FHWA IA-21 for Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs)

Learn What’s New in IA-21 vs. IA-11

On March 20, 2018, the Federal Highway Administration issued Interim Approval 21 – Rectangular Rapid-Flashing Beacons at Crosswalks in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD).

The Basics

IA-11 is no longer valid: existing RRFBs installed under IA-11 may remain operating until the end of their useful serviceable life. Action: See the FAQ questions #6–7 for more information on previously installed RRFBs and the definition of “Serviceable Life.”

All state and local agencies must apply for new approvals under IA-21. Submit applications to the Office of Transportation Operations: MUTCDofficialrequest@dot.gov

Breaking down the Conditions of Interim Approval

What you need to know	How we can help
SECTION 5B: BEACON FLASHING REQUIREMENTS
Only one flash pattern is permitted: wig-wag + simultaneous (WW+S).	All Carmanah units installed since 2014 are already utilizing the MUTCD-compliant WW+S flash pattern required under IA-21.
SECTION 5E: BEACON FLASHING REQUIREMENTS
Night time dimming is recommended.	All Carmanah RRFBs have nighttime dimming as a built-in feature.
SECTION 6C: BEACON OPERATION
R10-25 sign explaining the purpose and use of the pedestrian pushbutton detector must accompany pushbuttons.	Contact us to determine the components you need for your installation.
SECTION 7: ACCESSIBLE PEDESTRIAN FEATURES
What can be used: locator tone or voice message “yellow lights are flashing,” spoken twice. What cannot be used: vibrotactile indications or percussive indications.	Carmanah has been supplying this compliant AP pedestrian pushbutton since 2014.