1926.200(g): Traffic Control Signs and Devices
At points of hazard, construction areas must be posted with readable traffic control signs and protected by traffic control devices. The design and use of all traffic control devices that protect construction workers, including signs, signals, markings and barricades, must follow Part 6 of the MUTCD.
Key takeaways
- 1926.200(g) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart G).
- OSHA cited it 144 times in the last 3 years, in 124 inspections, with $1,068,189 in current penalties.
- 9 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: NY (20), DE (20), PA (11).
- Related part: 1926.200(g)(1) (73 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.200(g) ("Traffic control signs and devices") is one requirement inside 1926.200 Accident prevention signs and tags, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart G). It includes 2 sub-paragraphs. 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
(g) Traffic control signs and devices. 144 citations
(1) At points of hazard, construction areas shall be posted with legible traffic control signs and protected by traffic control devices. Open (g)(1) 73 citations
(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). Open (g)(2) 71 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.200.
Injuries linked to this rule
9 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.200(g).
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 | 12 |
| 2024 | 45 |
| 2025 | 56 |
| 2026 | 31 |
Top states: NY (20), DE (20), PA (11), OH (10), CT (10)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| AWP, INC. | WILMINGTON, DE | $99,300 |
| AWP, INC. | CLAYMONT, DE | $91,025 |
| MUMFORD & MILLER CONCRETE, INC. | DOVER, DE | $76,610 |
| AWP, INC. | WICKLIFFE, OH | $44,361 |
| GUARDIAN CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, INC. | WILMINGTON, DE | $39,721 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.200(g), 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)
- Whether it is permissible to leave tools in the holes of the top plate of a self-supporting ladder; whether employers are permitted to develop their own color-coding system at a construction site. (2006-06-13)
- 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)
- Garment color specifications for flagmen; requirements for traffic signs and barricades. (1999-06-16)
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.200(g)(1) 73 citations
- 1926.200(g)(2) 71 citations
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
Trainers and suppliers: feature your business on this rule for $25/month.
Frequently asked questions
When are traffic control signs required on a construction site?
At points of hazard, construction areas must be posted with legible traffic control signs and protected by traffic control devices.
What standard do traffic control devices have to meet?
Their design and use must conform to Part 6 of the MUTCD, which OSHA incorporates by reference.
What counts as a traffic control device?
The rule lists signs, signals, markings, barricades and other devices used to protect construction workers.
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 2026-10-19
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.