Q. Can anyone legally purchase a traffic sign? Or are they only for government agencies? Yes. Private individuals can legally purchase traffic signs for use on private or public property to guide traffic flow or establish parking rules, or simply to decorate a child’s room. We offer all the colors and shapes contained in the federal MUTCD sign manual, and make custom reflective signs as well.
Q. What is the difference between Standard Reflective, or Engineer Grade (also known as Type I), and High Intensity (Type III) and Diamond Grade (Type XI) reflective sign material? It may surprise you to learn that no paint is ever used in the process of making traffic signs. Signs are made by applying under great pressure reflective vinyl film onto .080 or .125 sheet aluminum, which creates a very long-lasting bond. Once applied, it is impossible to remove the material without destroying the sign. There are three types of reflective material used in making traffic signs. They are Engineer Grade, High Intensity and Diamond Grade:
– Engineer Grade signs reflect at night when light hits the sign. The retro-reflective beaded material has a lifetime of seven years. It generally is used for parking signs, other non-critical signs and also provides a less-expensive alternative. We use Engineer Grade Prismatic material for our Standard Reflective signs, which is a higher-end material than traditional Engineer Grade.
– High Intensity signs are used in areas where the street lighting at night might interfere with a sign’s reflection. It is 10 times more reflective than Type I, has a 10-year life implied warranty for reflectivity and is the material most cities use for traffic signs. Our Type III signs are referred to as High Intensity Prismatic.
– Diamond Grade reflective material is at the highest level of reflectivity for traffic signs and is most commonly used on Interstate highways and construction projects – and in areas where high visibility is critical. It includes the colors Fluorescent Orange and Fluorescent Yellow-Green, which is used most often for signs posted at school, pedestrian and bicycle crossings. Our Diamond Grade Prismatic Type XI sheeting has a 10-year life, and meets or exceeds all state and federal requirements.
Q. Traffic sign installation instructions A good source on how to install a traffic sign in rural or urban areas is a guide called the Sign Installation Guide, which is a document assembled by several federal government agencies, including the Federal Highway Administration.
Non-custom, standard MUTCD signs may be returned if they are undamaged and unused. However, all returned items will be assessed a 15 percent restock charge, and you must pay for return-shipping. Approval must be obtained before returns are sent to us by calling (309) 828-1007. Unapproved returns will not be accepted. Custom signs CANNOT be returned.
Note: Items purchased from The Traffic Sign Store may be returned within 30 days of the invoice date. The product must be unused and in the original packaging. Once the item is received, a refund will be issued within 3-5 business days. Any defect, discrepancy or shortage must be reported within 30 days or the sale is final.