RAL 9017 - Traffic Black
RAL 9017 (Traffic Black) is a RAL Classic color with a HEX approximation of #1E1E1E, RGB 30, 30, 30, and CMYK 0/0/0/88. It is a black tone typically used in automotive trim, machinery, high-contrast architectural details, and professional equipment. Its closest Pantone Solid Coated match is 419 C (Delta E 2.23), and its closest RAL neighbor is RAL 9011 (Graphite Black).
About RAL 9017
RAL blacks are deep, tonal blacks rather than pure #000000 - they carry a subtle hue cast (warm, cool, or neutral) that distinguishes each code and makes them suitable for high-contrast architectural and automotive work.
RAL codes are administered by RAL gGmbH, a German quality-assurance institute. The RAL Classic library - 213 codes across nine hue families - is the standard for paint, powder-coat, and plastic finishes across Europe, and is used internationally wherever industrial color specification is required. Like every RAL code, RAL 9017 is defined by a physical paint swatch rather than a digital value; the HEX approximation #1E1E1E is the most commonly-published reference, but physical paint chips are the only authoritative source.
Closest Pantone match
The closest Pantone Solid Coated color to RAL 9017 is 419 C (#212322), with a perceptual difference of Delta E 2000 = 2.23. This is a very close match suitable for most print reproduction needs.
Closest RAL Classic neighbors
These RAL codes are perceptually closest to RAL 9017, sorted by Delta E 2000. Codes within the same family differ by Delta E 2-8 typically - siblings rather than duplicates.
Where RAL 9017 is used
RAL 9017 is typically specified in automotive trim, machinery, high-contrast architectural details, and professional equipment. Its black tone makes it appropriate wherever a neutral, architectural, or structural palette is wanted. Before specifying RAL 9017 for a production run, verify the color against a physical RAL swatch under the actual lighting conditions and finish (matte, semi-gloss, gloss) that will be used - the same code looks meaningfully different across substrates.
Frequently asked questions
What is RAL 9017 in HEX?
RAL 9017 (Traffic Black) has a HEX approximation of #1E1E1E. This is the widely-published mid-range value - RAL is a physical paint standard, and different reference sources vary by 2-5% for the same code. #1E1E1E is close to every commonly-published reference for RAL 9017.
What is RAL 9017 in RGB?
RAL 9017 converts to RGB 30, 30, 30. Its CMYK print approximation is 0/0/0/88. These values are approximations for design reference - always verify against a physical RAL swatch before production, because paint and ink reflect light very differently.
What Pantone color is closest to RAL 9017?
The closest Pantone Solid Coated match to RAL 9017 is 419 C (#212322), with a perceptual difference of Delta E 2000 = 2.23. This is a very close match and is likely suitable for print reproduction.
What RAL color is closest to RAL 9017?
The closest RAL Classic neighbors to RAL 9017 are RAL 9011 (Graphite Black, Delta E 0.6), RAL 8022 (Black Brown, Delta E 0.9), RAL 9004 (Signal Black, Delta E 3.1). RAL codes within the same family typically differ by Delta E 2-8 - close enough to feel like siblings, distinct enough to be visibly different on a physical swatch.
Where is RAL 9017 commonly used?
RAL 9017 is typically used in automotive trim, machinery, high-contrast architectural details, and professional equipment. Its black tone makes it suitable for neutral, architectural, and structural applications. Verify with a physical swatch under the actual lighting and finish conditions before specifying for a production run.