MUTCD Stop Sign FAQ
1) What are the differences between the 3 types of reflectivity?
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Illustration Application Engineering Grade Prismatic (EGP) Type I High Intensity Prismatic (HIP) Type IV Diamond Grade (DG) Type IX 
Ideal Use Great for parking lots Most common for roadways Best choice for roadways Brightness Standard High Maximum General Lifespan 7 years 10 years 10+ years Night-time visibility 500 feet away 1000 feet away 1500 feet away
2) What size sign should I choose?
- 18 x 18" - Used for bicyclist traffic control on bikeways and shared-use paths
- 24 x 24" - Great for parking lots and private roadways
- 30 x 30" - The minimum size required for official street applications
- 36 x 36" - Minimum size for multi-lane approaches and hazardous intersections
3) What height do I need to mount my stop sign?
*Most Common Application
- In business, commercial, or residential areas (Fig. A)
- minimum height, measured vertically from the bottom of the sign to the top of the curb, or in the absence of curb, measured vertically from the bottom of the sign to the elevation of the near edge of the traveled way, of signs installed at the side of the road where the view of the sign might be obstructed, shall be 7 feet.
Signs installed above sidewalks: The minimum height, measured vertically from the bottom of the sign to the sidewalk, shall be 7 feet.
- In rural areas (Fig. B)
- The minimum height, measured vertically from the bottom of the sign to the elevation of the near edge of the pavement, shall be 5 feet.
- Overhead signs (Fig. C)
- Shall provide a vertical clearance of not less than 17 feet to the sign, light fixture, or sign bridge over the entire width of the pavement and shoulders except where the structure on which the overhead signs are to be mounted or other structures along the roadway near the sign structure have a lesser vertical clearance.
Source: MUTCD
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