Signing & Pavement Markings

 Disclaimer

The Colorado Department of Transportation does not have staff to provide technical support to those outside agencies that use the posted CADD files. For this reason, all potential users of these files must read the following disclaimer and accept its terms, as a prerequisite, to use the files.

The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) makes these documents available on an "as is basis". All warranties and representations of any kind with regard to said documents are disclaimed, including the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular use. Under no circumstances will CDOT, or any of its officers or employees be liable for any consequential, incident, special or exemplary damages even if appraised of the likelihood of such damages occurring. CDOT does not warrant the documents against deficiencies of any kind. The use of any of these documents for work which in under contract with the DOT, does not relieve the contractor from any obligations assumed by the contract, or from complete proper fulfillment of the terms of the contract, nor does it entitle the contractor to compensation for damages or loss which could be attributed to such use.

Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices

On December 15, 2011, the Transportation Commission of Colorado adopted the Federal Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices 2009, (MUTCD) for use in Colorado.  The MUTCD is a national publication that outlines the proper usage of traffic control devices.  It contains national standards for the design, application, and placement of signs, signals, pavement markings and other types of traffic control devices. It describes how traffic control devices are to be used in a variety of situations such as local street operations, bicycle and pedestrian crossings, school zones, and work zones.  Use of the MUTCD is mandatory on all public highways, roads and streets in Colorado. This is pursuant to section 42-4-104 and 42-4-105 of the Colorado Revised Statutes.

Federal Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, 2009

The 2009 Federal MUTCD, errata, and supporting documents may be downloaded here: https://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/pdfs/2009/pdf_index.htm.


Colorado's Supplement to the MUTCD Standard Highway Signs

The Colorado Supplement has been establish to adjust and interpret where necessary for proper and lawful application of the MUTCD in Colorado in compliance with state statutes, and to address traffic regulatory situations not provided for in the MUTCD.

R2-20(XX) Image

R2-20(XX)
State Law - Vehicles Over 26,000 GVWR XX

SignCAD
36"x60" | 48"x72"

R3-7aL_LeftLaneMustExit.JPEG

R3-7aL
Right Lane Must Exit
The R3-7aR sign is to be placed on highways with exit ramps in supplement to 'Advance Guide Signs'.

SignCAD
36"x36" | 48"x48" | 60"x60"

R3-7aR Image

R3-7aR
Right Lane Must Exit
The R3-7aR sign is to be placed on highways with exit ramps in supplement to 'Advance Guide Signs'.

SignCAD
36"x36" | 48"x48" | 60"x60"

R3-50_CO Image.jpg

R3-50
Do Not Cross Double White Lines

SignCAD
 36"x60"

R4-3a Thru Traffic Keep Right JPEG

R4-3a
Thru Traffic Keep Right

SignCAD
 24"x36" |  36"x48"

R4-5a State Law Vehicles Over 26,000 GVWR Must Use Right Lane

R4-5a
State Law - Vehicles Over 26,000 GVWR Must Use Right Lane

SignCAD
36"x48"

R4-16a Image

R4-16a
State Law - Keep Right Except to Pass

SignCAD
36"x48" | 48"x72"

R4-50_CO_StateLaw-MotoristsMustGiveBicycles3FTClearance.jpg

R4-50_CO
State Law - Motorists Must Give Bicycles 3 FT Clearance

SignCAD
30"x42" |  36"x48"

R4-50a_CO_MotoristsMustGiveBicycles3FTClearance.jpg

R4-50a_CO
Motorist Must Give Bicycles 3 FT Clearance

SignCAD
30"x36" |  36"x42"

R6-6a Begin Two Way Traffic JPEG

R6-6a
Begin Two Way Traffic

SignCAD
24"x30" | 30"x36"

R7-70 Parallel Parking JPEG

R7-70
Parallel Parking

SignCAD
 12"x18"

R7-71 Diagonal Parking JPEG

R7-71
Diagonal Parking

SignCAD
 12"x18"

R7-113q_CO.png

R7-113q_CO
No Parking Except Vehicles Charging

SignCAD
12"x18"

R7-113r_CO.png

R7-113r_CO
No Parking Except Vehicles Charging w/ Symbol

SignCAD
12"x18"

R9-4b Hitchhiking In Roadway Prohibited JPEG

R9-4b
Hitchhiking in Roadway Prohibited

SignCAD
30"x18"

R10-13 Emergency Signal JPEG

R10-13
Emergency Signal
The Standard Highway Signs includes R10-13, which measures 36"x24".

SignCAD
 30"x18"

R10-27a Left Turn Yield On Flashing Yellow Arrow JPEG

R10-27a
Left Turn Yield on Flashing Yellow Arrow

SignCAD
30"x36"

R10-50 Stop When School Bus Signals Flash Red JPEG

R10-50
Stop When School Bus Signals Flash Red

SignCAD
30"x36" |  36"x48" |  48"x60"

R11-50 Emergency And Authorized Vehicles Only JPEG

R11-50
Emergency and Authorized Vehicles Only

SignCAD
 24"x30"

R13-1a All Trucks Commercial Vehicles Next Right JPEG

R13-1a
All Trucks Commercial Vehicles Next Right
Standard Highway Signs includes R13-1, which contains reflective white lettering on a black background.

SignCAD
 72"x48" |  96"x72" |  120"x84"

R15-3bP Buses Exempt JPEG

R15-3bP
Buses Exempt

SignCAD
 24"x18" |  30"x18" |  36"x24"

R16-1aP Buckle Up State Law JPEG

R16-1aP
Buckle Up State Law
To be placed as a supplemental plaque to R2-1, every three (3) Speed Limit signs (at the discretion of the engineer).

SignCAD
 36"x30" |  48"x36"

R51-1 $1000 Fine For Littering Enforced JPEG

R51-1
$1000 Fine for Littering Enforced

SignCAD
 24"x30" |  36"x48" | 48"x60"

R52-1 Property Of CDOT - No Trespassing JPEG

R52-1
Property of CDOT - No Trespassing

SignCAD
 24"x30"

R52-2 Vandals Prosecuted - Fine Or Imprisonment Or Both JPEG

R52-2
Vandals Prosecuted - Fine or Imprisonment or Both

SignCAD
 6"x6"

R52-3 Unlawful To Deface Public Or Private Property JPEG

R52-3
Unlawful to Deface Public or Private Property

SignCAD
 24"x30"

R52-6 State Law - Move Accidents From Traffic JPEG

R52-6
State Law - Move Accidents from Traffic

SignCAD
36"x48" |  48"x72"

R52-6a State Law - Move Over or Slow Down for Stopped Emergency & Maintenance Vehicles JPEG

R52-6a
State Law - Move Over or Slow Down for Stopped Emergency & Maintenance Vehicles
This sign is obsolete. Use R52-6c State Law - Move Over or Slow Down for Stopped Vehicles.

R52-6b State Law - Move Over Or Slow Down For Truckers Chaining JPEG

R52-6b
State Law - Move Over or Slow Down for Truckers Chaining

SignCAD
 72"x36" |  108"x48"

R52-6c State Law - Move Over Or Slow Down For Stopped Vehicles JPEG

R52-6c
State Law - Move Over or Slow Down for Stopped Vehicles

SignCAD
 PDF

R52-7 Truckers - Engine Brake Mufflers Required $500 Fine JPEG

R52-7
Truckers - Engine Brake Mufflers Required $500 Fine

SignCAD
 48"x48" |  72"x60"

R52-7a Truckers - Engine Brake Mufflers Required JPEG

R52-7a
Truckers - Engine Brake Mufflers Required

SignCAD
36"x48" | 48"x72"

R52-9 Noise (Symbol) JPEG

R52-9
Noise (Symbol)

SignCAD
 24"x24" |  36"x36"

R52-9a Noise Ordinance Enforced JPEG

R52-9a
Noise Ordinance Enforced

SignCAD
 24"x18" |  36"x24"

R52-10 1 Drive Axle Combo Com Veh Chains JPG

R52-10
1 Drive Axle Combo Commercial Vehicles Chains XXXX FT

SignCAD
 60"x60"

R52-10a All Other Com Veh Snow Tires Or Chains Required JPEG

R52-10a
All Other Commercial Vehicles Snow Tires or Chains Required

SignCAD
 60"x60"

R52-10b All Other Vehicles Snow Tires Or Chains Required JPEG

R52-10b
All Other Vehicles Snow Tires or Chains Required

SignCAD
 60"x60"

R52-10c Unlawful To Proceed Without Required Equipment JPEG

R52-10c
Unlawful to Proceed Without Required Equipment

SignCAD
 60"x60"

W1-4aL Reverse Curve Horseshoe JPEG

W1-4aL
Reverse Curve Horseshoe (Left)

SignCAD
36"x36"

W1-4aR JPEG

W1-4R
Reverse Curve Horseshoe (Right)

SignCAD
 36"x36"

W2-50 Hidden Driveway.jpg

W2-50
Hidden Driveway

SignCAD
 36"x36"

W4-7_LandR_ThruTrafficMergeRight.gif

W4-7L/R
Thru Traffic Merge Left/Right

SignCAD
 36"x36"

W4-7aL
Thru Traffic Keep Left

SignCAD
 30"x30" |  36"x36" |  48"x48"

W4-7aR Thru Traffic Keep Right JPEG

W4-7aR
Thru Traffic Keep Right

SignCAD
 30"x30" |  36"x36" |  48"x48"

W5-5_NarrowShouldersAhead.gif

W5-5
Narrow Shoulders Ahead

SignCAD
 30"x30"

W7-2aP USE 2ND GEAR

W7-2aP
Use 2nd Gear

SignCAD
 PDF

W8-6a Truck Entrance GIF

W8-6a
Truck Entrance

SignCAD
 36"x36"

W8-8a_RoadDamage.gif

W8-8a
Road Damage

SignCAD
30"x30" |  36"x36" |  48"x48"

W8-15a Grooved Centerline GIF

W8-15a
Grooved Centerline

SignCAD
 36"x36"

W8-26HeavyRoadsideActivity.gif

W8-26
Heavy Roadside Activity

SignCAD
 PDF

W8-49 Icy Conditions May Exist GIF

W8-49
Icy Conditions May Exist

SignCAD
 PDF

W8-50 Icy Road GIF

W8-50
Icy Road

SignCAD
PDF

W8-50a Bridges May Be Icy

W8-50a
Bridges May Be Icy

SignCAD
 PDF

W8-50b Seat Belt GIF

W8-50b
Seat Belt

SignCAD
 PDF

W8-51 Slide Area JPEG

W8-51
Slide Area

SignCAD
30"x30" |  36"x36" |  48"x48"

W8-51a Mud Slide Area JPEG

W8-51a
Mud Slide Area

SignCAD
30"x30" |  36"x36" |  48"x48"

W8-52 Falling Rock JPEG

W8-52
Falling Rock

SignCAD
30"x30" |  36"x36" |  48"x48"

W9-41.JPG

W9-41
Correctional Facility Do Not Stop for Hitchhikers

SignCAD
 PDF

W11-30 Emergency Pull-Off Area JPEG

W11-30
Emergency Pull Off Area

SignCAD
30"x30" |  36"x36" |  48"x48"

W11-50 Stock Xing GIF

W11-50
Stock Crossing

SignCAD
 PDF

W11-51 Game Xing GIF

W11-51
Game Crossing

SignCAD
PDF

W11-52 Range Cattle GIF

W11-52
Range Cattle

SignCAD
 PDF

W11-53 Open Range JPEG

W11-53
Open Range

SignCAD
30"x30" |  36"x36" |  48"x48"

W11-54 Cattle Guard JPEG

W11-54
Cattle Guard

SignCAD
30"x30" |  36"x36" |  48"x48"

W11-56 Wildlife Fencing Ends

W11-56
Wildlife Fencing Ends

SignCAD
 36"x36" 

W11-57 Begin Wildlife Fencing

W11-57
Begin Wildlife Fencing

SignCAD
  36"x36" 

W12-50 Underpass GIF

W12-50
Underpass

SignCAD
PDF

W12-51 Tunnel GIF

W12-51
Tunnel

SignCAD
 PDF

W12-53 Avalanche Area JPEG

W12-53
Avalanche Area

SignCAD
30"x30" |  36"x36" |  48"x48"

W12-53a_EndAvalancheArea.gif

W12-53a
End Avalanche Area

SignCAD
PDF

W12-54 Trucks Entering Highway GIF

W12-54
Trucks Entering Highway

SignCAD
 PDF

W12-55 Motorcycles Use Extreme Caution JPEG

W12-55
Motorcycles Use Extreme Caution

SignCAD
30"x30" |  36"x36" |  48"x48"

W12-56 Trucks Turning GIF

W12-56
Trucks Turning

SignCAD
 PDF

W12-57 Slow Vehicle Pulloff GIF

W12-57
Slow Vehicle Pull-off

SignCAD
PDF

W13-6a Advisory Exit Speed 90 JPEG

W13-6a
Advisory Exit Speed (90°)

SignCAD
 24"x42" |  36"x60" |  48"x84"

W13-6b Advisory Exit Speed 180 JPEG

W13-6b
Advisory Exit Speed (180°)

SignCAD
 24"x42" |  36"x60" |  48"x84"

W13-7a Advisory Ramp Speed 90 JPEG

W13-7a
Advisory Ramp Speed (90°)

SignCAD
24"x42" | 36"x60" |  48"x84"

W13-7b Advisory Ramp Speed 180 JPEG

W13-7b
Advisory Ramp Speed (180°)

SignCAD
24"x42" | 36"x60" |  48"x84"

W13-50 Exit 270 Arrow GIF

W13-50
Exit - 270° Arrow

SignCAD
 PDF

W13-50a Exit 270 Arrow with XX GIF

W13-50a
Exit - 270° Arrow with XX

SignCAD
 PDF

W13-50b Exit 90 Arrow with XX

W13-50b
Exit - 90° Arrow with XX

SignCAD
 PDF

W13-50c_090RampArrowWithXX.gif

W13-50c
Ramp - 90° Arrow with XX

SignCAD
PDF

W15-50 Hospital

W15-50
Hospital

SignCAD
 PDF

W15-51 Church

W15-51
Church

SignCAD
 PDF

D6-1 Scenic Area Arrow JPEG

D6-1
Scenic Area (Arrow)
The Standard Highway Signs includes D6-1, which measures 72"x72".

SignCAD
 48"x48"

D6-2 Scenic Overlook X Miles JPEG

D6-2
Scenic Overlook X Miles
The Standard Highway Signs includes D6-2, which measures 92"x74".

SignCAD
 48"x36" 96"x60"

D6-3 Scenic Overlook (Arrow) JPEG

D6-3
Scenic Overlook (Arrow)
The Standard Highway Signs includes D6-3, which measures 96"x53".

SignCAD
 144"x60"

D6-4c Scenic Byway (Columbine)

D6-4c
Scenic Byway (Columbine)

SignCAD
 PDF


D749HIstoricDistrict.gif

D7-49
Historic District

SignCAD
 32"x72"

D7-50 Point of Interest - 1 Mile

D7-50
Point of Interest - 1 Mile

SignCAD
 PDF

D7-50aL Point of Interest - Arrow

D7-50aL
Point of Interest - Left Arrow

SignCAD
 PDF

D7-50aR Point of Interest - Arrow

D7-50aR
Point of Interest - Right Arrow

SignCAD
 PDF

D7-51 Ski Area - 1 Mile

D7-51
Ski Area - 1 Mile

SignCAD
 PDF

D7-51L Ski Area - Arrow

D7-51L
Ski Area - Left Arrow

SignCAD
 PDF

D7-51R Ski Area - Arrow

D7-51R
Ski Area - Right Arrow

SignCAD
 PDF

D17-2a Climbing Lane X Mile JPEG

D17-2a
Climbing Lane X Mile

SignCAD
 42"x42"

D17-2b Passing Lane X Mile JPEG

D17-2b
Passing Lane X Mile

SignCAD
 42"x42"

D40-1_Danger Overhead Powerlines JPEG

D40-1
Danger Overhead Powerlines

SignCAD
 48"x36"

D40-2_SafetyEnforcementAhead.gif

D40-2
Safety Enforcement Zone Ahead

SignCAD
 PDF

D50-1c Adopt a Highway

D50-1c
Adopt a Highway

SignCAD
 PDF

D50-1d Clean Colorado Next X Miles (Company Logo)

D50-1d
Clean Colorado Next X Miles
(Company Logo)

SignCAD
 PDF

D50-3 Town Name City Limit Elevation XXX

D50-3
Town Name
City Limit, Elevation XXXX

SignCAD
 PDF

M1-5a Colorado Route Marker

M1-5a
Colorado Route Marker

SignCAD
 PDF

G20-4q_CO Wait Here For Pilot Car JPEG

G20-4q_CO
Wait Here for Pilot Car

SignCAD
 48"x48"

G20-10 XYZ Construction Thanks You JPEG

G20-10
XYZ Construction Thanks You

SignCAD
 48"x48"

G20-11 Road Work Info Image.png

G20-11
Road Work for Information

SignCAD
 48"x48"

G20-55(X) XX Minute Closure Expect Delays.JPEG

G20-55(XX)
XX Minute Closure Expect Delays

SignCAD
 96"x60"

R2-10 Begin Double Fines Zone Image

R2-10
Begin Double Fines Zone

SignCAD
 24"x30" |  36"x48" |  48"x60"

R2-11 End Double Fines Zone Image

R2-11
End Double Fines Zone

SignCAD
 24"x30" |  36"x48" |  48"x60"

48G20-4q_CO Wait Here For Pilot Car JPEG

W20-50_CO
Sweeping Operation

SignCAD
 48"x48"

W4-50 Use Both Lanes During Congestion.JPEG

W4-50
Use Both Lanes During Congestion

SignCAD
 72"x48"

W4-51 Use Both Lanes To Merge Point.JPEG

W4-51
Use Both Lanes to Merge Point

SignCAD
 36"x48"

W4-52 Take Turns Merge Here.JPEG

W4-52
Take Turns Merge Here

SignCAD
36"x48"

W5-40 Ramp Closed Ahead.JPEG

W5-40
Ramp Closed Ahead

SignCAD
 PDF

W20-52 Grooved Pavement Ahead.JPEG

W20-52
Grooved Pavement Ahead

SignCAD
 PDF

G20-55(X) XX Minute Closure Expect Delays.JPEG

W20-54
Loose Gravel Reduce Speed Prevent Broken Windshields

SignCAD
 48"x48"

W20-60 Road Damage.JPEG

W20-60
Road Damage

SignCAD
 PDF

W20-63 Ramp Work XX.JPEG

W20-63
Ramp Work XX

SignCAD
 PDF

W20-70 Rumble Strips Ahead.JPEG

W20-70
Rumble Strips Ahead

SignCAD
 PDF

W22-50(X) Rock Scaling X Miles.JPEG

W22-50(X)
Rock Scaling X Miles

SignCAD
 48"x48"

W23-50 Traffic Stopping Ahead.JPEG

W23-50
Traffic Stopping Ahead

SignCAD
48"x48"

EM-1c_WildfireEvacuationRoute JPEG

EM-1c
Wildfire Evacuation Route

SignCAD
 24"x24"

EM-50_ClimbToSafetyFlashFlood JPEG

EM-50
Climb to Safety in Case of a Flash Flood

SignCAD
36"x30"

ARRA GIF

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA)

SignCAD
 PDF

Avalanche Area

Avalanche Area

SignCAD
 PDF

Wildlife Zone Fines Double

Wildlife Zone Signing

SignCAD
 PDF


Guide Sign Templates

There are general guidelines to follow in the design of highway signs in order to conform to basic standards. Many of these guidelines are mentioned in various sections of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) and the Standard Highway Signs and Markings (SHS), while others are derived from accepted practice in sign design [download] and layout. The CDOT Sign Design Manual summarizes the guidelines that CDOT uses to assure conformity and constructability when designing non-standard signs. We have developed the following guide sign examples that may be used as templates.

Advance exit templates are coming soon!

Approach road templates are coming soon!

Exit direction templates are coming soon!

Overhead templates are coming soon!

Sequence templates are coming soon!

Structure number install templates are coming soon!

Supplemental templates are coming soon!


Pavement Markings

CDOT Pavement Marking Practices Guide, 2020 
[download]

Numerous studies and project evaluations have repeatedly demonstrated the cost effectiveness of pavement markings as a means of enhancing both traffic safety and mobility. Pavement markings separate travel lanes and help delineate travel paths and the edge of the roadway. They may stand alone to indicate certain traffic rules and regulations or may be used to supplement regulations or warnings given by other traffic control devices. For a myriad of reasons, the value of viable, visible pavement markings cannot be overstated.

In recognition of the value of pavement markings, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) provides center line, edge line, auxiliary lane, crosswalk and other pavement markings on all roads under its jurisdiction. All such markings are designed and installed in accordance with the guidelines and standards contained in the latest versions of: the federal Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), the Colorado Supplement to the MUTCD, Section 627, 708 and 713 of the 2019 CDOT Standard Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction and CDOT Standard Plan S627-1.


Example Tabulations, General Notes, and Worksheets