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Here’s your sign—witty highway messaging discouraged.
The Federal Highway Administration isn’t here for humor—at least when it comes to changeable message signs along the highway.
In a recent update, the agency strongly discourages road signs with obscure meanings, modern references or jokes—saying the wording should remain “simple, direct, brief, legible and clear.” As outlined in its Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways, states are on a two-year timeline to execute… but the updated signage req. is more strong recommendation than hard and fast ban.
The move toward short and sweet is intended to keep drivers safe and undistracted—while also upkeeping respect for the importance of whatever message the sign was intended to communicate.
Essentially, “messages should fulfill a need; command attention; convey a clear, simple message; command respect; and provide adequate time for proper response,” a FHA spokesperson shared with Verify on the matter. So, the road sign version of “don’t play with your food.”
The shift sees to dampen the fun of a scad of states known for spicy signage—Arizona has even held a witty sign safety message contest (e.g., “I’m just a sign asking a driver to use turn signals”).
While NC typically leans into clean, direct signage (“Click It or Ticket!”), we’ve still had our moments in the silly sign sun (see: “Caution! Zombies Ahead!”). But the NCDOT maintains its priority is the safety of drivers and passengers via keeping its sign messaging succinct. So, looks like NC drivers will have to find their one-liners elsewhere.
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