Choose Your Reflectivity Grade
Compare visibility, durability, and ideal applications
Engineering Grade
Ideal Use
Parking lots
Brightness
General Lifespan
7 years
Night-time Visibility
500 feet away
High Intensity Prismatic
Ideal Use
Roadways
Brightness
General Lifespan
10 years
Night-time Visibility
1000 feet away
Diamond Grade
Ideal Use
High-speed roadways
Brightness
General Lifespan
10+ years
Night-time Visibility
1500 feet away
Product Details
Speed Zone Ahead Sign - W3-5A
Drivers approaching a changing speed environment need clear, authoritative guidance to maintain safety. This Speed Zone Ahead Sign (W3-5A) provides an essential visual warning, alerting motorists to upcoming speed limit changes and helping prevent potential traffic incidents. Constructed with reflective aluminum standard punched blanks, the sign offers exceptional durability and visibility in diverse weather conditions. Available in high intensity and diamond grade options, the sign fully complies with DOT and MUTCD standards, ensuring professional-grade traffic control that meets all state and federal requirements for roadway signage.
Sign Specifications
MUTCD Code
W3-5A
Sign Type
Warning Sign
Shape
Diamond
Standard warning sign shape
Colors
Yellow background
Black legend
Compliance
MUTCD Compliant: This advance traffic control warning sign meets federal standards per MUTCD Section 2C.36. Used to warn of upcoming traffic control devices.
| Size | Dimensions | Application |
|---|---|---|
| StandardDefault | 36x36" | Conventional roads |
| Expressway | 48x48" | Expressways and freeways |
MUTCD Compliant
Federal standards
DOT Approved
State & Federal
ASTM D4956
Type III/IV/XI
10+ Years
Durability
Engineer Grade (EG)
Type: ASTM Type I
Lifespan: 5-7 years
Brightness: ~50 cd/lux/m²
Parking lots, low-speed areas, non-critical signage
High Intensity Prismatic (HIP)
Type: ASTM Type III/IV
Lifespan: 10 years
Brightness: ~360 cd/lux/m²
Traffic signs, work zones, roadways
Diamond Grade (DG3)
Type: ASTM Type XI
Lifespan: 10-12 years
Brightness: ~580 cd/lux/m²
Critical signs, freeways, overhead signs
Install in advance of traffic control device when visibility is limited. Placement distance per MUTCD Table 2C-4 based on approach speed.
MUTCD Reference: Section 2C.36
Often Paired With
Signs commonly installed together per MUTCD guidelines
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about our professional signage.
Still have questions?
Our team is here to help you find the perfect signage solution.
Our signs are constructed from premium .080" thick aluminum, the industry standard for commercial and roadway signage. This heavy-gauge material resists bending and warping, and the reflective sheeting meets MUTCD (Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices) specifications for visibility day and night. Most products offer engineer grade, high-intensity prismatic, and diamond grade options.
With proper installation, our signs are built to last 7-10+ years in outdoor conditions. The reflective material is backed by a 7-year warranty against fading, peeling, or significant degradation. Our aluminum substrate is rust-proof and will not corrode like steel alternatives. Signs installed in extremely harsh environments (coastal salt air, industrial areas) may benefit from periodic cleaning to maximize lifespan.
Yes, our regulatory, warning, and guide signs meet MUTCD (Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices) federal specifications. We also comply with ADA requirements for accessible signage. Each sign is manufactured to the exact color specifications (using 3M or Avery reflective materials) and dimensions required by federal and state regulations. If you have specific local requirements, our team can ensure your signs meet them.
Absolutely! While we offer all standard sizes, we specialize in custom signage solutions. You can customize the dimensions, add your logo, modify text, or create entirely unique designs. Our design team can work with your specifications or help you create the perfect sign. Custom quotes are typically provided within 24 hours; just contact us with your requirements.
All our signs come with prepunched mounting holes (typically 3/8" diameter) positioned at industry-standard locations for easy installation. For post mounting, we offer U-channel posts, square posts, and mounting hardware sold separately. For wall mounting, appropriate anchors and screws are recommended based on your surface type. Installation guides are included with every order, and our support team is available if you need guidance.
Standard orders ship within 3-5 business days from order confirmation. Rush production (1-2 day turnaround) is available for an additional fee; just select the rush option at checkout or contact us. We ship via UPS and FedEx with full tracking provided. Most continental US deliveries arrive within 5-7 business days from shipment. Expedited shipping options are available at checkout.
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