MASH vs. NCHRP-350: The 2026 Guide to Work Zone Safety Compliance

Understanding the New Standards for Traffic Safety Hardware

If you're buying traffic safety equipment, you've seen two terms: NCHRP-350 and MASH. But what's the difference? And more importantly, which one do you need to be compliant?Here's the bottom line: MASH (Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware) is the new, more rigorous safety standard that is superseding NCHRP-350. Choosing the wrong one can lead to failed inspections, unsafe work zones, and wasted money.

The Executive Summary: MASH vs. NCHRP-350 at a Glance

For the busy manager who needs a quick answer:

• NCHRP-350: The old standard, established in 1993. It's based on a vehicle fleet that is now 30 years old (e.g., a 4,400 lb. pickup truck).
• MASH: The new, current standard (MASH 2016 is the latest). It uses more rigorous testing for modern, heavier vehicles (like today's 5,000 lb. pickup trucks and SUVs).
• The Mandate: The FHWA has set deadlines for all new hardware on Federal-Aid projects to be MASH-compliant. NCHRP-350 is being phased out.
• Your Action: For new purchases, you should always choose MASH-approved products to ensure future compliance and safety.

Key Differences: Why MASH is the New Standard

Feature	NCHRP-350 (The Old Standard)	MASH (The New Standard)
Full Name	National Cooperative Highway Research Program Report 350	Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware
Test Vehicles	1,800 lb. car, 4,400 lb. pickup	2,420 lb. car, 5,000 lb. pickup truck
Why it Changed	Based on 1993 vehicle fleet	Updated for modern, heavier vehicles (SUVs/Trucks)
Status	Being Phased Out	The Current, Mandated Standard

The Big Question: Are My NCHRP-350 Stands Still Legal?

The FHWA has set a "sunset date" for NCHRP-350. While your state DOT may allow NCHRP-350 devices to remain in service until the end of their useful life, all new traffic control devices you purchase should be MASH-approved.Using NCHRP-350 equipment on a new project