California Department of Transportation

The committee discussed a proposal to amend the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (CA MUTCD) 2026. The discussion centered on removing Section 1B.02.P8 and the second sentence of 1B.02.P10 to eliminate ambiguity regarding the term 'discrepancy' when referencing the relationship between the CA MUTCD and other Caltrans supplemental documents, as the current language was found to be potentially contradictory for practitioners.

The committee discussed the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games traffic control device experiments. Key agenda items focused on the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (CA MUTCD) 2026, including reviews and actions for Chapters 2B, 2M, and 2N. The committee also moved forward the 2026 Appendices, received an update on agenda item statuses, and reviewed legislative information for the 2025/2026 session.

The meeting addressed the status of several active traffic control experiments, including projects involving bus lane treatments, shoulder travel, and signal modifications. Significant focus was placed on action items regarding the finalization of the CA MUTCD 2026 draft documents, including parts related to signs, appendices, and the cover, to align with federal standards. The committee also discussed informational items concerning the status of pending agenda topics and relevant legislative information.

The meeting began with member introductions. Key agenda items focused on the CA MUTCD 2026 topics. Following a public hearing section, the committee voted on the final draft of the CA MUTCD 2026. A motion was passed unanimously to approve the CA MUTCD 2026-Final Draft, noting that Caltrans received confirmation from FHWA regarding its substantial conformance with the 2023 Edition of the National Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. The committee also discussed upcoming meetings and subsequently voted to cancel the scheduled February 5, 2026, meeting.

The meeting included organization items such as the introduction of members and noting a change in the Caltrans Voting Member membership. Key discussion points focused on the public hearing for the CA MUTCD 2026 updates. Specifically, the committee recommended that Caltrans finalize Part 2M concerning Recreational and Cultural Interest Area Signs. Furthermore, the committee approved the draft cover for the CA MUTCD 2026, granting Caltrans authority for necessary alterations. Discussions also covered the next steps for wrapping up CA MUTCD 2026 work, with a special meeting planned for December being moved to January.