Traffic & Road Signs — Buyer's Guide (AS 1742)
Traffic and road signs on private property (car parks, driveways, industrial estates, campuses) must follow AS 1742 to maintain consistency with public-road signage — a STOP sign means stop whether you're on a public highway or in a shopping-centre car park. Consistency is what makes traffic signs effective.
This buyer guide covers the practical side: standard sizes, reflective classes, substrate (1.6mm aluminium), mounting options (post-mounted, wall-mounted), and typical order packs for common private-road situations.
Browse category
Browse traffic & road signs
STOP, GIVE WAY, speed limits, parking signs, pedestrian crossing, no-through-road — AS 1742 sizes, Class 1/2/400 reflective.
Reflective class — which to buy
| Class | Typical use | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | Permanent traffic signs on highways | 10+ years |
| Class 2 | Car parks, private roads, secondary roads | 7 years |
| Class 400 (fluorescent) | Oversize loads, school zones, work zones (mandatory NSW DNOTV Sept 2025) | 3-5 years |
| Non-reflective | Daytime-only signs (hours restriction, fines), wayfinding | 5-7 years |
Car park pack
- STOP sign at exit to public road (Class 1 reflective)
- GIVE WAY at internal intersections
- Speed limit (5 km/h, 10 km/h or 20 km/h per site risk assessment)
- No through road / one-way arrows
- Pedestrian crossing / zebra crossing signs
- Accessible-parking (AS 2890.6) at every designated bay
- Paid-parking / time-limit signs
- Reserved / visitor / staff allocation signs
Written by
Platinum Signs
Sydney-based commercial signage manufacturer
Keep reading
NHVR Oversize, Long Load & Heavy Vehicle Signs — Australian Guide
The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) mandates specific vehicle signs — OVERSIZE, LONG VEHICLE, ROAD TRAIN, DNOTV rear marker plates. This is the buyer's guide to what's required.
GHS Chemical Hazard Signs in Australia — Complete Guide
The GHS (Globally Harmonised System) governs chemical hazard labels and workplace signs in Australia. This guide covers the nine pictograms, workplace sign applications, and compliance.
AS 2293 Emergency Lighting & Exit Signs — Australian Guide
AS 2293 is the Australian Standard for emergency escape lighting and exit signs. This guide covers photoluminescent vs electrically-illuminated, viewing distances, testing and installation.