When displaying a directional sign, check local sign ordinances to ensure you comply with regulations on its size, shape, color and location. Whether you’re posting safety signs or directions toward a business, follow the guidelines to eliminate driving hazards and protect the city’s overall look.

Once you’ve got the standards to stay in compliance with state and city requirements, find a directional sign provider that offers signs to suit specific applications:

1. Choose a directional sign to direct traffic flow and parking around your business.

2. Display an illuminated directional sign to direct cars and customers toward regular and emergency exits.

3. Order a custom directional sign designed to comply with local regulations, but coordinate with your business’ overall look.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Provide parking, stopping or access information by posting an appropriate directional sign

You may want to direct customers to specific parking spots, require visitors to check in at a guard station or avoid restricted areas. Post directional sign information to reduce questions and facilitate traffic flow around your business. Ensure your signs and directions comply with local traffic ordinances.

I recommend: Rice Signs offers reflective parking, no parking and directional signs with additional instructions. Find directional sign information by clicking on the desired design. Order custom stop signs for your parking lot, including “employee only” and “restricted area” models from Labelmaster.

Direct cars and foot traffic toward exits with a reflective or electric directional sign

Comply with exit and emergency exit regulations by posting an appropriate directional sign above each corridor or doorway. Choose a model that features the proper lamp output and backup power source. Be aware that some states also require businesses to place a directional sign above doors and hallways that don't lead to an exit.

I recommend: The Exit Light offers a selection of electric and power-free Tritium exit signs. Obtain additional directional sign information by clicking the links in the left column for specific sign types. Shop a variety of LED, recessed and edge-lit exit signs through The Exit Store. The company also sells custom self-luminous exit signs in English and Spanish.

Post a compliant directional sign that promotes your business and points customers your way

Create an informative directional sign to indicate your business' name, location and hours of operation, for example. Check with your city to determine if your desired sign style, font size and wording comply with local ordinances.

I recommend: VictoryStore.com allows you to customize the text, colors, size and frame of your business’ directional sign. Click on the directional sign list for additional features and products like banners, flags and other promotional signs. Green Mountain Graphics designs custom way finding and directional signs for a variety of applications. Request a quote for signs that suit your business needs.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Ensure the directional sign information you post is not only helpful to those trying to find your business, but to those navigating away from it, as well. Once customers enter a parking structure, for example, post adequate signage to direct the traffic flow safely back out.