This article explains the US school crossing sign (S1‑1) precisely. You will learn what it means, how it looks, correct sizes, where it belongs, and how to assemble plaques. Values reflect MUTCD guidance (11th Edition) and common practice. Always confirm your State supplement.
Meaning of the school crossing sign
The school crossing sign (MUTCD S1‑1) warns that children may cross at a marked crosswalk that is used by students. It requires drivers to slow down and yield or stop as state law mandates. It is part of the School Area signing system in MUTCD Part 7.
Design: shape, color, legend (S1‑1)
S1‑1 is a pentagon. The background is fluorescent yellow‑green (FYG). The symbol and border are black. The symbol shows two pedestrians. For school signage, FYG is specified to maximize conspicuity. Follow the Standard Highway Signs (SHS) drawings for symbol geometry and border widths.
Illustrative S1‑1 sign (SVG)
Sizes for S1‑1 and plaques
Use standard sizes appropriate to speed and roadway class. Many agencies select larger sizes on multilane or higher‑speed approaches for better legibility.
| Sign | Typical size (conventional) | Higher‑speed/multilane | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| S1‑1 (pentagon) | 30 in | 36–48 in | Larger signs improve detection time. |
| W16‑9P (AHEAD) | 24 × 12 in | 30 × 18 in | Advance assembly plaque. |
| W16‑7P (downward arrow) | 24 × 12 in | 30 × 18 in | At the crosswalk to indicate location. |
| S4‑3P (SCHOOL) | 24 × 12 in | 30 × 18 in | Used with W11‑2 when designating a school crossing. |
Follow your State DOT size tables if they differ. Maintain proportional plaque widths beneath larger signs of School Crossing Sign.
Correct assemblies and when to use them
MUTCD Part 7 distinguishes advance warning and at‑crossing assemblies. Use FYG for all school assemblies.
1) School Advance Crossing Assembly
Use S1‑1 with the AHEAD plaque (W16‑9P) before the crosswalk. Place it at the advance distance appropriate to speed (see Table 2C‑4 below).
2) School Crossing Assembly (at the crosswalk)
Use S1‑1 with the downward arrow plaque (W16‑7P) at the crosswalk location. The arrow points to the crossing.
3) Alternate designation using W11‑2 + SCHOOL
Some agencies designate a school crossing using the pedestrian sign (W11‑2) with the SCHOOL plaque (S4‑3P). Add the W16‑7P arrow at the crosswalk. Use FYG.
Placement and advance distances (Table 2C‑4)
Place the Advance Crossing Assembly at a distance that gives drivers time to perceive and react. The MUTCD’s warning‑sign table (Table 2C‑4) provides typical distances. Use the higher end for higher speeds and multilane approaches. Adjust for urban block lengths when necessary.
| Posted speed (mph) | Advance sign distance (ft) |
|---|---|
| 25 | 100 |
| 30 | 200 |
| 35 | 350 |
| 40 | 500 |
| 45 | 700 |
| 50 | 1,000 |
| 55 | 1,250 |
| 60 | 1,500 |
Place the Crossing Assembly at the crosswalk. Use the downward arrow plaque to point to the crossing. Consider a second assembly on the left side on multilane roads for added conspicuity.
Mounting height, lateral offset, and visibility
- Mounting height: Urban sidewalks ~7 ft to the bottom of the lowest sign. Rural ~5 ft. Increase where snow or parking affects visibility.
- Lateral offset: Typically 6–12 ft from the edge of the traveled way, outside the clear zone if applicable.
- Orientation: Face perpendicular to the driver approach. Avoid sign clutter. Keep assemblies free of obstructions.
- Supplemental placement: Add left‑side or overhead placement on multilane roads when needed.
Retroreflectivity and materials
Use FYG retroreflective sheeting with high performance (e.g., prismatic). Maintain minimum retroreflectivity per MUTCD. Use aluminum panels with corrosion‑resistant hardware and anti‑graffiti laminate as needed. Inspect at night to confirm legibility.
Common errors to avoid
- Using yellow instead of fluorescent yellow‑green for school signs.
- Omitting the AHEAD plaque on the advance assembly.
- Placing the arrow plaque in advance instead of at the crosswalk.
- Mixing non‑standard symbols or fonts on plaques.
- Mounting too low in urban areas (below ~7 ft) or placing within sight obstructions.
- Over‑signing the approach, which reduces driver attention.
Free interactive widgets (no APIs)
These widgets are focused strictly on the school crossing sign. They run fully in the browser.
Widget 1: Assembly Builder (S1‑1)
Choose the correct assembly and get a quick spec and an illustrative SVG.
School Crossing Sign Assembly Builder
Advance distances from MUTCD Table 2C‑4; confirm with your State supplement.
Widget 2: Advance Distance Calculator
Get the typical advance distance for the S1‑1 AHEAD assembly.
Advance Sign Distance (ft)
Widget 3: Size Selector (S1‑1 and plaques)
Select roadway conditions to get a size recommendation for S1‑1 and related plaques.
Recommended Sizes
Widget 4: S1‑1 Inspection Checklist (local save)
Audit a single school crossing assembly for compliance and visibility.
S1‑1 Assembly Checklist
FAQs
Is fluorescent yellow‑green required for school signs?
Yes. Use FYG for school signing per MUTCD. Confirm color use in your State supplement.
Should I use AHEAD or a distance plaque?
Use AHEAD (W16‑9P) for clarity. A distance plaque may be used if it better communicates the site. Follow your agency’s practice.
Where exactly do I put the arrow plaque?
At the crosswalk. The W16‑7P arrow belongs on the Crossing Assembly to point to the location.
Can I use W11‑2 with the SCHOOL plaque instead of S1‑1?
Yes, some agencies do. Use W11‑2 with S4‑3P (SCHOOL) to designate a school crossing, plus the arrow at the crosswalk. Keep FYG.
What mounting height should I pick in cities?
About 7 ft to the bottom of the lowest sign is standard on sidewalks. Go higher if parked vehicles or snow reduce visibility.
References
- FHWA MUTCD (11th Edition) — Part 7: Traffic Control for School Areas; Part 2: Signs
- Standard Highway Signs (SHS) — Panel layouts and symbols
- FHWA Safety — School area safety resources
- Your State DOT traffic engineering manual — supplements and size tables
- Check Schoolopedia.org for more information.
Disclaimer: Educational summary. Use your State supplement and agency standards for final design and installation.
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