Colors in public spaces are often regulated for visibility, safety, and consistency. Agencies like ANSI, OSHA, and transport authorities define standards so people quickly recognize purpose and risk.
Quick Reference: Official Colors
| Object | Typical Standard Color | Hex | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| School Bus | School Bus Yellow | #F2B632 | Known as National School Bus Glossy Yellow in the U.S. for high visibility in dawn/dusk. |
| Traffic Cone | Safety Orange | #FF5F1F | High-visibility orange; reflective collars often required for night use. |
| Fire Hydrant (Caps/Bonnet) | Color indicates flow rate (e.g., blue, green, orange, red) | — | Common U.S. practice based on NFPA guidance; body often chrome yellow or red. |
| Emergency Exit Sign | Safety Green | #00A650 | Green (or red in some regions). Follow local life-safety codes. |
| Caution Tape | Safety Yellow | #FFD400 | Black text/diagonal stripes for high contrast (hazard awareness). |
| Hazard/WARNING Signs | ANSI/OSHA Orange | #F59E0B | Used to denote potentially hazardous situations. |
| Prohibition Signs | Safety Red | #E11D48 | Indicates fire-related equipment or prohibition (No Entry, Stop). |
| First Aid/Equipment | Medical Green | #2ECC71 | Widely used for medical aid identification; check ISO 7010 icons. |
| Curb Paint (No Parking) | Red | #E11D48 | Varies by city (red = no stopping; yellow = loading; blue = disabled). |
Notable Standards & Practical Details
School Bus Yellow
Specified for maximum visibility against rural and urban backdrops. Reflective materials often supplement paint for night safety.
Fire Hydrant Colors
Many municipalities follow color-coding for hydrant flow rates (e.g., blue ≥ 1500 gpm, green 1000–1499, orange 500–999, red < 500). Always verify local codes.
Safety Colors (ANSI/OSHA)
Standards define color usage for danger, warning, caution, safety information, and equipment identification. Contrast and placement are as important as hue.
Designer’s Quick Checklist
- Confirm local regulations (transport, fire, safety)
- Use high-contrast pairings for text and icons
- Specify materials (paint vs. reflective sheeting) where relevant
- Validate in low-light and high-glare conditions
- Document color specs with hex + manufacturer codes when possible
Related Tools
FAQ
Are these colors mandatory everywhere?
No. They are common standards or practices; local laws prevail.
Can I use similar but not exact shades?
For regulated contexts, match specifications precisely. For design references, ensure adequate contrast and consistency.
Where do I find exact codes?
Consult local transportation, fire, or safety authorities and applicable standards bodies (ANSI/ISO).
What about accessibility?
Ensure sufficient contrast for text overlays and consider color-blindness visibility; test with simulators and the Contrast Checker.