This guide summarizes the MUTCD requirements and practical application guidance for the SC19(CA) SLOW FOR THE CONE ZONE (CALTRANS LOGO VERSION) sign. Use this resource to understand when it is required, how to place it correctly, and how to maintain clear visibility for safe operations.
Cone-zone / lane-closure work areas where the Caltrans campaign sign is used
Advance warning area, ahead of the work.
Mount at the standard height and setback for the roadway with clear sight lines.
High reflectivity and clear sight lines are essential day and night.
The SC19(CA) is the Caltrans “Slow for the Cone Zone” campaign sign. Per the official Caltrans Sign Specification (SC19--CA.pdf, rev 12/13/10): the legend reads SLOW FOR THE CONE ZONE with the Caltrans logo and cone graphics. Colors: border white; legend white and orange; background blue and white; cones orange; CT logo green (Pantone 326), blue (Pantone 299), and black; all colors except black retroreflective. Standard sizes 54″×36″ and 114″×78″ — the 54″×36″ option may be used as a portable mesh sign. Include registered trademark symbols as shown. This is the logo/campaign version; SC20(CA) is the standard orange “SLOW FOR THE CONE ZONE” sign.
The SC19(CA) is the Caltrans “Slow for the Cone Zone” campaign sign. Per the official Caltrans Sign Specification (SC19--CA.pdf, rev 12/13/10): the legend reads SLOW FOR THE CONE ZONE with the Caltrans logo and cone graphics. Colors: border white; legend white and orange; background blue and white; cones orange; CT logo green (Pantone 326), blue (Pantone 299), and black; all colors except black retroreflective. Standard sizes 54″×36″ and 114″×78″ — the 54″×36″ option may be used as a portable mesh sign. Include registered trademark symbols as shown. This is the logo/campaign version; SC20(CA) is the standard orange “SLOW FOR THE CONE ZONE” sign. In the field, SC19(CA) Slow for the Cone Zone (Caltrans Logo Version) is typically positioned at the advance warning area, ahead of the work. Common deployments include cone-zone / lane-closure work areas where the Caltrans campaign sign is used; portable mesh option (54″×36″) for temporary deployments; sized and placed per the CA MUTCD. Always confirm its size, retroreflective sheeting, spacing, and placement against the CA MUTCD 2026 and the reviewing agency before finalizing the traffic control plan.
Advance warning area, ahead of the work.
Typical minimum: 48" × 48" on conventional roads; 60" × 60" on expressways and freeways.
Used in California work zones per the CA MUTCD and the Caltrans Sign Specification (SC19--CA.pdf). Confirm size, retroreflective sheeting, and placement for the condition and the reviewing agency.
Go to California NotesEducational reference only. This is not an official Caltrans, FHWA, or local agency publication and is not legal or engineering advice. Always verify sign selection, size, placement, spacing, and application against the current CA MUTCD 2026, Caltrans sign specifications, Standard Plans, project documents, and the reviewing agency’s requirements. Local jurisdictions may impose additional requirements, and final selection, placement, and dimensions may require engineering judgment or agency approval. Written against California MUTCD 2026 (effective January 18, 2026) and the Federal MUTCD 11th Edition. Official sources last verified June 2026.
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