What to know regarding the new MUTCD Requirements and Audible Information Devices

MUTCD to be adopted by every state in January 2026

The 11th Edition of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) was published in December 2023 and went into effect January 2024. To give states enough time to adopt and implement the specifications in the manual, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), a division of the greater Department of Transportation (DOT), allotted states two years from when the ruling went into effect to “adopt the MUTCD or have a State MUTCD/supplement that is in substantial conformance with the MUTCD.” The deadline for states to adopt this updated ruling is January 18th, 2026. 

Among the updates, the addition of Audible Information Devices (AIDs) guidelines is one of the most noteworthy. AIDs, as defined by Accessible Design for the Blind are devices that are “intended to provide information to pedestrians with visual disabilities that is equivalent to visual signing for notification of sidewalk closures and to indicate a temporary path around a construction area, using a speech message.” In other words, AIDs deliver on Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance by providing the same pedestrian instructions that would be delivered by a written sign through audible communication, allowing blind and visually impaired (BVI) pedestrians more independence and agency in their navigation. This addition to visible signage shows a clear, conscious effort on part of the US government to increase accessibility for the blind and visually impaired community. 

Some specific examples from the MUTCD include Section 6C.03, which states that areas “where pedestrians are detoured to a temporary traffic control signal, an accessible pedestrian signal provides information in non-visual formats (such as audible tones and/or speech messages, and vibrating surfaces) so that a pedestrian with vision disabilities can know when to cross the street along the alternate route.” The document goes on to state that “blocked routes, alternate crossings, and sign and signal information should be communicated to pedestrians with vision disabilities by providing devices such as audible information devices or barriers and channelizing devices that are detectable to the pedestrians traveling with the aid of a long cane or who have vision disabilities.” This update is significant as it appropriately addresses the needs of blind pedestrians using newer technology. Recent developments in audio technology have made AIDs practical, as they are more durable and reliable than ever before. By including this section, this latest edition of the MUTCD demonstrates a commitment to continued efforts to support ADA with advanced technology 

To aid this effort, PSS has developed Parakeet, an audible information device that is not only MUTCD compliant, but its automatic volume adjustment, tamper resistant casing, and smart motion detection make Parakeet the most advanced AID on the market. Watch below to see Parakeet in action, just as the MUTCD intends. 

https://youtu.be/ZzKDtCxawkM?si=el3FPJ4RNk9xtT8G