Understanding Breakaway Ratings for Sign Posts

When selecting signage for roads, communities, and public spaces, the sign itself is only part of the equation. The post and mounting system supporting the sign can also play an important role in safety.

One important consideration is whether a sign support system is designed to break away or yield when struck by a vehicle. Breakaway sign supports are designed to reduce the potential hazards associated with a rigid sign post in certain roadside situations.

Understanding breakaway ratings can help municipalities, HOAs, property managers, and developers make more informed decisions when planning signage installations.

What Is a Breakaway Sign Post?

A breakaway sign post is a support system designed to release, bend, or otherwise respond when impacted by a vehicle with sufficient force.

The purpose is to reduce the amount of resistance a vehicle encounters when striking the sign support. Rather than remaining rigidly in place, a properly designed breakaway system is intended to perform in a predictable manner during an impact.

Breakaway systems can be especially important for signs installed near roadways, intersections, parking areas, and other locations where vehicles may potentially leave the intended travel path.

Why Breakaway Ratings Matter

A sign post may appear to be a simple structural component, but its performance during a vehicle impact can be an important safety consideration. Traditional rigid supports can create a significant obstacle when struck by a vehicle. Breakaway systems are designed with the goal of reducing the severity of the interaction between the vehicle and the sign support.

This is why applicable specifications and testing requirements should be considered when selecting sign supports for roadside applications.

Mechanical Breakaway vs. Material-Based Breakaway Systems

Not all breakaway systems work in the same way. Depending on the design, a sign support may use a mechanical breakaway system, rely on the properties of the post material and its design, or function as a non-breakaway rigid support.

Mechanical Breakaway Systems

A mechanical breakaway system uses a specifically engineered connection or mounting component that is designed to release or separate when subjected to a predetermined impact force.

The breakaway mechanism may be incorporated into the connection between the post and foundation or within another portion of the support assembly. The goal is to provide a predictable point of release while allowing the sign to function normally during everyday conditions.

Mechanical systems can be useful when a project requires a defined breakaway mechanism and documented performance characteristics. However, the specific design, testing, installation, and applicable standards should always be evaluated for the intended application.

Material-Based or Yielding Systems

Some sign supports are designed to achieve breakaway or yielding performance through the material, shape, construction, or overall engineering of the post itself.

Rather than relying on a separate mechanical release component, the support may be designed to bend, deform, fracture, or otherwise yield when subjected to an appropriate impact.

The material and structural design of the post can therefore be an important part of its impact performance. However, simply using a particular material does not automatically mean that a post is breakaway-rated. Breakaway performance depends on the complete support design and applicable testing or specifications.

Non-Breakaway or Rigid Supports

Some sign posts are intentionally designed to remain rigid and do not incorporate a breakaway mechanism or breakaway design.

These systems may be appropriate for certain locations and applications where breakaway performance is not required or where the installation is outside the conditions covered by applicable breakaway requirements. For example, some signs located away from traffic may not present the same roadside impact considerations as signs installed immediately adjacent to a roadway.

A non-breakaway post should not be assumed to meet breakaway requirements simply because it is made from a lightweight or flexible material. Likewise, a heavy-duty or rigid post is not necessarily inappropriate; suitability depends on the specific installation and applicable requirements.

What Does a Breakaway Rating Mean?

A breakaway rating generally refers to how a sign support system performs under specified impact or testing conditions. The exact requirements can vary depending on the type of sign, roadway, location, support design, and applicable standards or regulations.

For projects subject to transportation or roadway requirements, it is important to verify the applicable specifications rather than assuming that every sign post or mounting system has the same breakaway characteristics.

It is also important to evaluate the complete sign support system, rather than focusing only on the material of the post or the type of connection used.

Not Every Sign Installation Has the Same Requirements

Breakaway considerations can vary significantly depending on where a sign is being installed. For example, a sign located close to a roadway may have different requirements than a sign installed farther away from moving traffic. Local and state transportation agencies may also have specific requirements regarding acceptable sign supports, mounting heights, installation methods, and testing.

HOAs and private communities should consider the location and intended use of their signs when selecting a support system.

For projects involving public roads or regulated traffic-control signage, always check the applicable local, state, and federal requirements.

Choosing the Right Sign Support

When planning a signage project, it's important to look beyond appearance. A complete signage system includes the sign face, post, mounting hardware, foundation, and installation method.

Considerations may include:

• Location of the sign

• Distance from moving traffic

• Type and size of sign

• Post material and design

• Mechanical breakaway or yielding characteristics

• Whether the system is non-breakaway

• Applicable transportation standards

• Mounting height

• Foundation and installation requirements

• Local or state regulations

Taking these factors into consideration can help ensure that the finished signage system is appropriate for its intended environment.

Safety and Design Can Work Together

Safety doesn't mean communities have to sacrifice appearance. HOAs and property managers often want signage that complements the character of their community while still meeting the functional requirements of the installation.

With the right combination of sign design, materials, mounting systems, and installation practices, communities can create signage that is both attractive and appropriate for its location.

Plan Your Signage With Safety in Mind

Breakaway performance is just one consideration when developing a signage program, but it can be an important one.

Before selecting a sign support, take time to evaluate the installation location, understand applicable requirements, and determine whether a mechanical breakaway, material-based yielding system, or non-breakaway support is appropriate.

For communities planning new signage or replacing aging signs, considering the entire sign system, not just the sign face, can help create a safer, more functional, and more durable installation.

When safety, visibility, durability, and design all work together, signage can do more than provide information, it can help create a better and safer community.

Discuss Your Community Signage Project With Forsite

Planning new street signs or replacing an existing signage system? Forsite can help you explore coordinated sign designs, posts, and mounting components for your community.

Share your project location, sign types, approximate quantities, and any known roadway or installation requirements. Ask about available support configurations and the documentation for the specific system you are considering.

Request a signage quote from Forsite to start planning your project.