Based on various estimates, there are around 140 million traffic cones in the world. In the UK, 1.3 million cones are installed. FHWA handles 70000 road projects each year and around 500-10000 cones used for a single project.
This shows how important traffic cones are. You must know traffic cone standard dimensions for maximum safety. Today, you will learn about several traffic cone sizes & their uses. We have also covered traffic cone dimensions in different countries.
Traffic Cone Measurements
Traffic cones are tall and cone shaped markers. Generally, you can see them on roads, parking areas, work sites and events. You will find these cones in many sizes. Because different locations demand unique road cone dimensions. But you will see 46 cm or 71 cm traffic cones in most places.
According to MUTCD rules about traffic cones, you can use small size cones for low speed roads. For high speed highways, you should install large cones with reflective bands.
Traffic Cone Height Requirements
Standard traffic cone dimensions mostly depend on speed of road and quality of lights placed along highways. With the right size of traffic cones, you can guide drivers safely and prevent accidents. Below are dimensions of traffic cones required by MUTCD.
12 Inch Traffic Cones
12-inch cones are small and lightweight. You can install these markers indoors or in small areas. These cones are 305 mm tall. They are easy to move and store. You should not use a 12-inch traffic cone for public roads, where taller cones are required.
Because they are not tall enough for fast traffic. The base is usually small, so they are less stable in the wind. You mostly use them for parking lots, schools, indoor work zones or for temporary hazards.
18 Inches Traffic Cone
18-inch cones are medium-sized and very common. You can use them for construction areas and low-speed roads. The height of this type of cone is approx. 457 mm. These road cones are bright and made with a 6 inches reflective band.
Hence, you can see them clearly at night. This size of road cone is perfect when you need visibility but have limited space. You can place 18 inch traffic cones in areas like closing roads, small work zones, tight spaces or low-speed roads.
28 Inch Traffic Cones
If we talk about 28-inch cones, they are tall and highly visible. The height of a 28-inch cone is about 711 mm. You use them for high-speed highways and night work. They are heavy and stable, so they are ideal in wind or fast traffic conditions.
Most cones have reflective bands to improve visibility at night. Suppose you want to use 28 inch traffic cones for night use, then it must have two reflective bands. For example: a 4-inch band at the bottom and a 6-inch band at the top.
36 Inch Traffic Cone
36-inch cones are very tall and heavy. That’s why you must place them on high-speed highways, busy roads, highway construction and areas with fast traffic.
The height of a 36-inch cone is about 914 mm. You can easily see them in strong wind or bad weather. Like 28 inch cones, the 36 inch traffic cones also required two reflective bands (4 inch & 6 inch band).
Country Wise Dimensions of Traffic Cone
| Country | Traffic Cone Height | Specifications |
| United States (MUTCD) | 12 inches (30 cm), 18 inches (45 cm), 28 inches (71 cm) & 36 inches (91 cm) | Traffic cones are made from orange PVC |
| Europe (BS EN 13422) | 14 inches (35 cm), 20 inches (50 cm), 30 inches (75 cm) plus 39 inches (100 cm) | Cones are made with PVC, flexible and reflective materials |
| United Kingdom | 20 inches (50 cm), 30 inches (75 cm) and 39 inches (100 cm) | Road cones are built from heavy-duty PE and are used on high speed highways |
| Israel | 20 inches (50 cm), 30 inches (75 cm) & 39 inches (100 cm) | Traffic cones are constructed from PE (Polyethylene) |
| Asia (general) | Road cone size varies. Mostly smaller sizes used in urban areas | PVC traffic cones are commonly used |
Traffic Cone Base Dimensions
The base of a road cone is very important. With a wide base, you can keep the cone stable and prevent it from falling. Well, traffic cone base shapes are generally square or round. The increment in height of the cone also impacts the dimensions of its base.
For base manufacturing, materials such as rubber or recycled PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) are used. Because they are strong and long-lasting. Following are base measurements according to size of road cones.
- The 18-inch (460 mm) Traffic cones base is 270 × 270 mm (10.5 × 10.5 in)
- 28-inch (710 mm) & 36-inch (910 mm) cones have base 370 × 370 mm (14.5 × 14.5 in)
- For 750 mm cones, the base is 430 × 430 mm (17 × 17 in)
Traffic Cone Weight
You have to consider the weight of a traffic cone for maximum safety. Because heavier cones stay in place during wind or fast traffic. In contrast, lighter road cones are easy to move and work well indoors or in low-speed areas.
Traffic cone weight mostly increases with height and is set according to MUTCD (Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices) standards.
| Traffic Cone Size | Weight of Traffic Cone |
| 12 inch cone | 1 lb to 1.5 lb (around 0.45-0.68 kg) |
| 18 inch cone | 2.75 lb to 3 lb (1.25 to 1.36 kg) |
| 28 inch road cone | 7 lb-10 lb (3.18 to 4.54 kilogram) |
| 36 inch cone | 10 pound to 12 pound (4.54 to 5.45 kg) |
People Also Ask
Is it illegal to Hit a Traffic Cone?
Yes, when you hit a traffic cone, it is considered illegal or a violation of road safety rules. Because traffic cones are road safety devices. If you damage or move them on public roads, you may break the law. So, you should always drive carefully and avoid touching traffic cones.
How Much Does a Traffic Cone Cost?
Price of a traffic cone depends on its size and material. The features like reflective bands also affect cone cost. Small indoor cones can cost only a few dollars around $1.10 – $1.50. For large highway cones, you have to pay approximately $2 to $2.80+ for each cone.
Why are Traffic Cones Cone Shaped?
Traffic cones are cone-shaped to stay visible and stable The wide base keeps them upright in wind. Its tapered top makes them easy to see. Their shape also lets them stack inside each other, which makes transport and storage simple for you.
Why are Traffic Cones So Expensive?
Road cones are not always expensive, but good quality cones cost you more. Because they are made from strong materials such as PVC or rubber. Traffic cones also follow safety rules (MUTCD standards), which impact its overall price.
Summary of Traffic Cone Sizes
Hence, you are now familiar with traffic cone dimensions and why its right size or height is important. You can also see, each traffic cone is carefully designed to improve visibility and road safety.
If you need a professional traffic safety products supplier for your project, you can contact us. Our team can manufacture traffic cones and road safety equipment according to your requirements.
See also:
Is It Illegal To Steal a Traffic Cone? Laws and Penalties
