1926.200(g)(2): Traffic Control Devices Must Follow MUTCD
The design and use of all traffic control devices for protection of construction workers, including signs, signals, markings and barricades, must conform to Part 6 of the MUTCD, which is incorporated by reference.
Key takeaways
- 1926.200(g)(2) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart G).
- OSHA cited it 71 times in the last 3 years, in 71 inspections, with $373,378 in current penalties.
- 7 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: NY (14), OH (9), DE (8).
- Related part: 1926.200(g) Traffic control signs and devices (144 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.200(g)(2) is one requirement inside 1926.200 Accident prevention signs and tags, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart G). The official text below is copied word for word from the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR). The numbers, injury cases and training on this page show how OSHA enforces it on real job sites.
Official text
(2) The design and use of all traffic control devices, including signs, signals, markings, barricades, and other devices, for protection of construction workers shall conform to Part 6 of the MUTCD (incorporated by reference, see § 1926.6). 71 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.200.
Injuries linked to this rule
7 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.200(g)(2).
Three employees were performing guardrail repairs on the interstate when a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed fatally struck the employees.
Full case list with employer, penalty, filters and download is part of OSHA Data (Purple Belt).
Unlock with Purple BeltWhere and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 7 |
| 2024 | 20 |
| 2025 | 23 |
| 2026 | 21 |
Top states: NY (14), OH (9), DE (8), CT (6), KY (5)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| AWP, INC. | WICKLIFFE, OH | $44,361 |
| 158678 - CAROLINA POWER - SIGNALIZATION, LLC | EDEN, NC | $16,550 |
| 158681 - WRIGHT OF NORTH CAROLINA LLC | EDEN, NC | $16,550 |
| EARLE ASPHALT CO., INC. | TOMS RIVER, NJ | $16,550 |
| NPL EAST LLC | BRISTOL, CT | $16,550 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.200(g)(2), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Whether use of high-visibility warning garments by construction workers in highway work zones is required. (2009-08-05)
- Highway work zones and reflective/warning vests for the protection of off-duty police officers working as flaggers. (2006-01-31)
- Requirements for use of high-visibility warning garments by construction workers in highway work zones. (2004-05-11)
- Substitution of phosphorescent helmets for retroflective garments does not meet high-visibility clothing requirements for flaggers. (2003-12-08)
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.200(g) Traffic control signs and devices 144 citations
- 1926.200(g)(1) 73 citations
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Frequently asked questions
What standard governs work zone traffic devices?
Part 6 of the MUTCD.
Which devices are covered?
All traffic control devices, including signs, signals, markings, barricades and other devices.
Does it cover design and use?
Yes. Both the design and use must conform.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.200 (eCFR), text current as of 2026-10-15
- U.S. Department of Labor enforcement data: OSHA inspections, citations and accident records, copied nightly; data as of 2026-10-20
3-year window. Federal OSHA only; state-plan rules are not counted. Plain-language text is a summary, not legal advice; the official text controls. Black Belt Safety is not part of OSHA or the Department of Labor.