If you want to know exact stop sign dimensions for roads, you need to understand the standards for size, height & placement. Because, each type of road and traffic condition has specific rules to make sure drivers see the signs clearly.
In this article, we give you all the measurements and regulations for stop signs. So, you can follow them correctly.
Stop Sign Measurements and Shape
The size of your stop sign depends on the road and speed limit. You have to follow rules from groups like MUTCD or any other similar organizations. You measure your sign from one flat side of the octagon to the length of the pole.
Stop Sign Shape
A stop sign has a very clear look. You see the octagon shape. This is an eight-sided shape that stands out on any road. Because of this unique design your eyes catch it fast, even from a distance. The shape remains the same everywhere, so drivers never face doubt about what to do.
Stop Sign Color
The color combination of the stop sign is red and white. Red is the background of the board and white bold letters on it. Therefore, you detect it fastly and slow down your vehicle. The MUTCD set this color rule in 1954. Later it became a common choice in many countries.
Stop Sign Dimensions Inches (Stop Sign Thickness)
| Road Type | Stop sign dimensions in inches |
| Single Lane | 30 x 30 |
| Multi Lane | 36 x 36 |
| Expressway | 36 x 36 |
| Private Roads (most narrow roads) | 24 x 24 |
| Freeway | 36 x 36 |
| Minimum sized road | 30 x 30 |
| Oversized Road | 48 x 48 |
Note: When a small road meets a big multi-lane road with a speed limit of 45 mph or more. Then the size of a stop sign must stay bigger.
Stop Sign Letter Size
When it comes to the size of a letter, it depends on the size of your stop sign. If your sign board is 30-inch wide then its letters are 10 inches tall. But in the case of a 36-inch sign board it can be 12-inch long. Actually, this makes the sign more clear and noticeable.
Stop Sign Height / Stop Sign Pole Dimensions
When it comes to the height of the pole it must be greater than the mounting height of the sign board. For example, if the board has to be placed at a height of 8 feet then the pole must have a length of 10 to 12 feet.
MUTCD suggested the width of the pole be 4 by 4 inches or 6 by 8 inches. Because its life span depends on the strength of the pole and its material. So, always choose a pole that has a strong material, plus its material should be rust-proof.
Stop Sign Mounting Height
On main roads or residential areas, your stop sign must stay at least 7 feet high from the road. This height keeps the sign clear for every driver.
On rural roads, your stop sign must stay 5 feet high from the bottom of the sign to the edge of the pavement. This makes the message easy to see on open roads.
Stop Sign Placement
When you place a stop sign, make at least 2 feet of space from the curb. On rural roads, keep 6 feet from the pavement edge. The sign must stay at the stop line, or 4 feet before the crosswalk.
If you see no stop line or crosswalk then place the sign where a driver can stop and see both sides clearly. Furthermore, do not place a sign board more than 50 feet away from the intersection.
Stop Sign Reflective Strip
Well, there is a reflective sheet that is applied on the sign board. This sheet makes the sign visible from a distance. You can also apply reflective sheets on the pole of the stop sign to make it more eye-catching.
It is preferred on roads with heavy traffic. MUTCD also suggested applying reflective sheeting on the poles on intersections with high risk.
Size of Stop Signs Around the World
Stop Sign Dimensions USA
In America, standards of stop signs are recommended by MUTCD.
- The shape of the stop sign remains the same octagon with white border. The word “STOP” is printed on it in uppercase, with white color.
- In urban areas, it is 30 inches (76 cm) wide from edge to edge.
- The white border stays 3/4 inch (2 cm).
- “STOP” stays in the middle in big bold capitals. Plus, every letter is 10 inches (25 cm).
- Mounting height in rural areas may be 5 to 7 feet from the bottom edge to the road. But this size can increase according to the soil depth.
- A stop sign stays on the right side of the road, 6 feet from the pavement edge.
- In rural areas with no shoulder, the placement gap increases to 12 feet.
- A stop sign must shine back light at night or stay lit with LEDs.
- It must show the same shape and color in day and night.
- Sometimes you see a small plate under a stop sign. Because it gives extra info like ALL WAY, 4-WAY or 3-WAY.
- It may also show simple notes like “STOP HERE ON RED”.
Stop Sign Dimensions Canada
The dimensions of the stop sign in Canada are regulated by MUTCDC. Basically, it works like U.S. MUTCD and helps Canadian areas use the same traffic rules.
- In Canada it is necessary for you to place stop signs at each intersection.
- The size of the stop sign depends on the traffic of the intersection. Standard dimensions are 24, 30 and 36.
- The length of the pole remains 5 ft in case of a (18inch × 18 inch).
- In Quebec, signs generally use the French word “ARRET” which means (stop).
- It must be visible from 700 to 800 feet away in case of 60mph speed roads.
- Sometimes a small plate sits under the stop sign. It shows “All-Way” or “4-Way”. Which means you have to stop at every side of the road.
- Canada is also the only French-speaking region in the world that uses “arret” instead of “stop”.
Stop Signs in China
China did not sign the Vienna Convention. But your road signs still look very close to the ones you see in Europe, the U.S. and Japan.
- Stop signs in Mainland China use the same octagon shape you see in many countries.
- They have a red background, white letters and a clean white border around its edges.
- STOP signs in China show the word (Tíng), which means stop.
- Stop signs in Hong Kong and Macau look a bit different. Because the text is not the same in all of China.
- At many intersections in China, you often see a “Give Way” sign or traffic lights. These are more common than a full stop sign.
Stop Sign in Japan
If we talk about Japan, the regulatory authority for stop signs is the National Policy Agency.
- In Japan, your stop sign has a red color and a white border.
- Its shape is a triangle that points downward.
- Since 2017, your stop signs in Japan show both Japanese and English. Therefore, you see (Tomare) on the top. The word STOP stays right under it.
Stop Sign in UK
The directions of stop signs in UK are directed by TSRGD. This governing body stated rules for placement and dimensions of stop signs.
- The shape and color of the sign board remains the same as in the USA.
- You can get stop signs in 75 cm, 90 cm or 120 cm tall. This size can increase with the speed of vehicles.
- You should place stop signs where drivers must fully stop before going. Usually, this is at small junctions with poor visibility or busy traffic.
- In the U.K., your stop signs must be made of reflective material.
Stop Sign MUTCD
If you want to buy a stop sign you can contact us. We offer you different sizes of stop signs that follow MUTCD, EU and Local standards. You can also customize the length and width of the sign board according to your specific road type. Furthermore, our stop signs are made up of water and dust proof material.
To Conclude
We hope now you understand details about stop sign sizes, shapes and placement. This knowledge of the correct dimensions keeps your roads safe and clear.
Our manufacturing factory is located in China. We can process your big orders as well if you want to get stop sign or other traffic signs at an affordable price. Let’s talk now to customize road safety products according to your project requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the White Line Around a Stop Sign?
The white line at a stop sign is called the stop line. It shows you the exact spot where your vehicle must fully stop.
What is illegal Stop Sign Placement?
An illegal stop sign is one that is put in the wrong place. It might be too high, too low or in the wrong spot.
