Abstract: A sign having a face bearing an informational legand thereon, the face comprising at least one legend portion and at least one background portion, and the sign comprising at least one legend segment and at least one background segment, which segments are defined by the legend and background portions, wherein at least part of at least one of the legend and background segments is retroreflective and translucent. The segments of the signs which are translucent and retroreflective exhibit increased luminance under adverse lighting conditions, thereby increasing the conspicuity and legibility of the sign.

Abstract: An improved roadway sign comprising a light retroreflective indicia region and colored retroreflective background region is provided. The retroreflective properties of the regions are selected such that the ratio of the retroreflective brightness of the indicia to that of the background is substantially larger at observation locations within the legibility zone for the sign, than the ratio is at observation locations outside the legibility zone. The sign is conspicuous by virtue of the bright retroreflection and distinctive color of the background outside the legibility zone, yet is legible because of the increased contrast ratio of the indicia to the background in the legibility zone.