The ATSSA Retroreflectivity website debuted in August 2006. This website is meant to be a one-stop shopping location for retroreflective issues related to transportation. Since the site is new, there is still much work that needs to be completed. We have tried to provide you with enough information to get a sense of where we’re headed. Your feedback is important. Please let us know what you think of the website. Thanks!
Retroreflectivity is the scientific term that describes the ability of a surface to return light back to its source. Retroreflective signs and pavement markings bounce light from vehicle headlights back toward the vehicle and the driver's eyes. Signs and markings that efficiently return the light appear brighter and easier to see and read.
Retroreflectivity, or nighttime visibility of signs and pavement markings, provide: (1) critical information to drivers at night, (2) help drivers navigate the road during nighttime hours, (3) enhance traffic flow and driver mobility, and (4) promote safe driving.
A Final Rule on Sign Retroreflectivity has been published in the Federal
Register on December 21, 2007. This Final Rule adopts revisions to the
current 2003 edition of the MUTCD. The revisions affect the MUTCD
Introduction, Part 1, and Chapter 2A, plus minor editorial changes to
cross-references in Chapters 2B and 6F. This set of revisions is Revision
No. 2 to the 2003 edition of the MUTCD. The most current edition of the
MUTCD is now the 2003 Edition with Revisions 1 and 2 incorporated.
Maintaining Traffic Sign Retroreflectivity: Impacts on State and Local Agencies) is a new publication issued April 2007 by the Federal Highway Administration. This report updates a 1998 report on the national impact of minimum maintained traffic sign retroreflectivity levels and addresses concerns expressed in four FHWA-sponsored workshops that were held in 2002.
A new retroreflective sheeting identification guide is now available at the following internet address: click here
Upcoming Events
October 21-22, 2008 - ATSSA Retroreflectivity Workshop - Watch for further details!
