Guide Signs
Guide signs help you find your way: route shields, street names, exits and the distance to places.
Green signs give directions, blue signs point to motorist services like gas, food, lodging and hospitals, and brown signs point to recreation and cultural sites.
Every guide sign, and what to do
11 signs · MUTCD codes shown for reference
Interstate Route MarkerMUTCD M1-1
Shows the number of the Interstate highway you are on or can reach. Do: Use it to follow your Interstate route.
U.S. Route MarkerMUTCD M1-4
Shows the number of a U.S. numbered highway. Do: Use it to follow your U.S. route.
State Route MarkerMUTCD M1-5
Shows the number of a state highway; the shape varies by state. Do: Use it to follow a state route.
Street NameMUTCD D3-1
Shows the name of the cross street. Do: Read it to find the street you are looking for.
Rest AreaMUTCD D5-1
A rest area is ahead at the distance shown. Do: Plan your break; exit there if you need to rest.
HospitalMUTCD D9-2
A hospital is nearby. Do: Follow the signs to reach the hospital.
GasMUTCD D9-7
Gas is available nearby. Do: Take the next exit or turn if you need fuel.
FoodMUTCD D9-8
Food is available nearby. Do: Take the next exit or turn if you want to eat.
LodgingMUTCD D9-9
Lodging is available nearby. Do: Take the next exit or turn if you need a place to stay.
Bike RouteMUTCD D11-1
Marks a route recommended for bicycles. Do: Expect cyclists and share the road.
Lighthouse (recreation)MUTCD RS-007
Brown signs point to recreation and cultural sites; this one marks a lighthouse. Do: Follow the brown signs if you want to visit.
Guide signs quiz
Question 1 of 10Guide
What does this sign mean?
Tip: press 1–4 to answer.
Questions people ask
What do blue road signs mean?
Motorist services: gas, food, lodging, hospitals, rest areas and similar.
What do brown road signs mean?
Recreation and cultural interest areas, such as parks, historic sites and campgrounds.
What is the difference between Interstate and U.S. route signs?
Interstate markers are a red-and-blue shield. U.S. route markers are a white shield on a black square. State route markers differ from state to state.