New formatting is part of changes in DOT’s traffic code

North Hempstead, NY – Town of North Hempstead will be installing newly-formatted street signs throughout the Town, as a part of a Federal Mandate by the US Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration to make street name signs more visible and easier for drivers to read, especially in inclement driving conditions. Under this regulation, the new signs will replace the old signs as the old ones become damaged or accumulate significant wear and tear.

The new street signs will follow uniform regulations, as stated in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), which include having mixed capital and lower case lettering, rather than all capital letters as is the case on many signs today. The new regulations also require all signs, both street and traffic signs, to have a higher level of reflectiveness.

“These new street name signs are much clearer and easier to read,” said Supervisor Bosworth. “I am sure that anyone who has driven around looking for a street name, especially in inclement weather or at night, will appreciate the larger lettering and new format. After all, GPS can only get you so far. We still require clear signage for our street names.”

North Hempstead Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth with the new street signs.