Collection: Square Road Signs

Square Road Signs Buying Guide

Square road signs do not have one universal meaning. The square format is used across several MUTCD sign families, including regulatory signs, pedestrian signs, lane-control signs, and supplemental plaques. The color, symbol, wording, and MUTCD code identify what each sign means.

Use this collection when you know you need a square sign or want to browse traffic signs by shape. For roadway applications, choose the specific sign message first and then select the appropriate size and reflective sheeting.

Regulatory and Prohibition Signs

Many of the square signs in this collection are regulatory signs that prohibit a particular movement or road use. Examples include No Right Turn, No Left Turn, No U-Turn, No Turns, No Straight Through, No Trucks, No Bikes, and No Pedestrian Crossing signs.

These signs commonly use a black symbol with a red circle and diagonal slash on a white background. Other regulatory designs, such as the Do Not Enter sign, use a different color layout while retaining a square overall sign panel.

Lane and Turn Control Signs

Square regulatory signs are also used to tell drivers which movements are required from a particular lane. Right Lane Must Turn Right and Left Lane Must Turn Left signs are examples found in this collection.

When replacing an existing lane-control sign, use the MUTCD code and existing direction to make sure you order the correct left or right version.

Pedestrian Stop and Yield Signs

This collection includes Stop Here for Pedestrians and Yield Here to Pedestrians signs with left- and right-pointing versions. These signs are designed to show drivers where they should stop or yield in relation to a pedestrian crossing.

The arrow direction matters. Select the version that corresponds with the sign location and the point where drivers are intended to stop or yield.

Advisory Speed Plaques

Yellow W13-1P advisory speed plaques display a recommended speed for a roadway condition ahead. They are commonly installed with a warning sign for a curve, turn, intersection, or other condition where a lower operating speed is appropriate.

Advisory speeds are not the same as regulatory speed limits. A yellow advisory speed plaque supplements a warning sign and communicates a recommended speed for the condition being marked.

Construction Advisory Speed Plaques

Orange W13-1P plaques serve the same advisory function in temporary traffic-control and work-zone applications. This collection includes multiple construction advisory speeds for use with the appropriate orange warning sign.

Choose the speed shown in the traffic-control plan or project specification rather than selecting a speed based only on the roadway's posted speed limit.

Night Speed Limit Plaques

Black R2-3P Night Speed Limit plaques are used with the appropriate regulatory speed-limit signing to indicate a nighttime speed restriction. Available legends in this collection cover a range of posted nighttime speeds.

Because these are supplemental plaques rather than stand-alone general speed-limit signs, confirm the complete sign assembly required for your roadway before ordering.

Other Square Traffic Plaques

Square shapes are also used for specialized supplemental messages. Examples in this collection include the R6-5P Roundabout Circulation plaque and the W24-1cP All Lanes plaque. These signs are intended for specific traffic-control applications and should be selected by MUTCD code and message rather than shape alone.

What Size Square Road Sign Do I Need?

The correct size depends on the individual sign. Square signs in this collection are available in sizes including 18" x 18", 24" x 24", 30" x 30", 36" x 36", and 48" x 48", but not every size is appropriate for every MUTCD sign.

For example, many turn-prohibition signs are offered in 24" x 24" sizes, lane-control signs are larger, pedestrian Stop Here and Yield Here signs use larger square panels, and advisory speed plaques are smaller because they supplement a primary warning sign.

For public-road installations, select the size specified for the particular MUTCD code and roadway application. If you are replacing an existing sign, matching its code and dimensions is a good starting point.

Reflective Sheeting

Most roadway signs in this collection are available with High Intensity Prismatic or Diamond Grade DG3 reflective sheeting. Some warning and construction plaques also have fluorescent reflective options depending on the product.

High Intensity Prismatic (HIP): A common standard choice for many traffic-sign applications.

Diamond Grade DG3: A higher-performing reflective option for projects that call for greater nighttime visibility.

Check the individual product page for the reflective options available for the specific sign you are ordering.

Custom Square Signs

Need a message that is not covered by a standard sign? Custom square aluminum signs are available with your own text and arrows or with an uploaded image or design. They are useful for private roads, parking areas, campuses, facilities, property management, and other site-specific applications.

If a standard MUTCD sign already exists for the traffic message you need, use the standard design for public-road applications rather than replacing it with a custom layout.

Please Contact Us for Help

If you are not sure which square sign, MUTCD code, size, arrow direction, or reflective sheeting you need, please contact us before ordering. We can also help with custom signs, project specifications, and larger quantity orders. Request a quote or email support@roadsigns.com.