Caltrans 28-Inch 3-Band Traffic Cones: California MUTCD Requirements and Specifications

The 2026 California MUTCD allows an optional third orange retroreflective band on 28- to 36-inch cones. Caltrans has separate authorization criteria for 28-inch 3-band traffic cones purchased by its Maintenance Division. View the official photographs, drawing, and specifications.

Last reviewed: 2026-11-05

Three-band traffic cone illustrationOrange cone with a wide upper white band, a narrower second white band, and a lower orange retroreflective band, above a black square base. The drawing is not to scale.6 in4 in4 in
Illustrative band arrangement6-inch white retroreflective band4-inch white retroreflective bandOptional 4-inch orange retroreflective bandNot to scale. See the linked Caltrans engineering drawing for actual dimensions, placement, materials, and base requirements.

Why It Matters

  • In California Traffic Control Devices Committee Agenda Item 24-07 (August 1, 2024), Caltrans proposed an additional 4-inch orange retroreflective band to enhance cone visibility during the hours of darkness.
  • The added orange band provides another retroreflective surface below the two white bands. The original Caltrans proposal states a visibility objective but does not quantify crash reduction or establish a statewide three-band mandate.

When It Applies

  • California MUTCD 2026, Section 6K.03, Paragraph 02a is an Option for cones 28 to 36 inches high. A 4-inch orange retroreflective band may be added approximately 2 inches below the lower white band.
  • The separate Caltrans Authorization Criteria for 28-Inch 3-Band Traffic Cones apply to products evaluated for bidding or purchase by Maintenance Division crews. They do not, by themselves, require all contractors to use three-band cones.

Planning Considerations

  • California MUTCD Section 6K.03, Paragraph 02 specifies a 6-inch white retroreflective band 3 to 4 inches below the cone top and a second 4-inch white band approximately 2 inches below the first for retroreflectorized 28- to 36-inch cones. Paragraph 02a permits the additional 4-inch orange band approximately 2 inches below the lower white band.
  • Caltrans' August 7, 2026 product criteria describe a 28.0 ± 0.5-inch cone weighing 10.0 to 10.5 lb, with a fluorescent orange PVC cone section, a black recycled-PVC base, and white retroreflective dots on the base.
  • For that Caltrans Maintenance product category, the reflective bands and base dots must use ASTM D4956 Type VI elastomeric sheeting; the criteria also address recessed sheeting, adhesion, material testing, and MASH Category 1 performance.

Field Considerations

  • The third orange band is meant to extend retroreflective visibility farther down the cone. This explains the intended design benefit, not a measured safety outcome.
  • For work on California highways, verify the actual approved traffic control plan, contract requirements, equipment suitability, and governing agency instructions before choosing a cone configuration.

Inspection Considerations

  • The Caltrans product criteria specify retroreflective bands visible at least 1,000 feet at night under legal high-beam headlights to persons with 20/20 or corrected vision. The California MUTCD also provides state-highway visibility requirements in Section 6K.03, Paragraph 09.
  • Check whether a product appears on Caltrans' 28-Inch 3-Band Traffic Cones Authorized Materials List before claiming authorization under that category. As reviewed November 5, 2026, the publicly listed manufacturer and product table contains no entries.

Common Compliance Failures

  • Describing the optional third orange band as mandatory for every California traffic cone.
  • Confusing a cone that visually has three bands with a product authorized under the full Caltrans Maintenance Division specification.
  • Covering required retroreflective material with labels or failing to verify contract and agency requirements.

Upstream Prevention

  • Review Section 6K.03 of the California MUTCD alongside the current Caltrans product authorization criteria and the project documents.
  • Use the original Caltrans example photographs and engineering drawing to confirm which band configuration is being discussed. Do not treat photographs as evidence that a photographed product is on the Authorized Materials List.

Related Pages

Official Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the California MUTCD require three reflective bands on traffic cones?

No. California MUTCD 2026 Section 6K.03, Paragraph 02a provides an option to add a 4-inch orange retroreflective band on 28- to 36-inch cones below the two white bands. Always check the specific agency and contract requirements.

What is the third orange retroreflective band for?

Caltrans proposed it to enhance cone visibility during hours of darkness by adding an orange retroreflective surface below the white bands. Its 2024 proposal did not quantify a crash-reduction benefit.

Does a three-band cone automatically meet Caltrans Maintenance Division specifications?

No. Those criteria also cover sheeting, recessed installation, white reflective base dots, cone and base materials, dimensions, weight, testing, and formal Authorized Materials List status.