Humorous and quirky electronic signs will be disappearing from highways and freeways across the United States. The U.S. Federal Highway Administration has issued a new 1,100-page manual outlining changes for traffic control devices and signage. The agency aims to ban obscure or humorous messages on overhead electronic signs due to concerns about distraction and potential misunderstanding by drivers.

The new rules come with a two-year implementation period, with the ban on humorous messages set to go into effect in 2026. The intent is to ensure that signs are "simple, direct, brief, legible and clear" and are used for important information such as traffic warnings and safety reminders. This decision has sparked controversy, with some opposition to the federal government's intervention in state control over signage. Arizona, for example, has been known for its creative and funny messages on more than 300 electronic signs above its highways.

The state's Department of Transportation has held a yearly contest for the funniest and most creative messages, drawing thousands of entries each year. While the federal guidelines may eliminate messages such as "Use Yah Blinkah" and "Hocus pocus, drive with focus," some individuals, including state Rep. David Cook, have expressed frustration with the government's involvement in state matters, emphasizing that the federal government should focus on more pressing issues.