Electronic Traffic Signs

Electronic Traffic Signs

Rent or Buy Electronic Traffic Signs in Sacramento

Capitol Barricade rents and sells electronic traffic signs in Sacramento, including arrow boards, portable changeable message boards, automated flagger assistance devices (AFADs), speed trailers, trailer-mounted traffic signals, and truck-mounted arrow and message boards. Each unit is self-powered and programmable, so you can warn drivers about lane closures, detours, and changing road conditions day or night.

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Electronic traffic signs give drivers clear, high-visibility warnings that static signs cannot match. They are easy to deploy, update in seconds, and stay readable in daylight and at night. Below is a breakdown of each sign we carry, what it does, and where it fits best.

What Electronic Traffic Signs Does Capitol Barricade Carry?

We carry seven types of electronic traffic signs for rent or purchase:

When Should You Use an Arrow Board?

Use an arrow board when drivers need to merge, shift lanes, or move around a closure. The board displays a single arrow, double arrow, or line pattern that tells drivers which way to go well before they reach the work area. Common uses include:

  • Roadwork and long-term lane closures
  • Construction sites and mining sites
  • Accident management and traffic diversions
  • Events and breakdown or emergency support vehicles

Need one for a short job? Here is how one-day arrow board rentals work.

What Does a Portable Changeable Message Board Do?

A portable changeable message board (PCMB) displays custom text and symbols that tell drivers what is happening ahead. Operators program the message, so one board can cover a lane closure today and a detour tomorrow. Contractors use PCMBs for:

  • Construction and maintenance work zones
  • Lane shifts, lane closures, and ramp closures
  • Traffic diversions and incident management
  • Roadway status updates and changing road surface conditions

Not sure which device you need? Compare a changeable message board vs. an arrow board.

How Does an Automated Flagger Assistance Device Work?

An AFAD lets one person control traffic from a safe distance using a handheld wireless remote. The unit combines a mechanical gate arm with 12-inch red and yellow signal heads and high-visibility signage. It works for daytime or nighttime short-term and intermediate-term closures, such as:

  • Haul road crossings
  • Bridge maintenance
  • Pavement patching
  • Guardrail repair

Because the operator stays out of the travel lane, an AFAD can improve crew safety and cut labor costs. See how human flaggers compare to AFADs.

What Is a Speed Trailer Used For?

A speed trailer shows drivers their real-time speed next to the posted limit, with bright flashing lights that prompt them to slow down. Speed trailers:

  • Give drivers immediate feedback
  • Run without an operator
  • Move and set up easily
  • Have low maintenance costs

They work best in residential areas and near schools, especially alongside safety education or neighborhood speed watch programs. Learn more about when you need a speed trailer.

When Do You Need Trailer-Mounted Traffic Signals?

Trailer-mounted traffic signals replace or support flaggers when a work zone needs full signal control. Our Ver-Mac TLD-3612 G3 sets use dual signal heads, run on solar or battery power, and use radio communication to monitor the signals for failures and conflicts. Features include:

  • Tilt-and-rotate solar panels and a V-Touch TLD controller
  • Tandem tow and a hydraulic lift mechanism
  • Options for emergency pre-emption, traffic detection, and manual flagger control
  • Optional JamLogic software

The signals handle shuttle, single-head access, T-junction, two-way, and crossroads patterns, plus custom multi-directional setups. They are a strong fit for bridge repair, work zone construction, special events, and power outages. Read more about how trailer-mounted signals are used.

What Are Truck-Mounted Arrow Boards and Message Boards?

Truck-mounted boards bring the same warnings as trailer units to moving and mobile operations. They are ideal for highway construction, highway emergencies, striping trucks, maintenance crews, and helper trucks.

  • Truck-mounted arrow board: Our Ver-Mac VM-4825 is a 48 x 96 inch board that plugs into the vehicle’s power outlet. It has automatic up and down movement and a wireless V-Touch controller to save setup time.
  • Truck-mounted message board: Runs on the truck’s battery and offers full graphics, directional displays, a one-touch arrow, and sequencing. It includes a manual up and down bracket and a V-Touch controller, with an optional wireless controller and power-tilt mount.

Here is how truck-mounted and portable message boards compare.

Why Use Electronic Traffic Signs Instead of Static Signs?

Electronic signs deliver real-time information that static signs cannot. Key benefits include:

  • Messages you can update on site as conditions change
  • Strong visibility in daylight and at night
  • Self-powered operation for uninterrupted use
  • Fast setup and lower labor costs
  • Better driver awareness and safer work zones

Should You Rent or Buy Electronic Traffic Signs?

Rent electronic signs for short-term jobs or when your equipment needs change from project to project. Buy them if your crews use the same devices on a regular basis. We offer both through our rental program and equipment sales, and our guide on what to rent vs. buy can help you decide.

Electronic Traffic Sign FAQs

Can I rent electronic traffic signs for a short project?

Yes. We offer short-term and long-term rentals on our electronic traffic signs, from a single day to an extended project.

What is the difference between an arrow board and a message board?

An arrow board shows drivers which way to go around a closure. A message board tells drivers what is happening ahead using custom text.

Can one person run an AFAD?

Yes. An AFAD is controlled by one operator with a handheld wireless remote, which keeps that person out of the travel lane.

Are electronic traffic signs visible at night?

Yes. Arrow boards, message boards, and signals are built to stay readable in both daylight and nighttime conditions.

What areas does Capitol Barricade serve?

We are based at 6001 Elvas Ave in Sacramento and serve contractors, agencies, and event organizers across Northern California.

Get Electronic Traffic Signs for Your Next Project

Tell us about your work zone and we will help you pick the right signs. Request a free quote or call us at (916) 451-5176.

Contact Us

From barricades to signage, we’ve got your traffic safety needs covered. Contact us to get started.