903.12 Changeable Message Signs (MUTCD Chapter 2L) - Revision history

Hoskir: /* {{SpanID|903.12.4}}903.12.4 Design Characteristics of Messages (MUTCD Section 2L.04) */ fixed broken links

2026-01-13T16:29:55Z

{{SpanID|903.12.4}}903.12.4 Design Characteristics of Messages (MUTCD Section 2L.04): fixed broken links

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:29, 13 January 2026
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	'''Standard. '''Except as provided in the following paragraph, messages shall not include animation, flashing, dissolving, exploding, scrolling, or other dynamic display elements.		'''Standard. '''Except as provided in the following paragraph, messages shall not include animation, flashing, dissolving, exploding, scrolling, or other dynamic display elements.

	When a portable CMS is used as an arrow board that uses a flashing or sequential display for a lane or shoulder closure, the display and operation shall be considered that of an arrow board and shall comply with the provisions of EPG [[616.~~12 Other TTC Zone Traffic Control Devices~~ (~~MUTCD Chapter 6L~~)#616.12.5\|616.12.5]] and [[616.~~12 Other TTC Zone Traffic Control Devices~~ (~~MUTCD Chapter 6L~~)#616.12.6\|616.12.6]].		When a portable CMS is used as an arrow board that uses a flashing or sequential display for a lane or shoulder closure, the display and operation shall be considered that of an arrow board and shall comply with the provisions of EPG [[616.12_Other_Temporary_Traffic_Control_Zone_Traffic_Control_Devices_(MUTCD_Chapter_6L)#616.12.5_Portable_Changeable_Message_Signs_(MUTCD_Section_6L.05)\|616.12.5]] and [[616.12_Other_Temporary_Traffic_Control_Zone_Traffic_Control_Devices_(MUTCD_Chapter_6L)#616.12.6_Arrow_Boards_(MUTCD_Section_6L.06)\|616.12.6]].

	'''Guidance. '''In developing messages for display on CMS, the provisions of [[:Category:911 General (MUTCD Part 1)#Purpose_and_Principles_of_Traffic_Control_Devices_(MUTCD_Section_1D.01)\|EPG 911 (MUTCD Section 1D.01)]] should be consulted for the principles of an effective traffic control device.		'''Guidance. '''In developing messages for display on CMS, the provisions of [[:Category:911 General (MUTCD Part 1)#Purpose_and_Principles_of_Traffic_Control_Devices_(MUTCD_Section_1D.01)\|EPG 911 (MUTCD Section 1D.01)]] should be consulted for the principles of an effective traffic control device.

Hoskir: /* {{SpanID|903.12.1}}903.12.1 Description of Changeable Message Signs (MUTCD Section 2L.01) */ fixed broken link

2026-01-13T16:27:34Z

{{SpanID|903.12.1}}903.12.1 Description of Changeable Message Signs (MUTCD Section 2L.01): fixed broken link

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:27, 13 January 2026
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	Dynamic message signs (DMS) are a type of CMS which are stationary traffic control devices capable of displaying one or more alternative messages that provide travelers with real-time, traffic-related variable messages. DMS are used to warn, regulate, route and manage traffic.		Dynamic message signs (DMS) are a type of CMS which are stationary traffic control devices capable of displaying one or more alternative messages that provide travelers with real-time, traffic-related variable messages. DMS are used to warn, regulate, route and manage traffic.

	The provisions in EPG 903.12 apply to both permanent and portable changeable message signs with electronic displays or the electronic display portion of an otherwise conventional static sign. Additional provisions that only apply to portable changeable message signs (PCMS) can be found in [[616.~~12 Other TTC Zone Traffic Control Devices~~ (~~MUTCD Chapter 6L~~)#616.12.5\|EPG 616.12.5]]. Additional MoDOT provisions that apply to permanently-located DMS can be found in [[910.3 Dynamic Message Signs (DMS)#910.3\|EPG 910.3]].		The provisions in EPG 903.12 apply to both permanent and portable changeable message signs with electronic displays or the electronic display portion of an otherwise conventional static sign. Additional provisions that only apply to portable changeable message signs (PCMS) can be found in [[616.12_Other_Temporary_Traffic_Control_Zone_Traffic_Control_Devices_(MUTCD_Chapter_6L)#616.12.5_Portable_Changeable_Message_Signs_(MUTCD_Section_6L.05)\|EPG 616.12.5]]. Additional MoDOT provisions that apply to permanently-located DMS can be found in [[910.3 Dynamic Message Signs (DMS)#910.3\|EPG 910.3]].

	The CMS is a traffic control device at all times regardless of the type of message being displayed. Accordingly, the limitations on design, format, and manner of display of a message conveyed on a conventional sign apply to CMS regardless of the type of message being displayed at any given time. Some of the general provisions regarding traffic control devices are reiterated in EPG 903.12. However, EPG 903.12 is not an independent or stand-alone reference for CMS. Users of CMS are expected to consult the other articles in the EPG for criteria on how to develop effective messages that comply with the EPG and that meet the expectancy and limitations of the road user. In this regard, the engineering processes applied to decisions about whether to use a particular sign, for example, are no different for the decisions about the type and content of the message under consideration for display on a CMS. The other limited-use messages allowed on CMS as provided for in EPG 903.12 likewise fall under the same MUTCD provisions as the primary-use traffic operation regulatory, warning, and guidance messages except as stated otherwise in EPG 903.12.		The CMS is a traffic control device at all times regardless of the type of message being displayed. Accordingly, the limitations on design, format, and manner of display of a message conveyed on a conventional sign apply to CMS regardless of the type of message being displayed at any given time. Some of the general provisions regarding traffic control devices are reiterated in EPG 903.12. However, EPG 903.12 is not an independent or stand-alone reference for CMS. Users of CMS are expected to consult the other articles in the EPG for criteria on how to develop effective messages that comply with the EPG and that meet the expectancy and limitations of the road user. In this regard, the engineering processes applied to decisions about whether to use a particular sign, for example, are no different for the decisions about the type and content of the message under consideration for display on a CMS. The other limited-use messages allowed on CMS as provided for in EPG 903.12 likewise fall under the same MUTCD provisions as the primary-use traffic operation regulatory, warning, and guidance messages except as stated otherwise in EPG 903.12.

Hoskir: New Article due to MUTCD updates (See Special Ballot)

2025-12-31T17:47:17Z

New Article due to MUTCD updates (See Special Ballot)

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