Can 28-inch cones be used on highways?

Generally, no. MUTCD recommends 36-inch cones for highways due to their visibility and stability in high-speed environments. Check local regulations for exceptions.

Do reflective collars need to be replaced?

Yes, if they become faded, damaged, or covered in dirt, they should be replaced to maintain visibility per MUTCD standards.

Are there alternatives to traffic cones?

Yes, devices like barrels, delineators, or temporary barriers may be used in certain scenarios, but cones are preferred for their portability and versatility.

28″ vs. 36″ Traffic Cones: When to Use Each

TSS Customer ServiceMay 6, 2025Work-Zone, Traffic Safety

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28-Inch vs. 36-Inch Traffic Cones: When to Use Each

A comprehensive guide from TrafficSafetyStore.com to selecting traffic cones based on MUTCD guidelines, speed limits, and environmental factors.

Introduction to Traffic Cone Selection

Traffic cones are essential for ensuring safety in work zones, construction sites, and traffic management scenarios. Choosing the right cone size—28-inch or 36-inch—depends on factors like speed limits, visibility needs, and environmental conditions. At TrafficSafetyStore.com, we offer a wide range of MUTCD-compliant traffic cones to meet your safety needs. This guide explores the differences between these cone sizes, aligns with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) standards, and provides practical tips for effective deployment.

28-Inch Traffic Cones

Ideal for: Roadways with speed limits up to 45 mph, such as urban streets, residential areas, and low-to-moderate traffic zones. Common Uses:

Urban street maintenance (e.g., pothole repairs, utility work).
Parking lot management and event traffic control.
Local road construction or short-term work zones.
Pedestrian safety zones near schools or community centers.

Visibility: Adequate for daytime use due to their bright orange color and reflective tape. For nighttime or low-light conditions, reflective collars are mandatory to ensure visibility under vehicle headlights. Advantages: Lightweight and portable, 28-inch cones are easy to transport and deploy in smaller work zones. Their compact size makes them cost-effective for projects requiring many cones. Explore our range of 28-inch cones at TrafficSafetyStore.com. Limitations: Less stable in high-wind areas or near high-speed traffic, requiring heavier bases or additional anchoring in challenging conditions.

36-Inch Traffic Cones

Ideal for: High-speed roadways exceeding 45 mph, including highways, interstates, and major arterial roads. Common Uses:

Highway construction and maintenance (e.g., lane closures, bridge repairs).
Freeway work zones requiring long-term setups.
High-visibility zones near sharp curves or intersections.
Emergency response scenarios on major roads.

Visibility: Their increased height and larger reflective surface area enhance visibility, making them ideal for high-speed environments. Reflective collars are essential for nighttime operations to maximize safety. Advantages: Greater stability due to larger bases and taller structure, reducing the risk of displacement by wind or passing vehicles. Their prominence ensures drivers notice them from a distance. Check out our 36-inch cones at TrafficSafetyStore.com. Limitations: Heavier and bulkier, 36-inch cones are less portable and may require more storage space. They are also typically more expensive than 28-inch cones.

MUTCD Reflective Collar Requirements

The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) provides standardized guidelines to ensure traffic cones are visible and effective, particularly in low-visibility conditions. For nighttime use, the MUTCD specifies:

Top Reflective Band: Must be 6 inches wide and positioned 3 to 4 inches from the top of the cone.
Lower Reflective Band: Must be 4 inches wide and placed approximately 2 inches below the top band.
Material: Reflective bands must be made of high-intensity retroreflective sheeting to ensure visibility under headlights.

These requirements enhance driver reaction time by ensuring cones are visible from a safe distance, reducing the risk of collisions in work zones. For detailed specifications, refer to MUTCD Section 6F.64. At TrafficSafetyStore.com, all our cones meet or exceed MUTCD reflective standards. Additional MUTCD Notes: Cones used at night must be inspected regularly to ensure reflective bands are clean and undamaged, as dirt or wear can reduce effectiveness.

Additional Factors to Consider

Beyond size and MUTCD guidelines, several practical factors influence the choice of traffic cones:

Stability: Taller 36-inch cones are inherently more resistant to tipping due to their height and wider bases. In windy or high-traffic areas, consider cones with heavier weighted bases for added stability.
Material: Most cones are made from durable PVC or rubber, designed to withstand UV exposure, extreme temperatures, and impacts. Rubber cones are heavier and more stable but costlier than PVC.
Base Weight and Design: Heavier bases (e.g., 10-12 lbs for 36-inch cones) are critical in high-speed or windy conditions.
Storage and Transport: 28-inch cones are easier to stack and transport, making them ideal for mobile crews. 36-inch cones require more space but are justified for higher-risk zones.

Quick Comparison: 28-Inch traffic cones vs. 36-Inch traffic cones

Feature	28-Inch Traffic Cones	36-Inch Traffic Cones
Speed Limit	Up to 45 mph	Over 45 mph
Common Uses	Urban streets, parking lots, local roads	Highways, interstates, major construction
Visibility	Good for daytime; reflective collars for night	Excellent due to height; collars mandatory at night
Stability	Moderate; needs heavier bases in wind	High; resists wind and traffic displacement
Portability	Lightweight, easy to transport	Bulkier, less portable
Cost	Slightly Lower	Slightly Higher

Need help choosing? Visit TrafficSafetyStore.com for expert advice and a full range of traffic cones.

Summary of Guidelines

28-inch traffic cones: Best for low-to-moderate speed zones (up to 45 mph), such as urban streets or parking lots. Use reflective collars for nighttime visibility and ensure stable bases in windy conditions.
36-inch traffic cones: Essential for high-speed roads (over 45 mph), including highways and major construction zones. Their height and stability make them ideal for high-visibility needs, with reflective collars mandatory at night.

Always consult local regulations alongside MUTCD standards, as some jurisdictions may impose stricter requirements, such as additional signage or specific cone spacing. Regular maintenance, including cleaning reflective bands and inspecting for damage, is critical to ensure ongoing safety. Shop MUTCD-compliant cones at TrafficSafetyStore.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can 28-inch cones be used on highways?: Generally, no. MUTCD recommends 36-inch traffic cones for highways due to their visibility and stability in high-speed environments. Check local regulations for exceptions.
Are there alternatives to traffic cones?: Yes, devices like Drums (barrels), delineators, or temporary barriers may be used in certain scenarios, but cones are preferred for their portability and versatility. Explore alternatives at TrafficSafetyStore.com.

Learn more about traffic cones, signs, barriers, and high-visibility gear at TrafficSafetyStore.com. Discover our water-filled barriers, parking blocks, and speed bumps for all your traffic safety needs.

Stay Safe. Stay Compliant. Choose Traffic Safety Store.