Traffic Cone Checklist – Do you have the right cone?

TSS Customer ServiceOctober 11, 2025October 11, 2025Traffic Safety, Resource Guidetraffic cones, traffic cones mutcd, traffic cone checklist

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Traffic Cone Checklist: MUTCD Sizes, Reflective Collars & Compliance Guide

Choosing the right traffic cone isn’t just a preference — it’s a compliance and safety requirement. This checklist translates MUTCD guidance into clear steps so your crews bring the correct cones for speed, time of day, and work-zone complexity.

MUTCD-compliant cones with the required reflective collar pattern for night and high-speed use.

Quick Answer (At a Glance)

Daytime, low-speed (≤ 40 mph): 18″ orange cone acceptable. Reflective collars not required in daylight.
Nighttime or ≥ 45 mph: Use 28″ or taller orange cones with two white reflective collars (6″ top band + 4″ lower band). Sources: MUTCD Part 6 (11th Ed.), MUTCD 6F (legacy).
Freeways/high-speed or extra conspicuity: 28″ minimum; many agencies prefer 36″. Add weighting for stability. See MUTCD 3F and ADOT guidelines.

Where These Rules Come From

The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) is the national standard for traffic control devices. The current edition (11th, Dec 2023) sets requirements for cone heights and reflective banding for night/high-speed use. See MUTCD Part 6 and FHWA’s overview here. In practice, many state DOTs echo or tighten these rules (e.g., NJDOT, ADOT). OSHA does not prescribe specific cone sizes for public roadway work zones and typically defers to MUTCD for roadway device standards. See OSHA interpretation here and OSHA’s work-zone page here. Related reading: Why Traffic Cones Are Orange | Traffic Cone Size Guide

In Simple Terms

The faster the traffic and the darker the conditions, the taller and more reflective your cone must be. The table below summarizes the MUTCD height and banding requirements used by many agencies.

Decision Table: Pick the Correct Cone

Condition	Minimum Cone	Reflective Collars	Notes / Sources
Daytime, low-speed streets (≤ 40 mph)	18″ orange cone	Not required in daylight (low speed)	MUTCD framework for low-speed, daytime applications. See MUTCD 3F.
Nighttime or roadways ≥ 45 mph	28″ or taller cone	Required: Two white bands — top 6″ band 3–4″ from top; 4″ band ~2″ below	Pattern described in MUTCD 6F (legacy); also reflected in 11th Ed. Part 6.
Freeways / high-speed facilities or extra conspicuity	28″–36″ cone (36″ preferred by many agencies)	Two white bands as above	Use weighting. See MUTCD 3F, ADOT.
State/agency specs (example)	Often 28″ cones with two bands minimum	Required at night/high-speed	e.g., NJDOT setup guide.

Looking for MUTCD-compliant cones? Shop Traffic Cones or call 800-429-9030 for expert help.

Reflective Collar Pattern (28–36″ Cones)

Top band: 6″ white, placed ~3–4″ from the top of the cone.
Lower band: 4″ white, ~2″ below the 6″ band.
For cones over 36″, MUTCD provides for alternating retroreflective striping. See MUTCD Part 6.

Keep collars clean and intact. Dirty or peeling bands fail nighttime visibility checks.

Practical Placement & Stability Tips

Spacing & tapers: Follow plan sheets and agency tables for approach speed and taper length. See NJDOT, ADOT.
Weighting: Use heavy bases or sand-filled collars where wind, truck wash, or plow spray is an issue.
Night checks: Inspect from a driver’s viewpoint after dark—verify reflectivity and alignment.
Remove or cover when not in effect: Inactive devices can confuse drivers and create liability.

Printable Checklist

Posted speed ≤ 40 mph, daytime → Pack 18″ orange cones.
Night work or ≥ 45 mph → Pack 28″+ cones with two reflective collars (6″ + 4″ pattern).
Freeway/high-speed, poor weather, or extra conspicuity → Prefer 36″ cones + weighting.
Confirm taper length and spacing from your traffic control plan / agency table.
Inspect collars (clean, intact), replace damaged cones, verify night visibility.

Traffic_Cone_Checklist_Printable

Shop MUTCD-Aligned Traffic Cones

Equip your crews with compliant cones and accessories:

Questions about a specific project? Talk to a specialist at Traffic Safety Store — or call 800-429-9030 for quick, code-aligned recommendations.

References

Disclaimer: This article is provided by Traffic Safety Store for general educational purposes. Always follow the current MUTCD (including any state supplements) and your approved traffic control plan before selecting or placing devices.