Most of the time, you notice several shapes of traffic signs on the road. Due to this, you are confused about them. But all these road signs are different and have their specific purpose.

To understand them clearly, you need to read this article. Today we have explained various shapes of traffic signs. You will also learn about their locations and MUTCD codes for compliance.

List of Traffic Sign Shapes and What Do They Mean?

Actually, signs on the road give you awareness about upcoming conditions. But they have different explanation in various scenarios. Their specific shapes help you to understand them easily. Following are the main signage shapes which you notice around yourself.

1. Square Road Sign

These safety signs are used to inform you of road hazards ahead. Square traffic signs also guide you about the road directions in advance. But for complete understanding, you need to notice their color, text and symbol. Our advice is, if you see it you have to prepare yourself for reducing speed or change your lane.

You will notice square shaped signage in different colors such as yellow, white, blue and red. Authorities place this sign at the bridge site, livestock crossing and before sharp curves.

Examples:

• Hospital signs

• Advisory speed sign

• Parking signs

• Rest area signage

• Fuel station signs

2. Hexagon sign

The hexagon traffic sign looks like an octagon sign. But they are not same. It has six sides and is used at construction and school zones. Traffic authorities use this shaped sign because it stands out more than simple signs like squares and circles.

You can also see them as a prohibition sign on the road. They mostly tell you about areas that need extra attention. You will notice them in red, orange, green and yellow colors. These fluorescent colors make them visible in dim light.

Example:

• Hexagon stop sign

• Warning signs

3. Diamond Traffic Sign

You look at these warning signs on the road mainly during construction. Because they are used to warn you about hazards and unexpected situations. They alert you from upcoming curves, hidden intersections and merging traffic.

Their yellow color shows you warning about danger but orange indicates road work. So, if you find diamond signage, remain alert and take safe steps for crossing the road.

For Example:

• Road work ahead

• Animal crossing sign

• Slippery when wet

• Pedestrian crossing sign

• Turn ahead signs

4. Pennant Sign

These traffic signs are placed at those places where overtaking to other vehicles is not allowed. Pennant road signs have elongated triangle shapes which point to the right. You will mostly see them in yellow color with black no passing zone text.

The transportation department usually placed this sign on the left side of the road. So that you can easily identify it and do not try to overtake the other vehicles.

Example:

• No passing zone sign

5. Circle Traffic Sign

If round signs are present at your path then you must follow them. Because they give instructions for your safety on the road. A red round with a slash tells what you do not do. While the blue circle shows you those things that you can follow.

Mostly, they are installed in advance of intersections and hazards. Their main purpose is to alert you from upcoming conditions. So that you take necessary steps which should be possible.

Example:

• No entry signs

• No parking sign

• Speed limit signs

• No stopping sign

• No overtaking signs

6. Octagon Traffic Sign

After seeing this sign, you must stop for your safety. The octagon sign is designed in an eight sided shape. So that you can easily recognize it from a distance. They are mostly present at intersections to give you clues about the highest level of danger.

Sometimes you see a blank red octagon sign and you do not recognize its meaning. Basically, they alert you from a curve or junction which comes in front of you later. After you notice this sign, you should remain ready for every condition.

For Instance:

• Handheld stop sign

• Standard stop signs

• Handheld stop paddle

• Temporary stop sign

• All way stop signage

7. Triangle Road Sign

You should know the triangle sign's meaning before starting your journey. Because they are frequently located on the road. Their positions give you multiple meanings. If they are inverted triangles then it shows you yield. But upright triangles give warning signs.

As a warning sign, you will see a white triangle with a red border. While their orange background with red borders give you signs of temporary road work. So, you need to pay close attention to them.

Main Examples:

• Give way sign

• Junction ahead sign

• Road narrow ahead

• Steep hill signs

• Falling rock sign

8. Pentagon Sign

The pentagon shaped road signs order you to slow down your vehicle speed. You will find them near school zones. You must allow pedestrians to navigate here first. You can easily identify it by its five sides which make a house-like shape.

You can see this sign in fluorescent yellow with black text. Plus, its pentagon shape makes it more dominant and you notice them from a distance.

Examples:

• School crossing sign

• School advanced warning

• School entrance signs

• School pedestrian crossing

• School zone signage

9. Rectangle Traffic Sign

The rectangular road sign's meaning is very simple. They tell you about direction that you must follow on the road. So, you can also call them regulatory or informational signs. But their exact meaning depends on their color, text and symbol. As a horizontal rectangle tells you about directions.

But for showing regulations vertical rectangles are used. They are also found in different colors like white, green, blue and orange. That’s why you have to focus carefully on them.

See Below Example:

• Speed limit signs

• Service signage

• Lane control signs

• Truck route sign

• Bus stop signs

10. Crossbuck Sign

You have also seen X shaped signs on the road. It is a crossbuck sign indicate railway crossing. You should reduce your car speed after finding this sign. Then look on both sides. If there is nothing (train) then cross the path.

You can do the same thing as you perform after seeing the yield sign. But their appearance is different. The crossbuck looks like a white diagonal cross with black letters. You can easily understand it.

Examples:

• Crossbuck with stop sign

• Multi track crossbuck

• Railroad crossing crossbuck

• Crossbuck with yield sign

• Railroad crossbuck with flashing light

11. Trapezoid Traffic Sign

These signs are mostly used at recreational areas, national parks and cultural areas of interest. They guide you about routes. In United States, they are found in brown and white colors which can be easily understood.

These signs are more helpful to the drivers in telling them exact routes. You can see their unique shape from a distance and in bad weather too. This helps you find your way with ease.

For Instance:

• National forest route markers

• Recreational area guide signs

Where To Install Different Shaped Road Signs?

If you are a private contractor or a worker of the transportation department and want to place traffic signs. You need to know their exact location first. Because road signs of several shapes are installed on their specific place. The table below will be helpful for you in this process.

MUTCD Codes For Shapes of Traffic Sign

For proper manufacturing of road signs, you must know their MUTCD codes which are fixed for each sign. If you have your own factory then you should have this knowledge. It will definitely help you in correct production of traffic signs.

Who Makes Road Signs of Various Forms?

There are many manufacturers in the world, they produce multiple varieties of traffic signs. JACKWIN is also one of them. We are a professional factory in China with 20 years experience. Our company and engineers are also certified.

We export all our road safety products to various countries like the UK, Canada, Australia, USA etc. We have a complete product inspection process and system. Our goal is to provide our customers high quality products.

Conclusion

Now you will have a good knowledge about different shapes of traffic signs. Their unique shapes help people to recognize them easily. As a result, you and others remain safe from accidents.

If you want to buy any type of road sign, JACKWIN is your trusted partner. You can customize products according to your requirements. We follow all standards (ISO9001 & MUTCD) and government guidelines. For getting traffic signs at a reasonable price, you can contact us.

FAQs

What shape is a yield sign?

You can identify this sign by its shape which is an inverted (point downword) equilateral triangle. They mostly have a red border and white interior with red yield text. After seeing this, you should slow your car and give way to other vehicles and pedestrians.

Are custom shaped traffic signs MUTCD-compliant?

No, custom shaped traffic signs are not according to the MUTCD. The manual on uniform traffic control devices (MUTCD) specifically authorizes shapes for a particular purpose. Their traffic signs meet standards that are easily recognized by drivers.

Which sign shapes are required for temporary traffic control in work zones?

You will see diamond shaped signs at those places where temporary traffic control occurs. This sign has a fluorescent orange background with a black legend. You can also use other temporary signs like rectangles, octagons and triangles.

What shapes are most traffic warning signs?

In North America, diamond shape is considered a warning sign. But in the UK and Europe, equilateral triangles are most caution signs. Their shapes sometimes change in other regions. However, their purpose is the same to alert drivers from hazards.

Why do traffic signs have mutiple shapes?

The main function of making several shapes of traffic signs is to identify them easily. Due to their unique shapes, you can understand these signs from a distance and in bad weather. This system makes you react quickly.