While these two types can cross over, Illuminated and Digital Traffic Signs aren't necessarily the same thing.
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Digital traffic signs are typically lighted with LED's (Light Emitting Diodes) and may have a small section that shows a number or series of numbers and letters, such as you might see at some airports, or may be an electronic reader board with messages for oncoming motorists.
Illuminated Traffic Signs, on the other hand, may include digital kinds, but may simply be a signpost that is lighted from below with directional lamps, giving it the appearance of being illuminated. They typically have a sensor that flips the switch on the lights as it gets dark and then reverses the process as daylight arrives in the morning.
As you can see, on the rail below the road signs and to the outside of the service platform there are lights affixed to the rail that shine onto the reflective surface, making it highly visible at night, which is a good thing, especially if you're new to the area or passing through.
Digital Road Signs are different in that they use LED's, as mentioned earlier, and can look like this. The one on the above is a sign board that is a 'message center' type and is programmed remotely with a new message as needed'typically something like 'Road Construction starting August 1st and Never Ending'hahaha' or the like.
The one on the above is generally programmed from a booth and will say something like 'Open' or 'Lot 2 Full' or similar. Obviously, they are more expensive than your standard aluminum panel road sign, especially the message center style'the one on the left, for instance, probably cost taxpayers in excess of $100K.
In the previous article I discussed standards for traffic markers with reflective sheeting which are set nationally by the US Department of Transportation (USDOT), or by local states conforming to the USDOT's Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). This manual gives all the regulations for various aluminum-based displays, but doesn't offer regulations regarding LED types. However, any type used on an interstate or state highway will still need to be approved by your local authority.
There are many manufacturers in the US, but only a few that manufacture the big message center LED displays. A few more make the LED panel types. Due to the complexity of the message center displays, many companies can sell them as distributors and do.
One other type of internally illuminated road traffic sign is used almost exclusively at airports or public transportation facilities. It is standard ballast-driven fluorescent bulb lighted type with a decorated polycarbonate face, one or two-sided, similar to the one shown here.
Obviously, this type needs to have a power source, so it's not practical under many circumstances to use this in rural area plus they're considerably pricier than standard aluminum panels. They are also customized and are not covered in the MUTCD, but are typically regulated by local authorities. There are many companies that manufacture them, but any of them would need to be approved by the proper certifying authority.
Click here for internally illuminated signs, electronic road signs, and digital traffic signs for sale. Find a digital traffic sign printer or a variable message sign manufacturer.
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EDITOR'S NOTE: During this unprecedented time, ADOT is creating transportation activities for kids. Please visit azdot.gov/ADOTKids or use the hashtag #ADOTKids on ADOT's Twitter, Facebook and Instagram accounts to see what we have going on.
By Doug Pacey / ADOT Communications
Have you seen the safety messages ADOT puts on digital signs above highways? The messages that sometimes relate to holidays, like Halloween or Thanksgiving, or popular movies, like "Lion King" or "Star Wars?"
We like to have fun with these, and we know that people enjoy seeing funny and creative messages. But we have a serious reason for posting safety messages: We want all drivers to make better choices. Even though our messages are sometimes silly, they all relate to traffic safety and safe driving. Our hope is that drivers will see the message and make better driving decisions, like not speeding, not driving distracted and making sure to wear a seat belt, so there are fewer people getting hurt in car crashes.
With nearly 300 of these Dynamic Message Signs above highways all across Arizona, lots of drivers and passengers ' even kids! ' can see the messages. The slideshow at right has some of our favorites.
Now, there are some federal guidelines ADOT must follow when we post messages. For instance, with few exceptions all messages must involve traffic information or traffic safety. Also, our signs don't have unlimited space ' they can only fit three lines and 18 letters or spaces per line.
But, in the interest of some ADOT Kids fun, let's break the rules!
MAKE YOUR OWN MESSAGE: Let your imagination and creativity run wild when thinking up your own silly or serious safety messages. We've created a coloring sheet for you to create your own messages, but if your message needs more space, that's OK. You can use your own paper or even create a message digitally.
You can create a message that follows the federal guidelines of using 18 letters and three lines or a message that goes way over the limit. Or maybe even a message that has words and pictures!
If you already know what you want your message to say, that's great! If you're not sure yet, here's an ideas to get you started: Pick a safe-driving topic that matters most to you like speeding, seat belts, distracted driving, dust storms, work zone safety, motorcycles, car seats or something else.
NOTE: A slideshow with contributed safety messages is below, along with a video showcasing your work and answering questions.
The activity sheet:
Slideshow with messages:
Video: