The City of Ames has an inventory of more than 8,000 traffic signs, including regulatory, warning, guidance and informational signs. The signs comply with the directions for standards developed by the Federal Highway Administration in the Manual for Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). The MUTCD contains national design, application, placement standards, and guidance for all traffic control devices, such as signs, signals, and pavement markings. These devices regulate, warn, and guide road users along highways and streets all across the United States. Traffic control devices are important because they optimize traffic performance, promote uniformity nationwide, and help improve safety by reducing the number and severity of traffic crashes.

Damaged or Lost Signs.  To report a damaged or lost sign, please call Public Works Operations at 515-239-5550.

Fines.  Any person convicted of defacing, destroying, or removing any sign may be fined up to $1,000 or imprisoned for up to one year or both. [See Iowa Code 321.260.]

Records.  Records are kept to know the type, location, and installation date of each sign.