MileCheckWhat highway sign colors mean
Every color on a US highway sign has a specific job, set by the federal Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. Once you know the code, a sign's color tells you what it's for before you even read the words.
Green — guide and direction
Green signs are guide signs: directions, distances, exit information, and street names. The small green mile marker signs on the shoulder are green for the same reason — they're telling you where you are. More on mile markers →
Blue — motorist services
Blue signs point to services for travelers — gas, food, lodging, hospitals, and rest areas, usually near exits.
Brown — recreation and culture
Brown signs mark parks, campgrounds, historic sites, scenic areas, and cultural points of interest.
Red, yellow, and orange — stop, warn, work
Red signs mean stop or prohibition (stop, yield, wrong way, do not enter). Yellow signs are general warnings (curves, merges, animal crossings, slippery when wet). Orange signs mean construction and work zones — expect crews, lane shifts, and changed conditions ahead.
White and yellow-green — rules and people
White signs with black lettering are regulatory — speed limits, lane use, turn restrictions. Bright fluorescent yellow-green signs warn of pedestrians, schools, and bike crossings.
Know exactly where you are — live
MileCheck shows your nearest mile marker in real time as you drive, plus live DOT alerts and the nearest camera on your route. Free to start, works offline, runs on CarPlay and Android Auto.
Questions, answered
What do green highway signs mean?
Green signs are guide signs — they show directions, distances, exits, and mile markers. Mile marker signs are green because they tell you your location.
What color are mile marker signs?
Mile marker (milepost) signs are green, the color used for all guide and location signs on US highways.
What do blue highway signs mean?
Blue signs point to motorist services — gas stations, food, lodging, hospitals, and rest areas.
What does an orange highway sign mean?
Orange signs mark construction and work zones. They warn of crews, lane closures, and changed conditions ahead.