What is the shape of a school zone sign?

The shape of a school zone sign is a pentagon. This distinctive shape is specifically used to convey information about school areas to enhance safety for children and pedestrians. The pentagon shape is easily recognizable and signals drivers to be alert for the presence of children and to reduce their speed when approaching school zones.

This design is unique to school zones, allowing it to stand out from other road signs, which often serve different purposes. For example, warning signs are typically diamond-shaped, while regulatory signs may use the octagon shape (like stop signs). The use of the pentagon shape effectively communicates the specific context of the sign, indicating that drivers should exercise caution and be prepared for potential pedestrian activity. Such clarity in sign design helps maintain safety in areas surrounding schools.