What does this sign mean? 1 Why is this important?

In order to maintain consistency across states, guidelines have been established by USDOT governing signage and roadway markings. Published regularly by the Federal Highway Administration, “Standard Highway Signs”⁵ details everything from the markings to be placed on specific signs to the dimensions of the sign and their markings (see diagram below of a “Begin” placard⁶). Also known as Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), it is a compilation of national standards “for all traffic control devices, including road markings, highway signs, and traffic signals. It is updated periodically to accommodate the nation's changing transportation needs and address new safety technologies, traffic control tools and traffic management techniques.”⁷ Established under 23 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 655, Subpart F in 1971, it was most recently updated in 2009.

As all aspects of life become more and more technology friendly and digital, so are signs. Numerous digital signage technologies are either in use or being tested across the country. Though digital signs have a significant amount of opportunity to eliminate the need for excessive signage along roadways as well as alert drivers of travel impediments, they are not without their own issues. Because digital signs are just that, digital, they open the opportunity to be infiltrated by hackers. Attempts have been successful in many states including North Carolina and California. Homeland Security continues to examine these incidents as well as are working with the manufacturers to develop additional safeguards.¹⁰