The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), part of the U.S. Department of Transportation, has opted to bypass a sense of humor by introducing a ban on quirky, funny, or pop-culture references on traffic signs. New guidance from the FHWA suggests that it’s time to end any kind of funny business when it comes to traffic safety messages that might distract drivers. “Signs should avoid language that uses pop-culture references or humor,” the guidance states. The clampdown on comedy hopes to ensure that motorists are entirely focused on driving, rather than being distracted by anything deemed “non-essential” — even if a joke is being used to make an important point. States have been given a 2-year timeline to implement the changes outlined in the 2024 guidance. Here are some of the signs that would be banned under the new rules.
