One of our favorite ways to stay entertained in traffic is disappearing, thanks to the U.S. Federal Highway Administration. The agency has given states two years to implement all the changes outlined in its new 1,100-page manual released last month, including rules that spell out how signs and other traffic control devices are regulated.
The Associated Press is reporting that administration officials say electronic signs with pop culture references, local jokes and obscure meanings will be banned in 2026 because they are distracting to drivers and can be misunderstood.
What are the famous lighted signs in Massachusetts?
The most famous locally is probably “Use Yah Blinkah,” which inspired a contest for more clever signs back in 2014.
The winners were “Make yah Ma proud, wear yah seatbelt,” to encourage belt use, “Keep Calm and Drive On,” to prevent road rage, and “Put down the phone! Your LOLs and OMGs can wait,” to fight distracted driving.
Our neighbors to the south in Rhode Island got in on the fun, running a “Go Pats! Cheer em’ on but don’t tie one on” sign back in 2019.
While the CT DOT was pre-treating roads for no reason, the RI DOT was busy coming up with creative highway signs! pic.twitter.com/fbdF0utsDg
— eweather (@Eweather13) January 13, 2019
Do other states have funny highway signs?
Other states had fun with their lighted signs as well, like “Visiting in-laws? Slow down, get there late,” from Ohio; “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.
Why is the government ruining the fun highway signs?
Federal officials have regarded these fun messages as a hazard for years apparently, arguing that they might create certain safety risks due to distractions or even confusion among drivers, reports the Washington Post.
The agency, which is being kind of a bummer in our unsolicited option, says that
signs should be "simple, direct, brief, legible and clear" and only be used for important information such as warning drivers of crashes ahead, adverse weather conditions and traffic delays. Seatbelt reminders and warnings about the dangers of speeding or driving impaired are also allowed.