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Statement on FHWA New Rule on Retroreflectivity for Pavement Markings

BOZEMAN, MT, 8/12/2022 – The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) published a final rule on Aug. 5, officially setting new minimum levels of retroreflectivity for pavement markings.

FHWA has also provided a recommended method of installation that is designed to maintain retroreflectivity of longitudinal pavement markings.

“We know visibility enhances safety,” said Jaime Sullivan, director of the National Center for Rural Road Safety. “We’re here to help as rural practitioners implement this rule.”

The retroreflectivity of signs and markings begins to degrade quickly – especially for pavement markings which suffer from traffic wear, UV rays, and from winter maintenance, such as snow plowing. With the new minimums in place, retroreflectivity should be improved, which has the potential to reduce crashes in dark and low-light conditions.

A webinar about the new rule has been scheduled for 12:30 EST Sept. 1. You must register in advance. Register here.

Review the FHWA use of methods recommendations here. For more information, visit the FHWA nighttime visibility website.

The deadline to implement this rule is Sept. 6, 2026.

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