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March 2017
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Standard Highway Sign Designs for Texas
A. As a guide to choice of alphabets, tests have Letter Sizes for Guide Signs
shown that, for any given legend, better legibility
can be obtained by using a relatively wide spacing For guide signs on expressways and freeways, the
between letters than by using wider and taller prescribed numeral and letter sizes, according to
letters with a cramped space. interchange classification and component of sign
legend, appear in Tables 2E-1T, 2E-4T and 2E-5 of
B. Use of Series B alphabet is for street names, the TMUTCD. The minimum sizes specified should
parking signs, and other similar signs where limited be exceeded where conditions indicate a need
breadth and stroke widths are required for design for greater legibility.
purposes.
C. Lettering on street name signs should be at least For conventional roads in rural districts on major
6 inches high (TMUTCD, Section 2D.43). routes, the principal legend on guide signs shall be
Supplementary lettering to indicate type of street or in letters 6 to 8 inches in height. On low-volume
section of city may be in smaller lettering but at roads and on urban streets with speed of 25 mph,
least 3 inches high. the principal legend shall be in letters at least 4
inches high.
D. An accepted rule-of-thumb to follow for
legibility for signs other than Interstate is to have 1 Amount of Legend on Guide Signs
inch of letter height for every 40 feet of desired
legibility. The TMUTCD states that regardless of letter size, the
legend on a guide sign must be kept to a minimum to
Guide Sign Dimensioning be instantly legible. For example, on expressways,
the legend on a guide sign should only have two
Although some guide signs also have been destinations and the directional copy. Directional
standardized and are included in this book, most copy, not exceeding three lines, may include symbols,
guide signs need to be designed separately route numbers, arrows, cardinal directions,
because of the variability in message or legend. interchange number(s), and other exit instructions.
For most guide signs, there can be no rigid Conventional road guide signs should be limited to
standardized sizes. three lines of principal legend which includes only
place names, route numbers, and street names.
Message variability controls overall sign
dimensions. Whenever practicable, the overall
Guide Sign Arrows and/or uppercase letter height used in that line. If 2
or more route markers are in the same line of text
The Type A, Type B and Down arrows are to be they shall be optically centered on the sign with
used for guide signs and recommended applications spacing between the markers at not less than the
are stated in Sections 2D.8 and 2E.19 of the height of the numeral within the route markers.
TMUTCD.
Examples of the design of guide signs using the
Guide Sign Borders above guidelines are shown on the following pages.
Border widths should not exceed the stroke width of Diagrammatic Guide Signs
the major lettering of the sign. For guide signs,
smaller than 60 square feet, a width of 1 to 1 inch Design of diagrammatic signs follow the same
may be used; for those exceeding 60 square feet the principles and guidelines previously covered plus
border should be 2 inches wide; and for unusually additional guidelines necessary for the details
large signs, a border of 3 inches wide is appropriate. related to graphic components. Diagrammatic
signs shall be designed in accordance with the
The corner radii of guide sign borders should be following criteria:
approximately one-eight of the lesser side dimension
except the radii should not exceed 12 inches on any 1. The graphic legend shall be a plan view showing
sign. The area outside the corner radius on large a simplified off-ramp arrangement.
signs may need to be trimmed, except for signs made
from extruded aluminum panels. 2. Only one destination may be shown for each
arrowhead, with a maximum of two destinations per
Spacing on Guide Signs sign.
Interline spacing should be approximately three- 3. The graphic should not depict deceleration
fourths the average of the capital and/or uppercase lanes. A black on yellow EXIT ONLY panel
letter heights in adjacent lines. Interline spacing should be used to supplement a lane drop graphic.
shall not be reduced to less than the average
height. Spacing between a route marker and the 4. The shaft for the exit ramp movement should be
line of text below should be equal to three-fourths shorter than, but not separated from, the through
the average height of the numeral in the route movement graphic.
marker and the tallest letter in that adjacent line.
Measurement shall be from the lowest point of the 5. Arrow shafts should contain lane lines where
route marker and the top of the tallest letter in the appropriate and route shields shall not be used as
line of text. Interline spacing between an upward a substitute for arrowheads.
sloping arrow and a line of text and/or a route
marker should be approximately three-fourths the 6. Route shields, cardinal directions, and
letter height of the line of text or the numeral inside destinations should be clearly related to the
the marker. arrowhead, and the arrowhead should point toward
the route shield for the off movement.
Lateral spacing to the inside edge of the vertical
borders shall be the same as the height of the 7. The cardinal direction should generally be
largest letter on the sign. Each line of copy should placed adjacent to the route shield and the
be centered within the sign borders. Spacing to the destination should be placed below and justified
inside edge of the top and bottom borders should with the route shield.
be approximately equal to the average of the letter
and/or numeral height of the adjacent line of text. 8. Exit number panels should be located toward the
When a downward pointing arrow is part of the last top left edge of the sign for a left exit and toward
line of text, spacing should be equal to the average the top right edge for right exits.
of the arrow and letter height. If an arrow is the
only item in the last line, spacing shall be measured The above guidelines were based upon the results
from the lowest point of the arrow and be the same of a research project conducted by the Federal
as the spacing at the top of the sign. Lateral Highway Administration. This research generated
spacing between each item (words, route markers, ideals for various diagrammatic design features.
numbers and/or arrows) in any given line of text
should be approximately 1 to 1 times the capital
These ideal features have been modified so more shown were designed through a trial and error
economical designs could be obtained. procedure and will provid e the designer with the
guides and elements needed to design an
Specific design standards for graphic components
economical diagrammatic sign while maintaining a
are presented in the table below and other
clear and simple message.
recommended features are shown in the design
illustrations in the following pages. The illustrations
Minimum Letter and Numeral Sizes for Advance Guide and Exit Direction Signs
Type of Sign and Sign Elements Minimum Size in inches
Exit Panel
Word 10 CV 4W
Numeral and Letter 15 CV 4W
U.S. or State Route Sign, Business, Loop or Spur Interstate Route Sign
Numeral (see note 1 below) 18 D Series
Shield (1-2 Digit) 36 x 36
Shield (3 Digit) 45 x 36
Cardinal Direction
First Letter 15 CV 5WR (18 CV 5WR*)
Rest of Word 12 CV 5WR (15 CV 5WR*)
Auxiliary and Alternative Route Legends (Examples: JCT, TO, ALT, BUSINESS)
Word 12 CV 5WR (15 CV 5WR*)
EXIT
March 2017
45 18 12
14
15CV-5WR 12CV-5WR
36
Standard Highway Sign Designs for Texas
4-5
12.75 13
16CV-5WR
12
15CV-5WR
14
16
TEXAS
2012 Edition-Revision 2
Standard Highway Sign Designs for Texas
15CV-5WR
14
30
12
14
1 x 6 inch lane lines with 6 inch gaps
10CV-5WR
*
2
20
10
10
80o
TEXAS
March 2017
12 45 18
17
Standard Highway Sign Designs for Texas
15CV-5WR 12CV-5WR 33
4-7
13 12.75
16CV-5WR
12
15CV-5WR
14
2012 Edition-Revision 2
TEXAS
Standard Highway Sign Designs for Texas
Adjust to
have 6"
increments
Guideline
12 14 36 18
15CV-5WR 12CV-5WR
36
12.75 14
16CV-5WR
12 13
30
1
2
VAR
SAMPLE SIGN
VAR
10
13.33 CV-5WR
54
10.67
15
10 CV-5WR CV-5WR
10 10 10
Adjust to
have 6"
increments Guideline
2
18 18 15 14
36
12 12.75
16
Metropolis 16CV-5WR
12 12
Utopia
min.
16CV-5WR
13 11.625
EXITS 2 MILES 10
CV-5WR
15CV-5WR
15 14
VAR
E1-1a
2
18 18
14 12
36
16
min. 12 12.75
Newport 16CV-5WR
13 11.625
14 12
VAR
E1-2
COLORS: LEGEND - WHITE TEXAS
BACKGROUND - GREEN
.75 3
1.25 CL SIGN
9
21.375 21.375
30 12E*
72
E1-5aP
10 60
3
3
54
7
6
8.5
10CV-4W
10
EXIT 15CV-4W
7.5
10 60
3
3
54
8.5 6
10CV-4W
10
EXIT 48 A 15CV-4W
7.5
E1-5bP
7.5
30 10CV-4W 15CV-4W
2
7.5
7.5
30 10CV-4W 15CV-4W
2 7.5
7.5
5
30 10CV-4W 15CV-4W
2
7.5
10CV-6W
34.68
3
36
15CV-4W
2
VAR
4
10CV-6W
34.68
3
36
15CV-4W
2
VAR 7.5 VAR
4
10CV-6W
34.68
3
36
5
15CV-4W
2
VAR 7.5 35 (max.)
4
E1-5TP
COLORS: LEGEND - WHITE TEXAS
BACKGROUND - GREEN
24 12CV-4W
6
VAR
E2-1
1 6
12CV-4W
48 8
12CV-4W
108
E2-1a
1 6
7
24 10CV-4W
7
120 TYPICAL, MAY VARY TO MATCH PARENT SIGN
E2-2
E2-3
E2-4
41.5 10
12CV-6W
60
A-2
*
(45)
23
72
E5-1
* See Symbol
section for
arrow design
6 72
10
12CV-6W
5
60 19
E-3
2
* 19
E5-1aT
6
72
12CV-6W
60 17
2
E-4
* 23
6 6
1.5 1.5
10
41.5 41.5
12CV-6W
9 4 min. 4 min.
6 VAR 6 VAR (41 max.) 9 VAR
min. min.
18CV-4W
90
10
18.5 23 18.5 24.5 23 24.5
A-2 * A-2*
(45) (45)
23
60 72
1-, 2- or 3-Digit Exit Number 2- or 3-Digit Exit Number with a single letter suffix
1- or 2-Digit Exit Number with a single letter suffix
E5-1c
Adjust to
have 6"
increments Guideline
2 12
12 14
15CV-5WR 12CV-5WR
10 11.25
108 36
16
10 12.75
16CV-5WR
12 14
VAR
E6-2
2 12
18 14
15CV-5WR 12CV-5WR 36
90 16
10 12.75
16CV-5WR
14
VAR
E6-2a
COLORS: LEGEND - WHITE TEXAS
BACKGROUND - GREEN
Adjust to
have 6"
increments Guideline
1.25
6
9 9.25
42
Greenville 40 12
min 8
8CV-5WR
8 6
St Louis 125
8
8CV-5WR
9 9.25
VAR
E7-2T
1.25
6
9 9.25
8CV-5WR
6
8 8
54 8CV-5WR
12
min 6
8CV-5WR
9
9.25
VAR
E7-3T
One line expressway destination sign shall use a 24 inch sign blank.
6 min 6 min
32
4
9
30
* 22
12E
Parallel 1
Parent E11-1
Sign Radius
1.875
CL SIGN
19.587 19.587 3
18 12 E*
66
E11-1a
1.875
CL SIGN
23.401 24.5 3
18 12 E*
66
E11-1b
CL SIGN
2.599
39.174 9.401 47.901 3
18 12 E* 12 E *
3
1.875 120
E11-1c
12 min
30 12E
1
Parallel
E11-1aT
Parent
Sign Radius
22 22
9
15
30 * 12E
1
Parallel
Parent
Sign Radius E11-1TR
* See Symbol section
for B3 arrow design
22 22
9
15
30 * 12E
1
Parallel
Parent
Sign Radius E11-1TL
9
30 12E
** ** 9
1 Parallel
144 Parent
Sign Radius
E11-1dT
156
22 22
9
15
* 30 * 12E
9
1 Parallel
144 Parent
Sign Radius
E11-1eT
156
12 min
9
30
** **
12E
9
Parallel 1
Parent
Sign Radius E11-1f
** See Symbol section
for DOWN arrow design
156
12 min
9
30 * * 12E
15
9
Parallel 1
Parent
Sign Radius E11-1gT
1.875
L SIGN
C
21.375 21.375 3
18 12 E*
3
60
30 12E
Parallel 1
Parent
E11-2aT
Sign Radius
12 min
30 12E
3 E11-2cT
72
12 8E
3 E11-2dT
6.5 22 7 30 6.5 3
min max min
6 7
24 12E 10E
6 7
.875 .625
72
E13-1P
COLORS: LEGEND - BLACK
BACKGROUND - YELLOW
49.467 12 1.875
VAR VAR 12 35.898 VAR
6 4.5
24 12E 15E
6 4.5
162
E13-2
- OR -
36.726 1.875
VAR 15 VAR 15 35.898 VAR
6 4.5
24 12E 15E
6 4.5
162
E13-2
6 108
12
12CV-3W
60
12
15CV-3W 12CV-3W
2 12
E21-1T
120
6
12
12CV-3W
60
12
12CV-3W
2 12
E21-2T
78
6
12CV-6W
12CV-6W
78
7.5
E21-3T
6 120
12
12CV-3W
60
12
15CV-3W 12CV-3W
2 12
E21-4T
120
6
12
12CV-3W
60
12
12CV-3W
2 12
E21-5T
78
6
12CV-4W
12CV-6W
78
7.5
* 23
2 See Symbol section
*
for arrow design
7.5
E21-6T
6
108
8CV-3W
36 6
8CV-3W
1
7
E21-7T
6
120
18 5
1 8CV-3W
5
E21-8T
2
10
10
12CV-3W
8
2
8
12CV-3W
102
12CV-3W
15CV-3W 12CV-3W
*
10
144
E21-9T
* Alternate text
E21-10T
2
10
10
12CV-3W
8
2
8
12CV-3W
102
8
12CV-3W 12
8 *
12CV-3W
12
10
120
E21-11T
10
8
2
8
8 102
INFO
17
12CV-3W
A-2
12 (45) 8
CENTER * 12
12CV-3W
10
138
E21-12T
* See Symbol
section for
10
arrow design
2
10
8
2
8
8 102
2 MILES
15CV-3W ** 12CV-3W
10
138
E21-13T
** Alternate text
E21-14T
10 198
10.7
10
78
Hospital 13.3CV-5WR
10
*
10.7
2
E22-1T
198
10
10
10
84
Hospital 13.3CV-5WR
12
*
10CV-5WR
EXIT 235 15CV-5WR
10.4
2
E22-2T
* Alternate text:
Cemetery
Medical Clinic
2.25
12
16CV-5WR
12
96
16CV-5WR
13
10CV-5WR 15CV-5WR
12
2.25
2
12
16CV-5WR
12
90 16CV-5WR
12
10CV-5WR
12