18.2 General Principles for Sign Legends

  • Motorists have trouble seeing and processing signs that have too much content or whose messages are too complex. Sign legends must be concise and worded to maximize the comprehension of information presented. Use text-based signs to convey more complex messages (e.g., destination messages, hazard alerts).
Table 18.1 Design Guidelines for Sign Legends
Sign Type Guidelines
Advance Guide
  • Maximum of three lines for route and destination information
  • Maximum of two destination/street names
  • List intersecting streets on the top line and distance to these streets on the bottom line
Conventional Guide
  • Maximum of three lines for route and destination information
Exit Direction
  • Maximum of three lines for route and destination information
  • Maximum of two destination/street names
Tourist
  • Place symbols to the left of the word legend
  • Maximum of two lines of information
Service
  • List no more than six general road user services
Distance
  • List a maximum of three traffic generators (and their respective distance)
  • List the closest definition at the top or on the left
Lane Control
  • Place legend at the top of the sign

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Chris VanDyke

Research Scientist | Program Manager

chrisvandyke@uky.edu