Feds Put an End to Humorous and Witty Highway Sign Messages
Say goodbye to those humorous and witty messages on electronic highway and freeway signs. Officials are banning humorous electronic messages across the country.
The U.S. Federal Highway Administration released its new 1,100-page manual last month. It includes rules that spell out how signs and other traffic control devices are regulated. They have given states two years to implement all the changes outlined in the manual.
Starting in 2026, officials from the administration have announced that overhead electronic signs with weird messages, references to pop culture, or those that try to be funny will be prohibited. They believe these signs can confuse drivers, distract drivers, or lead to misunderstandings.
Goodbye, weird messages and pop culture references on highways and freeways electronic signs.
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s agency wants signs to be easily understood. They should be simple, short, and clear. These signs are meant for important stuff like warnings about crashes, bad weather, and traffic delays. They’re also okay with reminders to wear seatbelts and warnings about the risks of speeding or driving under the influence.
In various states, humorous signs have been used on highways and freeways. The Associated Press has reported that among the messages destined to vanish are quips like “Use Yah Blinkah” in Massachusetts (2014), “Visiting in-laws? Slow down, get there late” from Ohio (2018), “Don’t drive Star Spangled Hammered” from Pennsylvania, “Hocus pocus, drive with focus” from New Jersey, and “Hands on the wheel, not your meal” from Arizona.
The outlet also notes that Arizona has over 300 electronic signs above its highways. For the last seven years, the state Department of Transportation has held a contest to find the funniest and most creative messages.
Open to anyone for submissions, the contest drew over 3,700 entries last year. The winning entries were “Seatbelts always pass a vibe check” and “I’m just a sign asking drivers to use turn signals,” as reported by The Associated Press.
Roadside Frustrations: 8 Most Annoying Habits Of Other Drivers
The Lane Hogger
You know the type. They leisurely cruise along in the left lane, seemingly oblivious to the growing line of cars behind them. They show no intention of moving over, despite signs clearly indicating slower traffic should keep right. It’s as if they believe they own that lane and everyone else is just passing through.
The Indecisive Merge Master
You’re approaching a merging lane, diligently signaling your intention to merge, when suddenly you spot them—the driver who can’t seem to commit to either accelerating to merge or slowing down to let you in. They teeter on the edge of indecision, causing a chaotic dance of hesitant maneuvering that disrupts the flow of traffic.
The Tailgater
We’ve all encountered the driver who seemingly has a vendetta against personal space. They ride your bumper with an intensity that could rival a race car driver. Whether they’re running late or simply have a persistent need to assert dominance, their tailgating antics create an anxiety-inducing experience.
The Incessant Honker
Honking is meant to be a communication tool, a gentle reminder to draw attention to potential dangers or to express gratitude. However, a special breed of drivers wield their horns like a weapon of mass annoyance. They honk at the slightest inconvenience, from a fraction-of-a-second delay at a green light to a cautious pedestrian exercising their right of way.
The Distracted Doodler
We’re all aware of the dangers of distracted driving, yet some individuals choose to engage in activities outside the confines of a moving vehicle. From applying makeup and eating full meals to scrolling through social media or engaging in animated conversations, these drivers treat their cars as mobile living rooms. Their lack of focus puts us all at risk, and we can’t help but wonder if they have forgotten that driving requires undivided attention.
The Fast Lane Snail
The left lane, aka the fast lane, is meant for, well, going fast. But there’s always that one driver who decides to take a leisurely Sunday drive right there, blocking everyone else behind them. This forces other drivers to undertake risky maneuvers to overtake them, leading to frustration and potentially dangerous situations.
The Traffic Rule Ignorer
Traffic rules exist for a reason. To maintain order, safety, and efficiency on the roads. However, some drivers seemingly view these rules as mere suggestions. They run red lights, ignore stop signs, and make illegal U-turns with complete disregard for the potential consequences. Their actions create chaos and put everyone around them at risk.
The Turn Signal Skippers
It’s like these drivers believe that turn signals are optional car accessories. They change lanes or make turns without a single blinker in sight, leaving the rest of us to play mind readers and guess their next move.
