Deer Crossing Sign: MUTCD Standards, Sizes & Where To Buy
Shopping for a deer crossing sign shouldn’t be guesswork. Whether you’re responsible for a township roadway, a plant perimeter road, a school campus, or a private drive, you need the right symbol, the right size, the right reflectivity—and you need to know if it’s actually MUTCD-compliant (W11-3) or just decorative. Choosing poorly can create liability, waste budget, and leave drivers unprepared when wildlife moves at dawn and dusk. Add in questions about post height, sheeting grades, durability in winter salt, and where to buy quickly, and it’s easy to see why this simple sign can turn into a time sink.
This guide cuts through the noise. We’ll clarify the MUTCD W11-3 standard, size and reflectivity requirements, and basic placement principles. Then we’ll compare reputable sources—custom options from Safety Decals, MUTCD-ready vendors, solar LED upgrades, budget alternatives, and decorative marketplace listings—covering materials, typical prices, lead times, and best‑fit use cases. We’ll also outline the posts, brackets, and hardware you need for a clean, compliant installation and when to involve your local authority. If you’re a safety manager, facilities lead, municipal buyer, HOA, or landowner, you’ll leave knowing exactly what to buy—and where. First up: customizable, road‑tough reflective deer crossing signs from Safety Decals.
1. Safety Decals — custom reflective deer crossing signs and decals
When you need the deer crossing symbol tailored to your site, Safety Decals builds it to spec. As a Michigan‑based producer focused on safety graphics, they create custom reflective deer crossing sign graphics and decals using premium ORAFOL/ORALITE films, with consultation to align with MUTCD W11‑3 requirements when applicable.
What it is
Custom, made‑to‑order reflective deer crossing sign graphics and decals—ideal for facility roads, campuses, HOAs, and equipment—plus expert guidance on wording, symbol use, and visibility.
Key sizes and materials
Any custom size; common diamond formats include 24 in (private property) and 30 in (roadway use). Built with ORAFOL/ORALITE reflective films on durable vinyl or sign‑grade faces to match your substrate.
Reflectivity and durability
High‑quality reflective films designed for long‑term outdoor service, UV exposure, and harsh weather; options to match brightness needs and viewing distance.
Who it’s best for
Facilities and campuses, property managers, contractors, fleets, and HOAs needing custom legends, bilingual text, branding, or non‑standard sizes.
Typical price and lead time
Quote‑based pricing driven by size, film grade, and quantity. Fast proofs; rush production available by request.
Where to buy or source
Order direct from Safety Decals—use the sticker builder for simple jobs or request a custom layout. Nationwide service.
Compliance notes
For public roadways, specify the MUTCD W11‑3 symbol, diamond shape, required size, and reflective grade per your road authority. Decals/graphics are well‑suited to private property; verify substrate, mounting height, and placement before installation on public roads.
2. MUTCD W11-3 essentials — standards, size chart, and placement tips
If you’re putting a deer crossing sign on a public roadway, the MUTCD W11‑3 symbol and warning‑sign format apply. The goal is simple: warn drivers where deer are known to move so they slow in time, especially at dawn and dusk, without clutter or confusion.
What it is
W11‑3 is the standard deer crossing warning sign: a yellow diamond with a black deer symbol used to alert motorists in areas with frequent deer activity.
Key sizes and materials
Vendors commonly offer W11‑3 signs in 24 in and 30 in diamond formats. Sign faces are mounted on rigid, road‑grade aluminum with pre‑punched mounting holes for posts or brackets.
Typical size by use (always confirm with your road authority):
- Private property/campus roads: 24 in diamond
- Public roads/general use: 30 in diamond
Reflectivity and durability
Use a retroreflective face so the sign “returns” headlight illumination at night. Offerings include 3M reflective films and EGP (engineer‑grade prismatic) options on .080 in aluminum that won’t rust. For added conspicuity, some suppliers offer solar LED versions that flash to draw attention.
Who it’s best for
Municipalities, counties, DOTs, and facility managers responsible for driver warning on roads where wildlife frequently crosses.
Typical price and lead time
Pricing varies by size and reflective grade; stock 24–30 in aluminum W11‑3 signs are often ready to ship, while solar LED or custom legends may add production time.
Where to buy or source
Look to established traffic‑sign vendors offering MUTCD‑compliant W11‑3 signs and reflective options, or work with Safety Decals for custom graphics on private property. Local sign shops and municipal suppliers can also source standard aluminum faces and posts.
Compliance notes
- Use the W11‑3 deer symbol on a yellow diamond with a retroreflective face.
- Place signs in advance of known migration paths so drivers have time to react; keep sight lines clear of vegetation.
- Mounting height, lateral offset, and plaque use are set by your authority having jurisdiction—confirm before installation.
- Some jurisdictions deploy enhanced devices (e.g., solar LED or sensor‑activated warnings) where deer crossings are frequent; coordinate locally before specifying.
3. RoadTrafficSigns — MUTCD-compliant deer crossing signs in multiple sizes
Need a standard aluminum deer crossing sign without the back-and-forth? RoadTrafficSigns stocks the classic yellow diamond W11-3 style in multiple sizes, using 3M reflective films on heavy‑duty aluminum that won’t rust—ideal when you want dependable materials and quick sourcing.
What it is
Stock deer crossing sign panels in the MUTCD‑style W11‑3 format (yellow diamond, black deer symbol) for roadways, campuses, and private drives.
Key sizes and materials
Multiple sizes are available; common choices include 24 in and 30 in diamonds. Faces use 3M reflective films on rigid, heavy‑duty aluminum with pre‑punched mounting holes.
Reflectivity and durability
Retroreflective 3M sheeting provides night visibility under headlights; aluminum construction resists rust and weathering for long outdoor service.
Who it’s best for
Municipal buyers, contractors, HOAs, and facility teams needing ready‑made deer crossing signs without custom art or long proofs.
Typical price and lead time
Pricing depends on size and reflective film; stock sizes generally ship quickly. Volume buys can lower unit costs.
Where to buy or source
Order directly from RoadTrafficSigns through their online catalog or your standard PO workflow.
Compliance notes
Specify W11‑3 symbol, diamond size, and reflective grade per your road authority. Confirm placement, mounting height, and any supplemental plaques with local standards before install.
4. TrafficSign.com — standard and solar LED deer crossing signs
When you need a ready-to-go deer crossing sign with an option to boost visibility, TrafficSign.com covers both. Alongside standard MUTCD-style W11-3 panels, they list an LED Solar Deer Crossing Sign that complies with W11-3 (Item Y5216), with pricing starting at $936.45. They also offer Custom Diamond Solar LED Traffic Signs (Item Y5243) for site-specific needs.
What it is
Stock W11-3 deer crossing sign faces plus a solar-powered LED option that enhances driver awareness at known wildlife corridors.
Key sizes and materials
Offered in diamond-format warning sign panels with MUTCD W11-3 graphics; custom diamond solar LED builds are available for unique applications.
Reflectivity and durability
Retroreflective faces support nighttime recognition; solar LED models add conspicuity in varied light conditions with weather-sealed components.
Who it’s best for
DOTs, counties, campuses, HOAs, and contractors who want a standard sign—and those managing high-incidence crossings that warrant enhanced visibility.
Typical price and lead time
LED Solar Deer Crossing Sign starts at $936.45; custom diamond solar LED options are quote-based. Stock panels ship faster; LED builds may add production time.
Where to buy or source
Order directly via TrafficSign.com’s catalog or request a quote for custom LED configurations.
Compliance notes
- Specify the MUTCD W11-3 symbol and confirm size/placement with your authority having jurisdiction.
- Verify local approval for active (solar LED) warning devices before installation.
- Confirm mounting height, lateral offset, and any supplemental signage per local standards.
5. Traffic Safety Warehouse — aluminum deer crossing (W11-3) and posts
Need a straightforward, road‑ready panel you can bolt up and go? Traffic Safety Warehouse lists an Aluminum Deer Crossing Sign (W11‑3) with pre‑punched, centered mounting holes so it installs cleanly on a post, wall, or fence—handy for replacements or quick builds along wildlife corridors.
What it is
Stock aluminum W11‑3 deer crossing sign panel with pre‑punched top and bottom mounting holes for easy installation on common supports.
Key sizes and materials
Rigid aluminum warning sign face with the standard deer symbol and pre‑punched, centered holes; designed to mount to a post, wall, or fence.
Reflectivity and durability
For roadway use, specify a retroreflective face to ensure nighttime visibility; aluminum construction supports long‑term outdoor exposure.
Who it’s best for
Municipal crews and contractors replacing damaged signs, plus facilities and HOAs needing a durable, ready‑to‑mount deer crossing sign.
Typical price and lead time
Pricing varies by size/finish and availability; check the current product listing for up‑to‑date cost and stock status.
Where to buy or source
Purchase the W11‑3 panel directly from Traffic Safety Warehouse; pair with your preferred U‑channel or square post and sign brackets as required.
Compliance notes
- Use the W11‑3 deer symbol on a yellow diamond with a retroreflective face for public roads.
- The panel includes pre‑punched, centered holes (top and bottom) to align with standard post hardware.
- Confirm required size, mounting height, lateral offset, and any supplemental plaques with your authority having jurisdiction before installation.
6. Emedco — deer crossing signs for facilities and campuses
If you manage a campus, plant loop road, or parkway and need straightforward caution signage, Emedco offers ready-to-order deer crossing sign panels in standard warning sizes. It’s a simple way to mark known wildlife paths so drivers slow and stay alert.
What it is
Stock, MUTCD‑style deer crossing sign panels intended to remind drivers to be cautious where deer activity is frequent on facility and campus roads.
Key sizes and materials
Emedco lists 24 in x 24 in and 30 in x 30 in diamond formats for the deer crossing sign, covering private‑property needs and typical roadway use.
Reflectivity and durability
Select a retroreflective face for nighttime visibility so the sign returns headlight illumination; choose outdoor‑rated construction to hold up through weather and seasons.
Who it’s best for
Facilities, schools, hospitals, business parks, and campuses that need clear, recognizable deer crossing warnings without custom art or complex spec work.
Typical price and lead time
Pricing varies by size and reflectivity; common sizes are typically stocked for quick shipment, with larger runs and upgrades adding lead time.
Where to buy or source
Order directly from Emedco’s catalog or via your organization’s approved purchasing channel.
Compliance notes
For public roads, confirm the W11‑3 deer symbol, diamond size (often 30 in), reflectivity grade, mounting height, and placement with your road authority. Use 24 in panels on private property where allowed.
7. Signs Direct — budget EGP reflective deer crossing symbol
Working a tight budget or signing a private drive? Signs Direct offers a straightforward, budget‑minded deer crossing sign using engineer‑grade prismatic (EGP) sheeting on rigid aluminum. It’s a clean, recognizable warning panel when you don’t need premium sheeting or larger highway sizes.
What it is
A stock deer crossing sign with the standard yellow diamond and black deer symbol—simple, affordable, and ready to mount for facilities, HOAs, and low‑speed roads.
Key sizes and materials
Commonly listed as a 24 in diamond built on .080 in aluminum with EGP reflective face, black legend on yellow field, rounded corners (about 1‑1/2 in radius), and two 3/8 in pre‑punched mounting holes.
Reflectivity and durability
EGP sheeting provides basic nighttime visibility under headlights; .080 aluminum resists rust and holds up outdoors through weather and seasons.
Who it’s best for
Budget‑conscious buyers, private property and campus roads, HOAs, and replacements where 24 in EGP is acceptable.
Typical price and lead time
Typically priced below higher‑grade reflective options; standard sizes generally ship quickly depending on stock.
Where to buy or source
Order directly from Signs Direct’s catalog as a ready‑to‑mount warning panel.
Compliance notes
Confirm requirements with your authority:
- Many public roads specify a 30 in diamond (or larger) and higher‑grade sheeting.
- Verify the W11‑3 symbol, mounting height, lateral offset, and any supplemental plaques.
- Use EGP only where permitted by local standards and operating speed.
8. Amazon and marketplace sellers — decorative deer crossing signs
Marketplaces are great for quick, low‑cost “Deer Xing” signs meant for décor or light‑duty reminders on private property. They’re easy to buy and mount, but they are not MUTCD‑compliant and shouldn’t be used on public roads.
What it is
Decorative deer crossing signs, commonly with a “Deer Xing” legend and stylized deer graphic. Intended for garages, gates, barns, trails, and novelty use rather than regulated traffic control.
Key sizes and materials
Listings frequently feature 12 x 12 in square aluminum or tin signs with pre‑drilled holes. Many advertise “reflective” or “weather/fade resistant” finishes for basic outdoor use.
Reflectivity and durability
Some products mention reflective surfaces, but they are not traffic‑grade retroreflective sheeting. Expect short‑range visibility, not the prismatic performance required for roadway installations.
Who it’s best for
Homeowners, ranches, camps, trailheads, and HOAs using private drives where a friendly reminder or decorative touch is desired. Not for official roadway warning.
Typical price and lead time
Generally low‑cost with fast marketplace fulfillment, though timing varies by seller and inventory. Bulk or custom variants may extend lead time.
Where to buy or source
Search major marketplaces for “deer crossing sign” or “Deer Xing sign.” Compare seller ratings, material descriptions, and mounting details before purchase.
Compliance notes
These are not MUTCD W11‑3 signs due to nonstandard shapes, symbols, and sheeting. Do not install on public right‑of‑way; verify private‑road or HOA rules, and use true W11‑3 panels for regulated traffic areas.
9. Local sign shops and municipal suppliers — buy a deer crossing sign near you
If you want fast turnaround, in‑person proofing, and easy pickup, your local sign shop or traffic‑control supplier is tough to beat. They can match your deer crossing sign to local specs, source posts and brackets on the same ticket, and coordinate any required approvals.
What it is
Regional sign makers and municipal supply houses that produce or stock MUTCD‑style W11‑3 deer crossing panels, plus posts, bases, and hardware for a complete install.
Key sizes and materials
Typical offerings include 24 in and 30 in diamond panels on .080 in aluminum with pre‑punched mounting holes. Reflective faces are commonly available in 3M or ORALITE sheeting, matched to your site needs.
Reflectivity and durability
Ask for retroreflective faces suitable for nighttime visibility. Budget engineer‑grade prismatic (EGP) is common for low‑speed or private roads; higher‑performance prismatic options are available where brighter returns are needed.
Who it’s best for
Municipal crews, contractors, HOAs, campuses, and facilities that want same‑week availability, local advice, and a one‑stop source for panels plus hardware.
Typical price and lead time
Prices vary by size, sheeting, and quantity. Stock panels and standard posts are often available quickly; custom legends or special films add proofing and production time.
Where to buy or source
Search for “deer crossing sign near me,” “traffic control supply,” or “municipal sign supplier.” Your city/county public works may also refer approved local vendors.
Compliance notes
Bring your authority’s spec: W11‑3 symbol, required diamond size, reflective grade, mounting height, lateral offset, and any supplemental plaques. Verify breakaway post requirements and placement before installation.
10. Posts, hardware, and accessories — what you need to install a deer crossing sign
Great panels fail when they’re mounted poorly. To get your deer crossing sign seen and to satisfy local standards, plan the full kit: the post, brackets, fasteners, base/breakaway hardware, and any supplemental plaques. A well‑chosen setup resists weather, stands straight, and stays readable through seasons of plows, sun, and wind.
What it is
This is the support system for your W11‑3 deer crossing sign: a compatible post, mounting brackets or banding, corrosion‑resistant bolts/washers, and (where required) breakaway components. Add-ons can include supplemental plaques and, on private property, delineators for extra guidance.
Key sizes and materials
Most MUTCD‑style aluminum panels arrive with pre‑punched holes that align to standard hardware (many ship with two centered, pre‑punched mounting holes). Choose components that match your panel and site conditions.
- Posts: U‑channel steel, square perforated steel, or round posts (use banding for round).
- Brackets: Cast aluminum or stainless top/bottom brackets sized to your post profile.
- Fasteners: Zinc‑plated or stainless steel bolts, flat washers, lock washers, and tamper‑resistant nuts sized to your panel’s pre‑punched holes (often 3/8 in).
- Bases: Slip/breakaway couplers or anchors per local requirements; soil or concrete options.
- Extras: Supplemental plaques (e.g., distance/zone), reflective delineators, and caps.
Reflectivity and durability
Hardware isn’t reflective, but it must endure the same environment as the sign. Favor galvanized or powder‑coated posts in wet/salt regions and stainless hardware for corrosion resistance. Use brackets that won’t react with aluminum faces and that maintain clamp force through temperature swings.
Who it’s best for
Municipal crews, contractors, facilities, HOAs, and campuses that want a reliable, low‑maintenance installation with parts that match common maintenance inventories.
Typical price and lead time
Posts, brackets, and fasteners are commodity items; stock components usually ship quickly. Breakaway bases, custom post finishes, and specialty plaques may add lead time. Solar accessories or powered upgrades typically require quoting and scheduling.
Where to buy or source
Bundle posts and hardware with your panel from established traffic‑sign vendors (e.g., RoadTrafficSigns, TrafficSign.com, Traffic Safety Warehouse), work with a local municipal supplier, or have a nearby sign shop kit the full install.
Compliance notes
- Confirm mounting height, lateral offset, breakaway requirements, and plaque use with your authority having jurisdiction before ordering.
- Match bracket spacing to the panel’s pre‑punched, centered holes and tighten hardware so the face doesn’t rotate.
- Set posts plumb, clear vegetation for sight lines, and orient the sign square to approaching traffic.
- Keep decorative/private‑use signs off public rights‑of‑way and reserve MUTCD W11‑3 panels for regulated areas as directed locally.
Next steps
You’re ready to buy with confidence. For public roads, specify the MUTCD W11‑3 symbol, choose the right diamond size (24 in for private/campus where allowed; 30 in typical for roadways unless your authority requires otherwise), select a retroreflective grade that matches speed/visibility expectations, and plan the full install kit—post, brackets, fasteners, and breakaway hardware. Use stock aluminum panels from reputable vendors for speed, consider solar LED where crash data or sightings justify it, and keep decorative “Deer Xing” plates off regulated rights‑of‑way.
Prefer a single, accountable partner to handle specs, artwork, reflectivity, and quick production? Get a fast quote or start a proof for custom reflective deer crossing signs and decals with Safety Decals. We’ll help you choose the right size, film, and installation approach so your sign performs—and lasts.
