TRENTON, NJ – Call it a cease and desist to states like New Jersey that frequently post quirky dad jokes on critical highway safety signs or call it a warning from the federal government. Either way, federal officials are calling for the end of jokes on highway signs.
The Federal Highway Administration (FHA) has unveiled new regulations aimed at standardizing traffic signs across the United States. Released in December, these rules are part of a broader initiative to improve road safety and communication clarity for drivers nationwide.
One significant change involves the regulation of “changeable message signs” (CMS), commonly used by states like Arizona for displaying travel times, traffic alerts, and occasionally, humorous messages. Under the new Section 2L.07, related to traffic safety campaign messages, the use of such signs for humorous or culturally referenced content is now restricted. The FHA stipulates that CMS should avoid messages that might be misunderstood or only comprehensible to a limited audience, as they could diminish respect for the sign and require more time to process.
This new regulation impacts the Arizona Department of Transportation’s (ADOT) annual safety message contest, which has been a platform for the public to submit creative traffic sign ideas for the past seven years. The 2023 contest alone attracted 3,700 entries, highlighting its popularity.
Key updates in the FHA’s new manual also include standardizing font type and size for better legibility, using reflective materials for enhanced night visibility, and ensuring optimal sign placement for driver reaction time. The FHA’s focus is on creating a universally understandable and effective signage system, crucial for reducing accidents and improving road awareness.
States and local authorities are encouraged to adopt these changes swiftly to establish a consistent and harmonized system of road signage throughout the country. The FHA will offer guidance, but the onus of implementation lies with individual states and municipalities.