Delaware Administrative Code
Title 2 - Transportation
2000 - Department of Transportation
2400 - Division of Transportation Solutions
2402 - Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD)
Part 2 - Signs
Chapter 2E - GUIDE SIGNS-FREEWAYS AND EXPRESSWAYS
Section 2E.16 - Sign Borders

Universal Citation: 2 DE Admin Code 2E.16

Current through Register Vol. 28, No. 3, September 1, 2024

Standard:

01 Signs shall have a border of the same color as the legend in order to outline their distinctive shape and thereby give them easy recognition and a finished appearance.

Guidance:

02 For guide signs larger than 120 x 72 inches, the border should have a width of 2 inches. For smaller guide signs, a border width of 1.25 inches should be used, but the width should not exceed the stroke width of the lettering of the principal legend on the sign.

03 Corner radii of sign borders should be 1/8 of the minimum sign dimension on guide signs, except that the radii should not exceed 12 inches on any sign.

Option:

04 The sign material in the area outside of the corner radius may be trimmed.

Table 2E-1. Freeway or Expressway Guide Sign and Plaque Sizes (Sheet 1 of 2)

Sign or Plaque Sign Designation Section Minimum Size
Exit Number (plaque)
1-, 2-Digit Exit Number E1-5P 2E.31 114 x 30
3-Digit Exit Number E1-5P 2E.31 132 x 30
1-, 2-Digit Exit Number (with single letter suffix) E1-5P 2E.31 138 x 30
3-Digit Exit Number (with single letter suffix) E1-5P 2E.31 156 x 30
1-, 2-Digit Exit Number (with dual letter suffix) E1-5P 2E.31 168 x 30
3-Digit Exit Number (with dual letter suffix) E1-5P 2E.31 186 x 30
Left (plaque) E1-5aP 2E.33 72 x 30
Left Exit Number (plaque)
1-, 2-Digit Exit Number E1-5bP 2E.31 114 x 54
3-Digit Exit Number E1-5bP 2E.31 132 x 54
1-, 2-Digit Exit Number (with single letter suffix) E1-5bP 2E.31 138 x 54
3-Digit Exit Number (with single letter suffix) E1-5bP 2E.31 156 x 54
1-, 2-Digit Exit Number (with dual letter suffix) E1-5bP 2E.31 168 x 54
3-Digit Exit Number (with dual letter suffix) E1-5bP 2E.31 186 x 54
Next Exit XX Miles (1 line) - 2E.34 Varies x 24
Next Exit XX Miles (2 lines) - 2E.34 Varies x 36
Exit Gore (no exit number) E5-1 2E.37 72 x 60
Exit Gore (with exit number)
1-, 2-Digit Exit Number E5-1a 2E.37 78 x 60
3-Digit Exit Number E5-1a 2E.37 96 x 60
1-Digit Exit Number (with single letter suffix) E5-1a 2E.37 90 x 60
2-Digit Exit Number (with single letter suffix) E5-1a 2E.37 108 x 60
3-Digit Exit Number (with single letter suffix) E5-1a 2E.37 126 x 60
1-Digit Exit Number (with dual letter suffix) E5-1a 2E.37 120 x 60
2-Digit Exit Number (with dual letter suffix) E5-1a 2E.37 138 x 60
3-Digit Exit Number (with dual letter suffix) E5-1a 2E.37 156 x 60
Exit Number (plaque)
1-, 2-Digit Exit Number E5-1bP 2E.37 42 x 30
3-Digit Exit Number E5-1bP 2E.37 60 x 30
1-Digit Exit Number (with single letter suffix) E5-1bP 2E.37 48 x 30
1-Digit Exit Number (with dual letter suffix) E5-1bP 2E.37 72 x 30
2-Digit Exit Number (with single or dual letter suffix) E5-1bP 2E.37 72 x 30
3-Digit Exit Number (with single or dual letter suffix) E5-1bP 2E.37 72 x 30
Narrow Exit Gore E5-1c 2E.37 60 x 90*
Pull-Through E6-2 2E.12 Varies x 120*
Pull-Through E6-2a 2E.12 Varies x 90*
Exit Only (with arrow) E11-1,1d 2E.24 174** x 36
Exit E11-1a 2E.24 66 x 18
Only E11-1b 2E.24 66 x 18
Exit Only E11-1c 2E.24 120 x 18
Exit Only (with two arrows) E11-1e,1f 2E.24 222** x 36
Left E11-2 2E.40 60 x 18
Exit Gore Advisory Speed (plaque) E13-1P 2E.37 72 x 24
Exit Direction Advisory Speed E13-2 2E.36 162 x 24
Interstate Route Sign (1 or 2 digits) M1-1 2E.27 36 x 36
Interstate Route Sign (3 digits) M1-1 2E.27 45 x 36
Off-Interstate Route Sign (1 or 2 digits) M1-2,3 2E.27 36 x 36
Off-Interstate Route Sign (3 digits) M1-2,3 2E.27 45 x 36
U.S. Route Sign (1 or 2 digits) M1-4 2E.27 36 x 36
U.S. Route Sign (3 digits) M1-4 2E.27 45 x 36
State Route Sign (1 or 2 digits) M1-5 2D.11 36 x 36

Table 2E-1. Freeway or Expressway Guide Sign and Plaque Sizes (Sheet 2 of 2)

(Delaware Revision)

Sign or Plaque Sign Designation Section Minimum Size
State Route Sign (3 digits) M1-5 2D.11 45 x 36
County Route Sign (1, 2, or 3 digits) M1-6 2D.11 36 x 36
Forest Route (1, 2, or 3 digits) M1-7 2D.11 36 x 36
Eisenhower Interstate System M1-10,10a 2E.28 36 x 36
Junction M2-1 2D.13 30 x 21
Combination Junction (2 route signs) M2-2 2D.14 60 x 48*
Cardinal Direction M3-1,2,3,4 2D.15 36 x 18
Alternate M4-1,1a 2D.17 36 x 18
By-Pass M4-2 2D.18 36 x 18
Business M4-3 2D.19 36 x 18
Truck M4-4 2D.20 36 x 18
To M4-5 2D.21 36 x 18
End M4-6 2D.22 36 x 18
Temporary M4-7,7a 2D.24 36 x 18
Begin M4-14 2D.23 36 x 18
Advance Turn Arrow M5-1,2,3 2D.26 30 x 21
Lane Designation M5-4,5,6 2D.27 36 x 24
Directional Arrow M6-1,2, 2a,3,4,5,6,7 2D.28 30 x 21
Destination (1 line) D1-1 2D.37 Varies x 30
Destination (2 lines) D1-2 2D.37 Varies x 54
Destination (3 lines) D1-3 2D.37 Varies x 72
Distance (1 line) D2-1 2D.41 Varies x 30
Distance (2 lines) D2-2 2D.41 Varies x 54
Distance (3 lines) D2-3 2D.41 Varies x 72
Street Name D3-1,1a 2D.43 Varies x 18
Advance Street Name (2 lines) D3-2 2D.44 Varies x 42*
Advance Street Name (3 lines) D3-2 2D.44 Varies x 66*
Advance Street Name (4 lines) D3-2 2D.44 Varies x 84*
Park - Ride D4-2 2D.48 36 x 48
National Scenic Byways D6-4 2D.55 24 x 24
National Scenic Byways D6-4a 2D.55 24 x 12
Weigh Station XX Miles D8-1 2E.54 96 x 72 (F) 78 x 60 (E)
Weigh Station Next Right D8-2 2E.54 108 x 90 (F) 84 x 72 (E)
Weigh Station (with arrow) D8-3 2E.54 84 x 78 (F) 66 x 60 (E)
Crossover D13-1,2 2D.54 78 x 42
Freeway Entrance D13-3 2D.46 48 x 30
Freeway Entrance (with arrow) D13-3a 2D.46 48 x 42
Combination Lane Use / Destination D15-1 2D.33 Varies x 96
Next Truck Lane XX Miles D17-1 2D.51 60 x 66
Truck Lane XX Miles D17-2 2D.51 60 x 54
Slow Vehicle Turn-Out XX Miles D17-7 2D.52 96 x 54

* The size shown is for a typical sign as illustrated in the figures in Chapters 2D and 2E. The size should be determined based on the amount of legend required for the sign.

** The width shown represents the minimum dimension. The width shall be increased as appropriate to match the width of the guide sign.

Notes:

1. Larger signs may be used when appropriate

2. Dimensions in inches are shown as width x height

3. Where two sizes are shown, the larger size is for freeways (F) and the smaller size is for expressways (E)

Table 2E-2. Minimum Letter and Numeral Sizes for Expressway

Guide Signs According to Interchange Classification

Type of Sign Type of Interchange (see Section 2E.32) Overhead
Major Intermediate Minor
Category a Category b
A. Advance Guide, Exit Direction, and Overhead Guide Signs
Exit Number Plaques
Words 10 10 10 8 10
Numerals & Letters 15 15 15 12 15
Interstate Route Signs
Numerals 18 - - - 18
1- or 2-Digit Shields 36 x 36 - - - 36 x 36
3-Digit Shields 45 x 36 - - - 45 x 36
U.S. or State Route Signs
Numerals 18 18 18 12 18
1- or 2-Digit Shields 36 x 36 36 x 36 36 x 36 24 x 24 36 x 36
3-Digit Shields 45 x 36 45 x 36 45 x 36 30 x 24 45 x 36
U.S. or State Route Text Identification (Example: US 56)
Numerals & Letters 18 15 15 12 15
Cardinal Directions
First Letters 18 15 12 10 15
Rest of Words 15 12 10 8 12
Auxiliary and Alternative Route Legends (Examples: JCT, TO, ALT, BUSINESS)
Words 15 12 10 8 12
Names of Destinations
Upper-Case Letters 20 16 13.33 10.67 16
Lower-Case Letters 15 12 10 8 12
Distance Numbers 18 15 12 10 15
Distance Fraction Numerals 12 10 10 8 10
Distance Words 12 10 10 8 10
Action Message Words 10 10 10 8 10
B. Gore Signs
Words 10 10 10 8 -
Numerals & Letters 12 12 12 10 -

Note: Sizes are shown in inches and where applicable are shown as width x height

Table 2E-3. Minimum Letter and Numeral Sizes for Expressway

Guide Signs According to Sign Type (Sheet 1 of 2)

Type of Sign Minimum Size
A. Pull-Through Signs
Destinations - Upper-Case Letters 13.33
Destinations - Lower-Case Letters 10
Route Signs
1- or 2-Digit Shields 36 x 36
3-Digit Shields 45 x 36
Cardinal Directions - First Letters 12
Cardinal Directions - Rest of Word 10
B. Supplemental Guide Signs
Exit Number - Words 8
Exit Number - Numerals and Letters 12
Place Names - Upper-Case Letters 10.67
Place Names - Lower-Case Letters 8
Action Messages 8
Route Signs
Numerals 12
1- or 2-Digit Shield 24 x 24
3-Digit Shield 30 x 24
C. Interchange Sequence or Community Interchanges Identification Signs
Words - Upper-Case Letters 10.67
Words - Lower-Case Letters 8
Numerals 10.67
Fraction Numerals 8
Route Signs
Numerals 12
1- or 2-Digit Shield 24 x 24
3-Digit Shield 30 x 24
D. Next XX Exits Sign
Place Names - Upper-Case Letters 10.67
Place Names - Lower-Case Letters 8
NEXT XX EXITS - Words 8
NEXT XX EXITS - Number 12

Table 2E-3. Minimum Letter and Numeral Sizes for Expressway

Guide Signs According to Sign Type (Sheet 2 of 2)

Type of Sign Minimum Size
E. Distance Signs
Words - Upper-Case Letters 8
Words - Lower-Case Letters 6
Numerals 8
Route Signs
Numerals 9
1- or 2-Digit Shield 18 x 18
3-Digit Shield 22.5 x 18
F. General Services Signs (see Chapter 2I)
Exit Number - Words 8
Exit Number - Numerals and Letters 12
Services 8
G. Rest Area, Scenic Area, and Roadside Area Signs (see Chapter 2I)
Words 10
Distance Numerals 12
Distance Fraction Numerals 8
Distance Words 8
Action Message Words 10
H. Reference Location Signs (see Chapter 2H)
Words 4
Numerals 10
I. Boundary and Orientation Signs (see Chapter 2H)
Words - Upper-Case Letters 8
Words - Lower-Case Letters 6
J. Next Exit and Next Services Signs
Words and Numerals 8
K. Exit Only Signs
Words 12
L. Overhead Arrow-Per-Lane and Diagrammatic Signs
See Table 2E-5

Note: Sizes are shown in inches and where applicable are shown as width x height

Table 2E-4. Minimum Letter and Numeral Sizes for Freeway

Guide Signs According to Interchange Classification

Type of Sign Type of Interchange (see Section 2E.32) Overhead
Major Intermediate Minor
Category a Category b
A. Advance Guide, Exit Direction, and Overhead Guide Signs
Exit Number Plaques
Words 10 10 10 10 10
Numerals & Letters 15 15 15 15 15
Interstate Route Signs
Numerals 24/18 - - - 18
1- or 2-Digit Shields 48 x 48/ 36 x 36 - - - 36 x 36
3-Digit Shields 60 x 48/ 45 x 36 - - - 45 x 36
U.S. or State Route Signs
Numerals 24/18 18 18 12 18
1- or 2-Digit Shields 48 x 48/ 36 x 36 36 x 36 36 x 36 24 x 24 36 x 36
3-Digit Shields 60 x 48/ 45 x 36 45 x 36 45 x 36 30 x 24 45 x 36
U.S. or State Route Text Identification (Example: US 56)
Numerals & Letters 18 18/15 15 12 15
Cardinal Directions
First Letters 18 15 15 10 15
Rest of Words 15 12 12 8 12
Auxiliary and Alternative Route Legends (Examples: JCT, TO, ALT, BUSINESS)
Words 15 12 12 8 12
Names of Destinations
Upper-Case Letters 20 20 16 13.33 16
Lower-Case Letters 15 15 12 10 12
Distance Numbers 18 18/15 15 12 15
Distance Fraction Numerals 12 12/10 10 8 10
Distance Words 12 12/10 10 8 10
Action Message Words 12 12/10 10 8 10
B. Gore Signs
Words 12 12 12 8 -
Numeral & Letters 18 18 18 12 -

Notes:

1. Sizes are shown in inches and where applicable are shown as width x height

2. Slanted line (/) signifies separation of desirable and minimum sizes

Table 2E-5. Minimum Letter and Numeral Sizes for Freeway

Guide Signs According to Sign Type (Sheet 1 of 2)

Type of Sign Minimum Size
A. Pull-Through Signs
Destinations - Upper-Case Letters 16
Destinations - Lower-Case Letters 12
Route Signs
1- or 2-Digit Shields 36 x 36
3-Digit Shields 45 x 36
Cardinal Directions - First Letter 15
Cardinal Directions - Rest of Word 12
B. Supplemental Guide Signs
Exit Number Words 10
Exit Number Numerals and Letters 15
Place Names - Upper-Case Letters 13.33
Place Names - Lower-Case Letters 10
Action Messages 8
Route Signs
Numerals 12
1- or 2-Digit Shield 24 x 24
3-Digit Shield 30 x 24
C. Interchange Sequence or Community Interchanges Identification Signs
Words - Upper-Case Letters 13.33
Words - Lower-Case Letters 10
Numerals 13.33
Fraction Numerals 10
Route Signs
Numerals 12
1- or 2-Digit Shield 24 x 24
3-Digit Shield 30 x 24
D. Next X Exits Sign
Place Names - Upper-Case Letters 13.33
Place Names - Lower-Case Letters 10
NEXT X EXITS - Words 10
NEXT X EXITS - Number 15
E. Distance Signs
Words - Upper-Case Letters 8
Words - Lower-Case Letters 6
Numerals 8
Route Signs
Numerals 9
1- or 2-Digit Shield 18 x 18
3-Digit Shield 22.5 x 18
F. General Services Signs (see Chapter 2I)
Exit Number Words 10
Exit Number Numerals and Letters 15
Services 10

Table 2E-5. Minimum Letter and Numeral Sizes for Freeway

Guide Signs According to Sign Type (Sheet 2 of 2)

Type of Sign Minimum Size
G. Rest Area, Scenic Area, and Roadside Area Signs (see Chapter 2I)
Words 12
Distance Numerals 15
Distance Fraction Numerals 10
Distance Words 10
Action Message Words 12
H. Reference Location Signs (see Chapter 2H)
Words 4
Numerals 10
I. Boundary and Orientation Signs (see Chapter 2H)
Words - Upper-Case Letters 8
Words - Lower-Case Letters 6
J. Next Exit and Next Services Signs
Words and Numerals 8
K. Exit Only Signs
Words 12
L. Overhead Arrow-Per-Lane Signs
Arrowhead (Type D Directional Arrow) 21.625
Arrow Shaft Width 8
Arrow Height
Through 72
Left Only 48
Right Only 48
Optional-Diverge (Through with Left or Right) 72
Optional-Split (Left and Right) 66
Vertical Separator Width 2
Vertical Space between Vertical Separator and Top of Nearest Arrow 8
Horizontal Space between Vertical Separator and Top of Nearest Through Arrow 15
Horizontal Space between Arrow Shaft and EXIT and ONLY plaques 10
EXIT and ONLY Panels 60 x 18
M. Diagrammatic Signs
Arrowhead (Type D Directional Arrow) 13.5*
Lane Widths 5
Lane Line Segments 1 x 6
Spacing between Lane Line Segments 6
Stem Height to Upper Point of Departure 30
Horizontal Space between Arrowhead and Route Shield or Destination 12

* The size shown is the arrowhead width per lane depicted on the corresponding arrow shaft

Note Sizes are shown in inches and where applicable are shown as width x height

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Delaware may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.