Guide and information signs

By the end of this topic you can

• You can tell an Interstate, US route and state route marker apart.
• You can use direction and distance signs to plan your lane and exit.
• You can read exit numbers and mile markers to know where you are.
• You can recognize blue service signs and brown recreation signs.
• You can react calmly if you miss an exit.

What you need to know and understand

• Green signs give directions, destinations and distances.
• Blue signs show motorist services such as gas, food, lodging, rest areas, EV charging and hospitals.
• Brown signs point to parks, recreation areas and historic or cultural sites.
• Interstate routes use a red, white and blue shield; US routes use a white shield; state route markers vary by state.
• Interstates with odd numbers generally run north-south; even numbers generally run east-west.
• The national standard numbers freeway exits by the nearest mile marker, so the exit number tells you roughly how far along the route you are. A few older exits may still be numbered in sequence.
• If you miss your exit, go on to the next one. Never stop or back up on a freeway.

Route markers: which road am I on?

Route markers are small signs showing a road's number. The Interstate shield is blue with a red band across the top. US routes use a black-and-white shield. Each state designs its own state route marker, and some counties use a pentagon-shaped marker.

Directions such as NORTH or WEST shown with the marker tell you which way the route is heading, not which way you are facing. Check that it matches where you want to go.

Exits, distances and lane choice

Small green mile markers along the edge of many highways show distance along the route. They help you track progress and tell emergency services where you are.

1. Watch for advance guide signs that show the exit number and destinations, often a mile or more before the exit.
2. Note which lane the exit leaves from. Some signs show EXIT ONLY over a lane that will leave the freeway.
3. Move into the correct lane early, using the full lane-change routine.
4. Signal before the exit ramp and keep your speed until you are on the ramp.
5. Slow down on the ramp to the advisory speed shown.

Services and points of interest

• Blue: gas, food, lodging, camping, rest areas, phone, hospital (an H symbol), and charging stations.
• Brown: state and national parks, campgrounds, picnic areas, scenic overlooks and historic sites.
• Some blue signs show business logos available at the next exit.

Common mistakes

• Reading guide signs too late and cutting across lanes. Look well ahead and plan your lane early.
• Braking on the freeway before the exit ramp. Keep up speed until you are on the ramp.
• Backing up after missing an exit. Take the next exit instead.
• Following a route number but in the wrong direction. Check the NORTH, SOUTH, EAST or WEST label.

Test yourself: Guide and information signs

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.