Jan 20, 2026 - News

Why it's hard to get your joke on an Ohio highway sign

Alissa Widman Neese

Highway scene with cars driving under an electronic sign that reads, "STAY OFF THE NAUGHTY LIST, OBEY SPEED LIMIT," with bare trees and cloudy sky in the background. — A clever holiday-themed highway sign in New York. Photo: James Carbone/Newsday RM via Getty Images

Coming up with those clever safety messages you see on highways is a surprisingly thorough process, with a state transportation officials planning the schedule weeks in advance.

The intrigue: Drivers can submit their own ideas — nearly 400 did last year, public records show.

But a word of caution, aspiring comedians: it's a tough crowd.
Just one "user submitted" slogan was listed verbatim on the 2025 schedule: "stay sober, drive slower, move over."

Zoom in: After combing through the sea of 2025 submissions, it's clear many don't meet the new federal guidelines of being brief, direct and clear — looking at you, "6-7" jokers.

Others obscurely referenced franchises like "Pokemon," "Halo" and "Lord of the Rings."
And some were just puzzling. (See: "Robert Irwin loves seatbelts.")

Yes, but: We have to admit, we laughed at "Do your duty, buckle that booty."

What they're saying: There isn't an official "rejection list" because the state may combine idea concepts or use them in the future, Ohio Department of Transportation spokesperson Matt Bruning tells us. So keep 'em coming.

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Why it's hard to get your joke on an Ohio highway sign

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