80_FR_79767 80 FR 79522 - National Standards for Traffic Control Devices; the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways; Request for Comment

80 FR 79522 - National Standards for Traffic Control Devices; the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways; Request for Comment

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Highway Administration

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 245 (December 22, 2015)

Page Range79522-79526
FR Document2015-32107

The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways (MUTCD) is incorporated in our regulations, approved by FHWA, and recognized as the national standard for traffic control devices used on all streets, highways, bikeways, and private roads open to public travel. This document asks for responses to a series of questions regarding the future direction of the MUTCD. Specific topic areas include target audience/intended user, content and organization, process for introducing new traffic control devices, and frequency of MUTCD editions.

Federal Register, Volume 80 Issue 245 (Tuesday, December 22, 2015)
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 245 (Tuesday, December 22, 2015)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 79522-79526]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2015-32107]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Highway Administration

23 CFR Part 655

[FHWA Docket No. FHWA-2015-0028]


National Standards for Traffic Control Devices; the Manual on 
Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways; Request for 
Comment

AGENCY: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Request for Comments (RFC).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and 
Highways (MUTCD) is incorporated in our regulations, approved by FHWA, 
and recognized as the national standard for traffic control devices 
used on all streets, highways, bikeways, and private roads open to 
public travel. This document asks for responses to a series of 
questions regarding the future direction of the MUTCD. Specific topic 
areas include target audience/intended user, content and organization, 
process for introducing new traffic control devices, and frequency of 
MUTCD editions.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before February 18, 2016.

ADDRESSES: Mail or hand deliver comments to the U.S. Department of 
Transportation, Dockets Management Facility, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590, or fax comments to (202) 493-
2251. Alternatively, comments may be submitted to the Federal 
eRulemaking portal at http://www.regulations.gov. All comments must 
include the docket number that appears in the heading of this document. 
All comments received will be available for examination and copying at 
the above address from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., e.t., Monday through Friday, 
except Federal holidays. Those desiring notification of receipt of 
comments must include a self-addressed, stamped postcard or you may 
print the acknowledgment page that appears after submitting comments

[[Page 79523]]

electronically. Anyone is able to search the electronic form of all 
comments in any one of our dockets by the name of the individual 
submitting the comment (or signing the comment, if submitted on behalf 
of an association, business, or labor union). Anyone may review DOT's 
complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal Register published on 
April 11, 2000 (Volume 65, Number 70, Pages 19477-78).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For questions about the program 
discussed herein, contact Mr. Kevin Sylvester, MUTCD Team Leader, FHWA 
Office of Transportation Operations, (202) 366-2161, or via email at 
Kevin.Sylvester@dot.gov. For legal questions, please contact Mr. 
William Winne, Office of the Chief Counsel, (202) 366-1397, or via 
email at william.winne@dot.gov. Office hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 
p.m., e.t., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Electronic Access and Filing

    You may submit or retrieve comments online through the Federal 
eRulemaking portal at: http://www.regulations.gov. The Web site is 
available 24 hours each day, 365 days each year. Please follow the 
instructions. Electronic submission and retrieval help and guidelines 
are available under the help section of the Web site. An electronic 
copy of this document may also be downloaded from the Office of the 
Federal Register's home page at: http://www.archives.gov and the 
Government Printing Office's Web page at: http://www.access.thefederalregister.org/nara. Anyone is able to search the electronic form of all comments in 
any of our dockets by the name of the individual submitting the comment 
(or signing the comment, if submitted on behalf of an association, 
business, or labor union). You may review DOT's complete Privacy Act 
Statement in the Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (Volume 
65, Number 70, Pages 19477-78), or you may visit http://DocketsInfo.dot.gov.

Purpose of This Notification

    The FHWA is interested in planning for future editions of the MUTCD 
\1\ that will reflect the growing number and application of traffic 
control devices, changes in technology not only for traffic control 
devices, but for viewing content in the MUTCD, and developing a 
structure for the MUTCD that is efficient and easy to use. The FHWA 
initiated the public comment process by publishing an RFC at 78 FR 2347 
(Docket ID: FHWA-2012-0118) on January 11, 2013, that included two 
options for restructuring the MUTCD and several questions regarding 
content and public use of the MUTCD. The FHWA's response to the 
comments, issued June 17, 2013 at 78 FR 36132 (Docket ID: FHWA-2012-
0118-0187), indicated that over one half of the commenters recommended 
postponing any action to restructure the manual pending results from 
the ongoing National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) 
strategic planning effort.\2\ That effort is now complete.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ The 2009 edition of the MUTCD can be accessed at the 
following Internet Web site: http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/.
    \2\ NCHRP 20-07/Task 323, Developing a Long-Range Strategic Plan 
for the MUTCD, can be accessed at the following Internet Web site: 
http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=3203.
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    The purpose of this notice is to solicit comments from users of the 
MUTCD about the direction of future editions of the MUTCD. This notice 
includes a set of specific questions for which FHWA requests comments. 
Comments and input may be offered on any part of this notification.

Background

    The MUTCD is incorporated by reference within Federal regulations 
at 23 CFR part 655, approved by FHWA, and recognized as the national 
standard for traffic control devices used on all public roads. The 
MUTCD was incorporated by reference into the Code of Federal 
Regulations beginning with the publication of the 1971 edition. There 
have been 10 editions of the MUTCD, beginning with the first edition in 
1935. The current MUTCD is the 2009 Edition, incorporating Revisions 1 
and 2, dated May 2012 and is available to the public at http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/kno_2009r1r2.htm.
    Over the last several years, the transportation community has 
expressed concern over several issues related to the MUTCD: (1) Size, 
(2) complexity in finding information, (3) amount/type of information 
in the MUTCD, and (4) timeframe required for new traffic control 
devices or applications to be incorporated. To begin to address these 
issues, FHWA published an RFC at 78 FR 2347 (Docket ID: FHWA-2012-0118) 
on January 11, 2013, requesting comment on a potential restructuring of 
the MUTCD into two documents: The MUTCD and an Applications Supplement 
(herein referred to as ``Restructuring RFC''). The FHWA's response to 
the comments, issued June 17, 2013, at 78 FR 36132 (Docket ID: FHWA-
2012-0118-0187), indicated that given the lack of support from the 
MUTCD user community, FHWA would not proceed with restructuring the 
MUTCD into two documents. As discussed in the response to comments, 
more than 90 percent of the docket letters were either against 
splitting the MUTCD into two separate documents (approximately 56 
percent of responses), or recommended postponing any action to split 
the manual pending results from the ongoing NCHRP strategic planning 
effort (approximately 34 percent of responses), which was expected to 
be available in January 2014. The strategic planning effort was to 
address many issues that would impact future MUTCD content and 
structure, including consideration of an MUTCD that would consist of 
more than one volume. In addition to requesting that FHWA wait for the 
results of the NCHRP strategic planning effort, many State and local 
agencies, associations, and consultants suggested that if a decision 
were to be made to restructure the MUTCD in any significant way, it 
would be critical for FHWA to partner with stakeholders to develop 
content for a restructured MUTCD.
    The NCHRP task to which the commenters were referring, NCHRP 20-07/
Task 323, is now complete. The objective of the task was to develop a 
long-range Vision and Strategic Plan for the MUTCD. The plan was 
delivered to the American Association of State Highway and 
Transportation Officials' Highway Subcommittee on Traffic Engineering, 
which approved it by ballot, and then to the National Committee on 
Uniform Traffic Control Devices (NCUTCD) where that organization 
adopted the plan (herein referred to as the Vision and Strategic Plan) 
at its January 2014 meeting.\3\ The Vision and Strategic Plan contains 
a discussion of opinions, challenges, needs and questions followed by a 
presentation of a vision for the MUTCD of the mid-2030s. To achieve 
that vision, the document includes a strategic plan for transitioning 
from the current edition to future editions through a series of 
incremental changes. With the NCHRP effort now complete, and in 
response to comments from the Restructuring RFC, FHWA believes it is 
now appropriate for a wider audience of MUTCD users to provide comments 
to FHWA on the direction of future editions of the MUTCD. It is 
important to note that FHWA is not seeking comments on the Vision and 
Strategic

[[Page 79524]]

Plan document itself. Nor is FHWA seeking comment on any specific 
proposals for change.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \3\ The NCUTCD's January 9, 2014, 20-Year Vision and Strategic 
Plan for the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices can be viewed 
at the following Internet Web site: http://www.ncutcd.org/doc/MUTCD-20%20Year%20Vision%20NCUTCD%20Appvd%201-9-14%20FINAL.pdf.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Concurrent with this effort, FHWA is preparing a Notice of Proposed 
Amendments (NPA) for the next edition of the MUTCD. The publication 
date of the NPA is not yet known. Depending on the nature and extent of 
comments submitted for this RFC, FHWA may incorporate some of the 
suggestions in the next edition of the MUTCD. More importantly, FHWA is 
looking to begin planning for MUTCD editions further into the future 
with the comments submitted for this RFC.
    As discussed above, the public may submit comments online through 
the Federal eRulemaking portal at: http://www.regulations.gov. In an 
effort to streamline the process for organizing and reviewing docket 
comments, the public is invited to submit comments in a spreadsheet 
that has been specifically developed for this notice. The spreadsheet 
is available for review and download on http://www.regulations.gov 
under the docket number listed in the heading of this document. 
Commenters who wish to use the spreadsheet for their comments are 
encouraged to download and fill in the spreadsheet, then upload the 
completed file as indicated in comment instructions. Alternatively, 
commenters may submit their comments in the comment box and/or via 
uploading a different file.

Topic Area 1: Target Audience/Intended User

    Over the years, the MUTCD has expanded in size, due in part to the 
belief that the MUTCD needs to contain information that is appropriate 
for all its users. The size and complexity of the MUTCD have 
significantly increased primarily because of an expansion of the number 
of devices included in the MUTCD and the desire to provide more 
specifics in conveying the intent of the language in order to avoid 
uncertainty. The first edition of the MUTCD, published in 1935, had 166 
pages, whereas the current MUTCD contains 820 pages of technical 
provisions. As discussed in the Restructuring RFC in 2012, FHWA is 
interested in examining ways to simplify and streamline the MUTCD in a 
manner that is most user-friendly, while maintaining the appropriate 
amount of information.
    The MUTCD is used by a wide audience, from State, local, and 
consulting traffic engineers, to traffic control device technicians, 
and to some extent, the public. The Vision and Strategic Plan suggests 
that the size and the complexity of the MUTCD may be reduced by 
targeting the MUTCD to a more specific audience or organizing it to 
provide information for different types of users. While FHWA 
understands that the MUTCD has gained a wide audience, writing or 
organizing the MUTCD accordingly may be cumbersome and may not have the 
intended result of simplifying the MUTCD. The MUTCD is currently 
designed as an engineering reference manual.
Topic Area 1 Questions
    1A. Should MUTCD content continue to be written with a traffic 
engineer as the intended audience?

Topic Area 2: Simplifying and Reorganizing the MUTCD

    As indicated above, FHWA previously issued the Restructuring RFC to 
identify potential options for simplifying the MUTCD. Comments were not 
in favor of splitting the MUTCD into two separate documents and many 
suggested waiting on the results of the Vision and Strategic Plan 
before determining whether or not the MUTCD should be restructured in a 
significant way.
    In addition to simplifying, FHWA is exploring several of the 
reorganizing suggestions received from the Restructuring RFC. The 
current structure of the MUTCD is based on the type of device and the 
specialized application of devices. The 2009 edition includes Parts 1 
through 4 for types of devices and Parts 5 through 9 for specialized 
applications of devices. This has been the basic structure of the MUTCD 
since its inception. In the 2000 edition, FHWA added the current 
headings of content (Standard, Guidance, Option, and Support 
paragraphs). The headings provide a clear level of mandate associated 
with specific content. However, this division by level of mandate can 
create challenges in providing text that reads well and flows together.
    In order to provide greater flexibility in the MUTCD, the Vision 
and Strategic Plan recommends an additional level of mandate that would 
include two versions of Standard statements rather than one. Both types 
would be requirements, but one level would relate to uniformity while 
the other would relate to consistency. The uniformity Standard would 
require the same action in every case and would not allow for deviation 
based on site conditions. The consistency Standard would require the 
same action in every case unless a deviation was warranted to 
accommodate local conditions. The meanings of Guidance (recommended) 
and Option (permissible) provisions would remain unchanged. The FHWA 
believes that this concept is not viable for several reasons. First, it 
would tend to make the MUTCD more complex rather than less complex. 
Second, because both conditions would be requirements, it is not likely 
that any legal distinction could be made between the two. The 
provisions of the current MUTCD do not preclude the application of 
engineering considerations.
    Coordination within the MUTCD regarding the use of related devices 
at a single location is often limited. An MUTCD user that is trying to 
make decisions regarding aspects of traffic control devices used at a 
specific location might need to reference several different portions of 
the MUTCD to determine the optimal combination of devices and device 
features. For example, to review all provisions related to crosswalks, 
a reader could potentially need to consider Parts 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, and 
9, depending on the extent to which the design involves the basic 
devices of signs, markings, and signals; and specialized applications 
such as temporary traffic control, school zones, rail grade crossings, 
and shared-use paths. Cross referencing within the MUTCD is usually 
provided as appropriate to direct users to related provisions in other 
Sections or Parts of the MUTCD.
    The tendency for future editions of the MUTCD is likely to expand 
the amount of content, potentially exacerbating the difficulty in using 
and finding information in the MUTCD. The FHWA is seeking comment to 
assess options for structuring the MUTCD to make it easier to use. The 
following are potential options for simplifying and reorganizing the 
MUTCD:
    a. Maintain the current structure and format of the MUTCD.
    b. Reorganize the MUTCD content. Potential reorganization 
structures include:
    i. Traffic control devices by application. Parts 2, 3, and 4 in the 
current MUTCD would be combined to address applications such as urban 
intersections, rural highways, and collector streets. These 
applications would address the use of signs, markings, and signals 
within that context. Parts 5-9 of the current MUTCD currently use this 
approach. Such a structure would provide most of the content needed for 
a given application in a consolidated location within the MUTCD.
    ii. By level of mandate (e.g., Standard and Guidance). Separating 
Standard, Guidance, Option, and Support provisions within each section 
may help MUTCD users find information more

[[Page 79525]]

easily. For example, more experienced MUTCD users may only need to 
review specific requirements and would want to review only the Standard 
and Guidance provisions.
    iii. By MUTCD user (e.g., field personnel and engineers). Field 
personnel typically focus on the field location, installation, and 
inspection of traffic control devices. Engineers and technicians 
typically focus on the overall design, operations, and context of a 
traffic control device in relation to the transportation facilities and 
other traffic control devices. Consolidating provisions related to user 
types may simplify the MUTCD for those individuals.
    c. Relocate some of the content from the MUTCD into a companion 
document that has a similar structure as the MUTCD. The companion 
document would not contain requirements and could be revised without 
the rulemaking process. This restructuring would take place in a future 
edition, not the next edition.
    i. The restructured MUTCD could include traffic control device 
standards that do not change such as the meaning, appearance, and other 
key standards.
    ii. The companion document could include traffic control device 
guidelines that relate to selection, location, operation, and 
maintenance of devices. The companion document would need to be 
developed through a consensus-building process that involves 
appropriate stakeholders with expertise in the use of traffic control 
devices. The companion document could be revised more frequently than 
the MUTCD, because it would not be subject to rulemaking.
Topic Area 2 Questions
    2A. In future editions, should FHWA strive to reduce the amount of 
explanatory language included in the MUTCD?
    2B. If so, what types of explanatory language should be removed 
from the MUTCD?
    2C. If explanatory/supplementary information is removed, should it 
be retained in a separate document?
    2D. What organizational structure should be considered for future 
MUTCDs? Potential alternatives include:
    a. Current structure.
    b. Application information (e.g., urban intersections, rural 
highways, and collector streets).
    c. By type of information (design and applications, installation, 
maintenance).
    d. Other.
    2E. If a different format is not appropriate, what potential 
alternatives/tools would help users more easily find information?
    2F. As we move toward more electronic use of the MUTCD through 
computers, tablets, and handheld devices, what additional electronic 
formats or tools would be useful?

Topic Area 3: MUTCD Edition Frequency

    There have been 10 editions of the MUTCD (1935, 1942, 1948, 1961, 
1971, 1978, 1988, 2000, 2003, and 2009). Timing of revisions of 
individual editions has varied, with most editions having a limited 
number of revisions between editions.
    Changes to the MUTCD are made through the rulemaking process 
because the manual is regulatory in nature. Major changes to the MUTCD 
are incorporated and added through the publication of new editions of 
the manual. Occasionally, there is a need to initiate special 
rulemakings between editions of the MUTCD to incorporate important 
content without waiting for the next edition of the MUTCD. These are 
called ``Revisions'' and are incorporated into the official MUTCD on 
FHWA's MUTCD Web site. In between editions or revisions of the MUTCD, 
new traffic control devices or applications can be approved for use 
through the official experimentation and interim approval processes, as 
described in Section 1A.10 of the MUTCD.\4\ Information regarding these 
experimentations and interim approvals is also posted on FHWA's MUTCD 
Web site.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \4\ Section 1A.10 of the MUTCD can be viewed at the following 
Internet Web link: http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/pdfs/2009r1r2/mutcd2009r1part1.pdf.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Developing technical content for inclusion in the MUTCD is a 
deliberative process. Material associated with new traffic control 
devices is based on laboratory and/or in-service research evaluations 
that consider the human factors and performance aspects of the device, 
which can take several years. The results are then used to develop 
technical provisions related to that device that can then be considered 
for a rulemaking activity to amend the MUTCD. The rulemaking process 
involves publishing a proposed revision for public comment, analyzing 
the public comments submitted to the docket, and then publishing a 
final rule that addresses the public comments. For a new edition of the 
MUTCD, this process typically takes approximately 2 years from the 
publication of the proposed rulemaking document to the final rule. 
After the final rule, States have up to 2 years to adopt the new MUTCD 
or their State equivalent. Given this timeline, it would be impractical 
to publish new editions of the MUTCD with significant new content at 
intervals less frequent than 6 years. The next edition of the MUTCD is 
currently targeted for publication in late 2018, representing 9 years 
between new editions.\5\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \5\ Revisions 1 and 2 to the 2009 MUTCD were published in May 
2012.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Currently, 18 States adopt the national MUTCD as their standard, 
without any supplement. Ten States develop their own MUTCD based on the 
national MUTCD. Twenty-two States and the District of Columbia and 
Puerto Rico develop supplements to the national MUTCD.
    Developing supplements to the national MUTCD and developing State-
specific MUTCDs is likely to be costly to the States and introduces a 
potential for conflicts with the national MUTCD. State agency resources 
are already provided to review and comment on national MUTCD rulemaking 
and many State agencies support their staff member participation in the 
NCUTCD meetings and activities. As a result, FHWA would like to better 
understand why States develop their own MUTCDs or supplements. The FHWA 
believes that a better understanding of why States develop their own 
MUTCDs could better inform the development of future editions of the 
national MUTCD. It should be noted that FHWA is not discouraging States 
from developing their own MUTCDs or supplements.
    The FHWA is interested in comments related to the timing of new 
editions of the MUTCD and intermediate revisions of the MUTCD between 
editions, as well as the information about the development of State 
MUTCDs and supplements.
    3A. If the minimum practical interval between editions is 6 to 8 
years, should FHWA promulgate rulemakings to issue one or more 
revisions that are focused on individual traffic control devices 
between new editions of the MUTCD?
    3B. What about the national MUTCD or State law makes it necessary 
for some States to develop their own MUTCDs or supplements?
    3C. Is there anything in the national MUTCD that could be changed 
to reduce the burden for States to review, revise, prepare, and adopt 
their own State MUTCD or supplement?

    Authority: 23 U.S.C. 101(a), 104, 109(d), 114(a), 217, 315, and 
402(a); 23 CFR 1.32; and, 49 CFR 1.85.


[[Page 79526]]


    Issued on: December 10, 2015.
Gregory G. Nadeau,
Administrator, Federal Highway Administration.
[FR Doc. 2015-32107 Filed 12-21-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-22-P



                                                 79522                Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 245 / Tuesday, December 22, 2015 / Proposed Rules

                                                 of the timer and other controls, and the                instrument. The performance                             (ii) IEC 61228, Ed. 2.0, ‘‘Fluorescent
                                                 use of protective eyewear.                              requirements for the measuring                        Ultraviolet Lamps Used for Tanning—
                                                    (iv) Instructions for obtaining repairs              instrument specified in IEC 60335–2–                  Measurement and Specification
                                                 and recommended replacement                             27, Ed. 5.0 Clause 32.101, which is                   Method,’’ dated January 2008.
                                                 components and accessories which are                    incorporated by reference, shall apply.                 Dated: December 16, 2015.
                                                 compatible with the sunlamp product,                       (g) Modification of certified sunlamp              Leslie Kux,
                                                 including compatible protective                         products. The modification of a
                                                 eyewear, ultraviolet lamps, timers,                                                                           Associate Commissioner for Policy.
                                                                                                         sunlamp product, previously certified
                                                 reflectors, and filters, which will, when                                                                     [FR Doc. 2015–32023 Filed 12–18–15; 8:45 am]
                                                                                                         under § 1010.2 of this chapter,
                                                 installed and used as instructed, result                constitutes manufacturing under the                   BILLING CODE 4164–01–P
                                                 in continued compliance with the                        Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act if
                                                 standard.                                               the modification affects any aspect of
                                                    (v) Manufacturers of sunlamp                         the product’s performance or intended                 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
                                                 products shall provide as an integral                   function(s) for which this section has an
                                                 part of any user instruction or operation               applicable requirement. The person who                Federal Highway Administration
                                                 manual that is regularly supplied with                  performs such modification shall
                                                 the product, or, if not so supplied, shall              recertify and re-identify the sunlamp                 23 CFR Part 655
                                                 cause to be provided with each sunlamp                  product in accordance with the                        [FHWA Docket No. FHWA–2015–0028]
                                                 product: Adequate instructions for                      provisions of §§ 1010.2 and 1010.3 of
                                                 assembly, operation, and maintenance,                   this chapter.                                         National Standards for Traffic Control
                                                 including clear warnings concerning                        (h) Medical device classification                  Devices; the Manual on Uniform Traffic
                                                 precautions to avoid possible exposure                  regulation. Sunlamp products and                      Control Devices for Streets and
                                                 to ultraviolet radiation during assembly,               ultraviolet lamps intended for use in                 Highways; Request for Comment
                                                 testing, and maintenance, and a                         sunlamp products are subject to special
                                                 schedule of maintenance necessary to                    controls and restrictions on sale,                    AGENCY:  Federal Highway
                                                 keep the sunlamp product in                             distribution, and use as set forth in                 Administration (FHWA), Department of
                                                 compliance with this section.                                                                                 Transportation (DOT).
                                                                                                         § 878.4635 of this chapter.
                                                    (2) Ultraviolet lamps. The users’                                                                          ACTION: Request for Comments (RFC).
                                                 instructions for an ultraviolet lamp not                   (i) Incorporation by reference. The
                                                 accompanying a sunlamp product shall                    standards required in this section are
                                                                                                                                                               SUMMARY:    The Manual on Uniform
                                                 contain:                                                incorporated by reference into this
                                                                                                                                                               Traffic Control Devices for Streets and
                                                    (i) A reproduction of the label                      section with the approval of the Director
                                                                                                                                                               Highways (MUTCD) is incorporated in
                                                 information required in paragraph (d)(2)                of the Federal Register under 5 U.S.C.
                                                                                                                                                               our regulations, approved by FHWA,
                                                 of this section, prominently displayed at               552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. All approved
                                                                                                                                                               and recognized as the national standard
                                                 the beginning of the instructions.                      material is available for inspection at
                                                                                                                                                               for traffic control devices used on all
                                                    (ii) A warning that the instructions                 the Food and Drug Administration,
                                                                                                                                                               streets, highways, bikeways, and private
                                                 accompanying the sunlamp product                        Division of Dockets Management, 5630
                                                                                                                                                               roads open to public travel. This
                                                 must always be followed to avoid or to                  Fishers Lane, Rm. 1061, Rockville, MD
                                                                                                                                                               document asks for responses to a series
                                                 minimize potential injury.                              20852, and is available from the
                                                                                                                                                               of questions regarding the future
                                                    (3) Promotional materials.                           following sources. It is also available for
                                                                                                                                                               direction of the MUTCD. Specific topic
                                                 Manufacturers of sunlamp products                       inspection at the National Archives and
                                                                                                                                                               areas include target audience/intended
                                                 shall provide or cause to be provided in                Records Administration (NARA). For
                                                                                                                                                               user, content and organization, process
                                                 all catalogs, specification sheets, and                 information on the availability of this
                                                                                                                                                               for introducing new traffic control
                                                 descriptive brochures intended for                      material at NARA, call 202–741–6030,
                                                                                                                                                               devices, and frequency of MUTCD
                                                 consumers in which sunlamp products                     or go to http://www.archives.gov/
                                                                                                                                                               editions.
                                                 are offered for sale, and on all                        federal_register/code_of_federal_
                                                 consumer-directed Web pages on which                    regulations/ibr_locations.html.                       DATES:  Comments must be received on
                                                 sunlamp products are offered for sale, a                   (1) American National Standards                    or before February 18, 2016.
                                                 legible reproduction (color optional) of                Institute (ANSI), 1889 L St. NW., 11th                ADDRESSES: Mail or hand deliver
                                                 the warning statement required by                       Floor, Washington, DC 20036,                          comments to the U.S. Department of
                                                 paragraph (d)(1)(i) of this section.                    storemanager@ansi.org, www.ansi.org,                  Transportation, Dockets Management
                                                    (f) Test for determination of                        202–293–8020.                                         Facility, Room W12–140, 1200 New
                                                 compliance. Tests on which                                 (i) ANSI C81.10–1976, ‘‘Specifications             Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC
                                                 certification under § 1010.2 of this                    for Electric Lamp Bases and Holders—                  20590, or fax comments to (202) 493–
                                                 chapter is based shall account for all                  Screw-Shell Types,’’ dated September                  2251. Alternatively, comments may be
                                                 errors and statistical uncertainties in the             1976.                                                 submitted to the Federal eRulemaking
                                                 process and, wherever applicable, for                      (ii) [Reserved]                                    portal at http://www.regulations.gov. All
                                                 changes in radiation emission or                           (2) International Electrotechnical                 comments must include the docket
                                                 degradation in radiation safety with age                Commission (IEC), EC Central Office, 3                number that appears in the heading of
                                                 of the sunlamp product. Measurements                    rue de Varembe, CH–1211 Geneva 20,                    this document. All comments received
                                                 for certification purposes shall be made                Switzerland, www.iec.ch, call 41–22–                  will be available for examination and
rmajette on DSK2TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                 under those operational conditions,                     919–02–11.                                            copying at the above address from 9
                                                 lamp voltage, current, and position as                     (i) IEC 60335–2–27, Ed. 5.0: 2009–12,              a.m. to 5 p.m., e.t., Monday through
                                                 recommended by the manufacturer. For                    ‘‘Household and Similar Electrical                    Friday, except Federal holidays. Those
                                                 these measurements, the measuring                       Appliances—Safety—Part 2–27:                          desiring notification of receipt of
                                                 instrument shall be positioned at the                   Particular Requirements for Appliances                comments must include a self-
                                                 recommended exposure position and so                    for Skin Exposure to Ultraviolet and                  addressed, stamped postcard or you
                                                 oriented as to result in the maximum                    Infrared Radiation,’’ dated December                  may print the acknowledgment page
                                                 detection of the radiation by the                       2009.                                                 that appears after submitting comments


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                                                                      Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 245 / Tuesday, December 22, 2015 / Proposed Rules                                                   79523

                                                 electronically. Anyone is able to search                publishing an RFC at 78 FR 2347                        FHWA would not proceed with
                                                 the electronic form of all comments in                  (Docket ID: FHWA–2012–0118) on                         restructuring the MUTCD into two
                                                 any one of our dockets by the name of                   January 11, 2013, that included two                    documents. As discussed in the
                                                 the individual submitting the comment                   options for restructuring the MUTCD                    response to comments, more than 90
                                                 (or signing the comment, if submitted                   and several questions regarding content                percent of the docket letters were either
                                                 on behalf of an association, business, or               and public use of the MUTCD. The                       against splitting the MUTCD into two
                                                 labor union). Anyone may review DOT’s                   FHWA’s response to the comments,                       separate documents (approximately 56
                                                 complete Privacy Act Statement in the                   issued June 17, 2013 at 78 FR 36132                    percent of responses), or recommended
                                                 Federal Register published on April 11,                 (Docket ID: FHWA–2012–0118–0187),                      postponing any action to split the
                                                 2000 (Volume 65, Number 70, Pages                       indicated that over one half of the                    manual pending results from the
                                                 19477–78).                                              commenters recommended postponing                      ongoing NCHRP strategic planning effort
                                                 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For                    any action to restructure the manual                   (approximately 34 percent of responses),
                                                 questions about the program discussed                   pending results from the ongoing                       which was expected to be available in
                                                 herein, contact Mr. Kevin Sylvester,                    National Cooperative Highway Research                  January 2014. The strategic planning
                                                 MUTCD Team Leader, FHWA Office of                       Program (NCHRP) strategic planning                     effort was to address many issues that
                                                 Transportation Operations, (202) 366–                   effort.2 That effort is now complete.                  would impact future MUTCD content
                                                 2161, or via email at Kevin.Sylvester@                     The purpose of this notice is to solicit            and structure, including consideration
                                                 dot.gov. For legal questions, please                    comments from users of the MUTCD                       of an MUTCD that would consist of
                                                 contact Mr. William Winne, Office of                    about the direction of future editions of              more than one volume. In addition to
                                                 the Chief Counsel, (202) 366–1397, or                   the MUTCD. This notice includes a set                  requesting that FHWA wait for the
                                                 via email at william.winne@dot.gov.                     of specific questions for which FHWA                   results of the NCHRP strategic planning
                                                 Office hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30                 requests comments. Comments and                        effort, many State and local agencies,
                                                 p.m., e.t., Monday through Friday,                      input may be offered on any part of this               associations, and consultants suggested
                                                 except Federal holidays.                                notification.                                          that if a decision were to be made to
                                                 SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                              Background                                             restructure the MUTCD in any
                                                                                                                                                                significant way, it would be critical for
                                                 Electronic Access and Filing                               The MUTCD is incorporated by                        FHWA to partner with stakeholders to
                                                    You may submit or retrieve comments                  reference within Federal regulations at                develop content for a restructured
                                                 online through the Federal eRulemaking                  23 CFR part 655, approved by FHWA,                     MUTCD.
                                                 portal at: http://www.regulations.gov.                  and recognized as the national standard                   The NCHRP task to which the
                                                 The Web site is available 24 hours each                 for traffic control devices used on all                commenters were referring, NCHRP 20–
                                                 day, 365 days each year. Please follow                  public roads. The MUTCD was                            07/Task 323, is now complete. The
                                                 the instructions. Electronic submission                 incorporated by reference into the Code                objective of the task was to develop a
                                                 and retrieval help and guidelines are                   of Federal Regulations beginning with                  long-range Vision and Strategic Plan for
                                                 available under the help section of the                 the publication of the 1971 edition.                   the MUTCD. The plan was delivered to
                                                 Web site. An electronic copy of this                    There have been 10 editions of the                     the American Association of State
                                                 document may also be downloaded                         MUTCD, beginning with the first edition                Highway and Transportation Officials’
                                                                                                         in 1935. The current MUTCD is the                      Highway Subcommittee on Traffic
                                                 from the Office of the Federal Register’s
                                                                                                         2009 Edition, incorporating Revisions 1                Engineering, which approved it by
                                                 home page at: http://www.archives.gov
                                                                                                         and 2, dated May 2012 and is available                 ballot, and then to the National
                                                 and the Government Printing Office’s
                                                                                                         to the public at http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.                Committee on Uniform Traffic Control
                                                 Web page at: http://www.access.gpo.
                                                                                                         gov/kno_2009r1r2.htm.                                  Devices (NCUTCD) where that
                                                 gov/nara. Anyone is able to search the                     Over the last several years, the
                                                 electronic form of all comments in any                                                                         organization adopted the plan (herein
                                                                                                         transportation community has                           referred to as the Vision and Strategic
                                                 of our dockets by the name of the                       expressed concern over several issues
                                                 individual submitting the comment (or                                                                          Plan) at its January 2014 meeting.3 The
                                                                                                         related to the MUTCD: (1) Size, (2)                    Vision and Strategic Plan contains a
                                                 signing the comment, if submitted on                    complexity in finding information, (3)
                                                 behalf of an association, business, or                                                                         discussion of opinions, challenges,
                                                                                                         amount/type of information in the                      needs and questions followed by a
                                                 labor union). You may review DOT’s                      MUTCD, and (4) timeframe required for
                                                 complete Privacy Act Statement in the                                                                          presentation of a vision for the MUTCD
                                                                                                         new traffic control devices or                         of the mid-2030s. To achieve that
                                                 Federal Register published on April 11,                 applications to be incorporated. To
                                                 2000 (Volume 65, Number 70, Pages                                                                              vision, the document includes a
                                                                                                         begin to address these issues, FHWA                    strategic plan for transitioning from the
                                                 19477–78), or you may visit http://                     published an RFC at 78 FR 2347 (Docket
                                                 DocketsInfo.dot.gov.                                                                                           current edition to future editions
                                                                                                         ID: FHWA–2012–0118) on January 11,                     through a series of incremental changes.
                                                 Purpose of This Notification                            2013, requesting comment on a                          With the NCHRP effort now complete,
                                                                                                         potential restructuring of the MUTCD                   and in response to comments from the
                                                    The FHWA is interested in planning
                                                                                                         into two documents: The MUTCD and                      Restructuring RFC, FHWA believes it is
                                                 for future editions of the MUTCD 1 that
                                                                                                         an Applications Supplement (herein                     now appropriate for a wider audience of
                                                 will reflect the growing number and
                                                                                                         referred to as ‘‘Restructuring RFC’’). The             MUTCD users to provide comments to
                                                 application of traffic control devices,                 FHWA’s response to the comments,
                                                 changes in technology not only for                                                                             FHWA on the direction of future
                                                                                                         issued June 17, 2013, at 78 FR 36132                   editions of the MUTCD. It is important
                                                 traffic control devices, but for viewing
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                                                                                                         (Docket ID: FHWA–2012–0118–0187),                      to note that FHWA is not seeking
                                                 content in the MUTCD, and developing                    indicated that given the lack of support
                                                 a structure for the MUTCD that is                                                                              comments on the Vision and Strategic
                                                                                                         from the MUTCD user community,
                                                 efficient and easy to use. The FHWA                                                                              3 The NCUTCD’s January 9, 2014, 20-Year Vision
                                                 initiated the public comment process by                   2 NCHRP   20–07/Task 323, Developing a Long-         and Strategic Plan for the Manual on Uniform
                                                                                                         Range Strategic Plan for the MUTCD, can be             Traffic Control Devices can be viewed at the
                                                    1 The 2009 edition of the MUTCD can be accessed      accessed at the following Internet Web site: http://   following Internet Web site: http://www.ncutcd.org/
                                                 at the following Internet Web site: http://             apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp          doc/MUTCD-20%20Year%20Vision%20NCUTCD
                                                 mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/.                                    ?ProjectID=3203.                                       %20Appvd%201-9-14%20FINAL.pdf.



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                                                 79524                Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 245 / Tuesday, December 22, 2015 / Proposed Rules

                                                 Plan document itself. Nor is FHWA                       reduced by targeting the MUTCD to a                   would remain unchanged. The FHWA
                                                 seeking comment on any specific                         more specific audience or organizing it               believes that this concept is not viable
                                                 proposals for change.                                   to provide information for different                  for several reasons. First, it would tend
                                                    Concurrent with this effort, FHWA is                 types of users. While FHWA                            to make the MUTCD more complex
                                                 preparing a Notice of Proposed                          understands that the MUTCD has gained                 rather than less complex. Second,
                                                 Amendments (NPA) for the next edition                   a wide audience, writing or organizing                because both conditions would be
                                                 of the MUTCD. The publication date of                   the MUTCD accordingly may be                          requirements, it is not likely that any
                                                 the NPA is not yet known. Depending                     cumbersome and may not have the                       legal distinction could be made between
                                                 on the nature and extent of comments                    intended result of simplifying the                    the two. The provisions of the current
                                                 submitted for this RFC, FHWA may                        MUTCD. The MUTCD is currently                         MUTCD do not preclude the application
                                                 incorporate some of the suggestions in                  designed as an engineering reference                  of engineering considerations.
                                                 the next edition of the MUTCD. More                     manual.                                                  Coordination within the MUTCD
                                                 importantly, FHWA is looking to begin                                                                         regarding the use of related devices at a
                                                 planning for MUTCD editions further                     Topic Area 1 Questions                                single location is often limited. An
                                                 into the future with the comments                         1A. Should MUTCD content continue                   MUTCD user that is trying to make
                                                 submitted for this RFC.                                 to be written with a traffic engineer as              decisions regarding aspects of traffic
                                                    As discussed above, the public may                   the intended audience?                                control devices used at a specific
                                                 submit comments online through the                                                                            location might need to reference several
                                                                                                         Topic Area 2: Simplifying and
                                                 Federal eRulemaking portal at: http://                                                                        different portions of the MUTCD to
                                                                                                         Reorganizing the MUTCD
                                                 www.regulations.gov. In an effort to                                                                          determine the optimal combination of
                                                 streamline the process for organizing                      As indicated above, FHWA previously                devices and device features. For
                                                 and reviewing docket comments, the                      issued the Restructuring RFC to identify              example, to review all provisions
                                                 public is invited to submit comments in                 potential options for simplifying the                 related to crosswalks, a reader could
                                                 a spreadsheet that has been specifically                MUTCD. Comments were not in favor of                  potentially need to consider Parts 2, 3,
                                                 developed for this notice. The                          splitting the MUTCD into two separate                 4, 6, 7, 8, and 9, depending on the
                                                 spreadsheet is available for review and                 documents and many suggested waiting                  extent to which the design involves the
                                                 download on http://                                     on the results of the Vision and Strategic            basic devices of signs, markings, and
                                                 www.regulations.gov under the docket                    Plan before determining whether or not                signals; and specialized applications
                                                 number listed in the heading of this                    the MUTCD should be restructured in a                 such as temporary traffic control, school
                                                 document. Commenters who wish to                        significant way.                                      zones, rail grade crossings, and shared-
                                                 use the spreadsheet for their comments                     In addition to simplifying, FHWA is                use paths. Cross referencing within the
                                                 are encouraged to download and fill in                  exploring several of the reorganizing                 MUTCD is usually provided as
                                                 the spreadsheet, then upload the                        suggestions received from the                         appropriate to direct users to related
                                                 completed file as indicated in comment                  Restructuring RFC. The current                        provisions in other Sections or Parts of
                                                 instructions. Alternatively, commenters                 structure of the MUTCD is based on the                the MUTCD.
                                                 may submit their comments in the                        type of device and the specialized                       The tendency for future editions of
                                                 comment box and/or via uploading a                      application of devices. The 2009 edition              the MUTCD is likely to expand the
                                                 different file.                                         includes Parts 1 through 4 for types of               amount of content, potentially
                                                                                                         devices and Parts 5 through 9 for                     exacerbating the difficulty in using and
                                                 Topic Area 1: Target Audience/Intended                  specialized applications of devices. This
                                                 User                                                                                                          finding information in the MUTCD. The
                                                                                                         has been the basic structure of the                   FHWA is seeking comment to assess
                                                    Over the years, the MUTCD has                        MUTCD since its inception. In the 2000                options for structuring the MUTCD to
                                                 expanded in size, due in part to the                    edition, FHWA added the current                       make it easier to use. The following are
                                                 belief that the MUTCD needs to contain                  headings of content (Standard,                        potential options for simplifying and
                                                 information that is appropriate for all its             Guidance, Option, and Support                         reorganizing the MUTCD:
                                                 users. The size and complexity of the                   paragraphs). The headings provide a                      a. Maintain the current structure and
                                                 MUTCD have significantly increased                      clear level of mandate associated with                format of the MUTCD.
                                                 primarily because of an expansion of the                specific content. However, this division                 b. Reorganize the MUTCD content.
                                                 number of devices included in the                       by level of mandate can create                        Potential reorganization structures
                                                 MUTCD and the desire to provide more                    challenges in providing text that reads               include:
                                                 specifics in conveying the intent of the                well and flows together.                                 i. Traffic control devices by
                                                 language in order to avoid uncertainty.                    In order to provide greater flexibility            application. Parts 2, 3, and 4 in the
                                                 The first edition of the MUTCD,                         in the MUTCD, the Vision and Strategic                current MUTCD would be combined to
                                                 published in 1935, had 166 pages,                       Plan recommends an additional level of                address applications such as urban
                                                 whereas the current MUTCD contains                      mandate that would include two                        intersections, rural highways, and
                                                 820 pages of technical provisions. As                   versions of Standard statements rather                collector streets. These applications
                                                 discussed in the Restructuring RFC in                   than one. Both types would be                         would address the use of signs,
                                                 2012, FHWA is interested in examining                   requirements, but one level would relate              markings, and signals within that
                                                 ways to simplify and streamline the                     to uniformity while the other would                   context. Parts 5–9 of the current
                                                 MUTCD in a manner that is most user-                    relate to consistency. The uniformity                 MUTCD currently use this approach.
                                                 friendly, while maintaining the                         Standard would require the same action                Such a structure would provide most of
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                                                 appropriate amount of information.                      in every case and would not allow for                 the content needed for a given
                                                    The MUTCD is used by a wide                          deviation based on site conditions. The               application in a consolidated location
                                                 audience, from State, local, and                        consistency Standard would require the                within the MUTCD.
                                                 consulting traffic engineers, to traffic                same action in every case unless a                       ii. By level of mandate (e.g., Standard
                                                 control device technicians, and to some                 deviation was warranted to                            and Guidance). Separating Standard,
                                                 extent, the public. The Vision and                      accommodate local conditions. The                     Guidance, Option, and Support
                                                 Strategic Plan suggests that the size and               meanings of Guidance (recommended)                    provisions within each section may help
                                                 the complexity of the MUTCD may be                      and Option (permissible) provisions                   MUTCD users find information more


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                                                                      Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 245 / Tuesday, December 22, 2015 / Proposed Rules                                               79525

                                                 easily. For example, more experienced                   tools would help users more easily find               MUTCD or their State equivalent. Given
                                                 MUTCD users may only need to review                     information?                                          this timeline, it would be impractical to
                                                 specific requirements and would want                      2F. As we move toward more                          publish new editions of the MUTCD
                                                 to review only the Standard and                         electronic use of the MUTCD through                   with significant new content at intervals
                                                 Guidance provisions.                                    computers, tablets, and handheld                      less frequent than 6 years. The next
                                                    iii. By MUTCD user (e.g., field                      devices, what additional electronic                   edition of the MUTCD is currently
                                                 personnel and engineers). Field                         formats or tools would be useful?                     targeted for publication in late 2018,
                                                 personnel typically focus on the field                                                                        representing 9 years between new
                                                                                                         Topic Area 3: MUTCD Edition
                                                 location, installation, and inspection of                                                                     editions.5
                                                                                                         Frequency
                                                 traffic control devices. Engineers and                                                                           Currently, 18 States adopt the
                                                 technicians typically focus on the                         There have been 10 editions of the
                                                                                                         MUTCD (1935, 1942, 1948, 1961, 1971,                  national MUTCD as their standard,
                                                 overall design, operations, and context                                                                       without any supplement. Ten States
                                                 of a traffic control device in relation to              1978, 1988, 2000, 2003, and 2009).
                                                                                                         Timing of revisions of individual                     develop their own MUTCD based on the
                                                 the transportation facilities and other                                                                       national MUTCD. Twenty-two States
                                                 traffic control devices. Consolidating                  editions has varied, with most editions
                                                                                                         having a limited number of revisions                  and the District of Columbia and Puerto
                                                 provisions related to user types may                                                                          Rico develop supplements to the
                                                 simplify the MUTCD for those                            between editions.
                                                                                                            Changes to the MUTCD are made                      national MUTCD.
                                                 individuals.
                                                    c. Relocate some of the content from                 through the rulemaking process because                   Developing supplements to the
                                                 the MUTCD into a companion                              the manual is regulatory in nature.                   national MUTCD and developing State-
                                                 document that has a similar structure as                Major changes to the MUTCD are                        specific MUTCDs is likely to be costly
                                                 the MUTCD. The companion document                       incorporated and added through the                    to the States and introduces a potential
                                                 would not contain requirements and                      publication of new editions of the                    for conflicts with the national MUTCD.
                                                 could be revised without the rulemaking                 manual. Occasionally, there is a need to              State agency resources are already
                                                 process. This restructuring would take                  initiate special rulemakings between                  provided to review and comment on
                                                 place in a future edition, not the next                 editions of the MUTCD to incorporate                  national MUTCD rulemaking and many
                                                 edition.                                                important content without waiting for                 State agencies support their staff
                                                    i. The restructured MUTCD could                      the next edition of the MUTCD. These                  member participation in the NCUTCD
                                                 include traffic control device standards                are called ‘‘Revisions’’ and are                      meetings and activities. As a result,
                                                 that do not change such as the meaning,                 incorporated into the official MUTCD                  FHWA would like to better understand
                                                 appearance, and other key standards.                    on FHWA’s MUTCD Web site. In                          why States develop their own MUTCDs
                                                    ii. The companion document could                     between editions or revisions of the                  or supplements. The FHWA believes
                                                 include traffic control device guidelines               MUTCD, new traffic control devices or                 that a better understanding of why
                                                 that relate to selection, location,                     applications can be approved for use                  States develop their own MUTCDs
                                                 operation, and maintenance of devices.                  through the official experimentation and              could better inform the development of
                                                 The companion document would need                       interim approval processes, as described              future editions of the national MUTCD.
                                                 to be developed through a consensus-                    in Section 1A.10 of the MUTCD.4                       It should be noted that FHWA is not
                                                 building process that involves                          Information regarding these                           discouraging States from developing
                                                 appropriate stakeholders with expertise                 experimentations and interim approvals                their own MUTCDs or supplements.
                                                 in the use of traffic control devices. The              is also posted on FHWA’s MUTCD Web                       The FHWA is interested in comments
                                                 companion document could be revised                     site.                                                 related to the timing of new editions of
                                                 more frequently than the MUTCD,                            Developing technical content for                   the MUTCD and intermediate revisions
                                                 because it would not be subject to                      inclusion in the MUTCD is a                           of the MUTCD between editions, as well
                                                 rulemaking.                                             deliberative process. Material associated             as the information about the
                                                                                                         with new traffic control devices is based             development of State MUTCDs and
                                                 Topic Area 2 Questions                                  on laboratory and/or in-service research              supplements.
                                                    2A. In future editions, should FHWA                  evaluations that consider the human
                                                 strive to reduce the amount of                          factors and performance aspects of the                   3A. If the minimum practical interval
                                                 explanatory language included in the                    device, which can take several years.                 between editions is 6 to 8 years, should
                                                 MUTCD?                                                  The results are then used to develop                  FHWA promulgate rulemakings to issue
                                                    2B. If so, what types of explanatory                 technical provisions related to that                  one or more revisions that are focused
                                                 language should be removed from the                     device that can then be considered for                on individual traffic control devices
                                                 MUTCD?                                                  a rulemaking activity to amend the                    between new editions of the MUTCD?
                                                    2C. If explanatory/supplementary                     MUTCD. The rulemaking process                            3B. What about the national MUTCD
                                                 information is removed, should it be                    involves publishing a proposed revision               or State law makes it necessary for some
                                                 retained in a separate document?                        for public comment, analyzing the                     States to develop their own MUTCDs or
                                                    2D. What organizational structure                    public comments submitted to the                      supplements?
                                                 should be considered for future                         docket, and then publishing a final rule                 3C. Is there anything in the national
                                                 MUTCDs? Potential alternatives                          that addresses the public comments. For               MUTCD that could be changed to
                                                 include:                                                a new edition of the MUTCD, this
                                                    a. Current structure.                                                                                      reduce the burden for States to review,
                                                                                                         process typically takes approximately 2
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                                                    b. Application information (e.g.,                                                                          revise, prepare, and adopt their own
                                                                                                         years from the publication of the                     State MUTCD or supplement?
                                                 urban intersections, rural highways, and                proposed rulemaking document to the
                                                 collector streets).                                     final rule. After the final rule, States                Authority: 23 U.S.C. 101(a), 104, 109(d),
                                                    c. By type of information (design and                have up to 2 years to adopt the new                   114(a), 217, 315, and 402(a); 23 CFR 1.32;
                                                 applications, installation, maintenance).                                                                     and, 49 CFR 1.85.
                                                    d. Other.                                              4 Section 1A.10 of the MUTCD can be viewed at
                                                    2E. If a different format is not                     the following Internet Web link: http://mutcd.fhwa.     5 Revisions 1 and 2 to the 2009 MUTCD were

                                                 appropriate, what potential alternatives/               dot.gov/pdfs/2009r1r2/mutcd2009r1part1.pdf.           published in May 2012.



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                                                 79526                Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 245 / Tuesday, December 22, 2015 / Proposed Rules

                                                   Issued on: December 10, 2015.                         future status updates as part of DoD’s                environmental, public health and safety
                                                 Gregory G. Nadeau,                                      retrospective plan under Executive                    effects, distribute impacts, and equity).
                                                 Administrator, Federal Highway                          Order 13563 completed in August 2011.                 Executive Order 13563 emphasizes the
                                                 Administration.                                         DoD’s full plan can be accessed at:                   importance of quantifying both costs
                                                 [FR Doc. 2015–32107 Filed 12–21–15; 8:45 am]            http://www.regulations.gov/#!docket                   and benefits, of reducing costs, of
                                                 BILLING CODE 4910–22–P                                  Detail;D=DOD-2011-OS-0036.                            harmonizing rules, and of promoting
                                                                                                                                                               flexibility. This proposed rule has been
                                                                                                         Executive Summary
                                                                                                                                                               designated a ‘‘significant regulatory
                                                 DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE                                      10 U.S.C. 2495b prohibits the sale or              action,’’ although not economically
                                                                                                         rental of sexually explicit material on               significant, under section 3(f) of
                                                 Office of the Secretary                                 property under DoD jurisdiction. The                  Executive Order 12866. Accordingly,
                                                                                                         section also requires DoD to establish                this proposed rule has been reviewed by
                                                 32 CFR Part 235                                         the Resale Activities Review Board (the               the Office of Management and Budget.
                                                                                                         Board) to review material offered for
                                                 [Docket ID: DOD–2013–OS–0220]                           sale or rental on property under DoD                  Sec. 202, Public Law 104–4, ‘‘Unfunded
                                                                                                         jurisdiction and to make                              Mandates Reform Act’’
                                                 RIN 0790–AJ15
                                                                                                         recommendations to the Secretary of                      Section 202 of the Unfunded
                                                 Prohibition of the Sale or Rental of                    Defense, in accordance with section                   Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (UMRA)
                                                 Sexually Explicit Material on DoD                       2495b. Any material that is determined                (Pub. L. 104–4) requires agencies assess
                                                 Property                                                to be sexually explicit, as defined by                anticipated costs and benefits before
                                                                                                         section 2495b, is not offered and if                  issuing any rule whose mandates
                                                 AGENCY:  Under Secretary of Defense for
                                                                                                         materials are already on store shelves,               require spending in any 1 year of $100
                                                 Personnel and Readiness, DoD.
                                                                                                         they are removed.                                     million in 1995 dollars, updated
                                                 ACTION: Proposed rule.                                     This proposed rule will cost the DoD               annually for inflation. In 2014, that
                                                 SUMMARY:    This rulemaking codifies in                 approximately $5,500 annually for the                 threshold is approximately $141
                                                 the Code of Federal Regulations the                     life of the rule to manage the Board. It              million. This proposed rule will not
                                                 policy for restrictions on the sale or                  is anticipated that the costs will recur              mandate any requirements for State,
                                                 rental of sexually explicit materials on                for the life of the proposed rule varying             local, or tribal governments, nor will it
                                                 property under the jurisdiction of the                  for inflation. 10 U.S.C. 2495b authorizes             affect private sector costs.
                                                 DoD, or by Service members or DoD                       Board members travel expenses while
                                                                                                         away from their homes or regular places               Public Law 96–354, ‘‘Regulatory
                                                 civilian employees acting in their
                                                                                                         of business in the performance of                     Flexibility Act’’ (5 U.S.C. 601)
                                                 official capacities based on 10 U.S.C.
                                                 2495b. It also establishes the Resale                   services for the Board. DoD
                                                                                                         implemented section 2495b by issuing                    The Department of Defense certifies
                                                 Activities Review Board (referred to in                                                                       that this proposed rule is not subject to
                                                 this rule as the ‘‘Board’’).                            DoD Instruction (DoDI) 4105.70,
                                                                                                         ‘‘Prohibition of the Sale or Rental of                the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C.
                                                 DATES: Comments must be received by                     Sexually Explicit Material on DoD                     601) because it would not, if
                                                 February 22, 2016.                                      Property’’ (the Instruction). This                    promulgated, have a significant
                                                 ADDRESSES: You may submit comments,                     instruction is available on the Internet              economic impact on a substantial
                                                 identified by docket number and/or RIN                  from the DoD Issuances Web site at                    number of small entities. Therefore, the
                                                 number and title, by any of the                         http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives. The               Regulatory Flexibility Act, as amended,
                                                 following methods:                                      Instruction established DoD policy that               does not require us to prepare a
                                                    • Federal Rulemaking Portal: http://                 prohibits the sale or rental of sexually              regulatory flexibility analysis.
                                                 www.regulations.gov. Follow the                         explicit material on property under DoD               Public Law 96–511, ‘‘Paperwork
                                                 instructions for submitting comments.                   jurisdiction, and no Service member or                Reduction Act’’ (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35)
                                                    • Mail: Department of Defense, Office                DoD civilian employee, acting in his or
                                                 of the Deputy Chief Management                          her official capacity, will provide for                 It has been certified that 32 CFR part
                                                 Officer, Directorate of Oversight and                   sale, remuneration, or rental any                     235 does not impose reporting or
                                                 Compliance, Regulatory and Audit                        sexually explicit material to another                 recordkeeping requirements under the
                                                 Matters Office, 9010 Defense Pentagon,                  person. This proposed rule facilitates                Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
                                                 Washington, DC 20301–9010.                              DoD’s compliance with the
                                                    Instructions: All submissions received                                                                     Executive Order 13132, ‘‘Federalism’’
                                                                                                         requirements of 10 U.S.C. 2495b and
                                                 must include the agency name and                        fulfills the requisite public notification              Executive Order 13132 establishes
                                                 docket number or Regulatory                             of the DoD process to implement this                  certain requirements that an agency
                                                 Information Number (RIN) for this                       statutory requirement.                                must meet when it promulgates a
                                                 Federal Register document. The general                                                                        proposed rule (and subsequent final
                                                 policy for comments and other                           Regulatory Procedures
                                                                                                                                                               rule) that imposes substantial direct
                                                 submissions from members of the public                  Executive Order 12866, ‘‘Regulatory                   requirement costs on State and local
                                                 is to make these submissions available                  Planning and Review’’ and Executive                   governments, preempts State law, or
                                                 for public viewing on the Internet at                   Order 13563, ‘‘Improving Regulation                   otherwise has Federalism implications.
                                                 http://www.regulations.gov as they are
rmajette on DSK2TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                                                                         and Regulatory Review’’                               This proposed rule will not have a
                                                 received without change, including any                                                                        substantial effect on State and local
                                                 personal identifiers or contact                            Executive Orders 13563 and 12866
                                                                                                         direct agencies to assess all costs and               governments.
                                                 information.
                                                                                                         benefits of available regulatory                      List of Subjects in 32 CFR Part 235
                                                 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:                        alternatives and, if regulation is
                                                 Ryan Atkins, 703–588–0619.                              necessary, to select regulatory                         Business and industry, Concessions,
                                                 SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:    Revisions                 approaches that maximize net benefits                 Government contracts, Military
                                                 to the rulemaking will be reported in                   (including potential economic,                        personnel.


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Document Created: 2015-12-22 02:31:46
Document Modified: 2015-12-22 02:31:46
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionProposed Rules
ActionRequest for Comments (RFC).
DatesComments must be received on or before February 18, 2016.
ContactFor questions about the program discussed herein, contact Mr. Kevin Sylvester, MUTCD Team Leader, FHWA Office of Transportation Operations, (202) 366-2161, or via email at [email protected] For legal questions, please contact Mr. William Winne, Office of the Chief Counsel, (202) 366-1397, or via email at [email protected] Office hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., e.t., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
FR Citation80 FR 79522 

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