Button copy

Button Copy on Road Sign

Button Copy describes a special manufacturing process for traffic signs . The letters and pictograms shown on the traffic signs (usually signposts ) are equipped with small reflectors (so-called buttons ). This significantly improves visibility in the dark. This manufacturing process is considered obsolete because the introduction of retroreflective sheeting made it possible to further improve night visibility and also to reduce manufacturing costs. In the United States in particular, this type of road sign was seen frequently along highways. For example, button-copy signs were re-erected in the state of Arizona until 2000. In Europe this type of traffic sign was or is much less common.

Web links

Commons : Button Copy  - collection of images, videos and audio files

• Button-Copy-Schild on the A40 in Germany
• Further information at Manual of traffic signs (English)