W20-8 Slow (STOP/SLOW Paddle)
The SLOW face of a flagger's STOP/SLOW paddle tells approaching traffic to proceed slowly when directed by the flagger. The linked drawing also shows the separate R1-1 STOP face on the reverse side.
- Sign Name
- Slow (STOP/SLOW Paddle)
- MUTCD Code
- W20-8
- California designation
- Federal sign with a California layout variant
- Sign Category
- Warning Signs
Specifications
- Shape
- Octagon
- Color / legend
- SLOW face: orange diamond with black legend and black corners; reverse STOP face: red with white legend and border
Sizes & Dimensions (inches)
These are dimensions shown on the linked layout. Select the required size using the applicable MUTCD and agency requirements; the smallest drawing size is not necessarily the permitted minimum.
The linked federal sheet shows an 18 × 18-inch paddle. These are overall paddle-face dimensions, not the diagonal of the orange inset. A separate Caltrans drawing provides the 24 × 24-inch California variant.
- Layout size18" × 18"
California Application & Variants
Caltrans publishes a California-modified W20-8 STOP/SLOW paddle drawing with a 24 × 24-inch face. The federal designation remains W20-8; a separate (CA) code is not assigned. The existing federal 18-inch layout is retained below, while the California drawing is provided separately. Use the applicable flagger-control requirements to select the paddle size.
California STOP/SLOW paddle — 24 × 24 inches
Caltrans modification dated July 19, 2021. The sheet shows both STOP and SLOW faces. These are overall face dimensions.
Placement Context
- Where it sits
- In the flagger’s hand as a STOP/SLOW paddle, per CA MUTCD Chapter 6D.
- CA MUTCD reference
- CA MUTCD 2026 Chapter 6D — Flagger Control
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Educational 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. Reference editions: California MUTCD 2026 (effective January 18, 2026) and the Federal MUTCD 11th Edition with Revision 1.
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