Who invented the Stop Sign? A short history of the stop sign.

TSS Customer ServiceDecember 12, 2024January 1, 2025Traffic SafetyMUTCD, stop signs

The History and Impact of the Stop Sign

Who Invented the Stop Sign?

The stop sign was officially invented by Detroit police sergeant Harold “Harry” Jackson in 1914. While Jackson created the first physical stop sign, William Phelps Eno, widely known as the “Father of Traffic Safety,” played a critical role in popularizing and formalizing its use. Eno was a pioneer in traffic control, developing key principles of modern traffic systems, such as one-way streets and roundabouts, which remain in use today.

The First Stop Sign

In 1914, Harry Jackson was a traffic guard in Detroit, Michigan, working at a bustling intersection where chaotic traffic made pedestrian and driver safety a growing concern. Jackson crafted the first stop sign by cutting the corners off a rectangular piece of plywood to create a unique shape and painting the word “STOP” in bold letters. Today, you can find modern stop signs like the 30″ x 30″ aluminum stop sign for effective traffic management.

The Evolution of the Stop Sign

The stop sign has undergone several changes since its invention. Each modification reflects advancements in traffic safety and efforts to standardize road signs across the U.S. and globally.

1915: The first stop sign debuted in Detroit, Michigan, with a simple black-and-white design.
1923: The Mississippi Valley Association of State Highway Departments recommended the octagonal shape for stop signs. This distinctive shape helped drivers recognize the sign’s purpose even from the back or when partially obstructed.
1935: Reflective materials were introduced, making stop signs easier to see at night. Check out high-visibility stop signs like this 24″ ACM reflective stop sign.
1954: The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) mandated that all stop signs have a red background with white letters.
1968: The Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals established the stop sign as an international standard.

The Role of MUTCD in Stop Sign Standardization

The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) is a comprehensive set of national standards for traffic signs, road markings, and signals in the United States. In relation to stop signs, the MUTCD mandates essential features like the octagonal shape, retroreflective materials, and proper placement. MUTCD-compliant stop signs, like the 30″ x 30″ aluminum stop sign, are critical for maintaining consistent road safety standards.

How Many Stop Signs Are in the U.S.?

Although there isn’t an official count of stop signs in the United States, estimates suggest there are between 4 to 5 million. Modern stop signs, like this 24″ ACM reflective stop sign, help ensure road safety and compliance at controlled intersections across the country.