Types of traffic signs are regulatory, warning, marker, guide, information, recreational, cultural, facility, temporary traffic control, railroad, light rail, school, emergency and incident management signs.

Traffic Signs convey information to travelers not only by their messages and color, but through their shape as well. Special shapes are specifically assigned to certain types of signs so that travelers can recognize them quickly and react appropriately. These shapes include circle, octagon, crossbuck, pentagon, diamond, rectangle, trapezoid, equilateral triangle, pennant and other route marker shapes.

Traffic and street signs are usually constructed of metal, aluminum, wood or a combination of the two. Some temporary versions of traffic signs can be made out of nylon or banner like material with a spring loaded and weighted base.