Regulation & Policy

Federal Register Notice Published on July 19, 2011 (HTML, PDF, 182KB) - ACTION: Summary of responses to request for comments. The final rule establishing the minimum parameters and requirements for States to make available and share traffic and travel conditions information via real-time information programs as required by Section 1201 of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) was published on November 8, 2010. In issuing the final rule, the FHWA also sought additional comments relating to the costs and benefits of the Real-Time System Management Information Program and general information about current and planned programs. Thirty-one entities provided responses to the Request for Comments and this document provides a summary of those responses.

Federal Register Notice Published on November 8, 2010 (HTML, PDF 121KB) - ACTION: Final rule; request for comments. This rule is effective December 23, 2010. Establishment of the real-time information program for traffic and travel conditions reporting along the Interstate system highways shall be completed no later than November 8, 2014. Establishment of the real-time information program for traffic and travel conditions reporting along the State-designated metropolitan area routes of significance shall be completed no later than November 8, 2016.

Federal Register Notice Published on August 9, 2010 (HTML, PDF 64KB) - ACTION: Notice. The U.S. DOT has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to help refine the plans for one or more demonstrations focused on the use of Connected Vehicle data sources for performance measurement and performance-based management. The U.S. DOT seeks comments, responses and innovative ideas from the public sector, private sector, and academic communities concerning the demonstration program described in this RFI. [DOCID:fr09au10-105].

Federal Register Notice Published on January 14, 2009 (HTML, PDF 100KB) - This notice seeks comments from States and other jurisdictions and interested parties on a proposed rule to establish minimum parameters and requirements for States to make available and share traffic and travel conditions information via the Real-Time System Management Information Program.

Federal Register Notice Published on October 15, 2007 (HTML, PDF 325KB) - This notice seeks comments from States and other jurisdictions and interested parties on Interim Guidance on the Information Sharing Specifications and Data Exchange Formats for the Real-Time System Management Information Program.

Federal Register Notice Published on May 4, 2006 (HTML, PDF 65KB) - This notice seeks comments and information for the Real-Time System Management Information Program under Section 1201 of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU). [FHWA Docket Number FHWA-06-24219]

Federal Register Notice Published on October 19, 2005 (HTML, PDF 70KB) - This notice request for expression of consent to participate in the Transportation Technology Innovation and Demonstration Program.

Policy for Messages on Dynamic Message Signs (DMS) (HTML, PDF 601KB) 2/9/06 - This memorandum addresses a number of questions from Division Offices and other sources asking about the appropriateness of certain messages proposed for display on dynamic message signs (DMS), this memorandum reiterates the policy guidance for the use of DMS.

Dynamic Message Sign (DMS) Recommended Practice and Guidance 8/24/04 - Memorandum offering recommended practices and guidance for the appropriate and effective use of DMS. There are too many instances where the DMS are underutilized or providing generic information even though traffic conditions are deteriorating. It is important that these assets and investments be used more effectively to provide motorists with meaningful and useful information. Providing travel time information is an excellent method of notifying motorists about current conditions in a manner that can be easily interpreted and understood.

Use of Changeable Message Sign (CMS) for Emergency Security Messages 3/21/03 - State and local transportation agencies have used CMS in times of emergency to convey information to motorists, and ongoing activities related to homeland security may introduce additional opportunities to use CMS. However, messages displayed on CMS must continue to be based on good practice. The purpose of this memorandum is to provide guidance on the use of CMS for displaying emergency or security alert messages.

Safety Message Signs Interpretation ("Click it or Ticket" Signs) 3/6/02 - Memorandum in response to an an inquiry from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) concerning the "Click it or Ticket" Signs. A "Click it or Ticket" sign design for a national safety campaign by NHTSA was reviewed, as well as the issues associated with its conformance with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD).

Memorandum on the Use of Changeable Message Signs 1/19/01 - The appropriate use of a CMS and other types of real-time displays should be limited to managing travel, controlling and diverting traffic, identifying current and anticipated roadway conditions, or regulating access to specific lanes or the entire roadway.

Guidance on Federal-aid Eligibility of Operating Costs for Transportation Management Systems 1/3/00 - This program guidance is intended to help clarify some issues that have been brought to our attention, and in particular questions about what may constitute reasonable operating costs for computer and other electronic systems. In order to assure continuous operation, costs associated with maintaining these systems are necessary operating expenses so that traffic monitoring, management, and control facilities or programs provide their intended functions.

To view PDF files, you need the Adobe Acrobat Reader.