STOP Sign History

Did you know, the first STOP traffic sign ever made was printed on white back ground with black lettering, during 1915 in Detroit, Michigan.

However, between 1935 and 1971 the STOP sign took on a variety of colors.  Looking back, history shows how the STOP sign was designed with red letters on a yellow background, and yellow letters on red background.

Interestingly, the color Red, was not the initial sign color because of the “unavailability of red pigments that would not fade from exposure”.

Back in the day, not only was the color different, but STOP signs were also mounted on 2-3 feet posts. Can you see how that would cause some traffic accidents by a truck driver "missing" the STOP sign?

Everyone had their own ideas on designing the STOP sign. Take for instance the National Conference on Street and Highway Safety (NCSHS), They advocated for a small pink-on-yellow STOP sign.  Can you imagine going down the street and seeing pink STOP signs? 

STOP Standardized

In 1954, after numerous revisions, the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) standardized the design of STOP signs to be white lettering on a red background.

The color red in itself had become the universal symbol for STOP and fortunately, by this time the color red was developed with a fade-resistant finish.

Eventually, the MUTCD standardized the specifications for red as the STOP sign's official background color with white lettering, and the official mounting height as 7 feet. 

STOP Visibility

If you are shopping for a STOP sign, keep in mind there are three different types non-reflective, reflective or high intensity reflective?

  1. Non-Reflective: A non-reflective STOP sign does not reflect light back in the direction of the oncoming motorist. Non-reflective signs are more commonly used in the daytime because of its low visibility. 
  2. Reflective : Reflective STOP signs reflect light sources, providing more visibility.  However, without a light source, the sign is not easily seen.  Reflective signs are often used in tunnels, and is easily seen at night when vehicle lights are reflected.
  3. High Intensity Reflective : High intensity reflective signs are 10 times more reflective compared to reflective signs.  High Intensity signs are made with prismatic sheeting allowing highly visibility in both day and night. 

It Could Have Been A Different Kind of STOP

Looking back at the STOP history, streets would look very different if we had pink-on-yellow STOP signs.

Nonetheless, the standard red and white STOP signs we see today have come a long way.

Make a STOP

So, if you’re looking for a STOP sign, choose the STOP sign with the reflective material you need. It's more than just a STOP sign, it needs to be seen.

The next time you're stopped at a “STOP” sign, imagine the journey it's taken to become what we know today as  STOP means “STOP”.

Take a look at the variety of “STOP” and “STOP/SLOW” we offer.

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