A handheld lighted stop sign apparatus for increased visibility and safety for traffic control includes a sign body having a sign front side, a sign back side, an octagonal sign perimeter, a pair of reflectors having a “STOP” lettering, and a handle. A rim extends from the handle and a plurality of LED lights is coupled within the rim. A battery is coupled within a handle cavity and is in operational communication with the plurality of LED lights. A battery charge port is coupled to the handle. The battery charge port is coupled to the sign body and is in operational communication with the battery. A power switch is coupled to the handle. The power switch is in operational communication with the battery and the plurality of LED lights.