Not a joking matter: Feds ban ‘humorous’ language from electronic highway signs
It turns out, road signs are no laughing matter for the federal government.
The U.S. Federal Highway Administration banned messages “that are intended to be humorous” from appearing on electronic highway signs, according to a new manual released in December.
Also banned are “messages with obscure or secondary meanings, such as those with popular culture references,” officials said.
Traffic safety campaign messages should instead be concise and coordinated with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The new guidelines are intended to protect drivers, who could be distracted or confused by jokes or esoteric language.
Among the lighthearted messages that will be phased out are: “Don’t drive Star Spangled Hammered” and “Visiting in-laws? Slow down, get there late,” according to The Associated Press.
Some messages used by the Mississippi Department of Transportation, including “George Washington doesn’t lie. Speed kills,” and “Playoffs!? Not by driving distracted” are also now forbidden.
States will have until 2026 to discontinue the use of such messages, according to the AP.
“Let people have some humor in their lives!” one Montana resident wrote on Facebook in response to the updated guidelines.
“If I knew signs had a chance of being funny, I would be more inclined to check them!” a Washington State resident added.