Road & Traffic Signs → STOP Signs

STOP Signs

A strong argument can be made that modern STOP Sign is one of the most universally and instantly recognized messages in our fast-paced and chaotic world. With their bright red color, octagonal (8-sided) shape, and retro-reflective material, STOP signs are critical to making road travel safe, day and night, and in all weather conditions. But the STOP sign we know has evolved over time. Did you know that not very long ago, STOP signs were yellow? Read More

The STOP sign originated in Michigan in 1915. The first STOP signs had black letters on a white background, and it was not until 1922 when the octagonal shape for STOP signs was standardized. The unique eight-sided shape of the STOP sign not only prevents it from being confused with other traffic signs, but also allows drivers facing the back of the sign to identify that oncoming drivers have a STOP sign. The octagonal shape was also chosen in an effort to make the sign more visible at night, since unlike modern STOP signs, the original signs were not reflective. From 1924 to 1954, STOP signs were made with a black stop legend on a yellow field. It was not until 1954 that the STOP sign standard became white legend on a red field. Red also signifies stop on traffic signals, so this specification unified red as a stop signal whether indicated by sign or by light.

While signs mounted on private property are not regulated by the government, it is strongly advised by the government, as well as insurance companies and a long history of accident litigation, to make the signs you use on your private property, in parking lots, along drives and in pedestrian pathway, conform to the same standards of design, construction and manufacture as the road and traffic signs regulated by the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). The STOP signs for sale on our site, just like the other road and traffic signs we make, are instantly recognized and understand by drivers and pedestrians. This improves safety for all and reduces collisions, injury, and the threat of litigation when non-standard signs have been used.

Bus Stop Signs and School Bus Stop Signs do not use the same color and shape of a road STOP sign because the function of the signs is different, and they are more typically used for pedestrian recognition or in parking areas. But hand-held STOP signs, also called STOP paddle signs, used by crossing guards, road crews, and in emergency response situations, are meant to strongly convey the same message as a road side stop sign, alerting drivers to come to a full stop. However, on private property, using Custom STOP Signs can be very effective, since everyone instantly recognizes the shape and color of a STOP sign. Custom STOP signs are a way to get all kinds of "stop" messages across. From stop trespassing to stop smoking to do not enter or employees allowed only signs. To make a high-quality STOP Sign, you start with excellent materials. We use 5052-H38 sheet aluminum in .063 or .080 gauges pre-treated in accordance to ASTM Designation B 449. The surface of the sheet aluminum is cleaned, deoxidized, and coated with a light and tightly adherent chromate conversion coating free of powdery residue. We use only Federal Highway Administration fonts for the lettering on our STOP Signs, and we silkscreen print with 3M outdoor transparent inks onto 3M Engineer Grade Prismatic or 3M High Intensity Prismatic retro-reflective sheeting. The High Intensity Prismatic STOP signs for sale that we manufacture carry a warranty from 3M for a minimum of 10-years use without appreciable fading. That STOP Sign can last even longer, when you have us add 3M 1150 protective overlay laminate film (POF) to the face of the STOP Sign. POF not only protects the STOP sign from harsh weather and sunlight, but acts as a graffiti barrier. If the STOP sign is tagged with graffiti, you can use a mild detergent like Simple Green to easily wash the vandalism away. That saves the cost of having to buy and mount a new STOP sign.

Toll-Free: 1-888-931-1793

Fax:760-931-6833