PHOENIX — It turns out, the Federal Highway Administration is not banning the use of humor or pop culture references on highway signs.
The FWHA released the 11th edition of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) in December 2023. The guide sets the standard for traffic signs, signals and markings on all roads open to public travel in the U.S., FWHA said.
The MUTCD included a section on "changeable message signs" (CMS). The funny and even viral signs the Arizona Department of Transportation is known for seemed to be on the chopping block.
"A CMS should not be used to display a traffic safety campaign message if doing so could adversely affect respect for the sign," the rule reads. "Messages with obscure or secondary meanings, such as those with popular culture references, unconventional sign legend syntax, or that are intended to be humorous, should not be used as they might be misunderstood or understood only by a limited segment of road users and require greater time to process and understand."
Gov. Katie Hobbs and ADOT both responded to the new rule, expressing frustration over the change.
"ADOT is disappointed in new federal guidelines discouraging use of creative traffic safety messages on overhead highway signs," Hobbs said in a statement. "Since 2015 these messages have been well received by Arizonans, promoting safe driving on our roadways. ADOT is continuing to analyze all of the changes in the new edition of the federal Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices to determine how they will be implemented."
Hobbs said the "innovative and humorous" message signs have kickstarted conversations about traffic safety.
"These signs have been incredibly popular with drivers, and are an important tool for engaging the public in traffic safety awareness," Hobbs said. "We hope the federal government reconsiders and allows the fun and informative phrases to continue on Arizona’s highway message signs.”
But it seems Arizona's annual safety message contest and viral, funny signs may be safe after all.
In a statement sent to 12News, the FHWA clarified what the guidance means for Arizona highways and beyond.
"The new edition does not include a ban on humor or pop culture references on changeable message signs," The FWHA wrote in a statement to 12News. "Rather, it includes a recommendation to avoid the use of humor and pop culture references in changeable message signs that may confuse or distract drivers. State and local agencies are expected to use good judgment based on MUTCD longstanding principles for message signs that call for them to fulfill a need; command attention; convey a clear, simple message; command respect; and provide adequate time for proper response."
<< This story will be updated as additional information becomes available. Stay with 12News for the latest.
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