No smoking signs are made to deter people from using cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vaping instruments and other forms of tobacco near specified establishments. This can include restaurants, businesses, hospitals, offices, parks and more. These signs can prohibit people from smoking in or near a building or area and can be used to enforce no smoking laws. They are usually created as an aluminum sign, but can also be created as a plastic sign, decal, or any other type of signage.

Smoking signs can be created from a wide variety of materials. The material you decide to use to create your custom no smoking sign should depend on where you need to place the sign, how much you are wanting to spend, and how long you plan on using the sign. Here are some details for the most popular materials used to create no smoking signs:

• Aluminum - 2 mm thick with a solid polyethylene core. Long lasting and a great option for outdoor displays. Learn More
• Plastic - Plastic material offered in either a 3 or 6 mm (.12” | .24”) thickness. Can be hung, mounted, or placed as a display. Learn More
• Clear Window Cling - Razor thin and transparent vinyl material designed to be easily removed and reused on any glass surface. Learn More
• Opaque Window Cling - Razor thin white vinyl material designed to be easily removed and reused on any glass surface. Learn More
• Clear Window Decal - 4 mil transparent vinyl material with a low-tac adhesive. Great for window displays without obstructing views. Learn More
• Opaque Window Decal - 3 mil white vinyl material with a full color printed design. Great for strong, vivid window displays. Learn More
• Vinyl Lettering - Individual letters cut out of a sheet of solid-colored 2 mil vinyl. Most popular option for windows and glass doors. Learn More
• Reflective Aluminum - Engineer-grade reflectivity to allow visibility in low light. 2mm thick with a solid polyethylene core. Learn More
• Brushed Aluminum - 3 mm thick with an elegant brushed aluminum finish. Provides an unmatched professional appearance. Learn More

Requirements and regulations for no smoking signs are generally set at the state level, not the federal level. This means each state has set forth its own laws pertaining to no smoking signs, removing any “one size fits all” approach to creating an official, approved no smoking sign. If you are in need of creating a no smoking sign that meets the requirements in your area, you can refer to our State-by-State Guide on Smoking Laws. This contains each state's requirements for no smoking signage as well as sign templates that meet all requirements. While each state has its own regulations, there are some common elements that many states tend to require when it comes to posting no smoking signage. Some of these elements include:

• Messaging - Many states require the words “NO SMOKING” and/or the international symbol for no smoking. Other messaging commonly found in regulations includes fine amounts, distance the law is enforced from the building, reference to the state law/code, mention of the state’s clean air act and some type of additional warning.
• Size - For the most part, regulations break size into two categories: the size of the sign itself and the size of the lettering on the sign. Required sign sizes vary with no main common size. However, one of the most common sizes used for no smoking signs in areas where size is not regulated tends to be around 14” wide and 10” tall. As for the lettering on the sign, some states require it to be a certain height or width. This also has no one common size, but we recommend making your letters at least ½” tall so they can be easily read and understood.
• Location - Some locations to place your no smoking sign that are commonly required by states include all entrances to your building/establishment as well as various areas that can be clearly seen and read by both employees and customers/guests (otherwise referred to as “conspicuous areas”). Regardless of state regulations, we recommend placing your no smoking signs in areas that are clearly visible to your customers/guests before they enter your building or establishment. This will help alert them right away that smoking is prohibited. You may need to order the appropriate sign type depending on where you plan on placing your sign. For example, if you need to place your sign near your entrance and you have glass doors, you may want to order either a window decal or window cling so you can place your sign directly on your door.
• If you’re unsure of your local regulations we strongly recommend consulting with local authorities to ensure compliance.

You’ve created the perfect no smoking sign and just received it at your doorstep. Now it’s time to show it off to the world! Here are some tips to consider when installing or placing your no smoking sign:

• Aluminum (Standard, Reflective, and Brushed) & Plastic Signs - Installing your aluminum or plastic no smoking sign can be made simple by including drilled holes with your sign. These holes are 3/8” in diameter and can be drilled in specified areas of your sign, such as the four corners, top & bottom center, and more. You can also include hanging accessories with your sign. This includes metal standoffs, 3M command strips, adhesive velcro, or zip ties. The actual installation of your sign will depend on the hanging accessory you decide to go with as well as where you plan on installing it.
• Window Clings & Window Decals - Begin by cleaning the window or glass surface you plan on applying your cling/decal to and allow time for it to dry. Next, peel away the protective backing and generously apply an application solution (water mixed with a few drops of dish soap) to the adhesive side of your decal as well as the application surface. Place the cling/decal on the surface, make sure it is in the correct position, and use a squeegee (optional purchase) to remove excess solution and bubbles from below the decal. When using the squeegee, be sure to start from the center and push to the outer edges, left to right. Use a paper towel to remove excess solution from around the edges and allow time to dry.
• Vinyl Lettering - Begin by cleaning the window or surface you plan on applying your lettering and allow time for it to dry. Next, apply a strip of masking/painters tape to the top of your graphic with half of the tape exposed above the graphic. Place the graphic on the surface in the desired location, and press the tape against the surface, creating a hinge between the graphic and the application surface. Next, remove the back lining from the graphic. Use a squeegee to adhere the lettering to the surface and remove any bubbles that may form under the material. You will then peel away the pre-mask transfer tape, leaving the lettering securely adhered to the surface.