No.

Under Texas law:

• Traffic rules are enforceable only when properly signed
• Non‑standard signs can lead to dismissed citations
• This undermines traffic safety and enforcement efforts

Even with good intentions, custom or non‑standard signs can reduce safety by confusing drivers.

Drivers rely on:

• Familiar colors (red = stop, yellow = warning)
• Recognizable shapes (octagon, diamond, rectangle)
• Standard wording and symbols

When signs look unfamiliar or send mixed messages, drivers react more slowly or unpredictably—raising the risk of crashes.

No. Safety concerns are taken seriously.

When a concern is raised, the City may:

• Review crash data
• Conduct an engineering evaluation
• Install an approved MUTCD sign
• Adjust pavement markings or signal timing
• Consider traffic calming or enforcement options

The key is using proven, approved tools that protect everyone.

Some signs seen elsewhere may be:

• On private property, not public streets
• Part of a temporary, federally approved pilot program
• Installed incorrectly and subject to future removal

Seeing a sign in another location does not mean it is approved—or safe—for use everywhere.

Even advisory or warning signs must follow MUTCD standards.

Non‑standard signs can:

• Distract drivers
• Compete with official traffic signs
• Reduce respect for legitimate traffic controls

Uniformity is critical for safety.

The City cannot install non‑standard traffic signs on public streets. Federal law, Texas law, and City ordinance require all traffic signs to meet MUTCD standards. These rules exist to ensure safety, clarity, fairness, and legal protection for everyone who uses our streets.

Installing non‑standard signs can increase the City’s legal risk.

If a crash occurs:

• Courts often look to the MUTCD as the minimum safety standard
• Non‑compliance can be used as evidence of negligence
• The City may face increased litigation exposure

Following recognized standards helps protect the public—and the City.

If a concern cannot be addressed with an approved sign, the City evaluates other solutions that comply with federal and state requirements.

Creating a new sign would require:

• Formal engineering justification
• State and federal approval
• Extensive testing and documentation

This process is rarely used and not available for routine requests.

The MUTCD is the official rulebook for traffic signs, signals, and pavement markings used across the United States.

It ensures:

• Drivers see the same types of signs everywhere
• Signs are easy to recognize and understand
• Traffic rules are clear, consistent, and enforceable

Texas law and City ordinances require cities to follow these standards.

All traffic signs used on public streets must follow national and state safety standards. These standards are found in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) and the Texas Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (TMUTCD).