Frequently Asked Questions about MUTCD Stop Signs
1) What's the difference between the different levels of stop sign 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 Parking lots Commonly used on roadways The best option for roadways Brightness Standard High Maximum General Lifespan 7 years 10 years 10+ years Night-time visibility 500 feet away 1,000 feet away 1,500 feet away
2) What size stop sign do I need?
- 12 x 12" - This novelty size is ideal for decor and gifts
- 18 x 18" - These are great for shared-use paths and bicycle traffic control
- 24 x 24" - Ideal for private roadways and parking lots
- 30 x 30" - This is the minimum size required for official street stop sign applications
- 36 x 36" - This is the minimum size required for hazardous intersections and stops with multi-lane approaches
3) How high do I need to mount my stop sign?
*Most Common Application
- In business, commercial, or residential areas (Fig. A)
- the short answer is that stop signs must be mounted 7 feet above the sidewalk, curb, or edge that it's mounted on. The full MUTCD specification is: the 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 is 5 feet, measured vertically from the bottom of the sign to the elevation of the near edge of the pavement.
- Overhead signs (Fig. C)
- There must be a vertical clearance of no less than 17 feet to the sign, sign bridge, or light fixture 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 have a lesser vertical clearance.
Source: Federal Highway Administration Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD)
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