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Traffic Engineering

Minnesota Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices

History of the MN MUTCD

Minnesota first recognized the need for uniform traffic control standards in 1939, publishing its initial Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways of the State of Minnesota. This was adopted under the Highway Traffic Regulation Act of 1937 and closely followed national recommendations from the American Association of State Highway Officials (AASHO) and the National Conference on Street and Highway Safety. These organizations had earlier developed the first national MUTCD in 1935, which became the foundation for all subsequent editions.

Over time, Minnesota updated its manual to reflect changes in federal standards and state practices. Editions were adopted in 1949, 1956, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1991, 2001, 2005, 2011, and 2025, with most incorporating revisions through Commissioner’s Orders. These updates addressed evolving traffic engineering practices, safety improvements, and compliance with federal mandates.

Today, the MN MUTCD remains the authoritative guide for traffic control devices in Minnesota, balancing national uniformity with local conditions. Its development involves collaboration among the Federal Highway Administration, which ensures the manual is in substantial conformance with national standards; the Minnesota Committee on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, formed in 1993 to review and recommend language; and the Commissioner of Transportation through MnDOT, who adopts the manual as required by Minnesota Statute 169.06.

Previous editions

2011 Minnesota Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices

Commissioner order number Date adopted
100704 Aug. 1, 2024
100439 Jan. 22, 2024
100159 June 12, 2023
99911 Dec. 19, 2022
99562 Feb. 14, 2022
98764 Sept. 3, 2020
98253 Sept. 20, 2019
97267 Feb. 21, 2018
97233 Jan. 31, 2018
94687 Feb. 10, 2015
94040 Dec. 11, 2013
93799 July 29, 2013
93167 July 15, 2012
92952 Dec. 15, 2011

2005 Minnesota Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices

Commissioner order number Date adopted
90627 March 26, 2009
90038 Feb. 15, 2008
89453 Jan. 2, 2007
88552 May 5, 2005

2001 Minnesota Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices

Commissioner order number Date adopted
87570 Jan. 2, 2004
87127 May 22, 2003
86252 April 15, 2002

1991 Minnesota Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices

Commissioner order number Date adopted
85045 Dec. 20, 2000
84240 Jan. 26, 2000
83387 Nov. 17, 1999
82843 Jan. 2, 1998
82232 Jan. 10, 1997
81551 March 15, 1996
80878 April 3, 1995
80748 Jan. 6, 1995
79901 Feb. 4, 1994
78988 Jan. 4, 1993
77588 Oct. 3, 1991

1986 Minnesota Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices

Commissioner order number Date adopted
71787 Dec. 19, 1986
70797 April 15, 1986

1974 Minnesota Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices

Commissioner order number Date adopted
54014 Dec. 20, 1973

1962 Minnesota Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices

Commissioner order number Date adopted
50987 April 21, 1972
49894 Sept. 15, 1971
32517 Feb. 16, 1962

1956 Minnesota Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices

Commissioner order number Date adopted
25729 May 23, 1956

1949 Minnesota Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices

Commissioner order number Date adopted
19270 March 22, 1949

1939 Minnesota Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices

Commissioner order number Date adopted
12328 April 21, 1939