PURPOSES: The objective of this study is to develop an external lighting traffic sign system for better visibility. METHODS: To develop an external lighting traffic sign system, we selected an installation location and an appropriate angle of view for the luminaire. Using these parameters, we developed an external traffic sign system based on field installation results on the lighting and reflector. The economic benefit is then compared with the cost, an analysis that is necessary for both internal and external lighting traffic signs. RESULTS: Through experiments on the number of luminaires necessary to improve illuminance deviation and visibility, it was confirmed that the illuminance was improved roughly 2 to 3 times by the use of two luminaires. The protruding height (H) of the luminaire is 1.0 m, in consideration of the differences in brightness and driver visibility between the top and bottom, and the angle of view of the luminaire is applied at 120 degrees of high-brightness and low-brightness difference. The lower illuminance is lowered because of the diffusion of light according to the angle of view of the luminaire, due to the longer protruding length of the external lighting type traffic sign. To improve from this problem, the experiment was performed with the application of the reflecting plate, the lower illuminance of the sign was lowered, and the upper and lower illuminance ratio was improved. This solution was confirmed to be effective. As a result of reviewing the economic feasibility of the external illuminated traffic sign system, the cost reduction effect was determined to be about 39.8%. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study were used to develop a balanced combination of the optimum housing and lighting installation angle for external lighting traffic signs. The use of this technology requires further research under various site conditions.