MASH TL-3 Compliance for Attenuator Trucks

TL-3 is the standard for highway-speed work zones. Here is what the rating actually requires and how to confirm a truck meets it.

If your crew works at 50 mph or above, TL-3 is not optional. It is the test level built for highway-speed impacts, and running anything lower behind a fast-moving lane closure leaves the crew under-protected and the truck out of compliance.

What TL-3 means

Under MASH 2016, test levels map to speed. TL-2 covers work zones up to 45 mph. TL-3 covers 50 mph and above, with the crash test run near 62 mph, and some applications add optional testing to 70 mph. The Scorpion II is a TL-3 non-blade unit; the Blade absorbs impact through 12 crumpling blades. Both carry FHWA eligibility letters.

Confirming a truck qualifies

• An FHWA eligibility letter matching the specific attenuator model
• A GVWR at or above roughly 26,000 lb to prevent underride
• MASH-2016 certification, not the retired NCHRP 350
• Current service and re-certification records

Miss any of these and the truck cannot be counted on for highway work. Remember the deadline too: non-MASH-2016 units built before 2023 must be off the road by January 1, 2030. A TL-3 unit certified to the current standard is the safe long-term bet.