Official MUTCD S1-1 School Zone Signs

Protect students and manage traffic speed with Federal School Zone Signs. We stock the complete line of S1-1 School Zone pentagon signs, School Speed Limit assemblies, and "End School Zone" markers. Manufactured with the mandated Fluorescent Yellow-Green (FYG) Diamond Grade reflectivity, our School Zone Signs meet all MUTCD Part 7 requirements for high-visibility enforcement during critical school hours.
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The School Zone Signage Sequence (MUTCD Figure 7B-1)

To establish a legally enforceable School Zone, signs must be installed in a specific linear sequence:

  • 1. Advance Warning (S1-1): The School Zone Sign (Pentagon) acts as the first alert. It must be placed 150 to 700 feet upstream from the school grounds or the first crosswalk to allow for driver reaction time.
  • 2. Speed Limit Assembly (S5-1): This assembly (e.g., "Speed Limit 20 When Flashing") marks the exact Beginning of the regulatory zone.
  • 3. Termination (S5-2): The "End School Zone" sign marks the legal end of the restricted area, allowing drivers to resume normal roadway speeds. Without this sign, the zone effectively never ends legally.

Standards for School Zone Signs (MUTCD Part 7)

Establishing a safe and legally compliant school area requires a specific sequence of School Zone Signs. These regulatory and warning devices define the boundaries of the protected area, alerting drivers that they are entering a high-risk environment where fines are often doubled and traffic patterns change. Under MUTCD Part 7, School Zone Signs must meet rigorous standards for shape, color, and retroreflectivity to be legally enforceable.

The S1-1 School Zone Sign (The Pentagon)

The most critical of all School Zone Signs is the S1-1 Advance Warning sign.

  • The Shape Mandate: It is the only traffic sign in the federal code authorized to use the Pentagon (house) shape. This unique silhouette allows drivers to recognize School Zone Signs instantly, even if the text or symbol is obscured by snow or graffiti.
  • Placement Protocol: This sign acts as the "Advance Warning." It must be installed 150 to 700 feet in advance of the school grounds or the first student crosswalk to trigger the driver's heightened awareness.

School Speed Limit Signs (S5-1)

To enforce a reduced speed limit (e.g., 15 MPH or 20 MPH), you must use the correct School Zone Signs assembly.

  • The Assembly: This combines the "SCHOOL" header plaque, the "SPEED LIMIT" regulatory sign, and the specific condition plaque (e.g., "WHEN FLASHING" or "7:30-8:30 AM").
  • Legal Enforcement: Without specific School Zone Signs defining the hours of operation, police often cannot enforce the double fines associated with the zone.

The "Fluorescent Yellow-Green" (FYG) Standard

The era of "Standard Yellow" for schools is over.

  • The FYG Requirement: The FHWA and most State DOTs now mandate Fluorescent Yellow-Green sheeting for all School Zone Signs (specifically the S1-1).
  • Dawn & Dusk Safety: We use 3M™ Diamond Grade (Type XI) FYG. This neon-lime material is engineered to convert short-wavelength light (twilight) into visible light, making the School Zone Signs glow brilliantly during the morning drop-off and afternoon pickup windows when visibility is lowest.

End School Zone (S5-2)

The "End School Zone" sign is critical for traffic flow. It signals the legal termination of the restricted zone. Without these specific School Zone Signs, the "Double Fines" or reduced speed rules effectively continue indefinitely until the next speed limit sign, which can lead to dismissed tickets in court due to "ambiguous zone boundaries."

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions regarding MUTCD compliance, installation standards, and material specifications for regulatory signage.
Do I have to use the Neon Green color for School Zone Signs?

Yes. For all new installations, the MUTCD requires Fluorescent Yellow-Green (FYG) for school warning signs (like the S1-1 Pentagon). This distinct color separates School Zone Signs from general road hazards, alerting drivers specifically to the presence of children. Using obsolete yellow signs can create liability issues for the municipality.
Where should the S1-1 School Zone Sign be placed?

The S1-1 School Zone Sign acts as an advance warning. It should be installed 150 to 700 feet before the school grounds or the first crosswalk. This gives drivers adequate reaction time to slow down before reaching the School Speed Limit Sign assembly.
What is the standard size for School Zone Signs?

  • 30" x 30": The federal minimum for School Zone Signs on conventional single-lane roads and residential approaches.
  • 36" x 36": Required for multi-lane roads or approaches with speed limits over 35 MPH.
  • 48" x 48": Used for "Oversized" applications on high-speed arterials where maximum visibility is required.

Need specific code assistance?

If your project requires a specific State DOT certification or a specialized variation not listed here, please contact our Compliance Support Team for a custom specification sheet.