What a new federal rule banning funny roadway signs means for Pennsylvania

Have you ever noticed the electronic sign “Don’t Drive Star Spangled Hammered” on the Parkway West and chuckled?

Well, that and other similar quirky messages are going away in a couple years. They will be banned in 2026.

The U.S. Federal Highway Administration has given states two years to implement all of the changes outlined in its new manual released last month, including rules regarding signage and other traffic control devices, as reported by the Associated Press.

Funny signs will be banned on highways and freeways across the country in 2026. They could be misunderstood or distracting to drivers, according to AP.

The agency said signs should be “simple, direct, brief, legible and clear” and only be used for important information such as warning drivers of crashes ahead, adverse weather conditions and traffic delays, the AP reported.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is reviewing the new guidance, according to Jennifer Kuntch, deputy communications director at PennDOT.

PennDOT began utilizing creative messaging in 2022 in addition to its more traditional scheduled safety messages, Kutch said.

Examples of creative messaging used by PennDOT include:

• “No matter how far, no matter whose car, buckle up.”
• “Check yourself before you wreck yourself. Drive sober or plan a ride.”
• “Just buzzed, nice try, That’s a DUI.”
• “Only Rudolph should drive lit. Plan a sober ride.”
• “The power to slow down is in your right foot.”

The Pennsylvania Turnpike, on the other hand, has not used humor in its messaging.

Crispin Havener, spokesperson for the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission Western Regional Office, said safety is a top priority, and the commission uses Dynamic Message Signs to warn drivers of crashes, weather, delays and more.