MUTCD Sign Color Regulations

 

Did you know that the FWHA’s MUTCD has strict restrictions on what colors a traffic sign is?

It’s something you might not think too much about, but is very important to pay attention to when buying a new traffic sign. The uniformity of the colors creates a universally recognizable icon. Here’s a simple example…If everyone  recognizes a stop sign as being red with white letters and your stop sign is green with white letters (I have seen that) then you are creating confusion. That confusion could easily create a high potential for accidents and injuries. Take a look at your current signs..Do they follow color regulations? If not…replace them for your own good and the good of your visitors.

WRONG!!!!

 

Here is a quick guide..for a more extensive guide please visit…MUTCD

Stop Signs

• legend: White
• Background: Red

Yield Signs

• legend: Red
• Background: White

In Street Pedestrian Crossing Sign

• legend: Black
• Background: Flourescent Yellow-Green, or Yellow
• Yield or Stop Symbol: Red on White
• Ped Symbol: Black on White

Speed Limit Signs

• legend: Black
• Background: White

No Right Turn and No Left Turn – AKA Turn Prohibition Sign

• Circle & Diagonal: Red
• Symbol & border: Black
• Background: White

No u-Turn Signs

• Circle & Diagonal: Red
• Symbol & border: Black
• Background: White

Do Not Enter Signs

• legend and Background: White
• Symbol: Red

Wrong Way Sign

• legend: White
• Background: Red

No Parking Signs

• legend: Red
• Background: White

Highway Warning Signs

• legend: Black
• Background: yellow 

Road Work Warning Signs

• legend: Black
• Background: Orange