Traffic cones are devices which are temporarily placed on the ground to direct vehicles on roadways, or pedestrians on foot paths, in a safe manner. Over time traffic cones have evolved in material, shape, color and uses. While most commonly used for roadway safety, they may be bought by private companies and individuals at reasonable prices for professional use, or simply for fun.

Most traffic cones are lightweight, made of plastic or rubber. They may also be pillar shaped. When not in use traffic cones may be stacked, which saves space, rather than storing them individual.

Orange traffic cones are the most common color, though they may come in any variety of colors that favor visibility. Other features of orange traffic cones may be a reflective collar or stripe around the middle.

Larger orange traffic cones are used for road construction. Several are spaced apart in a line to block off lanes or create a merging path to a specific area of the road. They can also be used to block traffic from an area of an accident or hazardous conditions such as road repair, trenches, utility work, fallen rocks and flooded areas.

They may also be used in training exercises for driving. New drivers practice maneuvering the car between cones and not hitting or knocking them over, before they are allowed to make such actions on a real road. Professional drivers also use orange traffic cones to develop skills which are more complex and difficult. These can include race car drivers, police or other law enforcement and truck drivers.

Non-traffic use can be either outdoor or indoor. Cones which are not used on the roadway are smaller sized, generally less than 18 inches, and of any color. They may or may not have a reflective feature, depending on what they are being used for. Sporting events on a field or playground areas can be designated with traffic cones. Other recreational events may use them, such as fairs or carnivals to make paths through large displays or self-guided tours.

Indoor uses can also include sports, such as marking sections of a gymnasium. As with outdoor traffic use, they can indicate where people should not be, such as a restroom being cleaned or maintained, a slippery floor from a spill, or protecting a display from being disturbed.

With such a wide variety and convenient availability, traffic cones are a great option for guiding people or vehicles through areas of activity.