3 Things to Consider When Shopping for Traffic Signs

traffic safety

If you are in the market for traffic signs such as message boards, detour signs, and reduce speed signs

There are a few key things you should know. Read on to learn the three things to consider while shopping for traffic signs.

  1. Selecting a Traffic Safety Store

When selecting signs, you must first find a traffic safety store. The traffic safety store will offer equipment and services related to the duties of traffic control specialists. You’ll want to find a traffic store that follows the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD).

The MUTCD is the law that governs all traffic control devices. It sets the minimum standards for traffic control devices to ensure there is uniformity with sizes, shapes, colors, and locations. It is important that your traffic control store abides by the MUTCD. Most traffic control stores will display the MUTCD logo on their website, but you can also ask to ensure.

  1. Choosing Size and Reflective

There are uniform sizes for signage, however, there are various size options that are still available. When you choose a MUTCD traffic control store you can also choose the size of signs that will best fit your needs. For example, stop signs come in 18, 24, 30, 36, and 48 inches. Most businesses opt for a 30 inch stop sign to fit their needs. The reflectivity is also an option you will get to choose. There are three levels for most signs which include engineer-grade, high-intensity, and diamond grade. Engineer grade is the lowest with a lifespan of 5-7 years. The high-intensity grade is the mid-option with a span of 7-10 years. Diamond grade is the highest with a span of 10-12 years. Size and reflective are the only customizable options. You will not be able to change colors or font options, as these are set forth by the MUTCD.

  1. Rent or Buy

Some traffic control companies like Georgia Traffic Safety gives you the option to rent or buy traffic equipment. There are advantages to each. If you are only looking to use the equipment once, renting is the ideal option because you will not have to consider storage after its use. If you plan to use the equipment for a long span of time it may be worthwhile for you to purchase the equipment. If you have questions and want advice about buying or renting, contact Traffic Safety. We can help.