This study examines the effectiveness of Cold Plastic (CP) and Thermoplastic (TP) transverse bar markings (TBMs) in reducing vehicle speeds and affecting noise levels along National Highway 53 in Maharashtra, India. Two locations with comparable traffic volumes but different pavement types were selected: one with CP markings on flexible pavement, and another with TP markings on rigid pavement. Speed and noise data were collected at points with and without TBMs across various vehicle categories. The findings revealed that CP markings reduced vehicle speeds by 53.75%, lowering the average from 54.14 km/h to 25.04 km/h, while also decreasing noise levels by 7.71% (from 81.13 dB to 75.32 dB). In contrast, TP markings reduced speeds by 43.44% (from 53.59 km/h to 30.31 km/h) but caused a 9.96% increase in noise (from 75.13 dB to 82.61 dB). Statistical analyses, including the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test and Mann-Whitney U Test, confirmed significant differences between the two marking types across most vehicle categories. Multiple linear regression analysis (R2 = 0.9161) showed that while speed positively correlated with noise, TBM type had a stronger influence. CP and TP markings contributed to noise increases of 13.83 dB and 13.61 dB, respectively, both statistically significant (p < 0.001). A minute-by-minute analysis (R2 = 0.9666) supported these results. Overall, CP markings proved approximately 19% more effective in reducing vehicle speeds and produced around 1.8% less noise increase compared to TP markings. These findings provide valuable guidance for traffic engineers aiming to enhance highway safety and noise management.