Top 12 Caution Slow Sign Options, Specs & Buying Guide

Searching for the right “Caution Slow” sign shouldn’t feel like a scavenger hunt. Whether you need to calm traffic outside a school, caution forklift drivers on a plant floor, or meet a municipal inspector’s checklist, the sign has to tick three boxes immediately—visibility, durability, and compliance. Below you’ll find an at-a-glance lineup of 12 top performers, from budget yard stakes to solar-powered LED flashers. Each entry is tagged with size, material, reflectivity grade, price range, and recommended use, so you can zero in on the perfect match in minutes.

Keep reading and you’ll pick up more than a product list. We break down MUTCD and OSHA rules in plain English, illustrate how letter height and sheeting grade change stopping distance, and give step-by-step mounting tips that keep signs standing through high winds and harsh winters. A side-by-side comparison table, maintenance checklist, and FAQ section round out the guide, arming you with everything you need—from first quote to final bolt—to choose, install, and care for a sign that actually slows drivers when and where it counts. Ready to compare? Let’s get started.

1. Safety Decals Custom “Caution Slow” Sign

Want a made-to-order caution slow sign that nails brand guidelines and regulatory fine print in one shot? Safety Decals’ in-house shop lets you tweak everything from size to bilingual copy without sacrificing turnaround.

Key Specs at a Glance

Sizes: 12 × 18, 18 × 24, 24 × 30 in (larger on request)
Substrate: .080 aluminum in Engineer-Grade, HIP, Diamond Grade, or ORALITE®
Mounting: ⅜ in top/bottom holes; optional 2-slot channel
Service life: 7–12 yr UV-rated; ‑40 °F to 160 °F operating window

Standout Features & Benefits

Full-color logos, speed numerals, or pictograms printed edge-to-edge
Michigan fabrication means quick domestic shipping and low minimums
On-staff risk pros verify ANSI/MUTCD alignment before production

Ideal Use Cases

Industrial yards, HOA streets, and distribution docks that need custom branding or mixed sizes in bulk.

Pricing & Ordering Tips

Tiered breaks: 1–9, 10–49, 50+ units. Bundle with posts for an extra 5 % off. Use the online sticker builder to prototype first.

Possible Downsides / Watch-Outs

Complex Pantone matching adds a small fee and may extend lead time by a day or two.

2. RoadTrafficSigns 18 × 24 in Aluminum “Caution Drive Slowly” Sign

Need a ready-to-ship option that still meets MUTCD specs? This stock aluminum placard from RoadTrafficSigns does the job without drama or delay.

Key Specs at a Glance

Size & thickness: 18 × 24 in, 0.080″ (80-mil) aluminum
Sheeting: Engineer-Grade prismatic (EGP); MUTCD W13-1 compliant yellow/black design
Mounting: ⅜″ pre-punched holes, radius corners; fits U-channel or square posts
Warranty: 10-year outdoor fade and corrosion coverage

What Makes It Popular

Ships same or next day, cutting downtime for crews.

Best For

Quick parking-lot replacements

Pros / Cons

Pro: always in stock
Con: no graphics

3. TrafficSign.com High-Visibility “Slow Down” Sign (EGP Reflective)

A solid mid-price workhorse, this stock sign balances brightness, durability, and ship-today convenience—ideal when you need something better than big-box quality but don’t have time for custom artwork.

Specs Snapshot

Size: 18 × 24 in
Substrate: .080 aluminum, Engineer-Grade prismatic reflective
Corners: 1″ radius; ⅜″ mounting holes top/bottom
Service life: 7-plus years outdoors, ‑40 °F–160 °F

Unique Selling Points

The trademarked 3-D radius corners cut snag injuries during installation, and you can upgrade to HIP or Diamond Grade without re-engineering the design.

Use Cases

Perfect for school drop-off lanes, day-care driveways, and private roads where drivers should already be under 25 mph but still need a nudge.

Pricing Insights

Runs in the mid-$30s each; multi-packs of 5, 10, or 25 slice per-unit cost by up to 20 %.

4. SafetySign.com “Slow – Proceed With Caution” Sign with 3M HIP

Need mega visibility without custom lead time? SafetySign.com’s HIP “Slow – Proceed With Caution” sign delivers day-and-night brightness in a ready-to-ship package that ticks MUTCD boxes.

Specs

18 × 24 in, .080″ aluminum, 3M High-Intensity Prismatic sheeting
Black text plus dual chevrons for added directional cue
Pre-punched ⅜″ holes, 1″ radius corners for snag-free handling

Why It Stands Out

10-year reflectivity warranty and free OSHA reference PDFs arrive with every order—handy for audit files.

Best Applications

Construction approaches, lane shifts, and gravel detours where drivers must drop speed fast.

Considerations

HIP layer adds weight—pair with a 2-lb-ft U-channel or heavier square post to prevent wobble.

5. Amazon Basics 2-Pack Reflective Yard “Please Slow Down” Signs

Need a quick curb-side reminder for neighborhood speeders? Amazon Basics’ two-pack arrives overnight and pushes into turf with no tools—perfect for driveways or HOA common areas.

Specs

14 × 10 in reflective aluminum; 36 in steel H-frame stakes

Pros

Under $30, Prime shipping, two signs per box
Eye-level placement grabs drivers at ≤ 25 mph

Cons

Smaller than MUTCD road size; not for high-speed traffic
Lightweight panel can bend in high winds

6. BradyID Polyester “Caution Slow Down Pedestrian Traffic” Sign

Need a no-hardware way to warn lift drivers and walkers in the same aisle? BradyID’s peel-and-stick polyester label slaps onto any smooth surface in seconds, making it a favorite for busy warehouses and distribution centers.

Specs

Sizes: 7 × 10 in or 10 × 14 in
Material: 4-mil polyester with gloss over-laminate
Adhesive: permanent, pressure-sensitive; indoor temp range ‑40 °F–180 °F

Strengths

Chemical, moisture, and scratch resistant—stands up to battery acid and pallet rubs
OSHA yellow/black color scheme meets 29 CFR 1910.144 visibility rules
Thin profile hugs painted steel, plastic guardrails, or concrete columns without snag points

Limitations

Not UV-rated for exterior walls or fence posts
Lacks pre-punched holes, so you’ll need a rigid backer if post mounting is required

7. TrafficConesForLess ConeBoss “Caution – Slow Down Pedestrians In Area”

ConeBoss panels drop onto a traffic cone, turning it into a stand-alone “Caution – Slow Down” warning in seconds. Around $50, it’s cheaper than a post-and-panel setup and easier to stash in a truck.

Specs

10 × 14 in ABS panel, ⅛-in thick
Fits 28–36 in cones; no tools
Engineer-Grade reflective yellow/black graphic

Advantages

Portable; nests with cones for easy transport
Raises message to 48 in driver eye-level

Best Use Cases

Pop-up detours, parking-lot resealing
Festivals or warehouse dock reroutes under 15 mph

8. StopSignsAndMore 18 × 24 in HIP “Caution Slow Down Pedestrian Traffic” Sign

Specs

18 × 24 in panel, .080-in aluminum, High-Intensity Prismatic sheeting, 1″ radius corners, pre-punched ⅜″ holes; service range –40 °F to 160 °F.

Selling Points

3M UV-stable inks plus a clear top-coat deliver up to 12 years of outdoor life and roughly triple the nighttime brightness of standard Engineer-Grade signs.

Who Should Buy

Property and campus managers who want a premium, rust-proof solution for walk-heavy parking lots, courtyards, or shuttle stops where longevity and visibility trump bargain pricing.

9. SmartSign DiamondGrade “Slow Children at Play” Warning Sign

Specs

Size & shape: 24 × 24 in diamond
Substrate: .080 in rust-proof aluminum
Sheeting: Diamond Grade Type XI (meets MUTCD W15-1)
Visibility: ~1,500 ft headlight distance
Mounting: ⅜ in holes, 1 in radius corners; fits U-channel or square posts

Why Consider It

Diamond Grade optics throw back three times the light of standard Engineer-Grade, so drivers spot the message earlier and have more stopping room. A 12-year brightness warranty and anti-fade inks minimize long-term replacement costs—important for budget-watching HOAs and parks.

Situations

Ideal on rural collectors or long driveways where vehicle speeds crest 30 mph before entering residential zones. Also fits campgrounds, school pick-up loops, and community bus stops that need a high-impact caution slow sign without resorting to electronics.

10. CustomSigns.com “Caution Slow Down Speed Limit” Customizable Sign

Want a sign that spells out your exact speed limit without weeks of back-and-forth? CustomSigns.com lets you enter the numeral online and emails a proof in 24 hours.

Specs Snapshot

Size: 12 × 18 in .063 aluminum
Engineer-Grade prismatic sheeting (HIP upgrade optional)
⅜-in mounting holes, radius corners

Standout Features

Free 24-h digital proof; swap colors, fonts, icons at no charge

Buying Notes

Price breaks at 25, 50, 100 units
HIP or Diamond upgrade adds ~$7 per sign

For HOA entrances and private drives up to 25 mph.

11. BuildASign Heavy-Duty Vinyl “Slow Down” Banner for Temporary Zones

When you need a big, bright warning in a hurry—think weekend 5K, resurfacing project, or farmers-market reroute—vinyl banners beat rigid aluminum on portability and set-up speed.

Specs

3 × 8 ft, 13-oz scrim vinyl; 1440-dpi UV-cured inks
Grommets every 2 ft; optional wind slits and pole pockets

Advantages

Rolls up small; two workers can hang it in under five minutes
Eye-catching OSHA yellow readable 300 ft away even without reflective film in daylight or dusk

Drawbacks

Needs support; not MUTCD-legal for permanent road use

12. VizCon LED Flashing Solar “Slow Down” Blinker Sign

Specs — 24 × 24 in aluminum panel, Diamond Grade sheeting, eight 1″ amber LEDs (200 k mcd each), 8-watt solar array, sealed LiFePO₄ battery rated 5 years, automatic dusk-to-dawn 60 FPM flash.

Why It Pops — Strobing light slices through glare, fog, and darkness, buying motorists an extra two-second reaction cushion.

Best Uses — High-risk crosswalks, night-time utility crews, winding rural curves where standard reflectivity isn’t enough.

Watch-Outs — About $850+ upfront; must sit where the panel gets 4+ hours of unobstructed sun; wipe lenses quarterly to maintain peak output.

13. Specs Comparison Cheat-Sheet (At-a-Glance)

Short on time? Use the tables below as your quick-reference dashboard. Match the traffic you’re dealing with to the right size, brightness, and price tier, then jump back to the individual reviews if you need more detail. Every number is pulled from the 12 products above, so you’re comparing apples to apples before ordering your next caution slow sign.

Size & Shape Options

Typical Traffic Speed	Recommended Sign Size	Shape	Example Products
≤ 15 mph (pedestrian aisles, forklifts)	7 × 10 in label / 10 × 14 in cone panel	Rectangle	#6 BradyID, #7 ConeBoss
15–25 mph (driveways, HOAs)	12 × 18 in aluminum	Rectangle	#10 CustomSigns
25–35 mph (neighborhood roads, job sites)	18 × 24 in aluminum	Rectangle	#2 RoadTrafficSigns, #4 SafetySign
35 mph+ (collectors, rural approaches)	24 × 24 in or 24 × 30 in	Diamond / Rectangle	#9 SmartSign, #12 VizCon

Reflectivity & Visibility

Sheeting Grade	Nighttime Brightness*	Expected Life	Products Using It
Engineer-Grade (EGP)	1× baseline	7 yrs	#2, #3, #10
High-Intensity Prismatic (HIP)	~3× EGP	10 yrs	#4, #8
Diamond Grade (DG)	~6× EGP	12 yrs	#1 (option), #9, #12

*Brightness multiplier based on ASTM D4956 photometric values.

Material, Durability & Price Bands

Substrate / Build	Rust Proof	Typical Price	Good Fit For
.063–.080 in Aluminum	Yes	$25–$60	Permanent road or lot posts
ABS Cone Panel	N/A (plastic)	~$50	Pop-up lane closures
Reflective Yard Stake	Aluminum plate + steel frame	Partial	<$30 (2-pack)
13-oz Vinyl Banner	No	$40–$80	Short-term events
Solar LED System	Yes	$800+	High-risk crossings

Use these snapshots to balance visibility, lifespan, and budget at a glance; then lock in the caution slow sign that keeps your site—and wallet—safe.

14. Buying Guide: How to Select the Right Caution Slow Sign

There’s no one-size-fits-all “Caution Slow” solution. A forklift aisle has different visibility challenges than a 40-mph rural curve, and the wrong choice can turn a modest sign budget into an expensive liability. Use the five filters below to zero-in on the safest, most cost-effective caution slow sign for your site.

Identify Traffic Type & Typical Speed

Start with speed. Pedestrian zones and warehouse aisles rarely exceed 10–15 mph; HOAs top out at 25 mph; collectors and work zones may see 35 mph or more. Match those speeds to MUTCD-recommended panel sizes:

< 15 mph: 7 × 10 in labels or 10 × 14 in cone panels
15–25 mph: 12 × 18 in aluminum
25–35 mph: 18 × 24 in aluminum
35 mph+: 24 × 24 in or larger
Sizing bigger than the minimum improves reaction time but also adds cost and wind load, so balance wisely.

Match Reflectivity to Environment

Nighttime or low-light conditions demand brighter sheeting. Use this quick rule:

Engineer-Grade (ASTM Type I) for lit parking lots and daytime-only drives
HIP (Type III/IV) for unlit suburban roads or work zones
Diamond Grade (Type XI) or LED flashers for high-speed or high-risk crossings
If local ordinances cite FHWA retroreflectivity tables, confirm your choice meets or exceeds those cd/lux requirements.

Size & Legibility Guidelines

Even the brightest film fails if letters are too small. Follow the “1 in of letter height per 30 ft of viewing distance” rule: letter height (in) = viewing distance (ft) / 30 At 300 ft, that’s a 10 in “SLOW” legend—easily met by an 18 × 24 in panel. Keep background yellow (#FFD700) and legend black for maximum contrast per MUTCD §2A.13.

Weather Resistance & Lifespan

Climate drives material choice. Salt-spray coastal zones eat steel posts; go aluminum or composite. High-UV states (AZ, FL) shorten EGP life to ~5 yrs—upgrade to HIP or add an anti-fade over-laminate. Cold regions need posts rated to –40 °F and locking nuts that resist freeze-thaw loosening.

Budget vs Quality Trade-Offs

Calculate total cost of ownership, not sticker price. An $80 HIP sign that lasts 10 yrs costs $8/yr; a $30 yard stake that bends in 18 months costs $20/yr plus downtime. Factor in liability: one fender-bender can dwarf any savings from a bargain sign. When cash is tight, downsize quantity or postpone extras (like anti-graffiti film) rather than skimping on reflectivity or size.

15. Installation & Placement Tips for Maximum Impact

A spec-perfect caution slow sign can still flop if it sits too low, hides in hedges, or wobbles after the first stiff breeze. Before you grab the post driver, lock in the three variables that matter most—height, offset, and hardware strength—then add visibility boosters that turn a good installation into a great one.

Recommended Mounting Heights & Lateral Offsets

Urban curb or parking lot: face bottom ≥ 5 ft above grade (MUTCD Table 2A-2).
Rural shoulder: bump that to ≥ 7 ft to clear snow berms and tall grass.
Lateral clearance: position the sign 6–12 ft from the edge of travel lane; closer for low-speed lots, farther for 45 mph arterials.
On multi-lane approaches, angle the face roughly 93° from the centerline so headlights strike squarely.

Post, Fence, Cone & Yard Stakes: Choosing Hardware

Traffic Speed	Recommended Support	Torque (5⁄16" bolt)
≤ 15 mph	H-frame stake, cone collar	Hand-tight
15–35 mph	1.12 lb/ft U-channel or square tube	10–12 ft-lb
35 mph+ or LED units	2.0 lb/ft U-channel with break-away base	15 ft-lb

Galvanized or powder-coated steel resists road salt; aluminum posts save weight for single-installer jobs.

Visibility Enhancements

Add fluorescent flags or Type B barricade lights during lane shifts.
For night work, paint a 100 ft advance word legend (“SLOW”) on pavement to extend warning distance.
Back-of-sign reflective tape prevents “black rectangles” that vanish in headlights.

Common Installation Mistakes to Avoid

Mounting below bumper height—drivers never see it.
Planting in soft soil without tamping; post leans after rain.
Leaving sharp corners exposed; always use radius-edge panels.
Forgetting to torque lock-nuts after 24-hour “settle” period—loose hardware halves service life.

Dial in these basics and your caution slow sign will stay upright, legible, and effective for years instead of months.

16. Understanding Regulations: MUTCD, OSHA & Local Rules

Buying the right caution slow sign is only half the battle—installing a compliant one keeps you out of court and off your insurer’s naughty list. Three rulebooks matter most: the federal MUTCD for public-facing roadways, OSHA for inside-the-fence traffic, and a patchwork of state or city add-ons. Treat them as a tiered stack: meet MUTCD first, layer OSHA if forklifts or pedestrians share space, then double-check local ordinances before you sink a post.

MUTCD Sign Code Breakdown

The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) assigns warning legends like “SLOW” to the W13 and curve/merge messages to the W6 family.
Shape & color: warning signs must be a yellow background with black legend in a diamond or rectangular shape; fluorescent yellow-green is only for pedestrian or school zones.
Retroreflectivity: minimum coefficient values in Table 2A-3 apply. An Engineer-Grade sign that has faded below 50 cd/lux/m² at 0.2° observation must be replaced.

OSHA Requirements for Workplace Traffic Areas

OSHA’s color rule 29 CFR 1910.144 designates yellow for “caution” hazards and requires clear wording such as “SLOW” or “PEDESTRIAN TRAFFIC.”
Where powered industrial trucks operate, §1910.178(l) mandates visual traffic controls; non-reflective polyester or aluminum decals usually suffice indoors.

State & Municipal Variations

Many DOTs follow FHWA’s 2017 retroreflectivity schedule, phasing out Type I sheeting on ≥ 35 mph roads by set deadlines (e.g., 2028 in California).
Some cities require a simple encroachment permit—even on private drives—before erecting a road-side sign. Fees run $25–$150 and inspectors may check post depth and break-away hardware.

Liability Risks of Non-Compliant Signage

Ignoring the rulebook can be costly. In Michigan v. Township 2022, an HOA was found 40 % liable for a cyclist’s injuries because its faded “SLOW” sign failed nighttime visibility tests. The $180 k settlement dwarfed the $60 it would have cost to swap in a new HIP panel. Insurers increasingly deny claims when signage falls short of MUTCD or OSHA standards—so spending a few extra dollars up front is the cheapest risk management you’ll ever buy.

17. Maintenance & Care: Extending the Life of Your Sign

Even the brightest, code-compliant caution slow sign will lose its punch if dirt, UV rays, or errant bumpers are left unchecked. A modest upkeep plan preserves reflectivity, stretches service life, and—just as important—keeps you off the hook during post-incident investigations.

Routine Cleaning & Inspection Schedule

Quarterly: hose off road grime with low-pressure water, then wipe with a mild detergent (pH 6–8) and microfiber cloth.
Semi-annually: torque-check bolts, verify post plumb, trim vegetation, and photograph the sign at night to confirm retroreflectivity.
After storms or construction: walk the line for impact dents or graffiti.

UV, Graffiti & Impact Protection Options

Apply an anti-graffiti over-laminate or clear coat; most add < $5 per aluminum panel and allow marker wipe-off with isopropyl.
In high-sun zones, specify UV-inhibiting Diamond Grade or add a UV clear spray every two years.
Use break-away posts or spring mounts in parking lots to absorb bumper taps.

When to Replace Faded or Damaged Signs

Swap any panel that fails a nighttime flashlight test (legend no longer pops from 500 ft), shows > 50 % color fade, or has bends that distort the message. Keep install dates on file so you can budget for replacements before compliance lapses.

18. Caution Slow Sign FAQs

Still have questions? The quick answers below tackle the four issues buyers raise most just before checkout.

Do I Need a Permit to Install a Slow Sign on My Property?

If your caution slow sign sits within the public right-of-way—generally the first 10–15 ft from the street—a low-fee encroachment permit from the city or county traffic office is typical. Signs on gated private drives or plant roads rarely need approval, but double-check HOA rules, utility easements, and sight-line restrictions.

How Long Does Reflective Sheeting Stay Bright?

Engineer-Grade films meet night-visibility specs for about seven years, High-Intensity Prismatic for ten, and Diamond Grade for twelve or more. Salt spray, extreme UV, and aggressive power-washing shorten those numbers, so schedule annual inspections and budget earlier replacements in harsh climates.

Can I Design My Own Text or Pictogram?

Yes—most suppliers let you upload logos, speed numerals, or bilingual legends. Keep the MUTCD basics: yellow background, black sans-serif font, and a brief message (six words or fewer) for legibility at 25 mph.

Shipping Times & Return Policies

Stock panels leave the warehouse in 24–48 hours; custom prints take three to seven business days plus transit. Returns are typically accepted within 30 days on unused stock items. Custom signs are non-returnable unless defective, so proof artwork carefully and photograph any shipping damage immediately.

Stay Alert, Stay Protected

Picking the right caution slow sign is really a three-part formula: match the panel size to your traffic speed, pick a reflectivity grade that stays bright for local conditions, and choose a material tough enough for your weather and budget. Use the 12 product reviews, side-by-side specs table, and buying guide above as your quick checklist before you hit “add to cart.” Need something brand-specific or a little out of the ordinary? Our team at Safety Decals can turn your sketch into a fully compliant, made-in-Michigan sign—quotes usually land in your inbox the same day. Stay visible, stay compliant, stay safe.