[Street Signs - Pg 1] [Street Signs - Pg 2] [Street Signs - Pg 4]
What makes a street name sign legible? |
1. Letter HeightThe Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) has revised its recommendations to improve the legibility of street sign names. According to the MUTCD . . . |
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| "Lettering on street name signs should be at least 6 inches high. If upper case and lower case letters are used, then the upper case letters would be 6 inches with 4-1/2 in. lower case letters.
Abbreviated lettering to indicate the type of street or section of city may be in smaller lettering, at least 3 inches high. However, for local roads with less than 25 mph speed limits, the lettering may be a minimum of 4 inches with 2-in. letters for street abbreviations or city sections. The street name sign shall be retroreflectorized to show the same shape and color day and night. The legend and background shall be of contrasting colors." |
2. ReflectivitySigns with reflective background sheeting are brighter and easier to read for all drivers. Give your street signs maximum visibility with diamond grade or high intensity reflective sheeting. For more information on reflective sheeting please contact one of our sales representatives. 3. ContrastWhite letters on a green background provide good contrast day or night. |
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4. WidthStreet name signs typically use Series B or C letters. Using upper and lower case letters is usually more readable than upper case letters alone. |
5. Letter-to-letter spacingStudies have shown that legibility improves with increased spacing between letters. |
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6. BorderWhite borders make street name signs easier to locate and increase visibility as well. |
See the difference.Compare the three "School Road" signs below. Which one do you think is the most legible? |
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Top: Diamond grade sheeting
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