Federal rule calls for ending humorous electronic highway sign messages

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Funny messages and pop culture references on electronic highway and freeway signs may be going away in 2026.

A rule change in the new manual released by the Federal Highway Administration says signs “should not be used to display a traffics safety message if doing so could adversely affect respect for the sign.”

It includes messages with obscure or secondary meanings such as pop culture references, or anything humorous.

The Minnesota’s Dept. of Transportation says it is aware of the new federal guidelines, but doesn’t anticipate any changes to way it shares creative highway safety messages with the public that helps improve safety on Minnesota roadways.