Junction Auxiliary Plaque for the intersecting US Route 46 in Figure 2A-4 and recommended updating the sign assembly due to an update in route numbers for the other intersecting roadways. The Junction US Route 46 sign is still appropriate for illustration A, within Figure 2A-4 Sheet 1, as the intersecting road is both US Route 46 and US Route 90 West. No related revisions were made to the proposed TMUTCD.

2. One comment requested including more figures displaying the application of new signs. There are several new figures within the proposed TMUTCD that show the application of new signs. Additionally, Texas has supplemental guidance documents that will be updated to show the use of these new signs. No related revisions were made to the proposed TMUTCD.

3. One comment requested clarification on the use of the WATER CROSSING (W8-18aT) sign, requesting consideration for the application of this sign in areas with local heavy rains and flash floods. While this sign is not intended for that purpose, the language in Section 2C.34 provides for use of other signs for that purpose, including ROAD MAY FLOOD (W8-18). No related revisions were made to the proposed TMUTCD.

4. One comment noted an inconsistency between the proposed TMUTCD and the current Standard Highway Sign Designs for Texas (SHSD) for the design of object markers. The comment stated that the design of Type 3 Object Markers does not comply with TMUTCD Section 2C.02, Paragraph 1, but that paragraph does not apply to Object Markers. However, TxDOT concurs that the depiction of Type 3 Object Markers in the proposed TMUTCD does not match that depicted in the current SHSD. Instead, Figure 2C-17 in the proposed TMUTCD reflects the national MUTCD language in Section 2C.70, Paragraph 2, where the minimum width of the yellow and black stripes shall be 3 inches. Since Texas has chosen to set a standard stripe width of 4 inches, which is reflected in the current SHSD, TxDOT revised Figure 2C-17 to depict the 4-inch width.

5. One comment requested clarification of the text describing Object Markers for sign supports adjacent to the roadway. Per the national MUTCD Standard statement in Section 2C.72, Type 1 and Type 4 Object Markers shall not be used to mark obstructions adjacent to the roadway. Section 2C.72, Paragraphs 7 and 8 describe the acceptable means to mark a sign support (not an obstruction) adjacent to the roadway. TxDOT re-issued the Delineator and Object Marker standard sheet as D&OM(SIGN)-25A on September 23, 2025. To distinguish sign supports from obstructions, TxDOT revised Section 2C.70, Paragraph 1 to add "or sign supports."

6. One comment supported the removal of north arrows included in many figures of the national MUTCD. The comment noted that the north arrows are still included in Chapter 2D of the proposed TMUTCD and requested clarification on whether this was intentional. The north arrows are included on figures that have cardinal directions shown on signs/plaques. No related revisions were made to the proposed TMUTCD.

7. One comment noted a potential error in Figure 2D-4, which includes several signs (M1-1a through M1-3) that do not have rounded borders as required by Section 2A.10, Paragraph 2. As these are longstanding sign designs provided in the national MUTCD, Texas is conforming with the national MUTCD under the substantial conformance requirement. No related revisions were made to the proposed TMUTCD.

8. One comment noted an inconsistency between Section 2E.22, Paragraph 12, and Figure 2E-9. The text describes the word "LEFT" on the sign legend of the E1-5bP plaque despite the plaque not including "LEFT" on the sign legend in Figure 2E-9. FHWA has concurred this is a known error. TxDOT concurs with this comment. TxDOT revised Section 2E.22, Paragraph 12, to reference plaques E1-5fP through E1-5kP instead of E1-5bP. TxDOT also revised Figure 2E-9 to designate Texas-specific LEFT exit number plaques with a "T".

9. One comment noted the language in Section 2E.26, Paragraph 2, related to the arrow displayed on Exit Gore signs, may not allow flexibility for ramps with cloverleaf configurations. However, the text in Section 2E.26, Paragraph 2 allows use of the appropriate arrow based on the site and ramp configuration, and this language conforms to the national MUTCD. No related revisions were made to the proposed TMUTCD.

10. One comment requested removal of the requirement that an electric vehicle (EV) charging service provider adhere to the federal EV charger standards in 23 CFR 680.106 in order to qualify for a Specific Service Sign. The commenter stated that the federal regulation predates a shift in industry standards and is now out of date. The TMUTCD is required by federal law to be in substantial conformance with the national MUTCD. No related revisions were made to the proposed TMUTCD.

11. One comment requested the TMUTCD enhance the ability for cities to install painted transit lanes. Based on updates to the national MUTCD, Section 3H.07 of the proposed TMUTCD includes criteria allowing agencies to provide markings to increase the conspicuity of infrastructure reserved for public transit systems. No related revisions were made to the proposed TMUTCD.

12. One comment supported Chapters 3C and 3H being added to the MUTCD. TxDOT concurs with this comment. No related revisions were made to the proposed TMUTCD.

13. One comment noted concerns about the lack of flexibility of the Texas-specific Guidance statement in Section 3D.01, Paragraph 3, which states that markings should not require lane changes within a circular intersection to make a U-turn maneuver. The commenter also recommended retaining Figure 3D-4. TxDOT concurs with this comment. To allow flexibility for site-specific needs while still considering roundabout best practices, TxDOT reinstated Figure 3D-4 and converted the Guidance statement in Section 3D.01 to a Support statement.

14. One comment noted a concern of road users slipping if aesthetic surface treatments (paint) are used between transverse lines within a crosswalk. The comment suggested using a different color for each longitudinal bar of the crosswalk to achieve the aesthetic appearance without painting the entire crosswalk. However, both longitudinal and transverse lines in crosswalks are required to be white by Section 3C.03. Using any other color would interfere with the traffic control device and is not allowed per Section 3H.03, Paragraph 5. The comment also suggested permitting murals on sidewalks, but the TMUTCD provides criteria only for traffic control devices. Per direction by the US DOT Secretary of Transportation in July 2025, TxDOT added a new Standard statement in Section 3H.03 to further clarify the use of aesthetic treatments.

15. One comment noted the use of the rainbow crosswalks and requested these be allowed. Section 3H.03 of the proposed TMUTCD allows aesthetic surface treatments within the requirements of that section. Per direction by the US DOT Secretary of Transportation in July 2025, TxDOT added a new Standard statement in Section 3H.03 to further clarify the use of aesthetic treatments.

16. One comment noted that the rainbow crosswalk at UT Austin on Guadalupe Street is distracting and should be removed if other rainbow crosswalks are removed. Per direction by the US DOT Secretary of Transportation in July 2025, TxDOT added a new Standard statement to Section 3H.03 to further clarify the use of aesthetic treatments.

17. One comment noted that street art is not distracting and generally located in areas with lower speed limits. Section 3H.03 of the proposed TMUTCD allows aesthetic surface treatments within the requirements of that section. Per direction by the US DOT Secretary of Transportation in July 2025, TxDOT added a new Standard statement to Section 3H.03 to further clarify the use of aesthetic treatments.

18. One comment supported the changes, especially: Section 4F.19, Paragraph 4 (protection of pedestrian intervals when transitioning into preemption control); Section 4H.05, Paragraph 4 (limits flashing bicycle indications to flashing mode); Section 7B.05, Paragraphs 9-11 (yellow warning beacons for school zones); and the new Figure 7B-4A (buffered school speed zones). TxDOT concurs with this comment. No related revisions were made to the proposed TMUTCD.

19. One comment requested rewording to clarify the Guidance statement in Section 4C.02, Paragraph 9, related to the eight-hour volume warrant. The proposed language in Section 4C.02, Paragraphs 9 and 10 when read together are clear that the 8 hours used in Condition A are not required to be the 8 hours used in Condition B. No related revisions were made to the proposed TMUTCD.

20. One comment requested Figure 6P-8 be corrected to replace the labels that read "M1-6T" with "M1-5T". TxDOT concurs with this comment and revised Figure 6P-8 to replace the "M1-6T" labels with "M1-5T".

21. One comment noted that additional text would provide clarity on Figure 7B-4A, which illustrates the use of traffic control devices in a buffer school speed zone. TxDOT concurs with this comment. TxDOT revised Section 7B.05 to provide additional guidance.

22. One comment requested clarification on the interpretation provided in the public hearing presentation regarding turns on red across separated bicycle lanes and the Standard statement in Section 9E.07, Paragraph 12. The proposed language prohibits turns on red across separated bicycle lanes while bicyclists are allowed to proceed through the intersection. One of the examples shown in the Public Hearing presentation includes a travel lane and a parallel separated bicycle lane that are served by the same signal faces. When the red signal indication is displayed, bicyclists are not permitted to proceed through the intersection. Therefore, turns on red across the parallel separated bicycle lane are not required to be prohibited in this example. TxDOT concurs with this interpretation. No related revisions were made to the proposed TMUTCD.

23. One comment requested including a section related to signs for innovative intersections. Generally, the proposed TMUTCD is aligned with the national MUTCD sections due to the substantial conformance requirement. There are several sections and figures in the proposed TMUTCD that include signing for innovative intersections. Additionally, TxDOT has supplemental guidance documents that will be updated to show the use of signs in innovative intersections. No related revisions were made to the proposed TMUTCD.

24. One comment requested the TMUTCD include text that enables placemaking by allowing planters, benches, and other materials to be installed on neighborhood streets. The TMUTCD provides criteria for the use of traffic control devices. Planters, benches, and other similar items are not considered traffic control devices and are therefore not addressed in the TMUTCD. No related revisions were made to the proposed TMUTCD.

25. One comment requested the TMUTCD include additional flexibility for installing pedestrian infrastructure. The proposed TMUTCD includes flexibility for installing devices to improve safety for all road users. One example is in Warrant 4, in Section 4C.05, where there is a provision to allow for a reduction in the recommended pedestrian volume. Another example is in Section 4J.01, where the threshold for installing a pedestrian hybrid beacon is allowed to be reduced. No related revisions were made to the proposed TMUTCD.

26. One comment noted that the TMUTCD is structured heavily towards automobiles and requested the TMUTCD give more considerations to all road users. Conforming to the national MUTCD, the proposed TMUTCD includes new content for vulnerable road users and updates to improve safety for all road users. No related revisions were made to the proposed TMUTCD.

27. One comment requested a comprehensive overhaul of the national MUTCD by the US Department of Transportation to focus more on equity and accessibility. The TMUTCD is required by federal law to be in substantial conformance with the national MUTCD. No related revisions were made to the proposed TMUTCD.

STATUTORY AUTHORITY

The amendments are adopted under Transportation Code, §201.101, which provides the Texas Transportation Commission (commission) with the authority to establish rules for the conduct of the work of the department, and more specifically, Transportation Code §544.001, which requires the commission to adopt a manual of uniform traffic control devices.

CROSS REFERENCE TO STATUTE

Transportation Code, Chapter 544

The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the adoption and found it to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on November 13, 2025.

TRD-202504153

Becky Blewett

Deputy General Counsel

Texas Department of Transportation

Effective date: January 18, 2026

Proposal publication date: July 4, 2025

For further information, please call: (512) 426-9208