MUTCD Updates Explained: What They Mean for High-Visibility Compliance in 2025 and Beyond
MUTCD Updates Explained: What They Mean for High-Visibility Compliance in 2025 and Beyond
Visibility isn’t just a safety concern; it’s a compliance issue. And for many organizations, that realization comes too late. It often takes a surprise audit, a workplace incident, or a legal complaint to uncover that high-visibility apparel on-site doesn’t meet current standards. By then, the damage is already done.
With the release of the 11th Edition of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), the rules just got stricter. Employers now face clearer expectations, shorter timelines, and higher stakes when it comes to visibility in temporary traffic control zones.
This article explains what’s changed, who’s affected, and how safety teams can take action now. You’ll also see why choosing the right workwear partner, before enforcement ramps up, is one of the smartest moves you can make.
What Is the MUTCD?
The MUTCD is the national standard for signs, signals, and road markings. It sets the rules that help workers, drivers, and pedestrians move safely through roadways and construction zones.
What many employers miss is that MUTCD guidelines aren’t optional. Federal and state agencies enforce them through the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), and they often show up in project contracts or safety audits.
If your crews are working near traffic, or even just setting up cones in a parking lot, the MUTCD likely applies. So what’s new in the 11th Edition, and what does that mean for employers going forward?
What the 2024 MUTCD Update Requires for High-Visibility Workwear
The newest edition of the MUTCD became effective on January 18, 2024. Every state has until January 18, 2026, to adopt it or show substantial compliance. Many have already started. The biggest change for employers and crews? Section 6C.05 now sets clear, enforceable rules for high-visibility apparel.
Here’s what’s now required in any temporary traffic control (TTC) zone:
- All workers, not just flaggers, must wear high-visibility apparel.
- The apparel must meet ANSI/ISEA 107-2015 or an updated equivalent revision performance standards, Class 2 or Class 3.
- It must be worn during both daytime and nighttime operations.
- Retroreflective materials must remain visible after regular laundering and wear.
- Garments must be clean, intact, and in serviceable condition.
This applies to a wide range of personnel, including:
- Road crews and construction workers
- Utility contractors and municipal workers
- Emergency responders
- Even homeowners working within a TTC zone
If your current inventory includes garments labeled only to 107-2010 or earlier, those are no longer acceptable under the updated rule. That's because the MUTCD names ANSI/ISEA 107-2015 as the standard.
What About ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 and 107-2025?
Compliance doesn’t stop with what’s written in the current MUTCD. Industry standards are moving forward, and so should your workwear strategy. Many employers are already upgrading from ANSI/ISEA 107-2015 to ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 compliant workwear, which refined performance specs and added clarity on things like:
- Garment labeling
- Accessory visibility
- Minimum area requirements
Looking ahead, the ANSI/ISEA 107-2025 revision is just around the corner. While it's not finalized yet, safety managers who upgrade now and stay informed about the coming changes will be better positioned to maintain compliance and protect their crews long term.
Read More: Understanding the Standards That Govern Hi-Vis Safety.
What Should Employers Do Now?
Meeting the new visibility requirements doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here’s a simple checklist to help your team move quickly and confidently.
Here’s your 2025 high-visibility compliance checklist:
Meeting these requirements isn’t just about safety, it’s about being ready. Having the right workwear partner can make the process easier from start to finish. That’s where Kishigo comes in.
How Kishigo Helps You Stay Compliant and Keep Crews Comfortable
For over 50 years, Kishigo has focused on one thing: making high-visibility apparel that works as hard as the people wearing it.
We don’t chase shortcuts. We build every product with long-term safety, comfort, and compliance in mind. Our team has played an active role in shaping the ANSI/ISEA 107 standards that define today’s high-visibility requirements, so we don’t just follow the rules; we help write them.
From quality materials to thoughtful design, our workwear is made to perform in real-world conditions, on the job site, during inspections, and across changing regulations.
Why safety leaders trust Kishigo:
- No skipped steps: Every garment goes through continuous quality checks to make sure it meets the standard and stays that way.
- Built to fit real bodies: We design with breathable mesh, padded collars, and adjustable sizing that works for men and women alike.
- Strength you don’t see: We reinforce zippers, conceal fusing, and square off hems so garments last longer without looking bulky or unfinished.
- Clarity where it counts: Transparent labeling makes it easy to confirm compliance, no guesswork required.
- Ahead of the curve: Most of our apparel already meets or exceeds ANSI/ISEA 107-2020, and we’re preparing now for what 107-2025 will bring.
It’s purpose-built workwear that protects your people, reflects your commitment to safety, and simplifies your compliance strategy.
Be Ready Before the Deadline
The MUTCD has changed. Enforcement is tightening. Now’s the time to review your inventory, replace outdated garments, and make sure your high-visibility program meets current standards.
Kishigo’s Garment Inspection Card makes it easy to verify compliance at a glance, right on the job site. Explore Kishigo’s ANSI-compliant workwear today, and keep your workforce ready for whatever comes next.