The Federal Highway Administration recently updated its manual outlining standards for everything from road markings to signals and signs.
But one new guideline puts a wet blanket over the freeway signs that many states use to promote public safety using humor and pop culture references.
In a statement, the department said the creative traffic safety messages have been well received by Arizonans since 2015. And it’s disappointed in the new guidelines discouraging them.
Gov. Katie Hobbs called the signs innovative and humorous, adding that they’ve been “incredibly popular with drivers” and are an important tool.
In a statement, Hobbs said “we hope the federal government reconsiders and allows the fun and informative phrases to continue” on Arizona highway signs.
ADOT said it’s continuing to analyze the new changes and determine how to implement them. All 50 states have two years to do so.
Full statement from Arizona Department of Transportation:
"ADOT is disappointed in new federal guidelines discouraging use of creative traffic safety messages on overhead highway signs. 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."
Full statement from Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs:
“Arizona has led the nation in kick-starting conversations about traffic safety with our innovative and humorous highway message signs, prompting even national, high-profile figures to join the discussion. These signs have been incredibly popular with drivers, and are an important tool for engaging the public in traffic safety awareness. We hope the federal government reconsiders and allows the fun and informative phrases to continue on Arizona’s highway message signs.”
