CA MUTCD 2026 - DROPPED the R81 (CA) Bike Lane Sign?

14 views

Skip to first unread message

William Sellin

unread,

Jan 22, 2026, 3:03:20 PMJan 22

to cam...@dot.ca.gov, Serena Liu, bryan.s...@dot.ca.gov

The newly released CA MUTCD has apparently has adopted the Federal R3-17 BIKE LANE sign and tossed or California R81 (CA)

We also dropped our BEGIN an END for the Federal AHEAD and ENDS signs?

Will every jurisdiction in California need to replace every Bike Lane sign now posted?

Section 9B.04 Bicycle Lane Signs and Plaques (R3-17, R3-5hP, R3-17aP, and R3-17bP)

Standard:

01 The BIKE LANE (R3-17) sign and the BIKE LANE (R3-5hP), AHEAD (R3-17aP), and ENDS (R3-17bP) plaques (see Figure 9B-1) shall be used only in conjunction with marked bicycle lanes as described in Sections 9E.01, 9E.06, and 9E.07.

Guidance:

02 If used, Bicycle Lane signs and plaques should shall be located at the beginning of the bicycle lane, and in advance of the downstream end of the bicycle lane, and at all major changes in direction. The BIKE LANE (R3-17) sign shall be used to regulate bicycle and motor vehicle traffic, in accordance with CVC §§ 21207, 21207.5, 21208, 21209 and 21717. Guidance: 02a The BIKE LANE (R3-17) sign should be placed at every arterial street and at 1/2 mile intervals of each designated Bike lane.

Option:

03 Additional Bicycle Lane signs and plaques may be used at periodic intervals along the bicycle lane as determined by engineering judgment based on the operating speed of bicycle and other traffic, block length, distances from adjacent intersections, and other considerations.

It’s right there on the cover…

Bill Sellin
714.943.3678
WASe...@gmail.com

Infrastructure Review Committee

“Complete Streets Expert"

OCBike.org

Area Liaison to Caltrans District 12

CABOBike.org