What Is a TCP Sign Legend?
A traffic control plan's sign legend ties each symbol on the sheet to a sign code, a description, and a quantity — so the setup can be built and reviewed exactly as drawn.
A traffic control plan (TCP) is the drawing that shows how a work zone will be set up — where signs, cones, barricades, and other devices go. The sign legend is the table on that plan that lists every sign called out on the sheet. It connects the symbol drawn on the plan to a real sign so there is no ambiguity between the office and the field.
How signs are called out
On a California TCP, each sign in the legend is generally identified by three things:
- Sign code — the MUTCD / CA MUTCD designation, e.g. W20-1.
- Description — the plain sign name, e.g. ROAD WORK AHEAD.
- Quantity — how many of that sign the setup requires.
Many legends also include the sign size and, on agency plans, the retroreflective sheeting class. The symbol used for each sign on the plan sheet matches the entry in the legend.
Common sign legend format
| Code | Description | Size | Qty |
|---|---|---|---|
| W20-1 | ROAD WORK AHEAD | 48" × 48" | 2 |
| W20-7 | FLAGGER (symbol) | 48" × 48" | 2 |
| W3-4 | BE PREPARED TO STOP | 48" × 48" | 2 |
| G20-2 | END ROAD WORK | 48" × 24" | 1 |
| R11-2 | ROAD CLOSED | 48" × 30" | 1 |
Sizes and quantities above are illustrative only — actual sign sizes follow the Caltrans sign specifications and the roadway type, and quantities depend on the specific setup.
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.
Need help building a TCP sign legend?
Public Ready prepares TCP sign legends, traffic control plans, and sign packages for California projects, and coordinates permits with the reviewing agency.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a sign legend on a traffic control plan?
- A sign legend is the table on a TCP that lists every sign used on the plan, tying each symbol shown on the sheet to its sign code, a plain description, and the quantity required. It lets the field crew build the setup exactly as drawn and lets the reviewer confirm it.
- How are signs called out on a TCP?
- Each sign is typically identified by its MUTCD/CA MUTCD code (e.g., W20-1), a description (e.g., ROAD WORK AHEAD), and a quantity. Many legends also list the sign size and sometimes the sheeting or retroreflectivity class.
- Are sign sizes on a legend fixed?
- No. Sizes follow the CA MUTCD and the Caltrans sign specifications for the roadway type, and quantities depend on the specific setup. The sizes shown in any example are illustrative — always confirm against the standard and the reviewing agency.