The Shape - and Color - Give Us a Sign

Traffic signs of safety are all around us. We depend on their distinctive shapes and colors to warn us of changes or hazards in the road; tell us where and when to park; alert us to the Nation's natural, cultural, and recreational sites; and get us to our destinations safely.

Pantone Matching Colors
The following are Pantone specifications, for printing purposes. They provide a guide for selecting appropriate ink colors to closely match the standard colors of traffic control signs. NOTE: There are no Pantones available for fluorescent color signs.

Brown - 469	Red - 187	Yellow - 116
Green - 342	Blue - 294	Orange - 152

Color Specifications (23 CFR 655)
The color specifications are used to determine the color of sign sheeting materials for design purposes. Click the links below to view the FINAL RULE for color specifications, Docket No. FHWA-99-6190, RIN 2125-AE67, July 31, 2002.

PDF | Text

What's Your Sign IQ? Take the Following Quiz and See.
Each sign type communicates its message through shape and color.

Sign Types
Regulatory	Warning	Guide	Motorist Service	Construction	Recreation/ Cultural Interest

Select the Sign SHAPE or COLOR you wish to learn about:

Sign Shapes All Shapes (of color selected at right)	Sign Colors All Colors (of shape selected at left)
Circle	Black & White
Crossbuck	Blue
Diamond	Brown
Octagon	Fluorescent yellow-green
Pennant	Green
Pentagon	Orange
Rectangle/Square	Red
Shield	Yellow
Triangle
Click here to view signs of all shapes and colors