PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
Subject of Possible Rule Making: The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways (MUTCD), 2003 Edition.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 47.36.030 Traffic control devices -- Specifications to be furnished to counties and cities.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Part 655, Subpart F, of the Code of Federal Regulations (C.F.R.), specifies that the MUTCD is the national standards for all traffic control devices installed on streets, highways, and bicycle trails open to public travel. Rules adopting the MUTCD address the C.F.R. specification, and the requirements of RCW 47.36.030 which mandate that the secretary of transportation adopt a uniform standard for traffic control devices. The rules also modify the MUTCD to conform with several traffic control device statutes and practices applicable to the state of Washington.
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: The Federal Highway Administration publishes the MUTCD, and assures state compliance with the requirements of C.F.R. Part 655, Subpart F. The modifications to the MUTCD are developed cooperatively with Washington's cities and counties and approved by the FHWA, prior to rule making.
Process for Developing New Rule: Negotiated rule making.
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Mike Dornfeld, Traffic Regulations Supervisor, Washington State Department of Transportation, P.O. Box 47344, Olympia, WA 98504-7344, phone (360) 705-7288, fax (360) 707-6826, e-mail Dornfem@wsdot.wa.gov.
August 1, 2005
John Conrad
Assistant Secretary