United States | News & Politics

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In the latest edition of the federal standards for highway signs, published in December, officials warned that messages “with obscure or secondary meanings, such as those with popular culture references” or those that are “intended to be humorous,” should not be used.

The federal guidance, reported by The Wall Street Journal, was a blow to state officials who have had fun moonlighting as comedy writers in an attempt to grab the attention of drivers.

Paul Katool, a spokesman for the Mississippi Department of Transportation, is part of a group of employees who bat around ideas every month for funny highway signs, riffing on movies, pop music and upcoming holidays.

It’s Me.” Another popular one, Mr. Katool said, referred to the “Star Wars” television show “The Mandalorian,” declaring: “Baby Yoda Uses the Force But Still Needs a Car Seat.”

“By even having this discussion, MaineDOT believes the signs are meeting the purpose of promoting safety,” Paul Merrill, a spokesman for the department, said in a statement on Wednesday.

New Jersey has a tradition of using humorous signs like: “We’ll be blunt, don’t drive high,” and “Get your head out of your apps.” However, the state has been warned by federal officials that such messages can be distracting.

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