How to Choose the Right Traffic Cone: Size, Color, and Type for Any Job Site
Every job site needs traffic cones, but choosing the right size and color is critical for MUTCD compliance and safety. Traffic Safety Store expert Chris Avayou breaks down cone construction, federal size guidelines, and color use-cases—from construction zones to valet.
Watch: Traffic Cone Selection Guide
1) Flow-Molded vs. Injection-Molded
At Traffic Safety Store, we offer two primary cone constructions. Outside of minor differences, both perform reliably in the field.Flow-Molded Cones
- Construction: Single-piece, seamless body.
- Available colors: Orange, lime, white, red, yellow, blue, pink.
Injection-Molded Cones
- Construction: Distinct black base made from recycled plastic.
- Available colors: Orange, lime, white, blue.
2) What Size Traffic Cone Do You Need? (Federal Guidelines)
The minimum cone height for road work depends on roadway speed and context. Always verify state and local requirements before deployment.| Cone Height | Typical Application | Compliance Note |
|---|---|---|
| 6″ & 12″ | Sporting events, indoor uses | Not for use on public roads |
| 18″ | Minimum size for road closures | Generally the minimum height to close a road. |
| 28″ | Minimum size for highways | Higher speeds require taller cones for conspicuity. |
| 36″ | Highest-speed highways; maximum visibility | Check state/local rules for specific speed thresholds. |
Nighttime Visibility (Reflective Collars)
- 18″ cones: One 6″ reflective collar.
- 28″ & 36″ cones: Two reflective collars (one 4″ + one 6″).
3) Color Coding: Use Cones to Communicate
Orange was the original standard, but additional colors help crews communicate intent and improve wayfinding across different environments.- Orange: Construction and traffic control.
- Lime: Entrances, pedestrian activity, high-visibility areas.
- Blue: Accessible parking and areas with overhead hazards (e.g., wires).
- White: Valet, equestrian events, special events/branding.
- Red: Indoor hazards, material handling, equipment aisles.
- Yellow: Indoor caution (e.g., wet floors).
- Pink: Children’s areas, celebrations, awareness events.
4) Customization: Branding That Deters Theft
Add a custom logo or stencil to improve communication and reduce loss from theft. Choose from black, white, red, or blue ink. There’s no setup fee and no minimum order for customization—just send us your artwork and we’ll handle the rest. Start your custom order here: Custom-printed 28″ Traffic Cones.Frequently Asked Questions
- Do the cones meet MUTCD standards?
- Yes. We stock cones that meet MUTCD size and visibility requirements. Many also include reflective collars for nighttime use. Always check the specific model specs and your state/local requirements.
- What base weight should I use for my cones?
- Lighter base weights (e.g., for 18″ cones) are fine for indoor or low-speed areas. For higher-speed roads or windy conditions, choose heavier bases (10–12 lb for 28″/36″, or 30 lb for 42″). See our main Traffic Cones lineup for details.
- Can I get a custom logo printed on the cones?
- Absolutely. We offer customization (no setup fee, no minimums). Visit our custom-printing product page to upload your artwork and choose your ink colors.
- When do I need reflective collars?
- If your work zone operates at night or in low-light conditions, reflective collars are strongly recommended and often required. For example, 18″ cones need one 6″ collar; 28″ and 36″ cones need two (4″ and 6″). Check your state DOT for details.
Order Traffic Cones
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