We reported Tuesday that states using humor on highway reader boards were put on notice. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) warned states via its new Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). The 1,100-page tome essentially warned funny highway signs were out. States were given two years to get straightlaced.
Funny highway signs erased like electronic blackboard?
Arizona is one of those states that tries to educate drivers about smart driving through humor. Warning against imbibing and driving, one memorable electronic reader board warns, “Drive Hammered – Get Nailed.” Arizona’s governor was none too pleased to hear that education with a smile was to be erased from those electronic blackboards.
In a statement, Governor Katie Hobbs declared, “ADOT [Arizona Department of Transportation] is disappointed in new federal guidelines discouraging use of creative traffic safety messages on overhead highway signs.” She added, “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.”
Only a “recommendation”
So just how will funny highway signs “be implemented” or not? An Arizona TV station got out ahead of the governor and ADOT. Media outlet 12News got on the hotwire to Uncle Sam’s rule makers. Apparently the dissatisfaction felt by some in Arizona (and probably other states as well) was heard back in D.C.
“The new edition does not include a ban on humor or pop culture references on changeable message signs,” the FHWA 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.”
Ah! Not a rule, a “recommendation.” So, all you states who want to keep putting up funny highway signs, hear this. “Adequate time for proper response,” could mean, keep ‘em funny. Just not so funny they’re rolling on the floorboards laughing.
##RVT1140b
Just say NO, seems to work. Wish it would work to shut down the southern border.
But then where would all the corporations, meat and poultry plants, farmers, and construction industries get their labor force? One must watch what one wishes for!
None of the millions of illegal invaders are getting jobs. They are lining up for the free stuff promised by those who have let them in.
How far are you willing to walk for free stuff?
Can’t turn Texas blue without them….
Is there no topic that won’t draw political comments totally unrelated to the topic?
No.🙄🤣 Have a good evening/night, xctraveler. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
I have to say, I didn’t see that one coming either. Had to scratch my own head in wonderment of how it did but oh well, it did.
Thank you, Russ and Tina! I am glad that it was clarified to be a recommendation and not a directive. 🙂