Traffic signs play a pivotal role in creating a secure and organized parking lot. Crucial considerations when choosing these facility facilitators include material type and reflectivity capabilities, as well as compliance with MUTCD standards. Find what you need to make well-informed decisions for a seamlessly orchestrated and safer parking lot with Seton’s traffic sign buyers guide.

Proper signage boosts safety and budgets

Whether it's indicating parking spaces, speed limits or directional guidance, traffic signs contribute to a safer and more efficient parking lot. Clear and visible signs:

Help drivers navigate

Reduce the risk of accidents

Facilitate traffic flow

Picking the right sign depends on everything from climate and location to lighting and accessibility. But picking the wrong sign not only risks safety … it costs more in the long run when a sign isn’t designed for a particular environment or to meet MUTCD compliance, if necessary.

Sign materials are designed for specific applications

Choosing the right traffic sign material for your parking lot involves a careful consideration of factors such as location, weather resistance and expected wear and tear. Take a look at the following factors for traffic sign material specification for aluminum, steel and plastic/polyethylene signs to choose the best material for your needs.

Aluminum

Long-lasting and low maintenance, aluminum signs offer clear visibility in a wide range of conditions.

• Lightweight and durable
• Resistant to rust and corrosion
• 10-year outdoor durability

Steel

Steel signs won’t bend or twist, even in the harshest conditions, and are ideal in industrial or heavy-traffic areas.

• Sturdy and robust
• Resistant to weather conditions and vandalism
• 5-year outdoor durability

Plastic/Polyethylene

Flexible and lightweight, plastic/polyethylene signs are ideal for temporary or changing signage needs

• Flexible and lightweight
• Resistant to chemicals and moisture
• 5-year outdoor durability

Reflectivity options add critical visibility

It’s crucial to consider the lighting conditions in your parking lot and the importance of the information that needs to be conveyed when selecting the appropriate reflectivity level for your signs.

Nonreflective

Nonreflective signs are suitable for well-lit areas with ample natural or artificial light and are a cost-effective option in low-traffic zones.

Engineer Grade Reflective (Bright)

Engineer grade reflective signs are 100 times brighter than nonreflective signs and provide up to a 500-foot visibility range.

High-Intensity Reflective (Brighter)

High-intensity reflective signs are three times brighter than engineer grade reflective signs, provide a 1,000-foot visibility range and are MUTCD compliant.

Diamond-Grade Reflective (Brightest)

The highest level of reflectivity for maximum visibility, diamond grade reflective signs provide a 1,500-foot visibility range and are MUTCD compliant.

What is MUTCD compliance?

The Federal Highway Administration’s Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) defines and regulates the size, color, shapes, wording, and placement of all traffic signs in the United States and creates a common communication system throughout the country to keep roadways safe. According to MUTCD Section 2A.06, “The basic requirements of a sign are that it be legible to those for whom it is intended and that it be understandable in time to permit a proper response.” For more on this important regulation, check out Seton’s MUTCD Compliance Guide.

Other key factors that affect traffic sign effectiveness

When it comes to where and how signs are displayed, keep these factors in mind.

• Location: Choose well-lit, easily accessible, and visible locations.
• Lighting: Incorporate artificial lighting or reflective/photo-luminescent material where lighting lacks.
• Visibility: Ensure signs offer a clear line of sight and are not obstructed.
• Appearance: Replace faded or damaged signs immediately to maximize effectiveness and minimize confusion.

Find the right traffic signs with Seton

When you choose Seton, you choose the best in safety, quality and compliance. Explore our range of products and let Seton be your partner in creating safer, more efficient parking lots through signage.

Standard Traffic and Parking Signs

Select from a wide variety of traffic and parking signs in standard legends, colors and sizes.

Custom Traffic and Parking Signs

Meet the needs of your unique grounds and environment by building exactly what you need.

Guides, Checklists, and How-To’s

Find more resources on how to facilitate safer, better organized and more efficient parking lots.

For even more ideas, check out our list of must-have signs for every parking lot.

Seton UltraTuff Overlaminate Protection

Seton UltraTuff protects against

Fading

Shield your sign from the elements. UV protection keeps your sign clean and visible for your employees.

Chemicals & Damage

Clear, protective layer ensures that common chemicals will not damage your sign.

Graffiti, Dirt, Oil & Grime

Stop wasting labor and time replacing signs. Wipe your sign clean with ease.