How to Read Exit Signs on Highways

Navigating America's highway network properly is critical to save time and money. The Federal Highway Administration is responsible for standardizing American roads and enforcing guidelines related to highway construction and signage. All highway exit signs meet codes for positioning, symbols and fonts. The FHA publishes this information within its Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices.

Things You'll Need

  • Road map
  • Directions to destination
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Instructions

    • 1

      Identify the different categories related to highway signs according to shape and color. For example, exits and guide signs are differentiated with white lettering over green backgrounds. Further, most roads carry numeric county, state and Interstate highway shields to mark the route. Recognize the Interstate by its red, white and blue banner.

    • 2

      Constantly read the large overhead and mileage signs along the road. These signs provide information related to distance to major cities, points of interest and interchanges. Verify these guide signs against your mapped-out directions to ensure that the route is correct.

    • 3

      Observe major landmarks as you drive towards your destination. Landmarks should be relatively easy to identify amidst the prevailing traffic patterns. Use landmarks as reference points to track your course. Learn to read signs with increased detail as your exit nears.

    • 4

      Recognize that the frequency of signs related to your exit increases as it approaches. Overhead markers will indicate whether the exit is to the right or left of the road. For major interchanges, diagrams may present forks in the road that correspond to the traffic flow.

    • 5

      Bear towards the side of the highway closest to the off-ramp from at least one mile away from your exit. Verify that the road's name, alongside its route and exit numbers, match your directions prior to leaving the highway. Check reassurance signs that present route information shortly after merging.

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