Time's Up!
In 2009, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) enacted a transitional period for compliance in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD).
In short this guideline stated that cities, towns, states, and other related organizations using signs on public roads comprised of Type I/Engineer Grade (EG) sheeting would have to phase out the sheeting within 10 years.
Now that the clock has turned from 2018 to 2019, the time is up for this transition period. To stay in compliance, make sure all of your signs have Type II/Superior Engineer Grade (SEG) sheeting or higher. It is easy to keep track of sign fabrication and installation dates with sign maintenance decals (PN: SA-SO-SMD).
EG sheeting is a basic reflective sheeting that includes glass beads or a dual-layer prismatic sheeting that offers moderate retro-reflectivity. EG sheeting has a 7-year life span. SEG sheeting is different from EG sheeting in that it is more reflective, providing twice the level of reflectivity than EG. This allows for better visibility when light is reflected on it, and better visibility aids in the reduction of accidents. SEG has a 10-year life span.
Sheeting | Engineer Grade | Superior Engineer Grade | High Intensity |
Type | I | II | III |
Designation | EG | SEG | HI |
Reflectivity | Moderate | High | Higher |
Life Span | 7 years | 10 years | 10 years |