MUTCD D10-3: Reference Location Signs and Intermediate Reference Location Signs

The D10-3 sign is covered in Section 2H.11 of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, 11th Edition. Below are the provisions from that section that describe when the sign is used and how it is placed.

What it means and when it is used

• Standard · Required (shall)
  Except when Enhanced Reference Location signs (see Section 2H.12) are used instead, Reference Location (D10-1 through D10-3) signs shall be placed on all expressway facilities that are located on a route where there is reference location sign continuity and on all freeway facilities to assist road users in estimating their progress, to provide a means for identifying the location of emergency incidents and traffic…
• Option · Permitted (may)
  Reference Location (D10-1 through D10-3) signs may be installed along any section of a highway route or ramp to assist road users in estimating their progress, to provide a means for identifying the location of emergency incidents and traffic crashes, and to aid in highway maintenance and servicing.

Placement and mounting

• Support · Information
  There are two types of reference location signs: A. Reference Location (D10-1 through D10-3) signs (see Figure 2H-5) show an integer distance point along a highway, and B. Intermediate Reference Location (D10-1a through D10-3a) signs (see Figure 2H-6) show the same information as Reference Location signs, but they also show a tenth-of-a-mile decimal so that they can be installed between integer distance points along…
• Option · Permitted (may)
  To augment the Reference Location sign system, Intermediate Reference Location (D10-1a through D10-3a) signs, which show the tenth of a mile with a decimal point, may be installed at one tenth of a mile, two tenths of a mile, or one-half mile intervals.
• Standard · Required (shall)
  Reference Location and Intermediate Reference Location signs shall have a minimum mounting height of 4 feet, measured vertically from the bottom of the sign to the elevation of the near edge of the roadway, and shall not be governed by the mounting height requirements prescribed in Section 2A.15.

Where to read the rest

• Full text: MUTCD Section 2H.11: Reference Location Signs and Intermediate Reference Location Signs
• Mounting height, lateral offset and retroreflectivity for any sign: MUTCD sign placement guide

Related signs in Section 2H.11