Traffic Cones Uses, Materials & Regulations in Canada
Traffic Cones — Uses, Materials & Regulations (Canada)
1) What sizes of traffic cones are commonly used in Canada?
Typical heights you’ll see in Canada: 18″ (45 cm), 28″ (70 cm), and 36″ (90 cm).
| Height | Typical Use |
|---|---|
| 18″ / 45 cm | Indoor, warehouses, temporary indoor routes, schools |
| 28″ / 70 cm | General outdoor use, parking lots, low-speed areas |
| 36″ / 90 cm | Roadside, construction, higher visibility or snowbanks |
Note: Check the specific manual used by your province/municipality for minimum heights in road applications.
2) PVC vs PE vs Rubber base — which material should I choose?
PVC (solid body) — Heavy-duty, flexible, good cold-weather memory, long service life.
PE (hollow/lightweight) — Cost-effective for indoor or light outdoor use; easy to move.
Rubber Base (on posts/cones) — Adds weight/stability; ideal for wind, plows, and uneven surfaces.
Recycled Rubber — Eco-friendly and grippy on asphalt.
For Canadian winters or outdoor roads, PVC + weighted base is the safe bet.
3) Do I need reflective collars? Day vs night use.
If cones are used in low-light, night, or roadside conditions, use cones with reflective collars (commonly two bands: one wide + one narrow). For indoor or daylight-only use, high-visibility orange is often sufficient.
FR/EN: Les cols réfléchissants sont recommandés pour l’utilisation de nuit / Reflective collars are recommended for night use.
4) How much should a cone weigh for windy or snowy conditions?
Use a weighted base or heavier PVC cone for outdoor Canadian winters. The goal is simple: the cone should not tip with gusts or snow spray. If your site is exposed, consider bases around 3–7 kg (approx.) or use posts/delineators with heavy bases.
5) How far apart should cones be placed?
Spacing depends on speed, visibility, lane width, and the provincial manual you follow. As a practical rule for parking lots or pedestrian zones, tighter spacing improves channelization. For public roads, follow the applicable work-zone manual (see Q9).
6) What colours are acceptable (Orange, Yellow, Black)?
Orange is the standard for traffic control. Yellow/Black variants are common for facilities/warehouses and non-road applications. Always follow the colour guidance of your jurisdiction for road use.
7) Best practices for storage, cleaning, and lifespan.
- Store cones upright, out of direct sun when not in use to reduce fading.
- Clean with mild soap; avoid harsh solvents on reflective collars.
- Rotate stock between indoor/outdoor to even wear.
- Inspect for cracks, crushed tips, missing collars; replace if visibility is compromised.
8) Bilingual EN/FR labeling and sign add-ons.
For Canadian workplaces and public areas, bilingual (English/French) warnings are often expected, especially in Quebec and federal contexts. Use cone-top accessories or floor signs with EN/FR text. See Portable Warning Signs (EN/FR).
9) What Canadian standards or manuals should I check?
Canada does not use the US MUTCD; most jurisdictions reference:
- Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Canada (MUTCDC) – national reference.
- Provincial work-zone manuals (examples): Ontario OTM Book 7 – Temporary Conditions; Québec Tome V – Signalisation routière / Chantiers routiers; BC Traffic Management Manual for Work on Roadways; Alberta Traffic Accommodation in Work Zones.
- Municipal specs may define cone height, collars, and base weight for tenders.
Always follow the document your authority having jurisdiction specifies.
10) I manage a parking/warehouse — what should I bundle with cones?
- Wheel stoppers (stall definition)
- Wall & corner guards
- Convex mirrors (blind spots)
- Cable protectors
Important Legal/Compliance Note (Canada)
This page provides general guidance only and is not legal advice. Traffic control on public roads in Canada is governed by national references (e.g., MUTCDC) and by provincial/territorial and municipal manuals (e.g., Ontario OTM Book 7, Québec Tome V, BC TMM, Alberta Work-Zone manuals). Your project must follow the exact document specified by the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) for your site. Where requirements differ, the AHJ’s manual/specification prevails. When in doubt, consult a licensed traffic control professional.
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The Biri Group is a supplier of building materials that specializes in the production and manufacture of road and traffic safety products, including traffic signs, building materials, and hoses.
At Biri Group, we are dedicated to providing innovative solutions for road and traffic safety. Our portfolio includes a wide range of products, including traffic signs, building materials, and hoses. Our state-of-the-art production and manufacturing unit, Biri Industries, located in RAK, allows us to efficiently produce products to meet the demands of the market.
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Thank you for considering Biri Group for your traffic safety needs. We look forward to the opportunity to serve you and help make your roads safer.