IESNA RP-19-01

Roadway
Sign
Lighting
The
LIGHTING ®
AUTHORITY
 IESNA RP-19-01

IESNA Recommeded Practice for

Roadway Sign Lighting

Publication of this Committee

Report has been approved
by the IESNA. Suggestions for
revisions should be directed
to the IESNA.

Prepared by:

The Sign Lighting Subcommittee

of the IESNA Roadway Lighting Committee
Copyright 2001 by the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America.

Approved by the IESNA Board of Directors, March 3, 2001, as a Transaction of the Illuminating Engineering
Society of North America.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form, in any electronic retrieval system
or otherwise, without prior written permission of the IESNA.

Published by the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America, 120 Wall Street, New York, New York 10005.

IESNA Standards and Guides are developed through committee consensus and produced by the IESNA Office
in New York. Careful attention is given to style and accuracy. If any errors are noted in this document, please for-
ward them to Rita Harrold, Director Educational and Technical Development, at the above address for verification
and correction. The IESNA welcomes and urges feedback and comments.

ISBN # 0-87995-175-3

Printed in the United States of America.

Prepared by the Sign Lighting Subcommittee of the IESNA Roadway Lighting Committee

Sign Lighting Subcommittee

Ian Lewin, Subcommittee Chair

B. Ananthanarayanan H. Odle
J. B. Arens M. Owens
R. B. Chong M. Packer
Z. Durys R. Rainier
J. A. Havard C. Shaflik
M. E. Keck G. E. Smallwood
L. J. Maloney V. H. Waight

IESNA Roadway Lighting Committee

Paul J. Lutkevich, Chair

W. Adrian R. Gibbons* A. Oerkvitz

Y. S. Abdelsamed* R. C. Gupta W. Okon
P. Allegretto* R. L. Hamm M. Owens*
B. Ananthanarayanan G. Harlow* P. Dalle Pezze*
S. W-Annoh* J. M. Hart J.L. Pimenta*
J. B. Arens G. Hauser* R. Rainier*
J. D. Armstrong J. A. Havard P. H. Reed, Jr.*
P. Arumugasaamy W. A. Hughes M. J. Robinson*
J. A. Bastianpillai D. E. Husby* S. Rose
P. C. Box R.G. Irvine* E.C. Rowsell
R. A. Bradford M. S. Janoff P. P. Sabu
S. Braun* J. E. Jewell* S. Schmidt*
M. Bucci* R. Kauffman* C. Shaflik*
J. J. Buraczynski* M. E. Keck** R. N. Schwab
K A. Burkett D. Keith B.L. Shelby**
J. C. Busser** G. Keller* A.D. Silbiger*
M. G. Canavan A. Ketvirtis J-F. Simard
E. Cacique* E. Kramer* R. L. Sitzema
V. F. Carney J. Kroll* G.E. Smallwood
T.J. Chapman* R. LeVere S. G. Spitulski*
B. T. Chau* I. Lewin R. E. Stark
A. P. Cheng* L. Lewis* R. Stemprok
R B. Chong C.H. Loch D.C. Strong*
V. Cimino D. Mace R. Summerford*
R. D. Clear D. R. Macha* C. V. Thomas*
P. Contos M. Maltezos D. Turner
W. Craig M.A. Maners, Jr.* H. A. Van Dusen
L. Crawford* P. G. McCarthy* R. Vincent
M. D. Crossland J. McCormick** R. P. Vogel*
W. Daiber* S. W. McKnight V. H. Waight*
J. E. Degnan F. Meyers J.D. Waters
N. Dittmann J.J. Mickel P.C Watson
J. M. Doyle* C. Miller* J. Weaver
W. Edman** D. R. Monahan S. Wegner*
K. Fairbanks** R. G. Monsoor R. R. Wylie**
G. A. Eslinger W. E. Morehead* A. B. York*
T. Fenimore* E. Morel
D. H. Fox* R. Nabours* * Advisory Members
M. Freedman K. Negash* ** Honorary Members
D.G. Garner H. Odle
IESNA RP-19-01

Contents

1. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

2. Classification of Lighted Signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

3.Sign Light Source Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

3.1 Source characteristics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
3.2 Color rendering. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

4. Standardized or Regulated Sign Characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

5. Elements of Roadway Sign Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

5.1 General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
5.2 Ambient Luminance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
5.3 Reflectivity and contrast. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
5.4 Sign Luminance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
5.5 Uniformity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

6. Electrical Control Devices. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

7. Externally Lighted Signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

7.1 Design levels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
7.2 Uniformity Ratios. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
7.3 Luminaire Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
7.3.1 Top Mounted Luminaires. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
7.3.2 Bottom Mounted Luminaires. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
7.3.3 Ground or Remote Located Luminaires. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

8. Internally Lighted Signs (Fixed Message Signs Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

8.1 General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
8.2 Design Levels. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
8.3 Uniformity Ratios . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

9.Retroflectorization and Vehicle Forward Headlighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

10. Retroflectorization and External Sign Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

11. Maintenance of Lighted Signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

11.1 General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
11.2 Scheduled Inspection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
11.3 Need for Maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

12. Light Loss Considerations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

12.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..6
12.2 Light Loss Factor (LLF). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
12.2.1 Lamp Lumen Depreciation Factor (LLD). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
12.2.2 Luminaire Dirt Depreciation Factor (LDD). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
12.2.3 Luminaire Ambient Temperature Factor (TF). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
12.2.4 Ballast Factor (BF). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
12.2.5 Voltage-to-Luminaire Factor (VF) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
12.2.6 Manufacturing Tolerance (MT). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
 IESNA RP-19-01

Contents

13. Sign Surface Reflectance and Color Change Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

14. Sign Lighting Measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Bibliography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

IESNA Recommended Practice for
Roadway Sign Lighting
1. INTRODUCTION
This recommended practice is a revision and expan-
sion of the 1982 IESNA publication RP-19.1
These recommendations provide guidelines only for the
lighting of roadway signs. They do not provide stan-
dards for the shape, message, letters, symbols, color,
size, or location of roadway signs since these are cov-
ered by the design requirements of the applicable fed-
eral regulations2 and the appropriate highway agencies.
This document does not address the requirements for
changeable message signs.
Additional practical applications regarding non-high-
way signs may be found in Chapter 17 of the IESNA
Handbook, 9th Edition, 2000.3
This document is intended to supplement and not to
supersede the regulations and requirements of any
federal, state, provincial, regional or local government
agency.
A sign that is designed to be legible under daylight
conditions can also be lighted to fulfill its basic pur-
pose at night. Well-designed sign lighting can aid the
driver in rapid, accurate recognition and understand-
ing of the sign’s message. This serves to improve
safety by reducing the possibility that motorists will
stop or drastically reduce speed at signs that may oth-
erwise be difficult to read. Where the background,
against which a sign is to be seen, has a high level of
(ambient) luminance, sign lighting can provide the
sign legibility necessary for decisive driver action.
Lighting of roadway signs becomes more significant as
(1) volume of traffic increases, (2) complexity of highway
design increases, (3) adverse weather in specific loca-
tions is prevalent, and (4) ambient luminance increases.
The lighting of retro-reflective signs is beneficial when
such retroflectorization (formerly retro-reflectorization)
alone cannot adequately convey the sign message. It
becomes important to provide light where frequent
and severe conditions of condensate, frost, dirt on a
sign panel, or sign face wear reduce the effectiveness
of the reflective materials. During some inclement
weather conditions, headlamps covered with dirt may
be ineffective in illuminating retro-reflective signs.
Ground-mounted signs should be lighted where there
is a need to attract special attention to upcoming traf-
IESNA RP-19-01
fic patterns, such as where the approach to a road-
way configuration is of complex geometric design.
Traffic signs mounted on overhead structures should
be lighted for adequate nighttime conspicuity and leg-
ibility of the sign message for several reasons:
(1) Retroflectorization alone may not provide sufficient
advance sign legibility due to the design of vehicle
headlighting systems, (i.e., the projection of the
main beams downward), and the vertical and hor-
izontal alignments of the roadways at the
approach to the sign.
(2) Roadway lighting is not intended to properly acti-
vate or light overhead retro-reflective signs.
However, careful placement of roadway lumi-
naires in advance of an overhead sign location will
provide some beneficial sign illumination in the
event that the actual sign lighting is out of service.
Roadway luminaires should be placed with care
so as not to cause a distracting shadow on the
pavement and a significant reduction in the pave-
ment lighting level because of the sign.
(3) Sight distance for sign recognition is increased
when signs are illuminated.
2. CLASSIFICATION OF LIGHTED SIGNS
Signs for this recommended practice are classified
into two categories:
(a) Externally lighted signs - signs on which a fixed mes-
sage is illuminated by an external source of light.
(b)Internally lighted signs - signs in which the source
of light is enclosed within the sign and the mes-
sage becomes understandable because of the
varying transmittance of the sign face.
3. SIGN LIGHT SOURCE SELECTION
3.1 Source characteristics.
Several different light sources are used to light roadway
signs. Each light source has specific characteristics,
which may make it more appropriate than others for a
given application. Energy consumption is a major con-
sideration in each application, and must be balanced
by other factors such as color rendering, temperature
of operation (e.g., fluorescent lamps operating at low
ambient temperature), and ease of maintenance.
1
IESNA RP-19-01

Selection of a light source should be based on its effi-
cacy and lamp life (see Table 1), in addition to careful
evaluation of its color rendering abilities (see Table 2).3,4
These tables will aid a designer in selecting a specific
light source for a particular sign lighting application.
3.2 Color rendering.
Sign colors have been assigned meanings in the
United States by the Department of Transportation2
as shown in Table 3. These colors cover a wide range
in the visible spectrum and sign faces should be light-
ed to retain these colors for identification purposes.
Lighting must not significantly degrade the color sen-
sation from that viewed under daylight conditions.
The color rendering ability of various light sources as
listed in Table 2 is used to determine light source
desirability and is based upon the ability of the source
to adequately render the individual sign colors listed in
Table 3.4,5 Certain sign designs may utilize only a few
of these colors, and may be effectively lighted with
sources that are unsatisfactory for other colors. The
designer should be aware of and consider the spectral
distribution characteristics of light sources prior to the
selection of the best source for a given application.
4. STANDARDIZED OR REGULATED SIGN
CHARACTERISTICS
Highway signs in North America are standardized by
the appropriate federal authority.2 Since international
standardization exists to a certain extent, roadway
signs are growing increasingly similar world-wide.
These standards require uniform colors, shapes,
dimensions, letter and numeral fonts, and symbols. In
addition, national policies or requirements may dictate
uniformly oriented lettering or messages. Furthermore,
requirements for full retroflectorization exist for certain
types of signs. Since sign colors (as well as shapes)
have a standardized meaning, it is necessary that the
colors appear essentially the same by day or night.
5. ELEMENTS OF ROADWAY SIGN LIGHTING
5.1 General.
The visibility of most signs during the day is provided
by daylighting. The visibility of most signs at night is
provided by vehicle headlighting systems or by fixed
sign lighting equipment. The primary exception are
signs which are self-luminous, either lighted internally
or with luminous legends. Some signs can be recog-
nized by shape, and their meaning understood with-
out the need to read a legend. Others use symbols
rather than alphanumeric characters. It is therefore
important to consider both the ability to distinguish the
shape of a sign against its background, as well as the
ability to recognize the critical detail of symbols,
alphanumeric legends, and sign colors.
The distance at which the sign legend can be read, or
the symbols recognized, is a function of the size of the
critical detail, the font, the expectation of the drivers, the
luminance and contrast of that detail to its background,
the adaptation of the human visual system to ambient

Table 1. Lamp Characteristics.

Efficacy* Lamp Life

Lamp Family (Lumens/Watt) (Hours)

Incandescent 15 to 25 750 to 8000

Fluorescent 45 to 93 7500 to 12,000
Mercury
Deluxe 40 to 49 24,000+
Other types 34 to 45 24,000+
Metal Halide 69 to 110 7500 to 24,000
Sodium
High pressure 81 to 125 24,000+
High pressure 52 to 94 10,000 to 15,000
(color improved)
Low pressure 80 to 150 10,000 to 18,000

* Approximate total efficacy at 100 hours shown for lamps and ballasts at wattages normally considered for
roadway sign lighting application. Includes nominal ballast losses where applicable. Lamp-life hours is rated
average life of typical lamps considered for this use. (These data are current at time of publication and sub-
ject to improvement.) For data on individual lamp types, consult manufacturer’s catalog.

2
 IESNA RP-19-01

Table 2. Color rendering of typical highway sign colors by various light sources.

Sodium
High
Mercury Metal pressure
Sign Incandescent Fluorescent* Other Halide High color Low
Color All types Deluxe phosphors Clear Clear pressure improved pressure

Blue Fair Excellent Good Fair Good Excellent Poor Good Very Poor
Green Good Excellent Good Good Good Excellent Poor Good Very Poor
Yellow Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good
Orange Excellent Good Good Good Poor Good Good Good Good
Red Excellent Good Good Fair Poor Good Fair Good Very Poor
Brown Excellent Good Good Good Poor Good Poor Good Poor
White Excellent Excellent Fair Fair Fair Excellent Fair Good Very Poor

* Color performance will vary by type.

3
Table 3. Transportation sign colors and assigned meanings.

RED - background color for STOP signs, multiway supplemental plates, DO NOT ENTER messages, WRONG
WAY signs, and on Interstate route markers. Legend color for circular outline and diagonal bar prohibitory symbol.

BLACK - background color for some ONE WAY signs, certain weigh station signs, and night speed limit signs.
Legend color on white, yellow, and orange signs.

WHITE - background color for route markers, guide signs, and regulatory signs, except STOP signs. Legend
color on brown, green, blue, black, and red signs.

ORANGE - background color for construction and maintenance signs.

YELLOW - background color for warning signs. (Fluorescent yellow-green may be used as an option in cer-
tain cases).

BROWN - background color for guide and information signs related to points of recreational or cultural inter-
est.

GREEN - background color for guide signs (other than those using brown or white), mileposts, and as a leg-
end color with a white background for permissive parking regulations.

BLUE - background color for information signs related to motorist services (including police services and rest
areas).

light, the level of disability glare present, and the visual
acuity capabilities of the driver. The angular size of the
critical detail decreases as the distance from the driver
to the sign increases. Legibility distance can be ex-
pressed in terms of distance (meters or feet) when the
physical size of the critical detail is constant, or in terms
of a ratio of distance to critical detail such as meters per
centimeter, (feet per inch), of letter height.
A designer should consider a balance of letter (or
symbol) size, the contrast between the letters and
their background, the minimum adaptation level of the
human visual system, and the expected level of dis-
ability glare in order to assure that a reasonably high
percentage of the population can read the sign legend
at the required distance. The ratio of the legibility dis-
tance to size varies with contrast, adaptation lumi-
nance, and glare. Even with daylight levels of adapta-
tion, there is a limit to the legibility distance due to the
visual capabilities of the driver.
Elements of roadway sign lighting, which are impor-
tant in providing legibility, include the following:
(1) Ambient luminance.
(2) Sign luminance above ambient.
3
IESNA RP-19-01
Figure 1. Sign terminology.
(3) Reflectivity of legend and background
(see Figure 1).
(4) Contrast between legend and background.
(5) Uniformity ratio of overall sign lighting.
5.2 Ambient Luminance.
Ambient luminance is the background luminance
against which the sign will be viewed. There is no
approved method for determining ambient luminance,
nor is there agreement on a definition of area classifica-
tion for ambient luminance. The following explanations
of low, medium, and high ambient luminance are cate-
gorized for purposes of this recommended practice:
Low: Rural areas without roadway and/or intersection
lighting and/or with very low levels of commercial or
residential site lighting. This would include back-
grounds of mountains, fields, trees, shrubbery, grass,
and rural roads.
Medium: Intermediate areas with small commercial
developments, and lighted roadways and inter-
changes.
High: Areas with high levels of street lighting levels
and/or brightly lighted building facades and/or bill-
boards such as encountered on a freeway through or
near a downtown area.
5.3 Reflectivity and Contrast.
These conditions are properties of the sign materials
and are dictated by the specifying authority.2
5.4 Sign Luminance.
The sign luminance will determine how well the signs
will be noticed among competing distractions of other
roadway lighting and surrounding advertising signs.
The contrast between legend and background will
determine how quickly the message is read by drivers.6
5.5 Uniformity.
Suitable uniformity of luminance over the sign face
will add to its effectiveness. Uniformity as used in this
recommended practice is concerned with the ratios of
4
maximum-to-minimum luminance values and gradi-
ents of luminance on the sign face, excluding the leg-
end and border.
6. ELECTRICAL CONTROL DEVICES
Various devices, such as photocontrols, may be used
to control sign lighting.7 Design of switching controls
for sign lighting systems should consider use of
devices that are independent of the roadway lighting
system. Such independent controls may allow earlier
switch-on than for the roadway system. If implement-
ed, turn on levels should be 1.5 times the minimum
average sign illuminance in Table 4 or 1.5 times what-
ever other illuminance level is designed. Alternatively,
a maximum turn on level of 750 lux (70 fc) may be
used for all conditions. Turn-on times may consider
the time necessary for the warm-up of some lamps.
7. EXTERNALLY LIGHTED SIGNS
7.1 Design Levels.
The recommended design range of maintained levels
for externally lighted signs are tabulated in Table 4.
The designer may use either the illuminance or lumi-
nance recommendations provided in Table 4.
7.2 Uniformity Ratios.
A maximum-to-minimum uniformity ratio of 6 to 1 is
recommended as an acceptable ratio of illuminance
levels on the sign face. If the designer uses the lumi-
nance values listed in Table 4, this recommended uni-
formity ratio also applies to these luminance levels as
diffuse material is assumed for the sign specifications.
Lower maximum/minimum ratios will produce a more
pleasing appearance and a more legible sign.
7.3 Luminaire Location.
The luminaire that lights the sign may be located at
either the top or bottom of the sign or remotely on an
adjacent support. A study of the surroundings at any
given installation may dictate which location is best
suited for that installation.
General considerations regarding the effects of the
location are listed in the paragraphs below.
7. 3.1 Top Mounted Luminaires.
(a) Less snow and dirt will collect on the cover.
(b) Luminaires will not hide the message.
(c) Glare of source may only be partly shielded for
traffic approaching the rear of the sign, unless
proper shielding is provided.
(d) Reflected source image may veil some or much of
 IESNA RP-19-01

Table 4. Recommended maintained lighting levels for externally and internally lighted roadway signs, dur-
ing hours of darkness.

Maintained Average
Maintained Average Sign Luminance*
Ambient Sign Illuminance
light level Candelas/ Candelas/
lux footcandles sq. meters sq. foot

Low 140 13 20 1.9

Medium 280 26 40 3.7
High 560 52 80 7.4

* Sign luminance is based on maintained reflectance of 45 percent for white sign letters, assumed to be dif-
fuse. For luminance in footlamberts (unit now deprecated), multiply the candelas/sq. foot value by 3.142.

8. INTERNALLY LIGHTED SIGNS (FIXED

the sign text/graphic and/or may produce reflected
glare.
(e) Luminaires may produce daytime shadows on the
sign panel.
(f) Luminaires require effective shielding and/or opti-
cal control to minimize objectionable spill light
under the sign.
(g) Orientation of the luminaires will provide minimal
sky glow.*
7.3.2 Bottom Mounted Luminaires.
(a) Reflected source image less likely to veil sign
text/graphics and less likely to produce reflected
glare.
(b) No daytime shadows and reflections are produced
by luminaire.
(c) Luminaire location is easier to reach for servicing.
(d) Luminaires may hide the sign message from dri-
vers at some viewing angles.
(e) Luminaire covers may collect snow and dirt, but
may be cleaned by rain.
(f) Glare of the source may only be partly shielded for
traffic approaching the rear of the sign, unless
proper shielding is provided.
(g) Luminaires require effective shielding and/or opti-
cal control to reduce sky glow.*
7.3.3 Ground or Remote Located Luminaires.
(a) Require a carefully controlled light source.
(b) May produce glare if not properly shielded.
(c) May be prone to vandalism.
(d) Luminaires may be prone to masking by plowed
and/or accumulated snow unless properly located.
(e) Can result in both light trespass and sky glow unless
properly shielded and/or optically controlled.*
*Note: For more information on issues related to light trespass and sky glow consult the
following IESNA publications; RP-33, Lighting for Exterior Environments, TM-10,
Addressing Obtrusive Lighting (Urban Sky Glow and Light Trespass) in Conjunction with
Roadway Lighting and TM-11, Light Trespass: Research Results and Recommendations.
MESSAGE SIGNS ONLY)
8.1 General.
Internal lighting may be applied to any of the various
traffic signs used to guide and direct motorists. Size
will vary with the legend.
Internally lighted signs must be legible not only at
night, but also under daylight conditions when de-
energized. In addition, they must be lighted such that
the viewer perceives the same shape and color both
by day and night.
Extinguishable message signs are a variation of the
fixed message sign where the message must be leg-
ible only during a desired period of time.
Luminance and lighted uniformity of signs depend on
the transmittance of the sign face material, the intensi-
ty and location of light source(s), and the effectiveness
of the internal light control system. (See chapter 17 of
reference 3 for general information on lighted signs.)
8.2 Design Levels.
Recommended design values of maintained lumi-
nance for internally lighted roadway signs are shown
in Table 4. Values refer to the luminance of a white
translucent legend and border (see Figure 1). Where
the legend and border color is other than white, high-
er luminance values may be required to obtain equiv-
alent legibility.
8.3 Uniformity Ratios.
The maximum-to-minimum luminance ratio of the
sign background should not exceed 6 to 1. No two
adjacent areas 0.3 x 0.3 meter (one x one foot) should
have a luminance difference ratio of more than 1.2:1.
5
IESNA RP-19-01
Background is defined as that area of the sign face
enclosed by the border, exclusive of the legend.
9. RETROFLECTORIZATION AND VEHICLE
FORWARD HEADLIGHTING
Specifying agencies often require retro-reflective
materials for signs to be used for the legend or the
background, or both. Retro-reflection greatly increas-
es the luminance for certain angles of sign, light source,
and driver location. For signs located on the right side
of the roadway (North America), the driver position,
vehicle headlamps position, and sign location are
very favorable for creating high luminance values. For
signs located on the left side of the roadway, condi-
tions are much less favorable when low beam head-
lamps are in use. Overhead sign locations are the
least favorable for producing high luminance values
from vehicle headlamps, and some headlight design
technology results in very low intensities at the angles
involved.8,9
10. RETROFLECTORIZATION AND EXTERNAL
SIGN LIGHTING
Since signs which utilize retro-reflective materials
must be visible during daylight hours, the materials
and sign design must provide for reasonable reflect-
ing properties regardless of the sign, light source and
driver locations. External sign luminaires can there-
fore be used on signs made with retro-reflective mate-
rials to enhance the sign luminance.10
11. MAINTENANCE OF LIGHTED SIGNS
11.1 General.
Maintenance of lighted signs should include all mea-
sures necessary to ensure continuous and effective
operation of the lighting equipment. Included are such
items as the cleaning, repair, and readjustment of
luminaires, and the prompt replacement of lamps and
defective components. Adequate maintenance is also
recommended for the sign face; however, the main
emphasis of this section applies to the actual sign
lighting equipment.
11.2 Scheduled Inspection.
Proper maintenance of sign lighting can be best
accomplished with periodic night inspection. The fre-
quency of sign lighting inspection should be coordi-
nated with an agency’s fixed lighting system mainte-
6
nance program and/or the field crews providing
inspection, maintenance, or repair to the roadway
lighting system. In lieu of a defined maintaining
agency, other reporting sources are state, provincial,
county, and local law enforcement agencies.
Proper and easily legible identification of the lighted
sign structures is desirable for accurate reporting.
11.3 Need for Maintenance.
Maintenance procedures are required because of the
following items:
(a) Light output depreciation caused by accumulation
of dust and dirt on lamps, reflectors, and refractors
or globes.
(b) Normal lamp lumen depreciation due to aging.
(c) Misalignment of the sign luminaire aiming due to
vibration, or due to a vehicle’s collision with a lumi-
naire or sign structure.
(d) Luminaire outages due to lamp or circuit component
failure, burnouts, and loose electrical connections.
Accumulated dust and dirt can be removed from a
sign luminaire’s cover, lens, reflector, and lamp(s) with
suitable cleaning agents and methods, and when
cleaning is performed at regular intervals.
Lamp replacement requires an efficient and effective
program to maintain designed lighting levels. Group
replacement should be performed at regular intervals
in a given area or on a particular circuit.
Vibration from wind and heavy vehicular traffic flow
and collisions can cause external sign lighting systems
to lose alignment for optimum lighting on the sign face.
Periodic checks or inspection at the lamp replacement
interval should be made to determine proper sign lumi-
naire alignment. Lamp failures may also be caused by
excessive vibration of the sign luminaire.
Premature lamp outages of high intensity discharge
and fluorescent sources may be caused by wide fluc-
tuation(s) in supply voltage. This condition can also
cause ballast failures.
Other causes of sign lighting equipment outages are
vandalism or flying debris from vehicular traffic.
Repeated failures can be reduced by using devices
designed to protect the vulnerable components of the
sign lighting equipment.
12. LIGHT LOSS CONSIDERATIONS
12.1 General.
Signs are usually lighted by a fixed sign lighting system
or by vehicle forward headlighting. The light output of a

newly manufactured, clean luminaire or headlamp
equipped with a newly manufactured, clean lamp differ
from an in-service luminaire or lamp by a factor usual-
ly referred to as the Light Loss Factor (LLF). If the sign
lighting system (internal or external) is independent of
the vehicle headlamps then the lighting system design-
er is responsible for developing a recommended LLF.
12.2 Light Loss Factor (LLF).
Several factors that represent depreciation over time
after installation may be combined into a single multi-
plying factor for inclusion in calculations. A designer
should realize that LLF is an overall factor composed of
these several separate factors, each of which is con-
trolled and evaluated separately. Many of these factors
are controlled by the selection of equipment, while oth-
ers are controlled by planned maintenance operations.
Regular maintenance in terms of cleaning, relamping,
and inspection for failed components is particularly
important with regard to energy conservation. These
maintenance plans, once incorporated into the design,
should be implemented or the system will not perform
as expected. Other factors, which are beyond the con-
trol of the lighting system owner or operator, and
depend upon actions of others, are system voltage
regulation and the control of emissions into the atmos-
phere. However, the system designer should deter-
mine and apply a realistic LLF factor to all design cal-
culations. The total LLF factor is the product of several
individual LLF’s, some of which are listed below. For
further information, consult the IESNA Lighting
Handbook:3
12.2.1 Lamp Lumen Depreciation Factor (LLD).
Information about the chosen lamp and its lumen
depreciation and mortality are available from lamp
manufacturers’ tables and graphs. Consult manufac-
turers’ data or the IESNA Lighting Handbook 3 for LLD
factors in terms of operating hours. Lamp manufac-
turers publish “remaining light” rather than a depreci-
ation factor. This should be kept in mind when using
published data. A figure of 80 percent maintenance
relates to a 20 percent depreciation.
12.2.2 Luminaire Dirt Depreciation Factor (LDD).
The accumulation of dirt on luminaires results in a loss
in light output from the luminaire. This loss is determined
by estimating the dirt category (very clean, clean, mod-
erate, dirty, or very dirty) from definitions given in the
IESNA Lighting Handbook.3
12.2.3 Luminaire Ambient Temperature Factor
(TF). The effect of ambient temperature on the output
of some lamps, particularly fluorescent, may be con-
siderable. Each lamp and luminaire combination has
its own distinctive characteristic of light output versus
ambient temperature. Consult manufacturers’ data or
the IESNA Lighting Handbook 3 for TF factors.
IESNA RP-19-01
12.2.4 Ballast Factor (BF). Information is available
regarding how the ballast circuit type, lamp type, line
voltage variation and other factors affect the actual
versus rated light output of various lamp/ballast com-
binations. Consult manufacturers’ data.
12.2.5 Voltage-to-Luminaire Factor (VF) The volt-
age at the sign luminaire (voltage drop considered)
may be less than the ballast requires for proper lamp
lumen output.
12.2.6 Manufacturing Tolerance (MT). Luminaire
manufacturing tolerance may result in a light output
variance of up to 20 percent, (which may be unac-
ceptable).
13. SIGN SURFACE REFLECTANCE AND COLOR
CHANGE CONSIDERATIONS
Regardless of whether a sign is lighted by an external
fixed sign lighting system, by vehicle headlighting, or
by daylight, changes in sign surface reflectance and
color have an important effect on the luminances and
contrast of those surfaces. Paints and dyes on the
sign surface fade as the result of age, high tempera-
tures, thermal cycling, and the effects of the high ultra-
violet light component of sunlight.
Moisture, including rain and condensation, affects
retro-reflective materials to a much larger extent than
it affects painted surfaces. Darker colored sign sur-
faces tend to fade to a lighter shade, such that con-
trast between the legend or symbol and its back-
ground decreases. Consult manufacturers’ data and
materials handbooks for more information.
Field measurements of sign surface retro-reflectance
are recommended to monitor the changes in
reflectance that affect contrast. Visual inspection is
also recommended.
14. SIGN LIGHTING MEASUREMENTS
Measurements of sign lighting should be carried out in
accordance with recommended procedures of the
IESNA.11
7
IESNA RP-19-01

References 10. I. Lewin, “ A Luminance Approach to Highway Sign

1. Roadway Lighting Committee of the IESNA,
“Recommended Practice for Roadway Sign Lighting.”
RP-19-1982. Illuminating Engineering Society of
North America, 120 Wall Street, Floor 17, New York,
NY 10005-4001. 1982.
2. “Manual On Uniform Traffic Control Devices, Sec.
2A-11 through 2A-15,” Federal Highway Administra-
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DC 1988.
“Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices.” Council
on Uniform Traffic Control Devices of Canada,
Transportation Association of Canada.
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Illuminating Engineering Society of North America, 120
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Guide for Photometric Measurements of Roadway
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NY 10005-4001. 1998.

3. IESNA Lighting Handbook, 9th Edition, Illuminating

Engineering Society of North America,120 Wall Street,
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4. J.B. Arens, A.R. Saremi, and C.J. Simmons: “Color

Recognition of Retroreflective Traffic Signs Under
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5. S. F. Hussain, J.B. Arens, and P.S. Parsonson:

“Effects of Light Sources On Highway Sign Color
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6. T. M. Allen, “Night Legibility Distances of Highway

Signs,” Highway Research Board Bulletin, No. 191,
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7. Roadway Lighting Committee of the IESNA. DG-13-

98, Guide for the Selection of Photocontrols for
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8. Arens, John B. “The Potential Impact of Automotive

Headlight Changes on the Visibility of Retro-reflective
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9. “Characteristics and Needs for Overhead Guide

Sign Illumination from Vehicular Headlamps.” Report
no. FHWA-RD-98-135. Federal Highway Administra-
tion, Washington DC.

8
 IESNA RP-19-01

Bibliography • Mace, D. J., R. S. Hostetter, L. E. Pollack, and W.

D. Zweig. Minimal Luminance Requirements for
• M. Allen, et al., “Luminance Requirements for Official Highway Signs, Report No. FHWA/RD-
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• M. Allen and A. L. Straub, “Sign Brightness and
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• W. Mills, “The comparative visibility of standard • Woltman, H. L. and W. P. Youngblood. “Evaluating

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9
 The
LIGHTING
AUTHORITY ®

Illuminating Engineering Society of North America

120 Wall St. 17th Floor New York, NY 10005
http://www.iesna.org

$28.00 Order # RP-19-01 ISBN # 0-87995-175-3