ARC 9775C

ARC 9775C

TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT[761]

Notice of Intended Action

Proposing rulemaking related to traffic control device manual
and providing an opportunity for public comment

    The Department of Transportation hereby proposes to rescind Chapter 130, “Signing Manual,” and to adopt a new Chapter 130, “Traffic Control Device Manual,” Iowa Administrative Code.

Legal Authority for Rulemaking

    This rulemaking is proposed under the authority provided in Iowa Code section 307.12(1)“j.”

State or Federal Law Implemented

    This rulemaking implements, in whole or in part, Iowa Code sections 321.249 and 321.252 and 23 U.S.C. §655.601.

Purpose and Summary

    This rulemaking proposes to repromulgate Chapter 130 in compliance with Executive Order 10. Proposed Chapter 130 implements Iowa Code section 321.252 and complies with federal law by formally adopting the national Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) as the State’s manual and specifications governing the installation of traffic control devices. Traffic control devices include all signs, signals, markings, and other devices used to regulate, warn, or guide traffic.

    This proposed rulemaking adopts the 11th Edition of the national MUTCD that was published in December 2023, with two exceptions added for the use of portable STOP signs in school zones and law enforcement pictographs on memorial signs. This proposed rulemaking also reflects the manual’s application not just to highways but to any street, highway, or bicycle trail open to public travel.

Regulatory Analysis

    A Regulatory Analysis for this rulemaking was published in the Iowa Administrative Bulletin on August 20, 2025. A public hearing was held on the following date(s):

     ?   September 11, 2025

    The Department received no comments.

Fiscal Impact

     This rulemaking has no fiscal impact to the State of Iowa.

Jobs Impact

    After analysis and review of this rulemaking, no impact on jobs has been found.

Waivers

    Any person who believes that the application of the discretionary provisions of this rulemaking would result in hardship or injustice to that person may petition the Department for a waiver of the discretionary provisions, if any, pursuant to 761—Chapter 11.

Public Comment

     Any interested person may submit written comments concerning this proposed rulemaking, which must be received by the Department no later than 4:30 p.m. on December 30, 2025. Comments should be directed to:

Public Hearing

     Public hearings at which persons may present their views orally will be held as follows:

    Persons who wish to make oral comments at a public hearing may be asked to state their names for the record and to confine their remarks to the subject of this proposed rulemaking.

     Any persons who intend to attend a public hearing and have special requirements, such as those related to hearing or mobility impairments, should contact Ryan Pell and advise of specific needs.

Review by Administrative Rules Review Committee

    The Administrative Rules Review Committee, a bipartisan legislative committee which oversees rulemaking by executive branch agencies, may, on its own motion or on written request by any individual or group, review this rulemaking at its regular monthly meeting or at a special meeting. The Committee’s meetings are open to the public, and interested persons may be heard as provided in Iowa Code section 17A.8(6).

    The following rulemaking action is proposed:

    ITEM 1.  Rescind 761—Chapter 130 and adopt the following new chapter in lieu thereof:

CHAPTER 130

TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICE MANUAL

761—130.1(307,321) Manual. The “Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices” (MUTCD), 11th Edition, dated December 2023, published by the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, constitutes the manual and specifications for a uniform system of traffic control devices for use upon any street, highway, or bicycle trail open to public travel within this state.

    130.1(1) The department makes the following exception to the MUTCD in Part 2, Section 2B.06, General Considerations, paragraph 10. In lieu of the sentence, “Portable or part-time STOP or YIELD signs shall not be used except for emergency and temporary traffic control zone purposes.”, the department adopts the following: “Portable or part-time YIELD signs shall not be used except for emergency and temporary traffic control zone purposes. Portable or part-time STOP signs may be used only in the following situations:

“1. When necessary for emergency and temporary traffic control zone purposes, or

“2. In school zones at appropriate school crosswalks.”

    130.1(2) The department makes the following exception to the MUTCD in Part 2, Section 2M.10, Memorial or Dedication Signing, paragraph 08. In lieu of the sentence, “Decorative or graphical elements, pictographs, logos, or symbols shall not be displayed on memorial or dedication signs.”, the department adopts the following: “Decorative or graphical elements, pictographs, logos, or symbols shall not be displayed on memorial or dedication signs, with the exception of an official pictograph representing an Iowa law enforcement agency.”

    130.1(3) Information regarding this chapter is available from: Traffic and Safety Bureau, Iowa Department of Transportation, 800 Lincoln Way, Ames, Iowa 50010. The MUTCD is available at www.mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov.

This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code sections 307.12(1)“j,” 321.249 and 321.252.