If you work in the traffic safety department, it is required for you to know about stop sign shapes. Because the stop sign is the most important sign among other traffic safety signs.

In this article, you will learn what shape is a stop sign & why it is an octagon. Plus, you will find out why this unique design is used around the world.

What is the Shape of a Stop Sign Called?

The shape of a stop sign is called octagon, because it has eight corners. A stop sign is a regulatory traffic sign which informs you to stop at a specific point on the road. You have to look for pedestrians and other vehicles from all sides. You should move forward when it is safe for you and others. Basically, in some countries only octagon stop signs are used, any other shape is not preferred to yield drivers.

Reasons of Stop Signs Having 8 Sides

There are many reasons behind the octagon shape of a stop sign. Some major things that urge authorities to choose eight sided shape are:

• You can notice this shape from any angle or position. You can see it in the day, night, rain, fog or snow.

• This sign guides you to stop even when you see it from the back side. Because of this octagon shape.

• In case, when the sign board is covered by snow & fog or gets faded with time you can guess it is a stop sign by its shape.

• Its unique shape makes it different from other road safety signs. Hence, you can detect it very easily. Especially, when you are on a busy intersection and have less time to react.

• Even if the sign is slightly tilted, still you can recognize the octagon shape from any side.

Different Stop Sign Shapes Other Than Octagon

If we search the history of stop signs there are many variations in its shape & color. Actually, every organization chose different patterns or sizes to make their road safer.

Square Stop Sign

In the early 1900s, there was not a standard shape for stop signs. In those days, square stop signs were used to guide drivers. Even cities and states do not follow the same standards for traffic signs. But this thing created confusion between drivers. Because they do not understand the road signs on time. If you want to watch real square sign boards, this example is best for you.

Triangle Stop Sign

This shape was also common in the early 1900s. Some states use triangle stop signs instead of square one to alert drivers. They simply write the word “Stop" on it or make a pictogram of hand on it as a symbol of stop. Basically, this triangle was pointed downward to make it different from other regulatory signs. But today if you see a triangle shaped sign board it doesn't mean to stop.

Circular Stop Sign

Circular stop signs were used in some places before the octagonal stop sign. It was used in many U.S cities after 1900. But it was not recognized as a standard stop sign shape. But at some private places circular stop signs are still used.

Octagon Shaped Stop Sign

In 1922 higher authorities like AASHO selected an octagonal shape for the stop sign. By 1924, the octagonal stop sign became the official standard. After that, Chicago switched from square stop signs to the new eight sided stop signs.

This sign was standardized as a stop sign in many countries. The United States adopted the red stop sign with white letters in 1954. Therefore, now you see this red octagon stop sign on the roads.

Shape of Stop Signs Around the World

As you know, each country enforces its own rules & regulations on their public. But at the point of road signs many countries follow the same protocol to make the roads look similar. In this section, you will explore stop signs by country.

Stop Signs in France

France is a country which has signed an international agreement of the Vienna Convention to use standard road signs. Which means it follows the rules that are set by them. France signed the agreement on November 8, 1968 and officially accepted it on December 9, 1971. Because of this agreement France uses the same red octagon shaped sign to stop road users.

US Stop Sign

In the United States, stop signs obey the standards set by the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). So, public road stop signs use an octagonal shape with a red background. In this country, traffic control workers also use Stop/Slow paddles in temporary traffic control zones. These handheld octagon signs display "Stop" on one side and "Slow" on the other side.

Stop Signs in Mexico

If you are from Mexico you will be aware of the fact, they use similar stop signs as in the United States and Canada. In simple words, Mexican stop signs use the octagonal shape for easy identification. However, instead of the English word "Stop" they display the Spanish word "Alto" which also means "Stop”.

Australian Stop Sign

In Australia, you will see octagonal stop signs with a red background and a white border on it. This country uses traffic signs similar to road signs of the United States & influenced by the Vienna Convention.

However, you will notice that speed limits and road distances are shown in kilometres not in miles. Here, you may also see a stop sign with three black dots. Well, it is a stop sign which is mounted on a black circular backing board. You have to stop at this sign if the traffic light is not working.

Stop Signs in UK

Does  UK have stop signs? Yes, the UK has stop signs in the same eight corners shape but you will notice them at a few places. Actually, the traffic authorities in the UK prefer “Give Way" signs at junctions. Well, they believe too many signs on the road can confuse the drivers. This is why they use only a few signs at intersections. As a driver, you are totally responsible to watch out and stop if any vehicle or pedestrian comes across.

Stop Signs in Japan

The stop sign in Japan is different from many other countries. Instead of an octagon, you will see a red triangle which is pointed downward. It displays the Japanese word “Tomare” which stands for "Stop". Furthermore, some designs also include the english word "Stop" to guide international travellers. If you are curious to know about the reaction of the public about this stop sign you should visit this Reddit post.

New Zealand Stop Sign

If we observe traffic signs in New Zealand they are designed according to the standard of Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals. Hence, it uses the same octagonal stop sign with white border & bold white “Stop” word on it.

Even other road signs were updated between 1987 and 1990 but the stop sign is still the same. Remember, in New Zealand for temporary work mostly “Stop” & “Go” paddles are used.

Stop Signs in Ireland

Ireland uses the same eight sided stop sign on their roads. So, when you reach a regulatory stop sign in Ireland, you must stop completely and give way to other traffic. You will also see circular stop signs in Ireland but they are used at temporary traffic control zones. These types of signs are installed on a temporary basis or held by a flagger.

Stop Signs in Spain

Spain also respects road sign standards that are similar with European countries. It is one of the countries which signed the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals. Therefore, you found a familiar 8 sided stop sign with a red background & a white border. Although Spanish is the official language still the sign uses the word "Stop" for international recognition.

What Do You Mean By Pare Stop Sign Country?

A pare stop sign country is a country which uses the word "Pare" in place of "Stop" on its stop signs. Actually, "Pare" means "Stop" in Spanish and Portuguese. Even if the text is different, the shape of the sign remains an octagon with a red background. These are the countries that are named as pare stop countries:

• Argentina

• Bolivia

• Brazil

• Chile

• Colombia

• Cuba

• Dominican Republic

• Ecuador

• Paraguay

• Peru

• Puerto

• Rico

• Uruguay

• Venezuela

Benefits of Octagon Shape For Stop Road Signs

The shape of the stop sign undergoes many changes and this sign was selected after the confirmation of practical benefits. Some of these advantages are:

• Unique Shape: As you know, this eight sided shape makes this unique. As a result, it stands out between other less important signs. Which means you can easily understand this sign.

• Structural Strength: This specific shape provides a better structural integrity to sign board. This is why it is more durable & weather resistant.

• More Surface Area: You can notice, this sign has more surface area to write a clear “Stop” message to drivers.

• Meet Standards: As you know, higher authorities set standards for road signs and other safety products like barriers, traffic cones, signals & markings. In the same way, an octagonal shape fulfils all the protocols of MUTCD.

• All Weather Understanding: Its red color and sharp shape make it visible in all weather scenarios. Like in fog, rain, storm and lightning you can identify it from its shape without reading the text.

• Equal Orientation: An octagonal shape looks the same even if it is slightly tilted or even if you completely rotate it. This was the main concern in other shapes.

• Proven Effectiveness: Now, decades of use has proven that this sign is highly effective for the safety of your roads. Because it reduces the chances of accidents.

Stealing a Stop Sign Penalty

If you steal a stop sign it can put you in danger. Because it is a serious criminal offense as it puts drivers, cyclists, bikers and pedestrians at risk. So, if you remove a stop sign it can increase the chance of traffic accidents or even fatalities.

In Canada, when a person is caught stealing a stop sign he may face several criminal charges. For example, theft, mischief or criminal negligence. Furthermore, in some cases you can face jail & heavy fines. In addition, a lighted sign can cost you more than $200 if you steal them.

Stop Sign Manufacturers

So, now you have planned to buy a stop sign. You will definitely want to know about top companies that can supply stop signs to you. That's why I have listed some major stop sign suppliers. So, you can contact them to place your order.

• Wuhan Jackwin Industrial Co, Ltd

• Grimco

• PWS Signs

• Sign Solutions USA

• Custom Products Corporation

Stop Sign Cost

Basically, there are many factors that affect the overall cost of a stop sign. This is not a cheap sign, instead it is an expensive one. The main factors that can influence are location, type of sign, material or quality of sign, quantity and labor or installation prices.

For example, in the US a stop sign can range from $30 to $80. Moreover, on the West Coast a stop sign can go up to $200 if we include the transportation & installation prices.

Wrapping It Up

Finally, we hope now you understand the shape of a stop sign. It does not matter what the color or text is on it, if you see the octagon shape just stop to take a safe turn. For instance in NSW you may see a red octagon stop sign with black border on some priority roads. But in any case you should reduce the speed and drive safely.