Traffic cones (road cones& safety cones) are used in different situations and industries to control traffic temporarily and restrict safety areas more flexibly. Considering different applications, traffic cones differ in height, base shape and dimension, color, and other influential factors. 

Different types of traffic cones indicate different visibility distances, stability, wind-resistance, night-time safety, etc. In this article, you will learn more details about the types of traffic cones to help you make decisions when buying traffic cones in bulk.

Traffic Cone Types by Height

                                                      Traffic Cone Dimensions

12 Inch (30cm) Traffic Cone

The 12-inch traffic cone is lightweight. It is ideal for indoor use, especially when high-volume deployment is needed to manage specific indoor events. 

You can utilize it in warehouses, schools, sports clubs, and logistics centres. etc.

                                                          12 Inch Traffic Cones

18 Inch (45cm) Traffic Cone 

The 18-inch traffic cone is the standard size for low-speed roads (<40 mph). According to the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), traffic cones used during daylight hours on low-speed roads must be at least 18 inches tall. These cones are lightweight and easier to stack.

Therefore, you may choose 18-inch traffic cones for low-speed roads, closed sections, and work zones with good visibility.

                                                           18 Inch Traffic Cones

28 Inch (70cm) Traffic Cone 

The 28-inch traffic cone is the most common size worldwide and offers enough visibility distance. It is reasonably priced and is highly efficient for transport.

On highways (where the speed limit exceeds 45 mph), at construction sites, or in low-light conditions, you must use traffic cones that are at least 28 inch to ensure they are clearly visible.

                                                          28 Inch Traffic Cones

36 Inch (90cm) Traffic Cone

A 36-inch traffic cone is used for maximum visibility. Its height is partnered with a more weighted and wider base and a higher intensity grade of reflective collars. 

You can use it on high-speed (> 45mph) roads, highways, night-time construction sites, etc. 

                                                           36 Inch Traffic Cones

Traffic Cone Types by Reflective Features

                                                  Traffic Cone Reflective Features

The Reflective Material of Collars

There are 3 types of main reflective material for reflective traffic cones.

Engineer Grade (EG):

 Reflective collars of this grade are affordable and have a lifespan of 3 to 5 years. It is suitable for use in indoor parking lots and on daytime low-speed roads, making it a cost-effective choice.

High Intensity Prismatic (HIP): 

Reflective collars of this grade utilize the microprism principle, offering higher reflectivity and greater brightness, with a lifespan of 7 to 10 years. This is the type of reflective material that typically conforms to the MUTCD standard. You can use these reflective traffic cones on highways, at locations requiring temporary traffic control, on nighttime roads, and for DOT projects.

Diamond Grade (DG): 

Reflective collars of this grade are high-end reflective level, offering higher visibility from a longer distance in the dark with a longer lifespan. It features an advanced prism structure, resulting in maximum brightness. You can use these reflective traffic cones on highways, airports, long-term construction sites, etc.

Traffic Cone Types by Base (Shape & Dimension)

You have established basic information about traffic cones. Next, you will know more about the determining factors of cone stability - the traffic cone base.

                                                            Traffic Cone Bases

The Shape of the Traffic Cone Base

The squared base is the mainstream base shape of traffic cones. It features a larger contact area with the ground, which makes it more wind-resistant and stable, and bears more load more evenly, enabling it to withstand heavy vehicle impact. You can use it on high-speed roads, work zones, and for nighttime traffic control.

The round base implies a lightweight and cost-effective traffic control solution. It is easier to be moulded, so you can save costs using these kinds of traffic cones. You can use it for indoor safety, parking lots, club activities, etc.

The Dimension of the Traffic Cone Base

The stability and visibility of traffic cones depend on the cone’s height being matched with a proportionally sized base. The taller the cone body, the higher its centre of gravity, making it more prone to tipping over; therefore, the base needs to be larger and heavier to ensure the cone remains stable.

Common Traffic Cone Types by Different Country Standards

The usages and preferred types of traffic cones may depend on their applications in different countries.

United States(MUTCD)

In the United States, the most common traffic cones are 12-inch/18-inch/28-inch/36-inch traffic cones in height, orange traffic cones in color, square rubber base in base. These types of traffic cones help you take highway speed, work zone and nighttime construction sites safety and high visibility into account in the United States.

Europe(EN 13422)

In Europe, the most common traffic cones are 18-inch/28-inch/36-inch traffic cones in height and heavy-duty traffic cones in weights. In Europe, these types of traffic cones help you consider traffic cones’ wind resistance, low-temperature resistance, and their outdoor performance and lifespans.

United Kingdom

In the United Kingdom, the most common traffic cones are 18-inch/28-inch/36-inch traffic cones in height and heavy-duty traffic cones in weight. In the UK, these types of traffic cones help you consider the wind resistance and wet resistance of traffic cones, as well as their visibility on dense highways

Asia (Common Standards)

When making decisions on buying traffic cones in bulk, you should consider the weather, the cost, the local compliance and the more common application scenarios in your place, just like different traffic cones in Asia.

China

The most common traffic cones are 18-inch/28-inch traffic cones and PVC traffic cones.

Japan

The most common traffic cones are slim and stackable traffic cones.

Southern Asia

The most common traffic cones are UV-resistant traffic cones and heat-resistant traffic cones.

Selecting Suitable Traffic Cone Sizes for Your Application

You have acquired most of the information on types of traffic cones. Based on different application scenarios, you need to select traffic cones with varying heights, bases, and reflective collars.

Using Taller Traffic Cones

You should use taller traffic cones when your scenario requires a certain visibility distance, as taller cones are more visible and provide vehicles or pedestrians with more reaction time. 

Using Heavier Base Traffic Cones

You should use traffic cones with a heavier base when your environment is susceptible to air currents—such as in high-speed traffic, strong winds, or slippery conditions—because heavier cones are more stable and less likely to tip over. 

Using Reflective Traffic Cones

You should use traffic cones with reflective collars when your environment requires a high level of safety, such as on highways or construction sites, as cones with better reflectivity are more conspicuous and can serve as a warning from a greater distance.

I’ve summarized how to quickly choose the right type of traffic cone for different applications. (See the table below.)

Final Thoughts

Traffic Safety Mall is a leading manufacturer and supplier of wholesale traffic cones. We offer high-quality traffic cones at factory-direct prices, along with flexible customization services. Before shipment, our traffic cones undergo a series of quality tests, including wind resistance, UV resistance, anti-tip tests, etc. to ensure that the products you receive match the quality of the samples. If you are interested in our traffic cones, please request a quote.

FAQs

How to measure traffic cone height?

The height of the traffic cone is measured from the base center to the apex of the cone.

What are the differences in shipping costs for traffic cones of different dimensions (container shipping options)?

We stack the traffic cones for container loading. Small cones can typically be stacked 10–20 high, while large cones can generally be stacked 3–5 high. A 20-foot container can hold approximately 1,500 18-inch cones and about 800 28-inch cones, and so on.

How should traffic cones be stored properly?

During storage, avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, extremely high or low temperatures, and excessive stacking (more than 35 units for 18-inch cones and more than 20 units for 28-inch cones). We recommend storing them on pallets or shelves to prevent moisture from the ground.

What are the recommended spacing distances for different specifications of traffic cones?

The key principle is to ensure continuous warning visibility within the area. For 18-inch traffic cones, a spacing of 5–10 meters is recommended; for 28-inch cones, 7–15 meters; and for 36-inch cones, 20 meters. In complex road conditions, all sizes should be placed more densely.

Is there a difference in the reflective direction when placing traffic cones?

The reflective strips on traffic cones are visible 360°, so there is no need to worry about the direction of reflectivity.

Can I customize the size when buying traffic cones from Traffic Safety Mall?

We offer custom sizes for traffic cones, but a minimum order quantity must be met. Additionally, the lead time may be extended by 15–30 days, as new molds will need to be created.